Having discovered a special love for the simple life in third world areas, I definitely did not expect to fall in love with South Africa this much. It’s certainly a month of transition, as we have re-entered the world of hot showers, drinkable tap water, abundant electrical outlets, and decently comfy beds. Oh! And even markets that sell hummus and seem nicer than Whole Foods. We still drive on the left side of the road, but that’s hardly abnormal anymore. Most of the reverse culture shock we’d get during our first weeks in the States is hitting us now!
The Daughters of Zion are paired with another all-female team this month called the Janes. We’re living at a campsite in bunks, and we’re blessed to be a 0.6-mile walk from the beach! Running on the beach toward the sunrise has been incredible. It’s worth crawling out of my cozy sleeping bag and braving the howling wind and chilliness of a Cape Town winter morning!
Our ministry contact Malcolm has graciously allowed the 14 of us to choose which ministry to be involved in this month. Four of the girls are devoted to an incredible faith-based rehab center next door called Camp Joy, and six are regularly going to Phumlani Village for Malcolm’s community center called New Chapter Foundation (NCF). New Chapter provides daycare/after-school care for the underprivileged and abused children of Phumlani. These kids are neglected and malnourished, and a majority of them are sexually abused. Some come barefoot on streets full of broken glass and trash, wearing shorts and t-shirts in the winter weather. At the center, they have a safe place to play, receive educational support, and fill their bellies by weekly feedings. The remaining four of us are actually on his ‘creative/media team’ for marketing and publicity. Malcolm really needs help with fundraising for this amazing cause, and he lacks people and resources, so it is such a privilege to be making a tangible difference for his organization! We’re working on his new campaign called I Heart Afrika (with a ‘k’!) to get the word out about NCF. The campaign aims to raise support and gather volunteers to help these kids out.
You can help, too! [Check out/like the facebook page.] More details to come soon about how you can support the cause. But to give you an idea, it only takes 15 cents (USD) to sponsor ONE meal for a child! Currently we do Friday afternoon soup for about 80 kids, but more children can get more food by less than a dollar on your part!!
