Welcome Home to South Africa!
Another of the hightlights of the trip was the time Sherie and I spent visiting Robben Island, where of course Mandela spent most of his time while in prison. The prison has now been turned into a museum where several ex prisoners serve as tour guides. Many of them work and live on Robben Island alongside some of their former wardens. They have rebuilt their lives on forgiveness and reconciliation, a powerful and healing life choice that these men have made. But you know what, The entire trip has been like that, filled with moments that make you rethink your own life and the choices you have made. It makes you think about your choices, whether it is to sit on the sideline or to jump in the midst and attempt to make a difference. It goes back to my saying, start where you are. Wherever you are, whatever you can do, start where you are.
After spending several days in Capetown enjoying the scenery, great restaurants, whale watching and visiting several wineries, the entire Parker family finally together in Johannesburg. Steven joined us on Monday.
On Monday evening, we had a lovely dinner at Nelson Mandela Square. Before we see the sights of Johannesburg, visit Soweto or go on a game safari we must get to the heart of our trip here. Now that my son Steven has joined us, it has become a real family affair and has now taken on a different meaning for us all. We are now linked up with Silviya Simmonds, the in country coordinator with Airline Ambassadors. We were up early Monday morning to go grocery shopping and to head on our way to Maria's Creche (day care) outside of Johannesburg. Maria has 24 children that she is both mother and father to. Many of the children were abandoned, and were brought to Maria by either neighbors or social workers. Some of the children have hiv aids, or have been abused either sexually or physically. Some are orphaned because they have lost a parent or both parents to aids. Maria's tiny house has 3 small bedrooms, including Maria's. Some of the children sleep together on beds or mattresses, while others sleep on the floor. There is a tiny stove with one working burner out of three. There is no hot water, so hot water for bathing, cooking and washing must be all boiled in one pot. Its the kind of situation that makes you feel very greatful and humbles you big time. Some days the children may only have one meal. Food, especially meat is a precious commodity. Maria has made tremendous sacrifices to keep her orphanage operating. She has a vision for a brighter tomorrow, one that includes additional bedrooms and bathroom, a family room, a larger kitchen. Family and friends have made donation that enable us to buy much needed food items. We also have brought additional suit cases packed solid with clothing and school supplies. Another Airline Ambassador, Kathy Crider who had visited earlier in the year has also sent a donation, a suit case full of toiletries and books.
We visit the day care center where approximately 35 kids are sitting politely and awaiting our arrival. We sing songs and play and have a great time just hanging out. Maria is a strong woman. She runs both the day care center and the home and is sacrificing all that she has to take these children off of the street and out of harms way. She tells us things about the lives of the children who are in her care that make you cry. As a woman and as a mother you relate on a lot of different levels. I see my own children falling right into step. They are listening to Maria give us background on how she got started and they are patiently listening right in the moment. Everything that I have taught them about compassion is being demonstrated in this moment. They are patient and understanding. They are humble. They play with the kids and teach them how to play badminton. They seem to know what to do. I watch them interact easily as they are very patient and kind and suddenly it is not about them but about other people. They get right in the mix and would have happily stayed longer had we not have to go. They totally get it. I am so glad that we were there together I have always been proud of them but today as their mother I am so incredibly proud that they are the caring and loving individuals I raised them to be.
Whenever I do these projects, I always walk away wanting to do more. I start to play in my head different scenarios that could make life better for the people I meet. I think about my role and what I might be able to do to help empower the situation. Maria is a prideful woman who has a vision to expand her orphanage. She has started adding the rooms however it is incomplete because she has ran out of money. She shares with me her plans for a better to life for her children. She participates in her community organization and is a strong voice, leader and advocate for children. I even saw a little sign outside that read Maria's Beauty Salon. She is an enterprising woman. Maria is not looking for a handout. My involvement is never about that. As the young folks say, don't get it twisted. I never feel as though I am there to save anyone. Sometimes it is just about me being a channel to bring forth whatever blessing or gift you have to bring - and sometimes that gift is simply a smile or even a word of encouragement. That in itself can be empowering. It is about me getting out of my own way, pushing through my ego, fears and inhibitions. It also makes me more aware and sensitive to people and things that are going on around me both away and at home. I trust that it did the same thing for my own adult children. At the end of our time at Maria's, my son and daughter and I talked about what the experience met to them. It meant a lot. They are more grateful - we are more grateful. Life is good and we are very blessed.
