"Would you like a sandwich?"

July 18^th - The new day brought in a special event in South Africa: Nelson Mandela Day! This day commemorates the birth of the late South African President Nelson Mandela, who dedicated 67 years of his life to fighting for freedom and independence. The purpose of the day is for citizens across the globe to give at least 67 minutes of their time to give back and lend a helping hand to the rest of the world. As a temporary citizen in South Africa, the pressure was on to make our day of service extra special. The previous night we spent several hours researching different volunteer opportunities across the city of Cape Town. We finally settled on a site of service.

Our volunteer site was called the Big Sock Story. It took place in the downtown area of Cape Town near the stadium where the World Cup was held in 2010. It was put on by the Imphala Clothing Company. Their site was dedicated to handing out sandwiches, coffee, fruit, and socks to the homeless citizens in the area. We found out that morning that we had to prepare sandwiches in advance! My seven other companions and I quickly constructed jelly sandwiches as well as the infamous fish paste sandwiches in the car ride to the downtown district. Surprisingly, we prepared all the sandwiches on the ride there, totaling 80 sandwiches! As we arrived, we were instructed to walk through the downtown area and directly hand out the sandwiches.

That day was particularly cold and rainy. However, we had a mission. A mission to make a difference and to make our mark on Mandela Day in South Africa. We ventured out into the water-covered streets with the cool wind blowing against our rosy cheeks. Regardless of the pain that some of us may have felt, it was completely worth it. There were several people lined on the side of the streets. It was evident that they had no other place to go. The wall that blocked the frosty wind was their only form of salvation.

We walked up to the numerous people along the street, with a shining smile, and asked, “Would you like a sandwich and a pair of socks?” Without hesitation, they took both! Joy lit up in their poverty-stricken faces and they replied with the utmost humble gratitude.

Today was the first day that I had felt that my purpose here in Africa was being fulfilled. We came to Africa as a small group of students from the University of Missouri with hopes of learning more about becoming better educators.  Little do we know, we are slowly finding ourselves here in South Africa. We are transforming as individuals; learning to serve others, make a difference, stand up for what we believe in, to remain humble in all of our doings, and most importantly, to remain true to ourselves and those around us!

In the great words of Nelson Mandela, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

“MAKE EVERYDAY A NELSON MANDELA DAY” –Sophie Meskis, companion of my MU Teach Abroad experience in South Africa!