iThemba Labantu

While I have mentioned iThemba Labantu briefly in some of my other posts, I wanted to dedicate a whole post to it because of the large part it plays in my experience here in Cape Town. Every Monday and Tuesday I wake, get dressed, eat breakfast, and scramble to the van with my other housemates headed out to service. Our driver, Pearnel, drops each of us off at our service sites for the day. Because of the route we take and because my directors are usually not at iThemba Labantu until later in the morning, I usually have about an hour car ride ahead of me. I have one of the longest car rides out of all my housemates, but because of it I am able to see more of the townships and areas in which the others in my program are serving. Plus, I get to chat with Pearnel who has a lot of insight and wisdom (and who is endlessly patient answering my endless list of questions). Our busload of American students usually recieves quite a few glances from those on the street or in other vehicles on the road. Most of the areas in which we are serving are demographically comprised of black Africans.

*Quick Note: The terms black, white, and coloured are not seen as derogatory here. The terms had been used as racial classification during the apartheid era and remain part of the culture today. While this is different from the United States and ways in which some terms can be offensive, I will continue to use these terms in reference to the peoples of South Africa because they are the terms they use. Further questions on this topic can be directed to me through email*

So, as I was saying, a group of predominantly white and all American students driving through an area that does not see many white or American people draws the attention of many around us. After dropping everyone else off at their sites, I move to the front seat and enjoy the last little part of the drive into Philippi township.

I ride from Observatory (Right of CapeTown) to Philippi (pinkish box)

I included this map above so it might be a bit easier to understand the places I often mention.
I usually arrive at Ithemba Labantu's gates at about 10:00 am. Ithemba Labantu is a little haven inside Philippi that houses many services for the community. Because Ithemba Labantu was founded by a German pastor, the main building is a church in which the children have a Monday morning Bible study, music lessons, dance lessons, and other gatherings. In addition to the church, there is a soup kitchen, caretaker's lodgings, offices, pre-school, computer rooms, health clinic, technical training workshops (for example, mechanic workshop), a weight room, and sports courts/fields. I am sure I missed something, but the idea is that there is a lot going on at this place all the time. Because it was founded by a German pastor, many of the directors and long-term volunteers are German as well. However, there is a much larger South African presence than German one. It might seem silly to say that, but many times foreign organizations will move into a community to provide some humanitarian services, but will not involve the community in their own development. Ithemba Labantu is definitely not one of those organizations. Most of the facilitators are young adult South Africans from the surrounding areas who volunteer their time to teach, coach, or mentor the youth. It is quite an incredible place, and I learn something new about it and Philippi everytime I am there.

I do not have any pictures of iThemba Labantu or the people there yet because I want to create a relationship of trust and sensitivity before bringing a camera into the center. This is something I learned way back on my first trip to Kentucky with the Appalachia Service Project. Taking pictures of others can be a sensitive topic and must come from a place of friendship and of trust. I do not want to exploit anyone at iThemba Labantu for my own purposes, and therefore have not taken any pictures yet. I want to take pictures of my friends there so I can have something to remember them by when I leave and not so I can have a new profile picture on Facebook. I am not sure if any of that made sense, but do not worry, pictures will be coming in the future.

My days at iThemba Labantu consist of various activities including aiding the pre-school children with computer skills, preparing a new library and library system, and tutoring in the afternoons. My time there is not without its challenges, but there is so much energy and goodwill pulsing through the place that it is hard to leave without a smile on my face. Spending time at iThemba Labantu and interacting with the school children has been an interesting look into the effects of poor resource distribution. Although the children recieve schooling, many of them are behind in reading, writing, and math skills because of a lack of support at home, lack of personal school resources, and lack of aggragate school resources. iThemba Labantu tries to make a difference in these kids' lives so that they can have opportunities in the future through various after school programs promoting leadership, self-confidence, and motivation. 

I have made many friends at iThemba Labantu including Nina, Jil, Konstantine, and Franz (longterm German volunteers), as well as Natasha, Vuyo, Tosh, Tobelani, Mfoneyko, and Usher (South African facilitators and volunteers). They make my time at iThemba Labantu interesting and exciting even if I am just sitting covering books in the office. The people there are so talented and many of them play instruments, dance, or art artists that use their talents to further the mission of iThemba Labantu.

