Last
weekend, we journeyed to the community
of Ocean View for our homestay. First of
all, the drive there itself is incredibly scenic, as the road winds between
beautiful mountains and then opens up to reveal stunning views of the
shore. We had only driven past Ocean
View before, so although I knew it was obviously located in a beautiful place,
I really didn’t know what to expect going into the weekend, as I had never
before stayed in someone’s home that I knew very little about. Chantel, the coordinator of the homestay, had
told us that, although our experiences may vary, we would all surely experience
hospitality and love from all the members of this community. Paige and I stayed with Khadija Bowman, her
husband, their two children, and a number of other extended family members.
Right upon arrival, we were greeted with hugs and treated as if we were old friends
rather than new acquaintances and made to feel very comfortable.
After
chatting and getting to know Khadija a bit better, we were treated to a
ballroom dance lesson by members of the community. I was incredibly impressed with the skill of
the kids who attend class there regularly and had fun trying to keep up with
them, although I just barely mastered the basics of the Cha Cha by the end of
the night. The following day, we helped
facilitate a field trip to nearby pools in Muizenberg for a local kindergarten
class. Though it was a bit hectic, the kids
were adorable and eager to include us in their activities.
The
remainder of the weekend consisted of spending time with our host
families. On Saturday, Khadija told us
they would be having a braai that night with friends and family, so we spent the
day shopping and preparing for the festivities.
Through all of our experiences, what truly struck me was the love that
Khadija and everyone in Ocean View has for their community. They acknowledge that it has problems, but
are so passionate about making it better.
Khadija mentioned multiple times her hope for the success of programs
that work to build up the community.
Rather than being focused on what was wrong, she seemed to pour her whole
heart into thinking of ways in which it could be improved. Additionally, the feeling of family
throughout the community is overwhelming, regardless of whether one is a blood
relative or not. Even Paige and I were
treated as if we were long-standing family friends rather than complete
strangers. I truly admire this passion
for community that Khadija and everyone in Ocean View seems to have and am glad
I was able to be considered part of that community, for however brief a time.
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