Service Learning in South Africa

After a long but wonderful and powerful journey, we've arrived back in Nashville with lots of laundry, a few inside jokes, souvenirs, photos and stories! Thank you for your encouraging comments and for reading about our travels. We were blessed with a great group and wonderful expressions of hospitality in South Africa and Botswana. And please continue to be mindful of our friends (especially in Cape Town) who are suffering as a result of the xenophobic tensions in the townships.

Thanks especially to the talented Amanda Hargis for maintaining this blog & recruiting our writers!
Time to launder, to rest, to read and to write!

Posted by Bonnie Smith at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Yesterday and today our smaller groups have gone our separate ways, one group to Kamahalo, another to Holy Cross Hospice, and my group went to SOS. We are all taking part in different activities and offering help to these organizations in any way, shape and form. It is incredible to see first hand the SOS orphanage which houses well over 200 children. There are sixteen houses on the grounds and the kids are divided among them into what I would consider their family unit complete with a house mom and aunt.

Today while playing with some of the kids I had an opportunity to talk with a few of the older girls, one age 12 and one 13. These girls were holding young babies and not playing with the younger kids since they seemed to be more of the mother figures themselves. I asked how long they had been at the orphanage, the first said three years the other two. They both said they loved being at SOS and were thankful to have such a good home. I was so humbled while talking to them. I did not want to pry too much into their past or bring up any bad memories, but it seemed like they understood the alternative lifestyle and knew that SOS was a much better option. I then began to think back to our tour with the leader of the orphanage, Mr Bikie Morebodi, when he said that a number of children were HIV/AIDS positive. He didn’t give an exact number, but looking around I knew that there must have been at least a few of these children who may be struggling with these diseases, and I cannot imagine what that would be like. For a few minutes I sat and just thought about those poor children and realized that I honestly cannot imagine what life is like for any of them, HIV positive or not.

I know we care about these children, I certainly care about the girls I met today and want to help them, but can that be enough to actually make a difference? At one of our class discussions back at the team house someone mentioned that hopefully we can start a ripple effect. However, if we are throwing pebbles into the water and that is what starts the ripple outward, what happens when we leave and quit tossing in the pebbles? For me this brings an answer that I must continue to try helping these children after I am gone. In Belmont’s international department, Mrs. Kathy Skinner always says, “If you haven’t been transformed then you haven’t studied abroad.” Well, I think the transformation has been taking place, and I pray that we all decide to do something beneficial with what we’ve been witnessing around us.

One lesson we should all take away is that of the genuine generosity and hospitality of the people here. The group working at Holy Cross has not been eating lunch with the rest of the group these past days, because the people at the preschool where they are serving insist upon fixing them food every day they come to do work. Despite the fact that the Holy Cross often struggles to provide food for their patients, they have found no trouble in providing food for our group every day. This has been hard information for the group to know, because they do not need the food, and other people do. At the same time, how can the group reject the hospitality of these people who want to give back to us? We feel like we are doing so little, but they are so thankful we are simply showing up in the morning that they make sure we are fully aware of their gratitude by sharing what little they do have with us. The people at Holy Cross emanate the word ubuntu, the essence of being human, or as Desmond Tutu explains, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up in yours.” How much more peaceful would the world be if only each of us could adopt this desire to share however much or little we are given with the people around us?

Posted by Amanda at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

These past two days our group has been hit hard by the relaxed and different culture here in Botswana. After our painting adventure yesterday we were to have a traditional meal at noon. Around mid-morning we were informed that lunch would be running late, probably around one…then one turned to two and then two turned into three. Lunch finally came around 3:30 after a long break of reading and writing in our journals. Matt commented that in America serving lunch 3 ½ hours late would not fly, and we were forced to realize that this is not America. Here in Botswana time is not important. Our schedule no longer goes hour-by-hour, it’s simply morning, afternoon and evening with no way to make set plans.

Later as we were eating dinner at the oldest restaurant in Gaborone, it was opened in 1982, the power went out. We all sat there for a while as the servers brought out some more candles and lanterns. Apparently this is a regular occurrence, because the power went out at the mall today while we were once again trying to enjoy a meal. Thank goodness they still use gas stoves otherwise we could be getting a completely different perspective on what life is like for some of the people who live here.

Dr. Bonnie had a few other moments that made her say, “This is Botswana.” Today the professors were able to enjoy their breakfast alongside a chicken who was roaming the restaurant. She then double checked to see that the church service we attended started at 9am and found that the website said it started at 10am instead. As we pulled into church we saw the sign out front that read Service 9:30am. We couldn’t help but laugh and be thankful that we had planned on being there early and therefore ended up arriving just on time.

