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.
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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.