Dearest Reader,
Well there it is, month 1 is done.
I have been wanting to write about it for the longest, but every time I find myself at a lost of words. Where do I even begin? If I’m honest half of the time I can’t believe I actually did this, I actually left my home for 11 months.
In the past month I’ve had experiences that have humbled me, brought me joy, and left me completely shattered. I’ve went into classrooms with kids that smother me in love, paint, glue, and who knows what else. We’ve helped with a work project that required hours of shoveling and picking up rocks in the African heat. I’ve entered informal camps where I’ve been taught by the locals: how to properly wash clothes in a bucket, sweep, skin chicken heads/feet (well I watched my team, that was not for me), but more importantly I’ve learned to laugh in the midst of distress.
I’ve met people who have lived the hardest of circumstances, have left families, suffered lost and yet they are filled with joy. You walk into their humble homes where you are always received with a smile and always offered the only seat. I’ve met children who spill happiness with every step they take; they run towards you, a complete stranger, just to shower you with love. I’ve met strong women with a child strap to their back determined to overcome the hardships of this world with no one by their side. I’ve met true faith.
It is eye opening to meet so many people that carry so much joy regardless of the constant obstacles that are placed in front of them.
I want to keep this short and simple, so if you are reading this I just want you to know that you are known, loved, and cared for. You may not feel it and every single thing around you may be ten times louder, but I encourage you to sit and look for that quiet, subtle voice in your life that speaks a greater truth. It can be a word that pops in your head, a song, a picture, the methods to receive our father’s care is endless.
Love you all,
Irma
Enjoy some pictures of my month in South Africa