Although these little things can be frustrating at moments, we’re learning to just relax, go with the flow, and set our expectations very low. At the same time, this different pace can be very nice and give us a new perspective on how we live back home. Sarah L. mentioned that when she is at home she’s always on the go. Even her ‘down time’ is spent doing something of lesser priority. Many of us had to agree with her in that we are forced to plan, schedule, and be prepared for the next week, day, hour, etc. Rarely do we ever take time to really relax with no priorities or expectations in sight. Maybe we can find some sort of a happy median between Botswana time and American time that we can learn to live our lives by.

On an ending note, we would like to add that we're thankful we made it safely out of Capetown, but we would like for you all to keep our new friends there in your prayers, especially those living in townships where rioting is now occuring.

Posted by Amanda at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Yesterday, fifteen of us embarked on a long trek up a steep, rocky mountain in Gaborone. Although we were told it would be a vigorous hike up a path to the top, the path was not found and we ended up boldering over many rocks and later hiking through thick brush. This trip was much more adventurous than we expected. There were a few tumbles, I personally took quite a hard fall, others were stung by blister bushes, and we all got a few scrapes and scratches. However, we made it to the top and were able to witness a beautiful view of the city and rolling hills. After all was said and done we dominated that mountain with a great deal of pride and no serious injuries.

Today we're painting at Two and Arts, a local art store run by Daniel and Elijah. We've been working on some reflective pieces about what we have seen and what has touched us while here in Africa thus far. Many of the pictures involve the beauty of Africa, the children and people we've met, and some of the African words, such as Ubuntu, that have inspired us. Ubuntu is an African word that embraces the real meaning of humanity, saying that I exist because you exist, and I feel because you feel. It is a powerful word that for which our language has no comparison. It has given us much inspiration and we are exploring how we can bring back this idea and express it in through our own lives.

Posted by Amanda at 05:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

After a long day of traveling, we finally arrived at The Big Five Lodge last night around 10:00pm. We are all enjoying the more native African feel of the lodge. We're stying in two person little huts with thatched roofs and getting acquinted with our new friends, the HUGE black rain spiders which are inhabiting many of our rooms. We're already seeing the differences between South Africa and are excited that our schedule here will be a little more relaxed than when we were back in Capetown. We'll try to keep you posted as often as possible, but it may be a few days before we can access internet again.

Posted by Amanda at 03:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Although we missed out on viewing Table Mountain due to 'technical difficulties,' we did make it to see the African Penguins. Since it is their breeding season we were able to see lots of the cute little fuzzy babies! It may have been a TIA (this is Africa) kind of day, but we made the best of it by going to the beach and enjoying more beautiful views of Capetown.

Posted by Amanda at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today, our small groups split up and I went to help with a different group of kids. Normally, I have been going to the Capricorn Children’s Club, but today I went to the Mountain View. As soon as I got off of the bus a young boy immediately kicked a soccer ball toward me and said, “do you play soccer?” I said, “yes mate, would you like to play some futbol.” It was at that moment when I flashed back in time to when I was 12 years old and it felt like I was playing with the Texas “Cobras” all over again.

The Township’s soccer field mainly consisted of the gravel and rock chipped road. To the right side of the field was a field of big rocks that marked the out of bounds line, which really didn’t mean much to the kids because they would continue fighting over the ball even in the rocks. On the left stood an old car and a wooden fence that marked the out of bounds line as well. The two goals were made up of two bigger sized rocks on either side of the field. As we played, my team and I would pass the ball and communicate the exact same way that my team used to. We would yell, “cross, or pass” and work together like a team is supposed to. When we scored it was like we had won the World Cup. Everyone on the team would meet in the middle of the field and give each other high fives. Our team name was Liverpool and our opponent was Manchester United. Both teams played as if they were the actual teams themselves. These kids were really good considering they had never had any formal training. They were doing tricks and moves that were taught to me by my coach and our team trainer. It was amazing, I felt like all of my same teammates from the past were on the field with me.