Mondays and Tuesdays at iThemba Labantu have taught me so much already, and will continue to for the rest of the semester. Even though I am not always doing things that have direct and immediate positive impacts, they lay the foundation for other actions to take place. They are the beginnings and unseen middle parts necessary to any organization, but not always known about. Working in the nonprofit sector for the past two summers has taught me that not everything that needs to be done for the good of others is exciting or will show immediate gratification or receive immediate graditude, but that joy must be found in completing every task no matter how mundane. Because someone needs to do it, why can't that someone be me? So, I continue to enjoy my days at iThemba Labantu talking, eating, sharing, and joking with Germans, South Africans, children, and adults.


For anyone interested for further information on iThemba Labantu, check out the website link below:
http://www.ithemba-labantu.co.za/index.php/about-us

The Small Joys

This past week here in Cape Town has been all about the small joys. Those amazing ordinary moments throughout the day that make me smile and remind me of the goodness in my life.  Moments like talking about poverty in Philippi with Nina (long-term German volunteer at iThemba Labantu). Or joking with the many South Africans at iThemba Labantu- I am finally starting to feel like I belong there. Tuesday was filled with many of these moments. Because Nina and the other German volunteers were all busy, I spent a lot of time with Natasha (South African volunteer/ program facilitator). She and I picked up the kids from school in a giant bus and brought them back to iThemba Labantu for after-school programming. It was amazing to see more of the area around iThemba Labantu and to see some of the schools where the kids go. We drove through Mitchell’s Plain talking about music, art, dance, and high school. Natasha is such a vibrant and joyous woman and I cannot help but smile when I am around her. Later that day I was to begin tutoring a new kid, but I did not know who it was or what he/she looked like. Constantine (another long-term German volunteer) ran all over iThemba Labantu helping me figure it out. This particular instance was a nice reminder that no matter how independent I will ever be (traveling in a foreign country, spending two days a week at an organization at which I knew no one, advocating for myself at a foreign university, etc.) I will always need the help of others.
            And the small joys continued at incredible speed. Once I started noticing them, they multiplied in occurrence (or I was just more aware of them). Wednesday my last class was cancelled, so of course we went straight to the beach! Walking down the street I ran into the girl I had sat next to on the 17 hour plane ride from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg. I had emailed Sarah earlier that week just to say hello and see how her time has been in South Africa, so I was surprised and excited to see her right in front of me. This is Sarah’s fourth time in South Africa. She has been coming for three months at a time to volunteer here, goes home for a month to renew her visa, and then comes straight back. On the plane she drew me maps and wrote down all the great things to do in Cape Town and the surrounding area. It was so great to see her and talk to her for a bit. Seeing Sarah was awesome, too bad the beach weather was not as great. Just as Kari (one of my housemates from Minnesota) and I got to the beach it started raining. We relocated to a nearby coffee shop for some cappuccino while we watched our friends surf for the rest of the afternoon. Despite the rain, it could not have been a better afternoon. Kari and I talked about her time in France, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya and her schooling at Montessori. We shared coffee and conversation (two of my favorites) and reveled at how lucky we could be to be in that coffee shop in South Africa. To top it off, our friends had one of the best days surfing and could not contain their excitement telling us all about it. Their elation continued onto the very crowded train where I met a little mischievous boy. He was holding a rubber band and was not afraid to use it or stretch it over his face. After giving up my seat for another woman, I stood next to the little boy who started to play “peek-a-boo” tickle me around and in between the many bodies shoved around us. To him, I was just another person to play with on a boring train ride- it didn’t matter that I was white, American, a university student, living in Observatory, or even that I was totally covered in sand. He just wanted someone to play with. By the time we made it to my stop he had grabbed hold of my hand so tightly that I thought I would not make it off the train. I gave him one last tickle and scrunched-up-funny-face under which he released his death grip and I slipped away smiling and laughing. This week was filled with so many smalls joys that I know will continue to define my time here if only I am present and aware enough to realize them.

