Onna's homestay created some of her most memorable experiences

I arrived in Ocean View with nerves, questions and excitement and left with over 10 new members of my South African family. My incredible and memorable homestay has taught me a lot about the concept of community and finding hope in all places. I was welcomed with open arms to the Bowman residence on Thursday evening and quickly hit it off with conversation about our lives and views on politics. My first impressions of Ocean View were that it is extremely diverse—economically, age & gender wise. While we were walking around on the community tour, there were many different types of people outside conversing with one another- both young and old. Some people shouted out to us, probably because the majority of us were 17 white people carrying large duffle bags, some rolling suitcases. But so many people were extremely welcoming. I never felt in danger for a second, in fact Chantel couldn’t walk 10 minutes without stopping to hug and say hello to a person walking along the street, which made me feel extremely comfortable. From the start of the trip I was absolutely charmed with how people would call older figures “auntie”. I think its so comforting and endearing- I’ve always adored the concept of turning friends into family.

Thursday night we took ballroom dancing lessons- which was so much fun. I was so impressed with the children-they were all incredible dancers never missing a beat. You could tell how much they loved it when they would try to teach us the right steps- we weren’t the fastest learners. I was surprised to hear one of the girls in the dance class tell me, “We love this because it keeps us away from all of the other bad stuff that’s around.” It was so honest. A part of me was sad because I know they will never experience the life of never locking doors or walking home from the neighbors house alone at night like I grew up with. However that feeling of sadness quickly turned into hope when I realized that although growing up with that lifestyle would be nice for them, they didn’t need it. These children were exploding with the most contagious spirit.

On Saturday we spent the day going to our new siblings (Caitlin- 11 and Darren-13) sporting events- track & cricket. We all laid in the grass and my host mother talked to us a lot about what Ocean View means to her. I assumed that growing up in a township there would be painful and unforgettable memories that might cause someone to leave and never return. But our host mom decided to come back when she was 19 after leaving for 10 years. She told us that the community here was too good to pass up. She told me, “We could leave this place if we wanted to; to be closer to work and schools, but it is just so comforting that we can have most of our family in one place, looking after one another, helping our kids to grow and become the people they want to be.”

That Saturday night our host family hosted a big braii (South African barbecue with the BEST food- they even made us special vegetarian options!) with their family, Chantel (the homestay director) and her family. Over 30 people- adults and kids included came together for a night of laughter, dancing, dominoes and rich conversation. I introduced the girls on how to make string bracelets- something my friends and I were enthralled with at barbecues at home when we were younger. They were immediately drawn to the idea and before I knew it bracelets were everywhere. We had so much fun- even the boys and adults were eager to learn how to make their own. We turned such a simple activity into a nightlong extravaganza. It doesn’t take much to have fun.

Sunday came too fast, John & I didn’t want to leave. It was so refreshing to have a weekend away with a family with so much love to give. I have never felt so welcomed by total strangers before. My host family created some of the most memorable experiences that I’ve had so far in Cape Town and I’m already planning my visit back.