Since coming to South Africa there have been a few times that I have made the mistake of thinking that I am someone coming to help. People at home sometimes think the same way- “Wow, how great of you to go help and volunteer”. I have noticed that this understanding has potential to cause some problems. After attending the We Have Faith rally for COP 17, MUD4 discussed a little about why there may have been low attendance. It was a good reminder to hear that many people in this world are not so concerned about climate justice when they do not even have dinner to serve or people in this area may not recycle because they do not even have proper trash pick up. I began to think about my own site and the way I think that I have been helping to ‘educate’ the children I am with each day.

Working at Thusong Children’s Center I have been able to come up with various programs for the children along with the other volunteers. We brainstorm with each other about what types of workshops or activities we can organize to benefit the different ages and genders. Normally what happens is that we decided based on what we each are familiar with. One volunteer knows how to sew, so she made beanbags with them. Another has knowledge on art history, another with South African history, another on sports, and myself with knowledge concerning sexual assault. These are the things that we try to base workshops and activities around for the kids when they have free afternoons.

I mean, I think it somewhat resourceful. Myself and the other volunteers are using the knowledge we have to share and educate the children at Thusong. I think that my professors would be proud. Problem is I’m not sure that the kids at Thusong are truly that interested. For a ‘street kid’ who doesn’t attend school, it is hard to believe that he benefits much from zoning out while being informed about ‘important’ things. Spending my final semester at school studying sexual assault and facilitating workshops around campus was both eye opening and beneficial to me. But what does this mean for a child who may be currently experiencing this abuse or one having been taken from his or her home because of sexual assault? Not exactly the same as talking with a group of freshmen who joke about what may happen at a frat party. It’s been difficult thinking about what these children have faced or are currently facing. I want to help. How can I use my previous experiences or knowledge to do so?

During the first MUD retreat we went around the circle and each told about the walls we have been facing, the difficulties that we struggle with. Then we went around again and talked about the ways that we can conquer or deal with these struggles. Each of us came up with an answer or result for getting passed the struggle. It’s like we could come up with the biggest problems we face daily in South Africa and also somewhat of an answer to that problem or a way to cope within just a few minutes. If only everything could be worked out that quickly. It’s hard to wrap my head around.

The ELCA Global Mission did not appoint me to inform South Africa about what I learned in my favorite college courses. They definitely did not appoint me to come and feel sorry for my community and others around this part of the world. During the rest of the year it will be important for me to continue questioning why I’m here. Though I am comfortable and able to just ‘be’, IS there something I can ‘do’?

MUD4's First Retreat

During the last week in November myself and the rest of the South African YAGM’s got together for our first retreat. I remember leaving for Kimberley in the beginning of September thinking that three months seemed like a long time before we would all be back together. Time keeps on going pretty fast.

We all met back in Pietermaritzburg, home of our country coordinators Brian and Kristen. We spent our first few days here and celebrated Thanksgiving. Whoa- considering we’re in South Africa celebrating an American holiday it was an amazing Thanksgiving. Kristen cooked a delicious turkey, homemade stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes and pie. The rest of us also brought our contributions, which we prepared at the backpackers. We had way too much. Apart from the food, I also enjoyed a true feeling of thanksgiving. I realized how thankful I am for this group of people I have here in SA, as well as at home. During these first few days we really got into sharing what we’ve all been up to, what our struggles have been and how we may work on coping with these difficulties.

After a few nights we moved to a different backpackers located near the South African- Lesotho boarder. This place was pretty dope. Pool, hot tub, bar, fire pit, mini rick wall included. The first day we went on a hike lead by Brian through the Drakensburg Mountains. These mountains were second in the running for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies. Stunning.

The following day we had the privilege to travel into Lesotho. Also stunning. Lesotho is basically an island in the middle of South Africa and is the third poorest country in the world. After passing through boarder control, we enjoyed the day learning about Lesotho’s history and about its people. We walked up to a beautiful look out point, saw old paintings on the side of cliff walls, tried some traditional beer in a small room completely packed with our group and village members, and met a Sangoma (traditional herbal doctor).

Finally, on our last day together we attended the “We Have Faith” rally in Durban for COP 17- Climate Justice. It was really a privilege to be there, to hear from important leaders about the importance of climate justice, and to see how this project is moving forward in South Africa. Among many speakers, Desmond Tutu was there. I didn’t know much about him before coming here, but this man is an incredible and inspirational religious leader. Huge honor to hear him speak.

We were only together for five days but were able to do a lot of great things. This year during Thanksgiving week I was reminded about everything I have to be thankful for. I was able to reconnect with my friends who informed me about issues and joys happening in their part of SA, I was able to hike and view the amazing beauty of this country and in Lesotho, and I was able to take part in a rally not only important for South Africans but for all of us.

