South Africa has been one of the greatest things I have ever experienced. This country and the things I have done while here have opened my eyes to many things. It is sad that it takes something like this to do that to someone. However, like I said, this experience has been absolutely amazing and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. The people I came with and the people I met are all beautiful people. I love South Africa and will most definitely return, hopefully in the near future.
This Tuesday night, a few of us went to the Counting Crows concert, which was great. It was so fun. One thing we all noticed was that no one really danced or got into the music. We didn't let that spoil our fun. We danced and sang all night. Another thing that bothered some of us were these two guys we met before the bands came on. We were talking to them and the conversation turned into somewhat of a political discussion. They said something to the effect of, "apartheid should have never ended" and that"black people are ruining this country."
I don't even know what to say to that. Just revisiting that moment makes me so mad that I can barely type. I cannot understand the attitude some people have in this world. Why hate? Why can't everyone just be happy? I know that sounds cliche, but really, what is the deal? I love everyone for who they are. People are people. If it is one thing I have learned here, it is that we are all brothers and sisters. I think that some people just enjoy conflict or just need someone or something to be mad at.
Brian and I had a discussion today about analyzing situations and experiences. We both agreed that we are all asking why. For me, my big "why?" question recently has been, "why is is that a political leader can even begin to relax let alone go to bed each night when he/she knows that the needs of all of their people are not taken care of?"
Thank you for reading my tangent. I know a lot of this sounds cliche, but it is how I feel.
Uthando noxolo. Love and Peace.
JB
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Kinda weird to be in Wineland country...
About an hour outside of Cape Town and on the way past some of the townships in is an area that harvests tons of grapes for the production of wine. This past Saturday we had the opportunity to go wine tasting at two of the vineyards outside of Cape Town. Just a reminder, the night before we had just got home from our five day stay in the township of Gugulethu. This is a place where there are cases of extreme poverty which contributes to many of the other issues this community encounters.
However, we were scheduled to go wine tasting this Saturday; I feel it was done on purpose so that we had the opportunity to see the disparity in South African culture. Here we were, at a beautiful vineyard at the foothills of the mountains drinking wine and eating cheese in a posh farmhouse with the vineyard owner's brand new Mercedes sitting out front.
Granted, wine is a huge part of South African culture, it is just difficult to see this luxury exposed at the expense of many who may not ever have the chance to indulge in the sweet taste of wine.
I am not trying to make a generalization or accuse anybody of anything, it just too hard for me to see the disparity in wealth which subjects people to sub par living conditions forcing them to deal with issues many of us have never even fathomed.
Love you all. Peace.
JB
However, we were scheduled to go wine tasting this Saturday; I feel it was done on purpose so that we had the opportunity to see the disparity in South African culture. Here we were, at a beautiful vineyard at the foothills of the mountains drinking wine and eating cheese in a posh farmhouse with the vineyard owner's brand new Mercedes sitting out front.
Granted, wine is a huge part of South African culture, it is just difficult to see this luxury exposed at the expense of many who may not ever have the chance to indulge in the sweet taste of wine.
I am not trying to make a generalization or accuse anybody of anything, it just too hard for me to see the disparity in wealth which subjects people to sub par living conditions forcing them to deal with issues many of us have never even fathomed.
Love you all. Peace.
JB
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tembaletu...
is a school in Gugulethu. It is not any school. It is the only school for students with physical and intellectual disabilities. Tembaletu means "Our hope". We visited Tembaletu on Friday. We went there to do some things that absolutely needed to be done. It is difficult for this school to obtain all of the resources necessary for the regular "upkeep" schools elsewhere take for granted.
Some of us worked in the yard cutting grass while some of us worked in the classroom with the students. First, we met all of the students in the dining room and the choir welcomed us with a beautiful set of about three songs.
After the assembly, we dispersed to work in our respective areas. I went to the skills room to paint with some of the students. I sat with three boys, two were fifteen and one was seventeen. They were kinda shy but I could tell they appreciated the fact that we were there to support their school. I asked them what football team they support, two said the Sundowns from Pretoria, the other one said the Pirates from Jo' burg.
The principal said that on days that it rains, certain students are not able to come to class because it has rained so much that the roads were so bad the transport could not arrive. Also, the conditions outside their shacks become worse when it rains.
It was very inspiring to see all of the energy these kids have. They were so determined to learn and make the most of their situations. One things we all noticed was how all of the kids helped each other. Some of the students needed help walking or were in wheelchairs; the other students took it upon themselves to help those that needed it. Why aren't more people that nice?
It made me angry to think about how easy the things were that we did made the kids so happy. More could be done to help this school. It is already a great thing, why not make it better?
Not only do most of these students deal with issues associated with extreme poverty, they have to deal with going to school in a country where sometimes, regular schools have difficulty operating at a high standard. So, they are bombarded with not being provided with sufficient resources at a school where resources are needed most.
