Author: karuna

Today we begin with an airy breakfast out near a flea market. Some of us venture out into the market for some quick browsing., Only to find, that we are going to need to sharpen our bargaining skills.

Sister Beverly meets up to have breakfast with us. She runs Camp Joy, an orphanage for boys. After a stop to buy mops and cleaning supplies, we head off to Camp Joy. Greeted by many happy young boys, we gather around a large table for our “intro” meeting. But the meeting is postponed! The boys start playing music on the table, as if it was a drum. They sing and play, and we try to keep up with them. They surprise us with the lyrics, not to mention the staggering talent pouring from them. Finally, we all calm down. After a tour, we begin. Teams break up to clean the kitchen, make do library, toilets, bedrooms, and the large hall that is extremly multi purposeful. The boys are all very eager to help. In all the hard work and play, we manage to create a slip and slide in the main hall. Large amounts of water everywhere. Once the laughter stops, we realize that we have to clean it all up!

The water is finally out, and clean up is over. After some refreshing water and juice, we say bye to the boys and pack up. Next we head to the beach to greet another group of street kids that Sister Beverly works with.

We meet the street kids, hear their stories. Some have AIDS, it is apparent by their body structure. The stories you hear make you stop and think. But the child is able to get up and go jump in the water with laughter. After some good indian food, we go for a swim in the tidal pool withthe kids. Then the drums come out, and dancing does not end till sunset. Noone wants to leave. Each child recieves a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a pair of clothes. The rest of the clothes are given to Sister Beverly to disperse. Our hearts sink, as all the kids leave to go “home”…. the street.

After a “quick” attempt to have breakfast, we learn that service in SA is not like back home. Things are chilled, and taken at a good pace. :)

We went on a Township tour with a local guide. First we visit Guguletha, which means our pride. we stop to meet Rosie who runs the W.A.R.M.T.H. program. She feeds the people and kids of the township. Rosie started itjust on her own because she saw a need, and now it is a successful program that provides meals mostly for kids so that they can concentrate on the studies. She and her sisters wake up at 4 am to prepare the sandwiches. We play with the kids, and hand out a pair of clothes to the kids. Two suitcases with clothes, toys, and books are left for Rosie to disperse later.

The second township we visit is called Khayelitsha meaning new home. There we visit a bed and breakfast, Vicki’s B&B. This is a place where people can stay and experience the real township. It’s just Vicki’s home, unchanged to get the real experience. Another woman has a small sewing factory in her home. About 6 machines have been donated. She teaches the local kids to sew for free. Her work is supported with donations of money and supplies. Again, we have time to walk around the township. The kids are happy to play with us. There is even the local pub that we visit. We leave another two suitcases full of clothes with Vicki to disperse.

Then we are off to the waterfront, where we will catch our boat to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years. An ex-prisoner gives a tour, recalling moments of torture and hardship. Many of our brought to tears, unable to believe that humans are capable of such acts. But still he says, he forgives them and they all can live together as one.

We end the day with dinner at the local restaurant Ma Ma Africa. It is very ethnic. After the great food, one by one we are slowly drawn to the beat of the drums played by the band. To stand still is a challenge, the beat of the drums finds its way to the soul.