This past week can be described in
one word: humbling. More specifically this past weekend, which was spent doing
a home stay with the amazing Marshall family. Auntie Alice and Uncle David
welcomed Christina and I with open arms on Thursday afternoon as we stepped
into their quaint, beautiful home. The weekend was spent doing things such as
walking the beaches of Fish Heok, shopping, and ended with a delicious braai
prepared by Uncle David. The activities we did were so simple, yet so
fulfilling.
I’m really feeling a sense of
humility as I reflect on my stay in Ocean View. During the first night spent
with the Marshall’s, we listened for hours to the story of Auntie Alice and
Uncle David. It didn’t take long to feel tears running down my face. What these
two incredible people had gone through was something I never fathomed possible.
The most beautiful part of it all was the strong faith they still had despite
going through so many tragic times. Uncle David repeatedly told me, “You can
lose everything in this world, but don’t lose hope.” Here was this man, without
much to offer, who was filled with so much hope for his family and his future.
I felt so inspired! Both of them also encouraged Christina and I to never stop
chasing our goals, but not to rush them. They told us that our goals will come
if we keep them in sight, that hurrying towards them won’t help us at all.
In just 72 short hours I feel
completely filled with faith, love, and inspiration. Spending time in a
community that was originally built on racism and hate but is now such a warm,
welcoming place was exactly what I needed. It’s easy being here in Cape Town
and focusing on what things I want to do and sights I want to see, but my time
in Ocean View re-centered my focus on what’s truly important. It’s family,
faith, and humility.
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