While weekdays here are filled with service and school, weekends are jam-packed with bucket list activities and exploration. Friday night Hannah (friend from SLU) joined some South African friends we had met at church to a LifeTeen conference in Constantia. It was the opening night of the conference and consisted of praise and worship and, of course, meeting new friends. LifeTeen is a youth ministry organization that has spread from the United States all over the world. Ever since arriving in South Africa, I have struggled to find a faith community here. Participating in religious, spiritual, and faith-based groups is a large part of my life back at SLU, so I have been missing that aspect of my routine. However, Friday night was great. It was so fun spending time with my new friends, both teenagers and adult leaders, singing songs I knew, and worshipping with a larger community. The coolest part of the night was listening to a talk given by a guy named Steve. Steve is from Missouri! After the night had ended, Hannah and I went to talk to him and found out he lives right by SLU and knows some of our friends. Seeing and talking to him was such a cool way to tie home and South Africa together. You really never know whom you are going to meet here.
            Saturday was adventure day! A small group of us woke up relatively early Saturday morning and caught the 8:47 train to Muizenberg. From there we took a cab to Silvermine Nature Reserve to go hiking and swimming. Even though it was a hassle to get there, we enjoyed a beautiful day hiking through rocks, woods, and plenty of sunshine.

Silvermine Nature Reserve

Halfway to our destination

         The trail we chose to hike is called Elephant's Eye. This hike is a moderate hike that ends in a cave overlooking False Bay. The cave is large and cool inside, so we stopped and rested there for awhile.

View of Elephant's Eye from the trail- cave (dark spot on the mountain) was our destination

      After hiking, we ended at a dam in the reserve for some swimming to cool off. It was a great afternoon with great people. Every weekend it amazes me what we can accomplish in one day. The group who went hiking usually wakes up before everyone else and heads out early to whatever adventure we have planned for that day.

Rock climbing!

Duke, me, Dylan, and Sarah (photo cred to Hannah)

     However, Saturday did not end with just our daylong hike. That night Hannah, Maira (my roommate), and I ventured to the observatory just a couple of blocks away for a presentation on multi-wavelength imaging and star gazing. NERD ALERT. Yes, it was nerdy. Yes, it was awesome. We got to view Jupiter from the largest optical telescope in Cape Town and also look at Orion's Nebula. Hannah and I were even matching, but we agreed that our matching outfits would not be the nerdiest thing we did or saw that night.

Hannah and I must have been on the same multi-wavelength haha...astronomy joke. No we did not plan this.

    It is random, weird, and even nerdy events like this that make my time here in South Africa even better. Hanging out with the locals and learning at the time same produces some interesting conversations and relationships.

   Even as I sit here at honeybun drinking my fabulous cappuccino I am amazed by the immense blessing it is to be here. Every day brings new joys and challenges. And I cannot wait for the rest.

Cheers!
(that's the favored "goodbye" or "hello" or "yay"...it can be used in a multitude of contexts really)

One Month

One month ago today I landed here in Cape Town. It has been a full, challenging, rewarding, and fun four weeks. Reflecting back on the time I have spent here thus far has just shown me how much more there is for me to do and see. Taking it one day at a time allows me to try to be fully present in each moment, but planning ahead of time allows me to accomplish more and more activities on my bucket list.

Last weekend a group of us went to Stellenbosch for the weekend. It was one of the girl's 21st birthday, so we took the train out east of Cape Town to the beautiful vineyards and farmlands. We ate a wonderful breakfast at a cafe and went wine tasting at four different vineyards throughout the day.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

While going from vineyard to vineyard we learned how to taste the wine properly and little about each vineyard. According to our server proper tasting includes 5 steps: see, swirl, sniff, swig, swallow. A lot of the places had spit buckets, but one server told us that if we spit the wine out we would not have the whole experience of the wine we were tasting. If we spit out the wine before swallowing, the wine would miss our deep throat tastebuds and not be the same. You did not have to tell us twice! We probably tasted around 20 wines throughout the whole day. Before wine tasting in Stellenbosch, I had never particularly enjoyed wine, but I enjoyed a lot of the wines I tasted. Apparently, a lot of the wines I tasted are sold in the United States! Later that night we explored Stellenbosch and went dancing. All in all, it was a fun weekend full of beautfiul landscapes and good wine.

Duke and Cami enjoying a fine glass of wine

This week was tiring with two full days of service back to back and then school the other three. Mostly, this week required patience. Because there are 19 of us all with different schedules, sometimes we are riding in the car for long periods of time picking up or dropping off people. In addition, even though I might only have class from 12:00pm-1:00pm I still have to be on the bus at 7:15am and not be picked up until 3:00pm at school. This requires a little more organzining and planning so that I make sure I have a book or homework or something else to do during my down time.

Saturday (yesterday) I took an early train to Simon's Town (the last stop on the line). This town is known for Boulders Beach that is home to an African penguin colony. Little did we know, Boulders Beach was a 40 minute walk from the train station. However, I did not mind because it was beautiful outside and there was a lot to see on the way in anyway.

