"This is the Day" by Hayden Rome

“This is the Day that the Lord has made;

I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

As a result of my time spent with the families of Sir Lowry’s Pass, I believe that the power of giving is a trait that can only be enriched through personal experience and growth. The selfless act of giving does not derive from a particular holiday or event, but simply from the heart. One should not give with the hopes of receiving anything in return but rather because one wants to share what they have to give. Often times the response can be a bit overwhelming because we are conformed to such a materialistic society but with time, the gift of giving will reap its benefits.

Deeds such as cooking, washing the dishes, and merely playing with the kids seem so minor to us but in context, the people of these townships spend all of their time, energy, and money making sure these major deeds get done in a day’s work. Thus, a response such as a simple “thank you” lets us know that we have made a difference in someone’s life. My experience at the townships has provided me with the ability to realize that too often we get caught up in our own problems that we fail to see the bigger picture in life-- it puts any suffering we may feel into a more proper perspective.

"Living the Life" by Meredith Vaughan

Yesterday we went to the Sir Lowry’s Pass to make them lunch. Ms. Shirley asked us to make her tacos because they don’t ever eat them. Before heading over there we went to the grocery store and got all the ingredients for her and her four grandchildren. When were walking up to the house more and more children starting following us. As we starting cooking, the kitchen was packed! All the kids wanted to help cooking, so much so that we didn’t have to cook anything ourselves. I started getting nervous we wouldn’t have enough food for everyone to have one taco and one rice krispie treat. We made small tacos in the beginning to make sure everybody got some because it ended up being fifteen people to feed. Thankfully there were enough even for us to eat one and some kids to get seconds! They all loved the tacos like they were something hard to make or a fancy food. After lunch we cleaned up the mess we had made in the kitchen but there was no running water let alone a dishwasher so that made it difficult. Dish washing was interrupted quickly by children trying to be held and wanting to be played with. So I did just that. When we had to leave I got so many hugs and “I’ll miss yous.” This was so far my favorite day since we’ve been in South Africa.

"Africa, WHAT UP" by Meghan Deere

Having been here for almost THREE weeks already, how can I truly put my experiences into one entry? I tried coming up with clever ways to make my blog stand out (including a failed attempt today on the bus to think of a rap… I guess I’m just not reppin’ my ATL roots) but there is no other way for me to even begin to express my time here without a simple list. But hey, at least I’m trying, neh? (‘neh’ is my attempt to fit in with the locals…) So here are some trip highlights so far…

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• BEING STUCK IN AMSTERDAM. Yes, it’s as crazy as they say it is. After being delayed in Atlanta for 3 hours, a small group of us quickly realized we would be stuck in Amsterdam for the night. (Team Amsterdam for life!) Naturally, we explored for the day and saw the, ahem, interesting sights, sounds, and smells of the city. It was a good time considering that we were delayed getting to Cape Town!
• ADVENTURE WEEK. How I miss staying in amazing hostels, meeting amazing people, never really knowing when we were going to get out of that van, and driving through the beautiful Garden Route of S.A. to new adventures! I loved being able to see more of S.A. outside of Cape Town and do things- like BUNGEE JUMPING- that I probably will never get to do again! I only wish it had lasted longer!
• SIR LOWRY’S PASS. How can I put this place into words? I cannot get over how generous and happy these people were to welcome us into their homes. I have had so much fun going back this week and getting to know my host family better and being able to play with the most badass kids around! Just be sure to know all the words to Justin Bieber songs or you will be shown up by a 2 year old…
• TABLE MOUNTAIN. Curse you Table Mountain!! You were a beast to climb, but once I made it to the top (see Dad I’m exercising!) it turned out to be the best view in all of Cape Town! Definitely worth it!
• ROBBEN ISLAND: Learning about the history of this country is so important to my being here. I cannot understand anything about South Africa without knowing its history, and I am so glad we got to go to Robben Island to see it first hand! And having Mandela’s cellmate give us a first-hand tour wasn’t too shabby either.
• MAMA AFRICA. Deliciousness wrapped up in great food, great atmosphere, and a band that likes to pull as many girls up on stage at once as possible! It’s quite an experience being able to taste all the different food like Ostrich and Warthog. Feel free to try everything, just make sure to stay away from the flaming shots!!
• FRANSCHHOEK: Napa Valley, Smapa Valley. These vineyards are set in the most beautiful mountains I’ve ever seen! I loved getting able to taste the different types of wines (and possibly have purchased some different types as well…) and walk around the quaint town of Franschhoek!