On a lighter note, one particular student really made me smile and happy. I noticed her in the choir even before I met her. Her name was Zymbini (sp?). She was very pretty and sang very well. When I was in one of the classes, she came in and introduced herself. She was so full of energy and happy to meet someone new. She asked if I had a camera so we could take a picture together. I gladly grabbed my camera and we took a picture together. After the picture, Zymbini asked if I knew Rihanna, the R and B artist from the states. I told her that I knew who she was but did not know her personally. She wanted me to tell her that she should come to South Africa for a concert. She was so excited about Rihanna. Her and Rihanna even share the same birthdate. Zymbinin brightened my day. It brought me back to reality to know that, again, something we take for granted is something that is so valued here. Amazing.
All in all, Visiting Tembaletu was one of my favorite days during our stay in Gugs.
Much love. Peace.
Thanks for reading.
JB
Some of us worked in the yard cutting grass while some of us worked in the classroom with the students. First, we met all of the students in the dining room and the choir welcomed us with a beautiful set of about three songs.
After the assembly, we dispersed to work in our respective areas. I went to the skills room to paint with some of the students. I sat with three boys, two were fifteen and one was seventeen. They were kinda shy but I could tell they appreciated the fact that we were there to support their school. I asked them what football team they support, two said the Sundowns from Pretoria, the other one said the Pirates from Jo' burg.
The principal said that on days that it rains, certain students are not able to come to class because it has rained so much that the roads were so bad the transport could not arrive. Also, the conditions outside their shacks become worse when it rains.
It was very inspiring to see all of the energy these kids have. They were so determined to learn and make the most of their situations. One things we all noticed was how all of the kids helped each other. Some of the students needed help walking or were in wheelchairs; the other students took it upon themselves to help those that needed it. Why aren't more people that nice?
It made me angry to think about how easy the things were that we did made the kids so happy. More could be done to help this school. It is already a great thing, why not make it better?
Not only do most of these students deal with issues associated with extreme poverty, they have to deal with going to school in a country where sometimes, regular schools have difficulty operating at a high standard. So, they are bombarded with not being provided with sufficient resources at a school where resources are needed most.
On a lighter note, one particular student really made me smile and happy. I noticed her in the choir even before I met her. Her name was Zymbini (sp?). She was very pretty and sang very well. When I was in one of the classes, she came in and introduced herself. She was so full of energy and happy to meet someone new. She asked if I had a camera so we could take a picture together. I gladly grabbed my camera and we took a picture together. After the picture, Zymbini asked if I knew Rihanna, the R and B artist from the states. I told her that I knew who she was but did not know her personally. She wanted me to tell her that she should come to South Africa for a concert. She was so excited about Rihanna. Her and Rihanna even share the same birthdate. Zymbinin brightened my day. It brought me back to reality to know that, again, something we take for granted is something that is so valued here. Amazing.
All in all, Visiting Tembaletu was one of my favorite days during our stay in Gugs.
Much love. Peace.
Thanks for reading.
JB
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
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
Saturday, June 7, 2008
HIV/AIDS Support Group
On Wednesday, we went to the HIV/AIDS support group at JL Zwane. To be honest, I wasn't sure as to what to expect. I wasn't sure that the attendees even wanted us there. The session started off with a prayer and then the facilitator introduced us to everyone and informed them of our being in attendance.
They had to alter their normal schedule a little bit. And they also mainly spoke in English, rather than the usual Xhosa. This turned out to be very valuable, as I felt we were able to obviously understand but also engage in discussion. The facilitator first opened the floor for anybody to talk. A few people shared their stories and some of the recent things they were going through.
After awhile, some of the attendees started asking us questions. I felt very accepted that they valued our opinions. They felt our concern for them by us just being there and letting them know why we were there. They asked us about HIV/AIDS in the US and other things. But as soon as they knew we were there for them, I saw them welcome us with their eyes and thank us for caring about them.
Again, another thing I feel I cannot totally explain in words. I just felt it. These people are going through something many us cannot even fathom, but they are fighting and determined to proceed living their lives. I love that.
After the discussion was over, we ended in prayer and holding hands. After that about seven or eight of the attendees came up to us and told us they loved us and gave us all hugs. It felt so good for them to acknowledge our care for them and for them to be so welcoming. Many of the attendees didn't say anything, they just gave us a huge smile and a big hug.
Much love. Peace.
JB
They had to alter their normal schedule a little bit. And they also mainly spoke in English, rather than the usual Xhosa. This turned out to be very valuable, as I felt we were able to obviously understand but also engage in discussion. The facilitator first opened the floor for anybody to talk. A few people shared their stories and some of the recent things they were going through.
After awhile, some of the attendees started asking us questions. I felt very accepted that they valued our opinions. They felt our concern for them by us just being there and letting them know why we were there. They asked us about HIV/AIDS in the US and other things. But as soon as they knew we were there for them, I saw them welcome us with their eyes and thank us for caring about them.
Again, another thing I feel I cannot totally explain in words. I just felt it. These people are going through something many us cannot even fathom, but they are fighting and determined to proceed living their lives. I love that.
