Becca amazed at how much she's learned in just one day

So today was a big day, my first day working at Tafelsig Clinic, and I have to say that even though it was super busy, I have a feeling that I am really going to like working there. I learned more working there for 6 hours than I ever learned volunteering at the hospital back at home. Even though it was a sink or swim kind of situation, I learned how to take blood pressure, perform urine tests, and work a glucose meter for all the diabetic patients. It was so cool being able to do those things while at the same time interviewing patients about what was wrong and taking down notes. If I learned so much in just the one day I was working there, I can’t even wait to see what I am going to learn in the three months that I am going to be there. 

It was really heart breaking though, seeing so many people in the waiting room this morning as I walked into the clinic. And this isn’t like going to the doctor’s office in America, where you go in and you are out of there in like an hour or so. These people wait all day to see the doctor and Sister Castle just to get a diagnosis about what is wrong. And even though there are so many people to see, by the end of the day when I left, that waiting room was basically empty. It is crazy to think that they go through seeing so many people in one day, and they do it every day. So even though I have some long days ahead of me, I got a feeling that every minute working there is going to be worth it. I can’t wait to go back tomorrow.

Ashlyn's discoveries and new awarenesses

Have a good day! 

Today was the first day of internships! Onna and I have internships in the same area of Cape Town so we traveled together. The first time I ever took a minibus taxi it was fairly simple and a taxi came right away. A minibus taxi is a van that drives to different areas of Cape Town for cheap. Today we spend around 20 minutes trying to find a taxi. After the minibus struggle, I walked into my internship for the first time kind of nervous but also excited to begin my work at Surplus People’s Project. Surplus People’s Project is a NGO that focuses on land reform and food security. I spent the majority of today meeting everyone there and talking with them about what projects they were currently working on. I think my time there will be focused on labor laws and assisting a staff named Ronald with workshops regarding the new laws.

This weekend flew by so fast and I can’t believe that today also marked the first day of a normal routine in Cape Town. On Saturday everyone went to the Muizenberg Beach and the area was beautiful in every aspect. I loved watching the surfers from the beach. Sunday was spent relaxing and hiking Lion’s Head. The view from the mountain was remarkable but sadly the weather was not in our favor. The wind was very powerful and we ended up heading back down before we reached the top of the mountain. Even with wind flying at us in every direction I was able to see so many areas of Cape Town from the mountain.

I’ve felt very welcomed during my stay here in Cape Town. I didn’t think I would feel so at home so fast. There have been times where I’ve felt like a fraud here however. Sometimes I’ll be running past homeless people in a t-shirt from a road race I spent over 50 dollars on. It’s the first time in my life where the focus is on how much I have versus back home where I think about how much I don’t have. It’s difficult to think that poverty is an issue in America too (and that I’ve walked past homeless people in NYC) but have never let it impact me."

Sam's first day at her internship

Today was the first day of internships and I had a great first day. It was kind of a slow day but I still got to see what I would be doing. I met a lot of the staff and my two mentors are awesome. I got to sit in on one session with a student and the social worker and it was so eye opening and amazing to listen to. I got a background on where this kid came from and then listening to him talk and seeing the pain in his eyes was unreal. I only got to sit it on one session today but I’m excited for more as the semester unrolls. I’ll also get to do home visits to really see where these kids come from and their stories. The kid I met today really opened my eyes and to realize all 700 other kids at this school comes from that blows my mind. Another girl I talked to today said she loves being at school and when she doesn’t have school she constantly asks her mom when she gets to go back. She was so sweet and it made me happy that she appreciates the opportunity she is given at Christel House. They said tomorrow I will be more busy and I’m very excited to be there. I really think I’m going to learn so much from this experience.

