It’s amazing to me that I haven’t
even been in Cape Town for two weeks and still feel like I’ve been exposed to
more than I ever imagined I would come across. The past 12 days have lifted my
spirits, worn me down, filled my heart with love, and brought me to tears. The
range of places we’ve travelled to and people we’ve met just during orientation
has opened my eyes to the fact that there’s so much more out there in this
world besides what lies comfortably back at home in New England.
When reflecting on everything I’ve
come across recently, one experience stands out clearly in my mind. A few days
ago, Vernon and Marita took us on a “tour” through the townships of Cape Town
and we got to drive through areas so laden with poverty it brought me to tears.
The shacks made of tin and wood were people’s homes, where they laid their head
down at night and rose every morning. They were where they raised their
children, ate their meals, and became who they are. All of this occurred in an
area no bigger than my bedroom at home. I tried to wrap my mind around this
concept and put myself in their lives, but it seemed near impossible. The
entire time I couldn’t help but think, “Why them and not me?” I felt unworthy
of having the material possessions I have when there were people living not far
from where I am now who didn’t even have shoes on their feet. It’s not fair.
Viewing the townships set a motivation in my heart to do something, and I can’t
wait to start working on my activist project to see what I can do to try to
help these wonderful people.
In addition to the townships,
another experience that struck me was attending church this past Sunday at a
Baptist church in Guguletu, a township in Cape Town. The service was unlike any
I’ve ever experienced. Even before we set foot in the church, you could hear
the beautiful and soulful sounds of the parishioners signing and praising. The
service was completely in Xhosa, except at one time the pastor stated to us
that, “Although we are not connected in language we are united in The Spirit.”
This statement perfectly exemplifies just how welcoming those people were. They
made us feel so loved, and it was obvious that they felt so much love in those
moments as well.
Love seems to be a constant denominator
in all of my experiences so far in Cape Town. Whether it’s from the local
people in the streets, waiters at restaurants, or students at UCT, I have never
come across more genuine, kind, and loving people before. This city’s people
are so beautiful!
Until next time…
Emily
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