As we ran up and down the field I realized that it didn’t matter how different we were economically, socially, politically; at that moment in time we were exactly equal, we were teammates. The thing that amazed me was how quickly the boys and I bonded and formed the camaraderie needed in every sport. I felt like they were my brothers and would help me on the field or off. One thing that bothered me was the fact that none of the kids had shoes to wear. They were playing in conditions which would have cut my feet in a heartbeat. But these kids are tough like none other. They are little soldiers. They would get tossed around, thrown down, and hit with the soccer ball. Not once did you see a tear drop, even from a little girl who got whomped on the side of the head with the soccer ball.
Another thing that bothered me was that the whole time I playing soccer only one little boy told me that he played for an actual team. It is such a shame that money is one of the main issues holding these kids back from experiencing the great memories and life lessons that sports have in store. After we finished playing I sat by a few of my new teammates while they ate their snack from children’s club. This automatically took me back to my days of half-time when my team and I would take a break and eat some fruit, everyone just sitting around each other and enjoying each other’s company. This whole soccer experience in Africa brought back plenty of great memories. It brought back the feeling of camaraderie, and the love of playing the game simply for each other.

To the Texas State Winning “Cobras,” this is for you.
Josue G

Posted by Amanda at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today we had an amazing experience worshiping with the congregation of the Masiphumelele Baptist Church. Although most of the songs were spoken in the native tong of Xhosa (The XH makes a click noise with your tongue), we still had a great time praising the Lord with them. We all joined in with the clapping, praising and even some singing. One of the songs was called ‘Where You Are’ and was probably a group favorite as it was partly English and we could all pick up the words quickly. Altogether it was a great native experience and very uplifting.
Tyler S.

Later we drove to Cape Point, the most southwestern point in Africa, and saw where the Indian and Atlantic oceans merge into one. We enjoyed looking at the mountains and waves splashing up on the rocks and were astounded with all of the beauty. As we drove back to the Team House we were blessed with another breathtaking moment as the sun began to set.

The sunset was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. We got out of the van to take pictures of the orange, yellow, and pink spilling over the mountains and onto the crashing waves of the ocean, and then we turned around and saw a complete rainbow in the sky behind us! The view was so breathtaking that I just had to stand there for a few minutes to take it all in. I couldn’t help but wonder how anyone could doubt the existence of God after seeing something as beautiful as this sunset. It’s safe to say the experience quickly became one of my favorite moments of my life! Sarah G.

(click individual images to view larger versions)

Posted by Amanda at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

We started a beautiful Saturday in Capetown with a nice drive through the mountains. We then went to StreetWire, a former social entrepreneurship organization which gives jobs to local South African’s to make some amazing wired and beaded art. We all enjoyed looking at amazing African animals as well as a huge statue of Nelson Mandela, and I'm sure some of you will enjoy your souvenirs from here as well.

Later our guide, Antony, showed us some sights and then told us to wait until the market place was about to close before we began shopping because this would help us to get the best deals. We then took a tour of District Six Museum where we learned more of the cruel history that has taken place here in Capetown. The government underwent a huge mass relocation and demolition of District Six, an area just minutes from downtown where mostly black and colored people where living. The government's treatment of these people was so very inhumane and we we're saddened and touched by the stories we read about.

At the end of the day Melanie spent some time in reflection:

Today in the park in front of parliament, a crippled "coloured" man (colored people are not Black South Africans, they are somehow mixed either Indians, or people from lighter colors maybe from Zimbabwe or Botswana) It was part of the apartheid separations,he was walking and shouting at us (today we weren't doing service work and we looked like normal tourists) and he was saying "You, you white people, come to my country and no one will help me...you take your pictures, you buy yours things, and then you leave".... All this time I've been hoping that I am making some sort of difference in the children's lives that I am working with. If I can help one child, just one, stay off the street or keep going to school, or fill their bellies for one afternoon.. I know that is a difference but I feel that I must do more than that...it's frustrating and inspiring at the same time.
It's so sad. People are here that are just tourists and how can they even understand what Africa is about without experiencing the good the bad and the ugly. I guess what the people want to ignore this which I have found liberation in. I am now disgusted by any sort of racial segregation or prejudices...that type of thinking will get people no where..ugh..I am ashamed to imagine I ever may have thought that way. Well, I never will again, and I am thankful to Africa for that and for an amazing vacation and study experience. To think that this is only the 5th day, so much to learn so many more places to go.

Posted by Amanda at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Today we visited an organization called Learn to Earn which operates out of one of the local townships. The main set up involves adults from the community taking classes which teach them a specific skill such as sewing or woodworking. They have also just added classes for basic computer skills and graphic design. The real beauty of this organization is that they do not simply teach these students some random skill and then send them into the world to possibly find a job. All students are taught business management skills so they could potentially start and run their own business. A part of the course also requires students to set personal goals for themselves. While the business part is very practical, it is really the personal goal setting that is most intriguing to me.

