"Big Surprise!" By: Sarah Proctor

Honestly, more has occurred in the past 24-hours of my life than in any other 24- hour period to date. Going from sitting in a conference room with about fifty other students, to Sir Lowry’s Pass (a township an hour away from Cape Town) with about 1500 other people was the most incredible experience of my life. Upon arrival, all of the kids from the community started running toward our bus. As I was stepping off the bus I was immediately greeted as a tiny, warm right hand met my left hand. The owner of this hand was Kaycee, a 9-yr. old little girl and lover of many in Sir Lowry’s Pass. I instantly fell in love with her. After chatting with her for a bit, she introduced me to her cousin. We spent the afternoon jumping rope (attempting double Dutch, but I’m HORRIBLE!!!! Haha), playing soccer, rugby, and dominos (a game I will NEVER understand). After we spent a few hours playing many games, Kaycee and her cousin took me to her house, which was quite far away from where everyone else was playing. I am not going to lie, there was a moment that I got scared. The sun was setting and I was very fearful for not only myself, but also for these two little girls whose hands I was holding. There we were, walking hand-in-hand “around the corner”, which was actually about a block and a half away from our big group, when I came upon the door to Kaycee’s house. She was SO excited to show me her house. They opened the door and I was welcomed with many bright smiles on the faces of Kaycee’s mother and her mother’s friends. After showing off her many accomplishments from school, which include a model of her shanty house and many medals for being one of the brightest students in her class, I was given the opportunity to learn how much of an impact we make with Global L.E.A.D. You see, last year, a student named Carter and two other girls stayed at Kaycee’s house. As I was speaking with Kaycee’s mom she asked me if ay of the students from last year were on our trip again. I explained to her that we are a whole new set of students, but we are just as excited as those from last year and she proceeded to pull out a box. I could tell that what was in the box meant a great deal to Kaycee’s mother and that what was kept inside was very dear to her heart. After opening the box she pulled out and flipped through a few photos to find one of all the girls that stayed with her last year as a part of Global L.E.A.D. In the picture was Carter, Kelly, and Kelly’s sister (I didn’t catch the name and I don’t know them already so if Kelly and her sister are reading this then it goes to you also). Kaycee’s mom asked if I knew any of the girls in the photograph. I said I knew of Carter (from UGA H.E.R.O.’s) and she asked me if she were to write a letter if I would deliver it to Carter? I said, “Of course, I’d love to.” What I took away from this experience the most is the realization that we, even in just one night, have such an impact on the lives of all the families we met in Sir Lowry’s Pass. I know that the students from last year made the impact that changed many kid's lives forever and I hope that we can make that impact this year. I can say that in just a few short hours that I spent with the families and with Kaycee’s family in particular I learned SO much about what it means to have a joyful heart, despite all odds, be thankful for what you DO have, and to love everyone-- No matter their background, economic status, or social status. Every single family in Sir Lowry’s Pass is looked after by others and is loved (even if the love doesn’t come from their own home). I CANNOT wait to go back tomorrow and see the kids and paint with Kaycee!!! I love it here and I honestly wish that everyone reading our blog could be here to experience this with us. It is truly a once in a lifetime event that I can’t wait to come home and tell everyone about!

My Life in 3 words: "MEMORIES ALWAYS LAST"