"Always Take Chances" By: Lindsay Shelton

We have spent most of our time in Capetown so far in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. The time we have spent there has been an amazing experience for me and one that I will never forget. From the moment we stepped off the bus, I was struck by the strong sense of service and fellowship in the community. The children were so happy and excited to have playmates and the soup mothers were so gracious and welcoming as we entered into their homes for to spend the night. Our mother, Ms. Gloria, was a mother to 10 children and a grandmother to who knows how many. Our group sat around the dinner table all night playing intense games of Janga and Dominos with her grandchildren and it was so much fun. The way that they were each so content with the simplicity of their lifestyle made me jealous and inspired to not take anything for granted.

Yesterday we were given the opportunity to repay Ms. Gloria and her family by cooking for them. We chose to make tacos (we had heard that they were a hit last year) and macaroni and cheese. We had rice krispy treats to make as well. We ended up not only feeding Ms. Gloria and her family but also all of the children that she typically provides soup for in the afternoon as well. The smile on the children’s faces as they received this foreign meal is something that will stick with me for a long time. I can’t even describe the feeling I received when serving the macaroni to these children and seeing how happy it made them. Visiting the township has definitely made me want to become more involved in service back at home. I am already looking forward to our next visit to Sir Lowry’s Pass! If I had to describe life in three words based on my experience so far on this trip it would have to be: always take chances.