Just being here soaking up the amazing culture and scenery was all I wanted out of this trip, and all of these things have just added to my experience. I’m never going home!

PS- HEY MOM AND DAD. IGNORE THAT LAST SENTENCE. XOXO

"What A Ride" by Laura Mason

After three weeks in Cape Town I can describe my trip literally as a wild ride. It began with Adventure Week and a seven-hour van ride on the first day. I could not imagine a better way to become incredibly close with thirteen new friends. The van rides continued for the next four days and were filled with such immense laughter that my stomach was sore days after we returned. At the elephant reserve, we were given the opportunity to ride on the back of three different elephants. I could not recommend this enough. Yes, you may be able to find an elephant ride at a zoo in the U.S, but nothing beats a bareback elephant ride in Africa. The next ride of a lifetime came at the Ostrich farm we visited on the last day of adventure week. I never thought I would have the opportunity to brag that I have ridden the world’s largest bird. However, the most important ride we have been on leads us to Sir Lowry’s Pass, a South African township. Each trip begins with anxiousness as to what we will experience that day and ends with an exciting ride back full of stories of giving and service. I can only hope that the rest of my trip will be as wild a ride!

"Ready. Set. Jump!" by Emilie Tollison

In one of our class lectures on the “Power of Living” we watched a video called “Everybody is allowed to wear Sunscreen.” If you have never seen this video I encourage anyone and everyone to take only five minutes out of your day and watch it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ. This video relays life’s simple yet often forgotten rules to live by. One of my favorites was …

“Do Something That Scares You Everyday”

Well Capetown, Congratulations…you have really left me no choice.

I have marked more off my “Bucket List” in the past two weeks than in the past twenty years of my life. So far to be checked off my list:

Bungee Jumping Shark Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

Go on an African Safari Ride an Elephant

And last to be checked off my list….

SKY DIVING

I never thought I would find myself on top of an elephant or diving head first off of the tallest bridge in the world. Nor did I ever dream of my Monday morning schedule having “shark cage diving” on the agenda. However, this trip is not one to cater to any form of a comfort zone. Today after a 2 minute briefing, I harnessed up and got into a plane to carry me 9000ft into the air only to hear the words…READY..SET…JUMP! Before I knew it I was spiraling downward with nothing but air separating me from the beautiful scenery that surrounded my fall. The first thing I said when I made the landing was, “Where do I sign up for round 2?”I jumped out of a plane today. Enough said.

"God is Here" by Kristen Stamps

South Africa has been absolutely incredible so far! Every aspect of this experience has resonated with me and formed a precious memory that I will cherish forever. All of us have been pulled out of our comfort zones, faced fear as we’ve tried new and adventurous activities, and learned so much about leadership and how to truly serve others. One of my favorite parts of this experience has been how my faith has grown and how clearly God has shown himself to me over the past few weeks! Whether through a peace that surrounds me when facing terrifying situations such as bungee jumping or skydiving, a sweet gesture and conversation I have with a local around Cape Town, a smile and warm hug from a child in the township, or a majestic sunset painted in the sky as the day comes to an end, the Lord has surprised me each and every day with something that fills me with complete happiness and lets me know He is here. He is here and visible for all to witness if eyes are opened to see the beauty around us and ears are listening to hear loving whispers… .

“Go Exploring” by Kiersten Williford

The scheduled events of Global Lead have been amazing, but some of my best days have come from my experiences of exploring Cape Town and everything it has to offer without any particular agenda.

One day a group of us went into the city to visit some places we had heard were interesting. We went to the District Six museum and were exposed to the history of South Africa. Charley’s Bakery provided us with a delicious treat and break before we made our way to the Castle of Good Hope. After looking at all the exhibits, we found ourselves on the roof of the structure, doing nothing but enjoying the weather and each other’s company.

Round two of exploring Cape Town came with fewer participants, but the same level of gratification. We went to the slave lodge for our historical fix of the day before we walked around the Company Gardens. The weather could not have been more perfect. Huge trees and indigenous flowers provided a beautiful foreground, while Table Mountain and the perfectly blue sky created some awesome scenery. The friendly, fat squirrels were benefiting from the people out and about the gardens. They will literally eat out of your palm and the size of them proves it. The night ended with an authentic African meal at Mama Africa, filled with many laughs and good conversation.

No official plans were made either day, but it proved that simply getting out of the hotel and taking advantage of this great city make some great memories. And of course genuine people and perfect weather are always a plus.

