UPDATE 1
So far, so good (Quick! Touch Todd's bat... Boys are so superstitious)
We're on the bus to Cape Town Airport.
I've got all the passports.
We've got 17 Barker boys and 2 happy staff members.
And the plane to Joburg is on schedule.
Parents. I'll update this as often as I cam heading home.
At this stage, we're on time for our scheduled pick up time from Sydney Airport.
JMT
UPDATE 2
We are through customs on Joburg airport.
The boys are stocking up on local fare, like Simba chips and KFC.
In about an hour you will receive a text from the boys that the flight is running to schedule.
We will see you when the plane touches down at Sydney at 2:45pm on Saturday afternoon.
Fingers crossed that the boys washed their boots properly and advised against buying wood items.
Steve and I would like to sign off and say that the trip has been magnificent and all 17 boys have represented their country, school, their families and themselves to the highest standard. We would also like to thank parents for their support prior to and during the tour and we will see you soon.
JMT and SMT
UPDATE 3
Now it's time to reflect.
All 17 boys were delivered to a parent or responsible adult.
Each had their passport, a few stories and at least one present for their parents.
The Qantas staff were just as complimentary of the boys as they were on the way over, showing their standards had not slipped (or they were just exceptionally tired - Max sleeping at least 8 hours of the journey home).
We definitely hope that the experience that the boys had in South Africa not only lead them to becoming better cricketers, but balanced young men. Whether it be visiting places like the Apartheid Museum or seeing the faces of young students at the Zimasa Community School, we're positive that the trip had an impact on each boy and that they will reflect on the various things they've seen when making future decisions in their lives.
Once again, thank you for allowing them and us the experience.
Signing out for good,
JMT
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| Heading home to more familiar pitches. |
Well done boys and thanks to Josh and the boys for all their wondeful updates on tour. It was great to click on the blog and see what you guys were up to. Hopefully you all will carry some wonderful memories of your times in South Africa. It's great to have you all back safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteHey..thanks for the wonderful updates about your plan and schedule and I hope that the boys must had a great experience in this South Africa tour and it will definitely helped them to becoming better cricketers and a good team player.
ReplyDelete