Priscilla...

is a woman living in Gugulethu who took in 12 children into her home after they lost their parents. Their parents may have died from AIDS or may just been involved in a situation where they couldn't raise their children in a healthy environment. Nonetheless, Priscilla takes care of these kids as they were her own; she feeds them and sends them to school. Priscilla's house is in no way meant for 13 individuals to live there.

However, Priscilla has close ties with JL Zwane. Edwin, at JL Zwane recommended that we go to her house to visit with her and play with the kids. In addition, Aaron (our instructor) and Edwin suggested that we bring food for lunch on Thursday afternoon. We made sandwiches, cut up fruit, poured juice, and brought everything needed for the children to eat a good mean after they came home from school.

For just one afternoon, we relieved Priscilla of the children duties. And therefore, she was so grateful. Her situation puts her in a tight spot with making ends meet. But she is doing something so great. She is sacrificing things for herself for the betterment of these particular orphans. She thanked us and we thanked her for letting us into her home and informing her of her situation.

The kids were so energetic. They were so happy to see somebody new and be directed in another routine than the one they are greeted each day after school. We brought the kids toys and they gleefully accepted them. Again, the children loved taking pictures and seeing the shots in the viewer.

One part of me had a blast with the children and spending time with Priscilla allowing her to relax for a little while, but the other part of me was so hurt that people are put in situations such as this. People should not have to endure the things I am seeing. However, I cannot become guilty; guilt does nothing to effect positive change. The smiles on the kids faces and the love coming from Priscilla made me feel better. But it is still so hard to see these things. It was a very emotional afternoon.

As a group, we have decided that we will raise approximately 18,000 dollars when we get home to fix things in Priscilla's house, things that we take for granted. I cannot express that enough. Things that we take for granted are items of luxury in certain parts of Gugs. This money will go to Priscilla so that she can continue to raise these beautiful children in a comfortable home. It is a beautiful things to see happiness even under these circumstances.

Peace.

JB