A lot of the leaders we have been talking to in the different townships have told us that so many people in these communities do not even try to dream about the future, because they believe these dreams could never come true. Within Learn to Earn, the students are being taught important business and management skills, but they are also being taught that dreaming about the future is just as important. This is what gives them a real drive to use the skills they are being taught. Without these dreams, the skill becomes just something the students happen to be able to do. As someone who has studied other organizations which try to achieve the same things as Learn to Earn, I do not believe that this organization would be celebrating its 20th anniversary if it were not for their understanding of this connection between learning a skill and learning how to dream. The people at Learn to Earn stand by their slogan, “A hand up, not a hand out,” and I believe more organizations should adopt this sort of idea, one that just may be the missing link to our endless questions about poverty.
Sarah L.

Later this afternoon, our group traveled to Robben Island. We saw where many important political exiles slept, labored and even where they were tortured. We also learned that during the 1800’s the island was used as quarantine for lepers, the mentally ill and mentally handicapped. Out of sight out of mind, I suppose. If our moods hadn’t quieted at that point, the on-foot tour definitely made the mood somber. We were guided through the cells by an actual inmate who had been imprisoned at the age of 17 for political reasons such as treason and conspiracy. He showed us his cell and told us his story. He described the way he was tortured in details that made my stomach turn. The most incredible part of listening to this man speak was his attitude of forgiveness. He said he loves and forgives the guards for what they did to him because if he continued to hate them then it would only continue the disunity in South Africa. If this disunity were to continue then everything they had suffered and fought for would be worthless. We ended our tour by stopping by the cell of one of the greatest influences in the political movement or Apartheid, Nelson Mandela.
After visiting the island a few thoughts have lingered in my mind. It amazes me how such large groups of people can be convinced that something so horribly and morally wrong is acceptable if not right. Many of the former inmates and guards actually still inhabit the island to this day. It amazes me the capacity of love that these people have for each other after being each other’s worst enemies for so long. I don’t know if I could ever forgive someone if they tortured me. I can only hope and pray to be as strong and loving as these men who fought for the freedom of their country.

Ashley W

Posted by Amanda at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today while exploring the scenic waterfront of Capetown, a small group of us enjoyed lunch at City Grille. We feasted on a nice array of snoek, crocodile, ostrich steaks, calamari, and springbok. We all enjoyed the rich veal-like flavor of the ostrich and many favored the tender and juicy springbok. However, most felt the crocodile was a bit chewy, and Meghan said she had a nice jaw workout. Since we enjoyed our South African dishes so much we decided to head to Ferryman’s Tavern, which also featured local cuisine, for dinner. Here, a larger group of us indulged in a longer, two hour, four course meal. The tasty shrimp spring rolls and spanakopida appetizers left us anxiously awaiting a main course of our earlier lunch favorites. This time instead of tasting like filet, the springbok was served differently and displayed more of a roast beef flavor, and the ostrich revealed more of a steak flavor rather than a veal one. Along with our courses we had butternut, a fruit which tasted like butternut squash but looked more like a smooth avocado. At the end of the meal we enjoyed a local favorite for dessert, Traditional Cape Malva Pudding. It was absolutely succulent and left us craving more.

Matthew P, Tyler S., Meghan, Sarah and Amanda

Posted by Amanda at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Click images to enlarge) We started off the day painting the eaves of the administration building at Living Hope Health Care Center while part of the group helped to organize the library at King of King’s church, and others visited with patients in the Health Center. By the time my group arrived to Living Hope we noticed the stain we applied to the back porch yesterday must have dried just in time to block the rain we got last night. We finished painting the eaves pretty early, so we broke for lunch. Some of us ran across the street to get ice cream again, and when we got back we realized we had some time to kill before our rides showed up. We spent the early afternoon hanging out with Mike, Washington, and Brighton, the three guys from Zimbabwe we temporarily employed to help us do the painting. Some played cards and others napped while Mike showed Travis and I how to eat guavas. We picked them straight off the tree and enjoyed their sweet strawberry-watermelon flavor.

Our rides showed up, so we all split up into our groups and went to the various after-school children’s clubs run by Living Hope. One location was closed today, so a group of us went to a new location at Overcome Heights, which is near the Capricorn club where other students go. At Overcome Heights, we sang and danced with the kids, and helped them make “I love you” hearts for their families. On our way out, we ran into a huge truck on one of the small dirt lanes dividing the neighborhood. We had to drive in reverse to let the truck through, a feat quite difficult with scores of children and dogs chasing your car.

