I've spent the past week back in George, volunteering with Life Community Services again. I left my heart here last month and I fear it will remain in South Africa with these children. The things I have seen and felt for these children were an unexpected blessing this semester - my soul both wept and cheered for them.
The courage of these children who face so much, every single day is outstanding. George has the highest per capita rates of alcoholism in SA. Walking through the township at 10am is proof of this, as almost every person you come across is stumbling around in some state of drunkenness. All money is wasted on alcohol and cigarettes. These are supposed to be the people raising children but really, the children raise themselves. And the care the children show each other - leading the little ones around by the hand, making sure they get food - is unbelievable. In face of it all, these children are finding their way in the world. But many are lost to the same struggles of their parents - which is what makes Life's ministry so important. It is giving these children a safe place to come where a hot meal is served, and even more, helping them find direction in their life by showing them God's love.
Each and every child has a powerful story to tell. Like one girl, whose parents are recovering alcoholics trying to put themselves together for the kids. The mom now works for Life and the change it has made in her life is obvious - no longer does she lay on the coach all day. Or the other girl, who comes from equally poor conditions but dreamed of being a dancer. Life helped her find her way, got her sponsorship to attend a dance school, and next year, she will be attending university to study ballet. There is hope for these children - they just need someone to care enough about them to show them the light.
My most powerful, and overwhelming, day was last Friday. I went to a center in the morning to wash and clothe the young children. I washed feet - laid hands on the children and showed them I did care about them. I scrubbed feet, knowing they would soon dirty again because there are no shoes to put on. Seeing the wounds, blisters, and sores on the little feet broke my heart. But soon after, I fitted them for new-to-them clothes (donated second-hand) and was renewed by their smiles. Each child was so happy to receive a sweater, or shirt, or pair of pants - you would have thought it was name-brand straight off the rack fashion. But to these preschoolers, this donated clothing would help keep them warm in the increasingly cold, wet winter, so they were joyful for whatever they received. (Really makes you stop and think about your own materialism)
And perhaps the biggest lesson comes in the form of food. Watching children under the age of 5, sitting on the floor, eating soup and doing their best not to spill a precious drop is a sight to behold. Who knows how much they are fed at home - but at least at Life, their bellies are filled. And never, EVER will I think of the phrase "Finish all the food on your plate! Think of all the starving kids in Africa!" in the same light again.
I have seen those starving children. I have witnessed their hunger, their pain, their worn clothing, their too-skinny legs. That is not something you forget. But you also don't forget the hugs. Or how eager they are to have their picture taken just so they can look at it or how they love to touch your soft, blonde hair. Or their smiles. Never will I forget the smiles - how quick they come in light of every hardship. Bless those children.
I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it
Something on the road, cut me to the soul
Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
(what I am made of)
and what I know of love
we've done what we've done and we can't erase it
we are what we are and it's more than enough
we have what we have but it's no substitution
Something on the road, touched my very soul
I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction
Something on the road, changed my world
(I Saw What I Saw, Sara Groves)
