Journal #5 from Cape Town
The Olivet College women's volleyball team is on a 10-day trip to Cape Town, South Africa. While there, the players will be writing blog posts and sending them back to the U.S.A. to be posted on the website. The home page for the blog, where future posts will be linked to is: www.olivetcomets.com/sports/wvball/2019-20/cape_town_blog/
FRIDAY, DEC. 13 -- written by Kennedy Blackburn and Jill Arends
Today our team traveled to a house for children called Baphumelele. This orphanage was founded in 1989 by “Mama Rosie” who we were blessed to meet and be in the presence of, along with the staff, caregivers, and all 112 children who are staying in the orphanage. We departed from the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and had a nice drive where we got to see more of what it is like to live in South Africa, outside of the city where we have been staying. There is a large array of homes made by the families who are local to the area we have gotten to see. Today especially, we were able to experience crowded streets which were tight to drive through when have two large vans. We received many looks as not many people usually drive 10 passenger vans, but received friendly waves from most people. It is an awesome feeling for someone, no matter the age, to get so excited from a simple wave you have given them when you are complete strangers.
This was eye-opening for lots of us because many people are making things work in lots of ways which is different than our ways back in Michigan. After arriving at the orphanage, we were informed we should not leave the inside of the orphanage without a group which is three or larger because the area is not overly safe. When first stepping out of the vans, we were greeted by excited faces through the openings in the walls surrounding the orphanage. We were then greeted by a staff member who gave us a run down on the place and answered further questions. We were then led around the facility, first into the small house where the babies stayed. This was very emotional for many of us because of the amount of joy the children had when they saw us, it was overflowing and the amount of love in the room was outstanding. I think it is safe to say this was one of the most memorable parts of today for everyone. Some of us had eyes filled with tears, especially our coach. After playing with the babies, we were led further into the orphanage where we were able to see more buildings the older children (5-18 years old) stay in.
We were put to work about 45 minutes into our visit; painting was the task which was needed done and we did just that. This was a long process, moving furniture, and maneuvering through tight spaces to get all the walls completely covered with a fresh coat of paint. Brushes were limited at the beginning which slowed down progress a little bit, but we later acquired more. We all took turns painting bright blue paint on the walls, which looked so good when finished. The new color brightened up the place a lot. While all the paintbrushes were being occupied, our other teammates were playing with all of the kids. Our phones were a huge hit for them, the music, the camera, and the games kept them so interested. As this was fun we were able to have some really great conversation with some of the older kids staying in the orphanage as well. This was so awesome to be able to learn and hear first hand from someone who is close in age to all of us.
While we were painting and playing, coach and her husband and a staff member from the orphanage went to get KFC for all of the children and staff members so they could have a special meal! We bought 150 meals so there were some extra just in case and it worked so well that the children got to have chicken for dinner as well. As soon as the children saw what kind of treat they would be getting, their faces lit up. There was some chaos but as soon as Mama Rosie stepped in they all straightened up their lines, said a prayer, and we were able to hand out the KFC, a chocolate, and a drink. (each child was given a “fizzy tin drink” which we know as cans of pop or soda) Mama Rosie said that to have a meal like this was so incredibly special and something they do not even get once a year. This was very special for every single person involved because not only did they people of the orphanage love it, we were all able to see first hand the huge impact a small item can have on a person, it was nothing short of heart-warming. This of course brought more tears to our eyes, after pulling ourselves together, a few of us helped the little ones eat, then we picked up garbage from the children when they were finished.
While out to get KFC, Coach and her husband also bought shoes for every child. That’s 112 pairs of shoes! Many of the kids have no shoes, shoes that didn’t fit or they were so worn that their toes would stick out the ends through holes. When asked, Mama Rosie, said that shoes were by far their biggest need. We did not get to see the reaction of the children to this because they will be receiving them on Christmas morning! As we were sad, we didn’t get to see their reaction today, to know we will be making yet another impact in a few weeks is so rewarding. After seeing how excited they got over KFC, we are confident that they will be over the moon for the shoes.
Each one of us enjoyed this experiences and took away out own lessons from the visit. I, Kennedy, personally loved talking with the older children and leaning more about their background and what they hope for in the future, as well as watching all the children enjoy their food. It never fails to blow my mind how something so small to one person, means the absolute world to someone else.
I, Jill, really enjoyed when we first walked in a got to see the babies! I will never forget when the little boy ran up to Abbi when the staff member was talking to us about the orphanage; it brought tears to my eyes. When we walked and the babies/toddlers came running, I could not help but try my best to hold back tears. The children let us hold them and their smiles were so special. This is something I will cherish forever.
Click here for today's photo gallery.