The groups at Red Hill and Masi (short for Masiphumelele) also had another action-packed afternoon. The kids can be a little rowdy at times, but only because they all love the new found attention. At every site we endlessly hear “take my picture” and have been busy showering all of the children with lots of love. After acting out a skit and teaching some songs, the group had a long play time with the children. For the girls this meant taking down their ponytails and submitting to the children’s club beauty shop! While the boys, especially Travis, were getting quite the workout giving piggyback rides, playing soccer, and tossing up children one by one. While saying our goodbyes this evening everyone started to realize how hard it is going to be Tuesday afternoon when we won’t be able to say, “See you tomorrow.”

By: Bryce

Posted by Amanda at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Today was a very busy, but good day. The morning was spent at Living Hope and the afternoon was spent at the children’s clubs. Some painted, some sorted clothing, and others spent time with the patients inside.

Meghan talked with a lady who came to Living Hope for many reasons. Besides needing medical attention, she needed a way out of her environment. She needed someone to encourage her and love on her. Ashley and Sarah hung out with some of the ladies for a long time. Ashley read some scripture and Sarah massaged their hands. One lady, Maria, had the entire group laughing. She told some crazy stories about her husband.

(click images to view larger versions)

The group ate lunch at the center and then things got really funny. We all went across the road to get some really cheap and really good ice cream cones. The sight of a bunch of American college students trying to cross the busy road in South Africa was hilarious. There was a man giving donkey rides next door to the ice cream shop, and two of the students decided to get donkey rides, a sight which those watching thoroughly enjoyed. Two little girls came up and started drinking Amanda’s milkshake while she was riding the donkey, and all of this was caught on videotape!

Later in the afternoon, we went to our separate children’s clubs with something new to do: face paint. This was a huge hit with most of the kids. They had stars, hearts, rainbows, elephants, and everything else all over their faces and their hands. Even the professors joined in. Dr. Smith came away with her arms decorated. I told the story of Noah and the Ark to the kids while Zo translated. Dr. Smith then taught them the hand motions to a song about Noah and the Ark. The kids seemed to really enjoy it.

After dinner we all set down to “meet.” Some very good questions were brought up. What is poverty? Can we fix it? Who are we to say what it is? The questions seem to bring up more questions instead of find answers. Culture shock is beginning to set in for a few as we become overwhelmed at the reality and magnitude of the situation.

Posted by Lindsay S.

Posted by Amanda at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Today our group started with a tour of the Living Hope facilities. It was very encouraging to hear that Living Hope has grown from being a hospice to being a health center. This may seem like only a slight name change, but it is a much more significant change than this. Not too many years ago the center was only able to help fifteen percent of their patients return to their homes, while over eighty percent of the patients were dying. Today those numbers are completely reversed. Due to an increase in support for anti-retroviral treatments as well as HIV/AIDS prevention, the center is now able to greatly extend the lives of their patients. (click images below to view larger versions)

 

Liz H. commented on all of the questions she has been pondering about: how can we fix the AIDS problem or address poverty? At Living Hope we saw that even though we may not have the answers we can still be part of an incredible change taking place in this community and country.

After touring Living Hope, an eventful moment came upon us as our group was traveling between facilities and had to frantically roll up our combi windows to keep from being attacked by the wild baboons.

Later this afternoon we split up into groups and started working at the four sites: Capricorn, Masiphumelele, Red Hill and Mountain View. We were able to see the beauty of Capetown and its people. At each site we are helping with after school children’s facilities. We were all greeted by warm smiles and open arms of children we have never met before. They were all extremely energetic and excited to meet us. As our first day, we simply played with them, sang songs, and let them braid our hair.

I would describe today as a beautiful chaos. Even though it was chaotic the kids were just so happy and thankful to be with us. Sarah L

Although most of these children are so young and full of life, they are still able to appreciate our presence, our time and our prayers. One child held Zerlinda’s face in her hands and said “You are so beautiful.” Some of us later said farewell to a heartfelt “I love you.” We are all excited to return tomorrow and see how we can begin to further impact lives and encourage these children.

Finally, I am proud to report that as I finish writing this we received a call from the airport saying they had luggage for us. Which is a huge sigh of relief since a few people went commando today and others were just plain starting to stink.

Posted by Amanda at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

We're so happy to report that we ALL arrived safely at the Team House about half an hour ago. We're so grateful to all the people who helped make our journey possible. Some of us had our load lightened a bit when our luggage didn't arrive -- how's that for optimism? -- but we're hopeful all the luggage will arrive tomorrow. As for tonight, the Atlantic Ocean will probably lull us all into a deep sleep, and we'll be ready to do some touring and service work tomorrow morning. We'll report more soon!

(Click image to view larger size)

Posted by Bonnie Smith at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)