The Perfect Moment

I just briefly want to share one of the more beautiful things that has ever happened to me in my life.

On Monday morning, I was walking to class, feeling particularly groggy. On my way, I saw a group of about 40 adorable black children, probably 4 or 5 years old, waiting for a bus with their teacher. Being that I have been a counselor so many times, I consistently act as though I know all kids, and I waved to them as I approached. One smiled put up their hand for a high five. I high fived with enthusiasm, and all of a sudden, I was completely swarmed with hands waiting for high fives, as they all screamed HI at me in their loudest voices. Feeling completely elated, I high fived every single hand, and one very tiny boy ran up to me and hugged my legs. As I walked away, they all yelled BYE! and didn't stop until I was out of sight.

I have never seen these children before in my life, I likely never will again, but the pure innocence of that moment will never leave me. Though you might have been thinking, why did it matter that they were black, it mattered a whole lot. I have been learning over and over in every class here about apartheid and its evils. That moment I had on Monday morning would never have happened twenty years ago. The world is certainly not a perfect place, and South Africa has a lot of work to do, but at the very least, there is beauty and wonder all around, if only you happen upon the right street corner.

The Homestay

This past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to stay with a family in Ocean View. Ocean View is a town about a half hour away from where I’m staying in Rondebosch. The town was created in the early 70’s, during apartheid, when people of color were run out of their nearby homes, some beautiful and grand, in great neighborhoods, and forced together to a completely undeveloped area, forced to attempt to recreate their lives.

From the minute I met Crystal, my mother for the weekend, I knew I would love her, and likely her family. She was incredibly welcoming. She had had students stay with her many times before, and told me how much she loved the experience. Crystal grew up with ten siblings, and had lived in Ocean View her entire life. Crystal herself has four children, a 22 year old son, an 18 year old son, a 14 year old daughter Bridget (who is feisty and awesome,) and a 5 year old foster child named Jason.

here's me, Crystal, and her husband Cedric

Their home, though not spacious, is filled with love and positive energy. When Bianca (the other CIEE student who stayed with Crystal’s family) and I arrived at the home, we were met with three very excited men in the kitchen; Crystal’s husband and his friends. They were preparing for a braai master competition the next day, and lucky for us, we were their taste testers. We drank red wine, held very interesting conversation, and tested their delicious seafood offerings; limpets, mussels, and lobster. All of it was to die for. Over this food, the men explained to us that in Ocean View, no one ever has to starve, as for a cheap permit, all residents have access to what the nearby water has to offer; thousands of fish. So long as no individual over-takes their allotted amount per day, each night, the residents have access to an essentially free gourmet meal. The entire time I was at this homestay, I was spoiled with food and wine, and bloated beyond belief.

            I also learned that the residents of Ocean View all know each other. Though violence and crime (notably alcohol and drugs) are still issues, they are lightened by the fact that should a neighbor commit anything in public, everyone would know exactly who it was. For this reason, the residents don't want Ocean View to expand, as the communal vibe keeps the town running.

Here Jason is imitating a camel. I do love children.

                The home I stayed in was small, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a small living-room like space, all for 6 people and 2 dogs. However, there wasn't a moment  where my family seemed distressed about their situation. Crystal, a hairdresser, has worked with elders and loved her job for many years. She has a loving marriage and kids who she loves deeply as well. Though clearly the family isn't well off, they are rich with love. I found it beautiful that despite their cramped living quarters, the family had the heart to take in a foster child, Jason, who's mother had been a drug addict. There is always room to give, and this family embodied that spirit, hence my Saturday.

While the men competed in the braai master competition, Crystal took Bianca and myself to the Shavathon. This is a day long event (8am to 4pm) in the center of a mall, where men and women pay to have their head shaved to prove solidarity with those who have suffered from cancer. Women with long enough hair could also donate their pony tale. Also, kids can pay to have their hair sprayed fun colors and patterns. For instance, here I drew a South African flag on a kids head! All of the money goes to research. I was shocked at just how many men AND women signed up for it. It was really beautiful, and an emotional moment for many. Crystal (the hairdresser) shaved the heads while Bianca and I helped spray paint. It was a long day, but a great one.

                For dinner, we went to Crystal's sisters house. We all sat around, had a great huge meal, and sipped wine, resting from the long day.  We played a Jenga game that involved drinking, and sat around talking while MTV videos played in the background. I wish I could convey how much I learned in this one post, but there is just far too much. These people are so kind, welcoming, and frankly; normal. They love their family and life itself. They are happy just to sit around and converse with one another, grateful for everything they have. 

Sunday we rested, watched a few movies, ate even more (did I mention I was bloated?) and finally made our way back to the school to send us home. I can't say enough what an amazing time I had, and I feel so lucky to have been placed with my family. I really hope to go back and share another meal with these beautiful people. Regardless, it's times like these, surrounded by people whos concerns are beyond the relative lack of material, that put life in perspective for you. Every day, we should all be grateful, not for what we have but for who we have. Crystal told me a big thing she taught her kids was the difference between want and need. You need your family and that's what counts. I can't thank the Cotton family enough for taking me in! Love you guys

Me, Bianca, our parents, and Jason