Onna on the engagingly expansive connections, emotions, and ability to love

Everything I am being exposed to has this crazy connection for me right now. We visited our different internships last week, not only did I get SO excited for everyone’s placements but I realized every organization is striving for one common goal: the pure and rawest form of happiness. Whether that is through health, justice, peace, or even caring for endangered animal species, each organization is so passionate about their field. Vernon made sure to always introduce us to each internship and state our organization. I was so pleasantly surprised (and equally nervous) that so many people recognized my internship, Molo Songololo with an eyebrow raise or a “wow”. After visiting Molo I was surprised at all the different areas they cover in a single organization- from children advocacy to victim empowerment to creating awareness camps. I can’t wait to get behind the scenes and expand my knowledge on the politics of children’s human rights laws.

One of my favorite days thus far was last Sunday. We started our morning by going into one of the townships, Gugulethu for a service at the Sivuyile United National Baptist Church completely spoken in Xhosa. This was by far one of the most powerful 2 ½ hours of my trip so far. The energy of the 100+ people crowded into this small chapel was running through my body. Not only did they all have such beautiful voices (which I’ve come to realize rings true for most people in Cape Town…), the spirit and emotion was so very evident. I wouldn’t consider myself a very religious person in general but I was happy, sad, frustrated and hopeful all at the same time. Not one person held back their thoughts or feelings throughout the service as the minister spoke. I couldn’t understand the sermon but I understood all of what I needed to through the reactions of the parishioners. They recognized our group multiple times throughout and I can honestly say that I’ve never felt so welcomed and loved by complete strangers. 

Arts@Home w/ Marianna September

That night we went to Marianna’s house for Jazz Night, which was essentially an open mic for any all musicians, poets, singers, neighbors. She encouraged us to spark up conversations with people we have never seen before. The fact that she opens up her home to anyone wanting to speak their mind and unleash their creativity was so inspiring. I’m realizing more and more that the amount of love that we can give to this world has no end. 

Faith Tererai's  powerful poetry

Taylor L is settling into and developing new routines

As we passed the two-week mark, our orientation came to a close. I never imagined that in such a short period of time I would be as comfortable taking a mini-bus taxi, a regular taxi, the train, or the Jammie. When I have to use public transportation in the States, I become very overwhelmed. So nevertheless, I was pretty nervous before our transportation exercise. However my fears have been quelled and I have enjoyed the ease of going to the beach, and to school! It is so nice how convenient getting around is and how nice the drivers are!

While orientation taught us how to be familiar with transportation, it also made me realize how this big city is actually quite small. This feeling was validated when I ran into someone I went to high school with!  In a city of a few million, it was shocking and exciting to see a familiar face. I have no doubt that as we settle here more and meet more Capetonians, that these exciting run-ins will become a common occurrence.   

Now that orientation is over and our classes and internship have begun, it is very nice to have a routine. Although some routines have begun, I can’t wait to see what else we make a routine! I hope we make a routine of all walking together to the Jammie line before class. It was pretty comical looking ahead and seeing a single-file line of students cutting through The Commons. Also, a few of us gathered together and made chicken and beef tacos, and we joked that this would become a weekly family style dinner. By adding final things to our routine, we can settle in and make the most out of our remaining three months in this beautiful city! 

Muizenberg Beach

Taylor P can't wait to work with kids at her placement

After a very long and packed two weeks, orientation is finally over. The past two weeks have been unforgettable and we were fortunate enough to see the good and not so good sides of Cape Town. The townships were definitely a very intense yet eye opening experience. It was really hard seeing all the people in so much poverty. I expected everyone to be sad and miserable, however everyone that we came into contact with was friendly and smiling. It gave me hope but also made me want to try and do whatever I can to help.

I am really excited to start my internship on Monday. When we went to visit Sarah Fox children’s hospital I didn’t really know what to expect. Going there and seeing the children was absolutely amazing and we were only there for about 20 minutes. All of the babies and little kids were so cute and some of them were just so happy to see us. I cannot wait to work with these little kids everyday and help out anyway possible. I’m not exactly sure what I will be doing but I know that no matter what I will love it.