Tuesday, June 16

This morning I got lost. After our hurried performing arts rehearsal, I wanted to go for a run, but for the first time this trip no one else was interested. “That’s OK” I thought, the hotel staff had assured us the surrounding area was safe during the day, I had over an hour before the group was supposed to meet again, and I probably couldn’t run for that long anyways. I took off in my gear, leaving my wallet behind as a safety precaution, and soon left the path that I knew. This new street led me to a park, which circled around behind my building, and left me in a residential district I figured must be very close to the guest houses we were staying in. After zigging and zagging around a number of streets however, I still wasn’t recognizing anything, so I checked the phone book at a gas station for our address and perhaps a map. It didn’t have either. I then stopped by one of the numerous security guards along the street, and asked for directions to Woolworths, the grocery store near our house. He kindly sent me along my way, unfortunately right around the time that our group was supposed to be departing for the VVOCF site, I arrived at the wrong Woolworths, in a different city, without any money, phone numbers, or addresses that could possibly help me. So I found the next tool that could help me, the internet. I very kind manager of an internet café with an Australian accent allowed me to look up Jeanne’s #, and use the phone after I explained my plight. Tshodiso, our driver, picked me up on the way and our group wasn’t even late, but I will still have that memory of being in a city in a foreign country where I only speak 1/11^th of the official languages, not having any resources except my running shoes, and not knowing at all where I am, and depending on the kindness of strangers.

Good things- I was treated very kindly by every person I spoke to during this experience. Also, this happened at 12:00 noon, not 12:00 midnight. It was also very fortunate that there was a South African cell # on our class syllabus on ANGEL.

Bad things- I don’t think I will go running alone ever again, unless I am confident in my directions and my safety, and I have contact info and more words in other languages to help me navigate. I worried our group leader when I was reported missing, and had I gone in a different direction, or not found an internet café, or been ten minutes later, today could have resulted in a very sad story.

As it was, Tshodiso picked me up, and our group charged towards Zonkizizwe. We pulled into their community center there to a roar of cheers and applause from over 120 children. The next few hours entailed much singing and dancing, poetry and skits, first the children then the MSU students, then everyone together. There was some traditional dancing, there was some hip-hop dancing, gumboot dancing, improvised dancing, dancing while singing and singing while dancing, many combinations of which were incorporated into get-to-know-you games. All of the MSU students were paired with at least one if not two of the children there, selected in general by Nimosa the boss-lady based on how long the kids (4-19 years old) had been involved with VVOCF. I was paired with Hlonondo, (the first syllable is a lisped sh- sound, it took me three times to say it), and Lucky. There two new brothers of mine both have amazing stories that I can’t wait to learn more about in these upcoming days, but I’m going to write down my impressions from the first day.

Unlike in the U.S. school systems and institutions in general, there is a ton of physical affection shared, LOTS of hugs, high-5’s and crazy handshakes were shared. As assigned buddies, we are really being asked to incorporate ourselves into the families of these children.

Lucky’s family- 3 sisters. One is 14, Lucky is 16, he lives alone with his 18 year old sister, and his 23 year old sister lives somewhere else. I believe I will have a chance to visit the home he shares with Florence, his 18-year-old sister.

Hlonondo is 18, and the only family I have met thus far is his very adorable younger brother, who I would guess to be between 5 and 8. Hlonondo takes very good care of his brother, helping him with the various clothing difficulties that small children will have, including him in games, introducing him to people and translating his very small voice. In fact, one of the more impressive trends I’ve seen in the youth I’ve met so far has been in the area of leadership. No matter how young a child is, there is always someone younger that needs looking after some of the time. I’ve seen acts of selflessness, giving, leadership and guidance from children.

I have a lot to learn from the VVOCF participants.