I guess I never expected that visiting the African continent would be like coming home. Not sure what I expected. When we arrived, coming through customs, we heard "welcome home" by more than one person. Welcome Home .... I guess I never expected that. For the first time in my life, I felt as if I were part of another place other than America. For most African Americans, because of the history of slavery in America, for some there is a disconnect when looking at our place of origin. And even though I still have no clue of the true origin of my ancestors, at least I got I closer than perhaps I had ever been before. I felt connected to Africa. I felt connected to the music, the food, the sights, the sounds, and the culture of South Africa like no other place I had ever visited. However the good news is that it is not just an experience that can be had by only a chosen few. Africa embraces you and pulls you into her beauty no matter who you are. It was truly the journey of a lifetime and one I will never ever forget.
The 14 hour flight to South Africa was tempered by such an incredibly wonderful South African Airways crew. Good food, great service, awesome South African wines and on demand movies make the journey, actually quite enjoyable. Our host hotels, which were part of the Southern Sun Hotel group were awesome. From beginning to end, the people and the customer service in South Africa was absolutely wonderful.
During the first half of our trip, Sherie and I enjoyed Capetown and all that it had to offer. Because I was visiting South Africa for a site visit for a prospective client, the tourism board arranged for an official host and guide. Adrian Lange our host, owns Hope Arises, a local destination management company. He is very involved in community tourism-voluntourism. He was the perfect person to give us a guided tour of the area from both a volunteer and tourism and hospitality industry perspective. The food is unbelievable, every meal and I mean every meal was a feast. We visited Table Mountain, Cape Hope, the Victoria Waterfront, several wineries. While watching the whales play in the ocean, we had a picnic lunch. And yes, we saw animals, lots of animals, we even saw penquins,! Who knew there were penquins in South Africa.
We then switched gears and got into volunteerism mode, which for me was the best part of the trip. We visited the Themba Care Orphanage as well as a school for young people who are at risk. The aids orphanage is home for approimately 35 children who have been diagnosed with HIV. The children range in age from 3 months to 8 years. A few have just arrived however many have been their entire life. Some of the children's development has been stunted due to malnutrition. But just like normal children, they are happy to see us and full of questions and requests for hugs. There are so many sad stories, too many to mention here. Africa is a continent that is ravaged by aids and this tiny village is no exception. We spent time holding and playing with the children. And just like always, someone runs up to grab me around the leg within seconds of my arrival. This time however it is a little boy, who wants to be picked up and cries when I try to put him down. Since coming, here the staff tell us that many of these children have been now given a second chance at life. Ongoing medical care, emotional support, love and attention make for a powerful elixir that can sometimes make miracles happen. Some volunteers came to the orphanage, just like us to volunteer during their visit to Capetown. Others return to stay anywhere from one week to six months. Sherie finds herself holding 2 sometimes 3 children at one time. My daughter who can sometimes be quite the diva, is now showing the patience of a saint.
In addition to the visit to the orphanage and the school site visit, we spend time speaking with the locals in an area minutes away from the orphanage. Here people live in little shantys, about the size of a small bedroom, if that large. There are some people who also live in tin houses which I can only imagine are miserably cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. Even in the midst of it all, people are trying to make a way out of no way. We buy sourveniers from a man who has participated in the Themba business enterprise program that Adrian's church sponsors. The creativity and quality of the jewelry is good, if not better than anything you can buy in the upscale shops at the harbor. No offense, but I would much rather spend my money with the local merchants anyday of the week. There is still a sense of pride for some in this neighborhood, which is the poorest of the poor. There is laundry hanging in the breeze and a woman sweeping the walkway in front of her little one room shanty. There is another woman who sells baskets. In fact her sales have been so good that she now has enough money to add on rooms. Life may not be great but for some it is certainly getting much better, as it is through self self sustaining projects that individuals can start to break through both financially and emotionally. Adrian Lange and his church are helping to bridge the gap, by implementing programs that promote empowerment and self sustainable.
