Hey everyone! Sorry its been a while. They have been keeping us really busy with activities and touring the last few days. Friday we were again at Hope Worldwide, but our original plans for the day fell through. Our plans to lay a cement floor in another preschool seem to be falling through due to complexity and cost, but we're still trying to work something out. We had thought that we might spend the day Friday in a food garden, but due to the weather, cold and very rainy, we were told the project had been put on hold and instead we spent the morning sitting around. In the afternoon, we talked to a "traditional doctor" from the township of Khayelitsha. He is a Sangoma and works with natural medicine and herbs from the earth to heal people. Much of his art is only possible through a strong connection with the ancestors and it is actually the ancestors who choose who becomes a sangoma. It was truly fascinating to hear him speak about that part of the culture especially in relation to HIV and AIDS. Saturday we were not working but touring instead! We spent the entire day visiting parts of the country side such as the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and other local attractions. We also went to a winery for a wine tasting. By the time we got back, everyone was tired, but we went out for a group dinner and then to a couple clubs to relax and play a few games of billiards. Sunday was another day for touring and relaxing. We went to a local museum and then to the mall. The weather was terrible, and so only indside activities were possible. Monday I literally spent from 9-4 sitting in a reception area of Hope doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It was so frustrating. We were supposed to go into the town to search for a few kids who haven't shown up for meetings lately, but the hope employee got held up with budget issues. Instead, we sat and talked all day. I read an entire book. :) At least it gave us some time to reflect. Today we visited the University of Cape Town health center in the morning to compare their services and methods to that of DU. Then we were back to Hope for the afternoon and we went to a school to play with the kids and take them snacks at the kids clubs. It was so fun and the children are so energetic and athletic. They are also very well behaved and listen to their teachers. One 13 year old girl asked us "I would like to ask you why you are here? What are you doing in our town?" It seemed like an innocent question, but the tone she said it with was very interesting. It was a hard question to answer, and in the end we said for a school class. It makes me wonder though, why am I really here? What do I really have to offer these people? Do they feel like we are intruding on their lives?
Anywho...the weather was fantastic today! Sunny and warm and the next few days are supposed to be as well. The rest of the week we have plans to work at Hope, but we'll see what happens. As so many people here say, TIA (this is Africa).
I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all!
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2 comments:
Hey Laurel! Good to hear you're doing well and (usually) enjoying the weather and scenery. Also, I just wanted to say that regardless of whether or not you achieve whatever stated goals you may have while you're there, I know you, and I know that you will find something worthwhile to give everyone you meet. I'm sure the kids in that other creche that you painted are very grateful, and when you leave, I'm sure there will be many others who will also be grateful that you came.
Anyway, things seem to be going pretty well here. I'm leaving for music camp tomorrow, which is exciting (I haven't really learned the 20-page piece of music they gave me yet...I should really practice that...). We need to hang out some time when you get back and before I leave for St. Olaf, because I haven't seen you for far too long and after I leave we won't see each other for far too long again.
Well, good luck on the rest of your adventures!
--Kyle Strand
Hey Laurel~
What an amazing variety of experiences you've had in South Africa so far! Undoubtedly your eyes are wide open, as you take in all the differences between our two cultures and yet still find many things the same for both. The aid you offer to the local community through Hope Worldwide is valuable to the local parties and clearly is a part of your mission. It sounds like many have been gracious recipients in the smiles and hugs received from the children and the expressions of thanks from the school director. The knowledge and understanding you will take away from your time in SA will shape your view of the world and your place in it. Even the young girl's questions will help form those new perspectives.
I look forward to reading each entry on this site and the team blog site. It's wonderful to have the ability to be connected while you are half way around the world!! Thank you for keeping us posted on your adventures.
Find those elements of peace and hope every day! I miss you and love you heaps!! Hugs, Mom
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