Put Foot Rally 2014: Making a difference

Day 7

Distance travelled: about 200km

HQ had issued a 0730 assembly order, and so by 0830 the crews were all (mostly) awake, fed and recovering from the first Check Point Party.

photo (c) Che Overmeyer

We lined up in our convoy and headed to the next Shoe Drop. Driving in convoy with all those incredible people, in the huge variety of cars is simply awesome. You feel like a small child on Christmas, ready for an adventure!

photo (c) Che Overmeyer

This was by far my favourite Shoe Drop. With one shoe drop under our belts we were all more confident of what needed to happen, and everyone just got on with it.

HQ giving a briefing photo (c) Che Overmeyer

the talent behind the lens - Che Overmeyer

What beautiful kids! Kind, and shy and just beautiful humans! Hugs that would melt any EFC champion’s heart, smiles that warm your soul, and such an amazing atmosphere.

photo (c) Che Overmeyer

The girls had made Thank You cards even, which brought a tear or two to my eye.

We were treated to an impromptu concert, and put shoes on about 400 amazing kids.

photo (c) Che Overmeyer

Reading the blog so far you might think all the fund-raising and sponsorship was just to give us a good time, but I can whole-heartedly assure you that it is these kids, and their families that benefit the most – from the direct donations for buying the shoes, and from having us visit their regions, spending money at the spazas, fuel stations, markets and encouraging tourism in their areas, which in turn keeps their families in jobs.

Without tourism in these areas the poverty really would be unimaginable. I can’t imagine that anyone left that Shoe Drop unaffected.

photo (c) Che Overmeyer

As we were leaving I was mobbed by 6 year olds who were fascinated by my blond, soft hair. I sat on the ground for a good 15 minutes while my hair was pulled, massaged and stared at amazement in.

Mowgli having his hair examined photo (c) Che Overmeyer

I left feeling like we had made a difference.

The school is in Etosha Park, so we made the most of the opportunity and did some game driving. Honestly Etosha is the most incredible place! It’s such a harsh environment, but home to SO much.

Marissa spotted a lion which was amazing, and we saw the most wonderful variety and amount of animals.

Even without the animals Etosha is beautiful.

We spent a good couple of hours driving around soaking it all in

before heading to Halali – a lodge/campsite in Etosha.

As we were unpacking a whisper reached us – “rhinos at the waterhole”!

We spent a couple of hours in the company of 3 black rhinos, and that, on top of the shoe drop and seeing Etosha makes this day one of the highlights of the trip for me.