Another of the hightlights of the trip was the time Sherie and I spent visiting Robben Island, where of course Mandela spent most of his time while in prison. The prison has now been turned into a museum where several ex prisoners serve as tour guides. Many of them work and live on Robben Island alongside some of their former wardens. They have rebuilt their lives on forgiveness and reconciliation, a powerful and healing life choice that these men have made. But you know what, The entire trip has been like that, filled with moments that make you rethink your own life and the choices you have made. It makes you think about your choices, whether it is to sit on the sideline or to jump in the midst and attempt to make a difference. It goes back to my saying, start where you are. Wherever you are, whatever you can do, start where you are.
After spending several days in Capetown enjoying the scenery, great restaurants, whale watching and visiting several wineries, the entire Parker family finally together in Johannesburg. Steven joined us on Monday.
On Monday evening, we had a lovely dinner at Nelson Mandela Square. Before we see the sights of Johannesburg, visit Soweto or go on a game safari we must get to the heart of our trip here. Now that my son Steven has joined us, it has become a real family affair and has now taken on a different meaning for us all. We are now linked up with Silviya Simmonds, the in country coordinator with Airline Ambassadors. We were up early Monday morning to go grocery shopping and to head on our way to Maria's Creche (day care) outside of Johannesburg. Maria has 24 children that she is both mother and father to. Many of the children were abandoned, and were brought to Maria by either neighbors or social workers. Some of the children have hiv aids, or have been abused either sexually or physically. Some are orphaned because they have lost a parent or both parents to aids. Maria's tiny house has 3 small bedrooms, including Maria's. Some of the children sleep together on beds or mattresses, while others sleep on the floor. There is a tiny stove with one working burner out of three. There is no hot water, so hot water for bathing, cooking and washing must be all boiled in one pot. Its the kind of situation that makes you feel very greatful and humbles you big time. Some days the children may only have one meal. Food, especially meat is a precious commodity. Maria has made tremendous sacrifices to keep her orphanage operating. She has a vision for a brighter tomorrow, one that includes additional bedrooms and bathroom, a family room, a larger kitchen. Family and friends have made donation that enable us to buy much needed food items. We also have brought additional suit cases packed solid with clothing and school supplies. Another Airline Ambassador, Kathy Crider who had visited earlier in the year has also sent a donation, a suit case full of toiletries and books.
We visit the day care center where approximately 35 kids are sitting politely and awaiting our arrival. We sing songs and play and have a great time just hanging out. Maria is a strong woman. She runs both the day care center and the home and is sacrificing all that she has to take these children off of the street and out of harms way. She tells us things about the lives of the children who are in her care that make you cry. As a woman and as a mother you relate on a lot of different levels. I see my own children falling right into step. They are listening to Maria give us background on how she got started and they are patiently listening right in the moment. Everything that I have taught them about compassion is being demonstrated in this moment. They are patient and understanding. They are humble. They play with the kids and teach them how to play badminton. They seem to know what to do. I watch them interact easily as they are very patient and kind and suddenly it is not about them but about other people. They get right in the mix and would have happily stayed longer had we not have to go. They totally get it. I am so glad that we were there together I have always been proud of them but today as their mother I am so incredibly proud that they are the caring and loving individuals I raised them to be.
Whenever I do these projects, I always walk away wanting to do more. I start to play in my head different scenarios that could make life better for the people I meet. I think about my role and what I might be able to do to help empower the situation. Maria is a prideful woman who has a vision to expand her orphanage. She has started adding the rooms however it is incomplete because she has ran out of money. She shares with me her plans for a better to life for her children. She participates in her community organization and is a strong voice, leader and advocate for children. I even saw a little sign outside that read Maria's Beauty Salon. She is an enterprising woman. Maria is not looking for a handout. My involvement is never about that. As the young folks say, don't get it twisted. I never feel as though I am there to save anyone. Sometimes it is just about me being a channel to bring forth whatever blessing or gift you have to bring - and sometimes that gift is simply a smile or even a word of encouragement. That in itself can be empowering. It is about me getting out of my own way, pushing through my ego, fears and inhibitions. It also makes me more aware and sensitive to people and things that are going on around me both away and at home. I trust that it did the same thing for my own adult children. At the end of our time at Maria's, my son and daughter and I talked about what the experience met to them. It meant a lot. They are more grateful - we are more grateful. Life is good and we are very blessed.
When you travel to do good, it is the journey of a lifetime. And adding your family to the mix makes the journey that more rewarding.
