This past week has been absolutely amazing. It's been filled with a lot
of community work and interaction which has been some of the most meaningful
parts of this whole trip. First, I decided to check out the Fuller Center for
Housing Western Cape for my activist project. I helped them build the house
they've been working on as part of their mission to address and fix inadequate
housing. As soon as I arrived I was handed a drill (which I haven't used
before) and got right to work. It was really cool work and the people working
with us were so welcoming and helpful in teaching me everything. I met several
families and kids there (and the family that will soon be living in the house),
and they were all so kind and friendly that it still kind of surprises me. I
loved the community feel and it's amazing knowing you're making a direct impact
in a family's life.
I also had some community
interaction at my internship. I helped facilitate a human rights workshop for
an 8th grade class in Zonnebloem. It was my first time facilitating and it went
pretty well! It was really cool teaching human rights and other activities that
I sat through myself at the human rights training weekend. What I learned that
weekend was completely applicable to real life since here I was teaching other
learners the same thing.
To continue the trend of community,
I went on the homestay this weekend and it was wonderful; I am so happy about
it! I stayed with Auntie Netta and her daughter Leslie and they are absolutely
lovely. We relaxed at home a lot, had good conversations, and watched the
cycling race together. They didn't have a sink in the bathroom or a shower
(just a bathtub) which exposed me to a slightly different way of living than I
was used to. The community feel was vibrant though; everyone knew Auntie Netta
and knew we were staying with her. Everyone was so friendly towards us and the
neighborhood kids ran up and hugged us as soon as they saw us.
The other homestay activities we did
this weekend were really fun; I LOVED the ballroom dancing lesson! The kids
were so talented and nice too. It was a blast! I also loved taking the children
for a pool trip! We each were in charge of watching one child for the day. I
wasn't planning on getting in the water much at first, but before I knew it I
was in the pool giving kids rides on my back. They had so much fun, and I
definitely did too. I got some scrapes on my knees and hand from it, but it was
so worth it. We started bonding with the kids in those few short hours and it
was sad to see them go. As Chantel said, we really did get to experience the
heart of the community this weekend and I am so grateful for that
opportunity.
My interaction with communities this
week has surprised me in that so many people showed so much kindness and
friendliness towards me (a complete stranger) and made me feel welcome. That is
something I'll definitely cherish and remember. It's made me see how working at
the hands-on level and interacting with the community is really so rewarding
and meaningful, and I hope to be able to help more in this way.
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