Simon's Town

The highlight of my day in Simon's Town was seeing the penguins! At first we only got to view them from a boardwalk while they sunbathed on the beach. However, when we went to the actual Boulder's Beach the penguins walked among us as we sunbathed! They did not mind us being there, but would snap if you got too close. My friends and I went a little crazy taking pictures with them, but when will I ever be up close and personal with a penguin again?!?! 

Me and my penguin friends

Besides the fact that I was amongst penguins, the beach itself was beautiful. Big boulders (hence the name) were scattered throughout the shore and water creating a secluded feeling to the beach. After frolicking with the penguins we took a swim. Some of the penguins even swam close to us! 

African Penguin colony

The day did not end with Simon's Town. Yesterday was a full moon, and in Cape Town there is a citywide pilgrimmage to Lion's Head to hike, watch the sunsent, and then watch the moon rise. We left a little late and did not make it to the peak for the sunset, but watching it from the side of the mountain was beautiful nonetheless. 

Sunset on Lion's Head

There were many people on the trail as we made our up, so hiking was slow. It did not matter because it gave us more time to take in the scenery. The last part of our ascent was made in the dark, but the light from the full moon made finding footing much easier. At the peak we spent some time with all the other people from the city enjoying the view. Cape Town was a sea of lights pulsing with life under the full moon. Taking some time in silence to reflect on my time here thus far was peaceful and relaxing in the moonlight.   

Table Mountain in the shadow of the sunset

This week is another one full of service and school. I cannot wait to see how the rest of my days unfold at iThemba Labantu and UWC. Sorry for the delay in this blogpost- I'll try to blog more often so as not to keep you in suspense! 

A Multitude of Drops

'Oh, you'll grow hoarse, poor & gray in caucuses! You'll be spat on, shot at, lynched, pacified with medals, spurned by backwoodsmen! Crucified! Naive, dreaming Adam. He who would do battle with the many-headed hydra of human nature must pay a world of pain & his family must pay it along with him! & only as you gasp your dying breath shall you understand, your life amounted to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean!'

Yet what is any ocean but a multitude of drops?

Cloud Atlas, 509

Today I finished Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. It has been one of my favorite movies since I saw it three times in one week last fall. So, of course I had to experience its conception as a novel. Right before I left for South Africa, I bought the book and have been making my way through it ever since. It has been the perfect companion for the beginning of my journey, and will continue to be on my mind for the rest of the semester. The quote above encapcualtes my feelings about my time here in South Africa. Whether in reference to the organization with which I will be working for the semester, the classes I will attend at UWC, or the various adventures on which I will embark, each moment is a drop in mine and the world's ocean. And all these drops cummulate to form my experience here, and contribute to the wider human experience as well. As I was discerning a calling to study in South Africa for the semester, many people questioned my intent on coming to Africa. They asked questions like, "Why Africa, why not someplace nice like Europe?" or "Won't that be dangerous?" and "Where will you live?" I bring this up not to make mockery of these questions because I, too, asked these questions of myself. Yeah, why not Europe? Europe is awesome and has so many places to travel. Indeed it does, and I hope to visit there someday as well. But there was no knot in my chest aching for Europe. Yes, Cape Town is dangerous, but so is every other major city in the world.  I live in a house with 19 other people in a neighborhood outside of Cape Town. It is an amazing community to which I am excited to belong. We have electricty, running water, and pretty much all the amenities I am used to in the United States. To be honest, I do not know exactly where my conviction to be in this place at this time came from. There was something calling me to go where I had never considered before. There was something calling me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. There was something calling me to say yes despite all my doubts, fears, and anxities. And here I am. And I am trying to make every drop count.

Drop: Abseiling at Smalblaar Canyon

Strapped in and ready to make my descent

Abseiling, also know as rappeling, also know as canyoning last weekend was my favorite day of my time here so far. We were picked up at 6am and driven an hour to our secluded destination hidden in the farming mountains. Even though most of the morning was frigid due to fog, mist, and clouds, I could not deny the beauty of my surroundings. Throughout the day, I rappeled down 5 different waterfalls, hiked on the rocky formations, and bonded with my housemates. 

Some of the waterfalls were extra slippery 

This descent was within the path of the waterfall ending in a swimming hole at the bottom

The water was so clean and clear that we drank directly from the river. Our guides were such awesome people, and I am so glad I was able to spend the day learning from, talking with, and joking with them. We ended our day back on top of the mountain with cold beer and laughs.