After the discussion was over, we ended in prayer and holding hands. After that about seven or eight of the attendees came up to us and told us they loved us and gave us all hugs. It felt so good for them to acknowledge our care for them and for them to be so welcoming. Many of the attendees didn't say anything, they just gave us a huge smile and a big hug.
Much love. Peace.
JB
Rainbow After School Program
JL Zwane Community Center and Church is a significant piece of the puzzle that is Gugulethu. I would contribute a good amount of the positive development Gugulethu has seen to JL Zwane. They are more than a church. Gugulethu is a township outside of Cape Town. There is a high prevalence of extreme poverty within Gugs, which may contribute to some of the issues the community has seen.
One example of a positive development Zwane takes part in is education of children in the community. Monday through Thursday, students enrolled in the Rainbow after-school program come to the center and receive help on their homework as well as assistance in reading and writing english. We had the opportunity to assist in this program.
Walking into the classroom, I saw a bunch of energetic smiling faces. The students were so excited to see us. Each day we were there, I worked with Yongama. A very intelligent boy, Yoyo lives in Gugs. I don't know anything about his situation outside of class, but I know that he was very eager to learn. He was very receptive of the help I was offering. All of the students were so grateful.
I don't want to make assumptions, but I am pretty sure that these students don't have the same situation as students their age in the States are in. That being said, they were more determined than any American student their age I have ever encountered. Their energy and their openness made it so easy to help them in any way we could. Essentially, we were there just to hang out with them. They enjoyed just meeting new people from outside Gugs. The students I worked with really liked cameras. They love having their picture taken and then being able to see it on the review screen.
It was very rewarding to see the gratification on the student's faces. I love spending time with young people; I have had many experiences with the youth population in Minnesota, but it was very cool to meet and interact with people the same age but from somewhere totally different. They are so similar yet so different. The kids understand the concept of love just as well as the families we stayed with.
It has to be the African sun that makes the love so easy to spread here. I love Gugulethu. I love Cape Town. I love South Africa. I love the African sun.
Much love. Peace.
JB
One example of a positive development Zwane takes part in is education of children in the community. Monday through Thursday, students enrolled in the Rainbow after-school program come to the center and receive help on their homework as well as assistance in reading and writing english. We had the opportunity to assist in this program.
Walking into the classroom, I saw a bunch of energetic smiling faces. The students were so excited to see us. Each day we were there, I worked with Yongama. A very intelligent boy, Yoyo lives in Gugs. I don't know anything about his situation outside of class, but I know that he was very eager to learn. He was very receptive of the help I was offering. All of the students were so grateful.
I don't want to make assumptions, but I am pretty sure that these students don't have the same situation as students their age in the States are in. That being said, they were more determined than any American student their age I have ever encountered. Their energy and their openness made it so easy to help them in any way we could. Essentially, we were there just to hang out with them. They enjoyed just meeting new people from outside Gugs. The students I worked with really liked cameras. They love having their picture taken and then being able to see it on the review screen.
It was very rewarding to see the gratification on the student's faces. I love spending time with young people; I have had many experiences with the youth population in Minnesota, but it was very cool to meet and interact with people the same age but from somewhere totally different. They are so similar yet so different. The kids understand the concept of love just as well as the families we stayed with.
It has to be the African sun that makes the love so easy to spread here. I love Gugulethu. I love Cape Town. I love South Africa. I love the African sun.
Much love. Peace.
JB
First Post after Gugulethu
Starting from the first day I met Bomvu and Thembie, I felt the love coming from them as well as all of the other host families. TJ and I had the opportunity to, in a way, have two host mothers. Since Thembie had to work a lot this week, we stayed with Bomvu. Each morning she made us eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast. It was amazing. We would have been fine with cereal.
Each night after we were done at JL Zwane, we would go to one of the host houses for a big potluck style dinner. All of the moms would help cook and bring food. While dinner was being prepared, we would sit and visit together and talk about each others day. It felt like home.
When the food was done, we would all eat together; it was so nice to have that family atmosphere. Even after three days, I feel like I have a genuine home and family in South Africa. People from a community in which, at first we knew nothing about, were more than willing to open their homes and hearts to us and treat us as their own. By us coming to Gugulethu with an eager mind wanting to learn, the families recognized that we cared for their community and in return, they cared for us.
The main consistent theme we encountered while we were in Gugs was love. Everyone called me brother. It is all about love in Gugulethu. With love and compassion, many things can be addressed.
Each night after we were done at JL Zwane, we would go to one of the host houses for a big potluck style dinner. All of the moms would help cook and bring food. While dinner was being prepared, we would sit and visit together and talk about each others day. It felt like home.
When the food was done, we would all eat together; it was so nice to have that family atmosphere. Even after three days, I feel like I have a genuine home and family in South Africa. People from a community in which, at first we knew nothing about, were more than willing to open their homes and hearts to us and treat us as their own. By us coming to Gugulethu with an eager mind wanting to learn, the families recognized that we cared for their community and in return, they cared for us.
The main consistent theme we encountered while we were in Gugs was love. Everyone called me brother. It is all about love in Gugulethu. With love and compassion, many things can be addressed.
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