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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| Me, Bianca, our parents, and Jason |