“All for Them” by Ryan Baker

Earlier this week we traveled back to the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass, located on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa for more service learning experience. On this particular day, we volunteered at the Community Center in Sir Lowry’s Pass so that we could play with the children and take some of the burden off of the three women who work with the over 120 kids. This blog is a dedication to the children of Sir Lowry’s Pass and others in similar situations around the globe. It is with great pleasure that I write about the many methods one can use to connect, play, and interact with the children of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Without further hesitation…

The Top 10 Ways to Have a Great Time with Children of South Africa

• Play, sing, hum, whistle or make any other audible noise with the tune of “Baby” by Justin Bieber and you will instantly be surrounded by upwards of 20 children all singing along and dancing.
• Play touch rugby. The boys of the township can be seen playing this modified form of rugby at nearly every time of day. Be forewarned however: Be prepared to sweat as you will play for at least 30 minutes. These kids just don’t tire.
• Make beaded bracelets and/or necklaces. I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on the subject because let’s face it, I’m not, but I think I made over 20 bracelets in the half hour I worked at this table. Oh, and there was a constant line of at least five kids at all times waiting for their turn.
• Face Paint. The kids love painting on their faces, but particularly enjoy painting on yours.
• Walk around with a child on your shoulders. Pretty hard to say no when there’s a cute little boy staring you in the eyes, with his hand pointing to the sky and whispering the word, “Up”.
• Paint Fingernails. Let’s look at the facts here: Girls love getting their nails done regardless of where they live. I think it’s genetic.
• Play “Little Sally Walker” or any other dancing game.
• Let the kids play with your hair. This one is pretty labor intensive (end sarcasm) so it can be a favorite after you’ve been running around for hours and just need a five or ten minute break.
• Play soccer. It seems to be very popular, especially with the FIFA World Cup coming up in the next two weeks.
• Bubbles. What kid doesn’t have a blast blowing bubbles? Enough said.

"Wave Your Flag" by Robert Armstrong

Today was our second day back in Sir Lowry’s Pass. Our group entertained lots of young school children at the community center. After reading a few books to one boy we made our way over to the face painting section. I would end up spending the remaining time painting faces and arms as everyone wanted multiple flags covering their body. South Africa and Brazil were by far the two most popular choices and by the end of the hour there were dozens of kids running around, proud to be wearing their flag on their face in light of the upcoming World Cup.

After we finished with the kids in the community center we broke into smaller groups based on the families that we stayed with during the overnight. Since Vanessa was still at work, Mackenzie and I joined Cheryl (the main soup mother in Sir Lowry’s Pass) in her home for the afternoon. We talked for some time while drinking coffee and watching Savannah, Cheryl’s granddaughter who just turned two, as she played with Greta’s hair. It’s incredible how open and loving the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass are. The kids run to the bus, only wanting to be picked up and loved on for the few hours we’re there and the mothers have graciously invited us into their homes for the second time now, giving us a glimpse into township life. They may not have a lot but they give so much more readily than we do. There’s a lot to be learned from the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass and more often than not I feel as if they’re helping us more than we’re helping them.

“This is Africa” by Katherine Short

From the second we landed in Cape Town the phrase “TIA” was dropped in nearly every chat, but it took me a few days to realize what it really meant: “This Is Africa.” Below is a list of my top TIA moments:

• Bungee jumping off the highest bungee bridge in the world. Definitely the most terrifying thing I have ever done and had I not been in Africa I probably never would have done it. The support of friends along with the blaring techno music is what got me up there (not to mention two men pushing me)
• Pulling in to Sir Lowry’s Pass and seeing a million smiling faces running along side the bus. I have never been so humbled as I was to see these children who have close to nothing light up over a hug.
• Visiting Robben Island and having Nelson Mandela’s cell mate, Ahmed Kathrada, guide our tour. It was such a neat experience to hear him talk first hand about what it was actually like living in prison for all those years.
• Hiking, more like climbing, Table Mountain at sunrise. All 104 of us set out to hike the hardest trail on table mountain, Skeleton Gorge. It was a very long, hard hike but at the top of the mountain we experienced the most incredible view of Cape Town.
• Getting stuck in the middle of a heard of elephants. As we drove into Addo National Park we were ecstatic to see one lonely elephant but as we got farther in one elephant turned in to about 30 surrounding our van to the point where we could not move.

In a city like Cape Town it is easy to forget that you are in a place like Africa but these moments along with many more have reminded me that “This Is Africa”.