July 18th - 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!
Wow - this is a wonderful post and experience. I feel so blessed to have been able to watch you grow into this amazing and inspiring adult!
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