Drop: Hiking Lion's Head

Sunday morning three of us headed out early to hike the easiest of the three peaks closest to us (Lion's Head). The other two had already completed this hike once before, but it was my first time up Lion's Head. Although it was not a particularly difficult hike, we went along at a fast clip and were drenched in sweat by the time we reached the top. The trail was crowded with hikers, but an amazing view of the ocean, a slight breeze, and a cloudless sky made the trek exceptionally enjoyable. 

View from atop Lion's Head

Hannah, Duke, and Me

Drop: Truth Coffee Roasting 
If you know me, you know I like my coffee. Truth Coffee Roasting on Buitenkant Street in Cape Town is the most unique coffee house I have ever stepped into. The steampunk-themed roasting house encompasses a large space with exposed pipes, unique design, and an eccentric staff. The cappuccino I sipped was most delectable compared to the instant coffee I have been downing every morning. Needless to say, I will been spending more time...a lot more time at Truth. 

Drop: First Full Day at iTemba Labantu

My first day at iTemba Labantu was full of smiles, funny looks, and many many languages. Because the morning program only has three children at the moment, I spent most of my day alongside Nina, a longterm German volunteer around my same age. She has been with iTemba Labantu since September and is such a sweet person. Because the oganization is of German origin, many of the directors and volunteers speak German. However, many of the children and people coming to access services speak Xhosa. Basically, I did not always understand what was happening. But it really did not bother me that much. Watching people interact without focusing on what he or she was saying was incredibly interesting. In the afternoon I was paired with two boys, Anam and Sithambele. I will be tutoring them for the rest of the semester, but our first encounter was filled more with laughs, unsure shyness, and getting to know eachother than studying. 

Drop: Get Fit South Africa
One of the unexpected perks of living with 19 other people has been a constant flow of motivation. We going running together. We do insane ab work outs together. We practice yoga together. We cook together. Being in a house of active, health conscious, and motivated individuals has been an amazing experience. Everyone is doing something different, and therefore we all learn from one another.

Drop: First Class of Rural Sustianable Livelihoods
Today was my first class of a geography course called Rural Sustainable Livelihoods. I was intrigued from the moment the class began until the very end. We talked about the different areas in South Africa, the historical context of geography and apartheid, and the way we define terms versus the multiple layers hiding below each word. Listening to the professor speak of places I did not recognize and historical events I did not know made me want to run up to her and ask where I could acquire a large and detailed map of South Africa. It made me want to ask every South African what the best books to read about their own history are. The academic within me leapt at the complexities of our discourse. I am thrilled to be in this class, and know it will challenge me in ways I will not expect. 

So many drops, so many moments in such a short time.
Yet what is any ocean but a multitude of drops?

South Africa Bucket List

This is my most current bucket list. I have completed some of the items on the list already, and I am sure there will be many more added as the days go by. Anything in italics has already been completed

- Camps Bay Beach

-Simon's Town, Boulder Beach, Penguins

-Muizenberg Beach

-Long Street night life

- Moonlight Mass Night Cycle

-Hike Lion's Head

-Hike Devil's Peak

-Hike Table Mountain

- 3 Peak Challenge (hike Lion's Head, Devil's Peak, and Table Mountain in one day)

-Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Sunday night outdoor concert

-Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

-Truth Coffee @ Buitenkant Street

- Mzoli's

-Old Biscuit Mill Weekend Market

-Market on Wharf (V&A Waterfront)

- Signal Hill

-Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

-Robben Island

-Clifton Bay Beach

-Cape Town Stadium/Soccer/Rugy game

-Lion's Head Full Moon Hike (Feb.15th)

-Canyoning/abseiling/repeling down waterfalls with Frixion Adventure

-Wine Tour in Stellenbosch

-Whale watching in False Bay (June)

-Greenmarket Square

-Church Street Antique market

-Brass Bell restaurant

-Hiking in Silvermine Park

This is just the beginnings of what will be on my agenda for the rest of the semester. I'll keep you posted as I complete each one. 

Also, I know many of you have my address, but I'll put it down here just in case. I love that snail mail...and snail it will be, but who cares!

mail sent through USPS-
South Africa Service Learning Program
P.O.178
Observatory 7935
Cape Town, South Africa

mail sent by courier (FedEx, DHL)-
Kimberley House 
2 Kimberley Road
Observatory 7925
Cape Town, South Africa