Give Thanks.

During the week I spend the majority of my time at my two placement sites. The kids at Re Tlameleng School are finishing up their year and I won’t be back with them until January, after their summer holiday. During this time my other site, Thusong Children’s Center, will have a lot more going on since the kids will be home all day, everyday from school. I look forward to this change in routine for the Holiday season.

Besides my work at the school and center, a lot of my time has revolved around the Lutheran Church in Kimberley. I haven’t talked about it yet, so I thought I’d introduce you now to my church, St. Sylvesters.

Last year they celebrated 125 years.

The structure of the service is very similar to that of Mt. Pleasant, my church in Racine (The structure of the building is not). The biggest difference is that about 98% of the service is in Afrikaans, so I sort of don’t know what is being said. I mean- I don’t know what is being said. Dinah, my host mother, writes down the Bible readings each Saturday night for me so I can read along in English and come up with a makeshift sermon for myself. Actually, you’d be surprised how much you are able to understand during a church service in a different language. I may not understand the words, but I never feel lost.

The church is about a 5-minute walk from our house, so Dinah and I walk each Sunday joining up with other members as we go. St. Sylvesters has communion every first Sunday and if there are any baptisms they take place every third Sunday. Offering each week is different from what I’m used to at home. We all go up in rows as we sing and place our offering in the collection at the front of the church. Everyone goes up and everyone contributes.

One of my best purchases here has been my hymnbook. With it I am able to follow along with the service, the prayers and the hymns. There are also a few English hymns that the Dean sometimes includes- probably to humor me. My hymnbook is already full of notes I’ve made for myself- sit, stand, this part is sung, Psalm, 1^st reading, etc. I’ve been trying to learn the Lord’s Prayer:

Onse Vader wat in die hemel is, laat u Naam geheilig word; laat u koninkryk kom; laat u wil geskied, soos in die hemel net so ook op die aarde; gee ons daaglikse brood; en vergeef on sons skulde, soos ons ook ons skuldenaars vergewe; en lei ons nie in versoeking nie, maar verlos ons van die bose. Want aan u behoort die koninkryk en die krag en die heerlikheid tot in eqigheid. Amen.

Another great thing about my hymnbook is looking through Luther’s Small Catechism in the back. (Die Klein Kategismus) Anyone who has studied the small blue book or attended a Missouri Synod school like myself knows the repetition of memorizing it and the phrase that follows each commandment and creed- “What does this mean?” In Afrikaans you would say “Wat beteken dit?”

The elders sit in the pews to the left facing the aisle and the youth sit in the pews to the right facing the aisle. The rest of us sit in the middle facing the altar. Dinah is an elder so I usually sit with the two Omas (grandmothers) of the church. Sundays are good.

Besides Sunday service, I have also been able to attend various church gatherings. Attending funerals has been a big part of my Saturday morning schedule. I have doubled my funeral attendance since being here, I think. It has been something I’ve had to get used to, but also something that I am appreciative of. Attending these funerals has allowed me to witness how my community mourns and celebrates life at the same time. The most meaningful funeral I’ve attended was for Dinah’s brother-in-law. Vicky passed away a few hours after Dinah and I were visiting him at the hospital. The funeral took place on November 5^th. Six years ago, to the day, Dinah was in the same graveyard burying her husband. I was happy to be with Dinah on that day. Prayer meetings are another event that I attend with Dinah. The prayer meetings usually take place in or outside of someone’s home. They will be held after someone passes away or if someone is ill. It’s not a typical meeting, but rather a time for singing and praying. It’s pretty awesome to be sitting around someone’s backyard singing out loud surrounded by a group of woman all dressed in their black and white church uniforms.

Other church activities I have been apart of include joining the youth when they meet on Fridays for movies and games, going with the Dean as he serves communion and visits with the elderly and ill, attending National conventions with the Cape Orange Diocese Young Adult League and having fun and eating at the church Bazaar.

This is a picture of the Young Adult League form St. George Lutheran in Kimberley. My very first weekend here I traveled with them to Rustenburg for the YAL conference. There were about 400 people all there ready to sing and dance- for 10 hours straight.

As far as I could tell Halloween isn't celebrated in Kimberley. However, that weekend my church held a fantastic Bazaar. Candy apples included.

Tables were set up selling cakes, cookies and candy. Each church group had there own table to manage- the elders, the Sunday School, the Men's League, the Sisters.

Famous South African Braai

This is called Potjiekos. It's sort of like pot roast but cooked over a fire.

When people ask me what I’ve been up to here in Kimberley I start talking about the school and children’s center right away. However, my church and the Lutheran community in Kimberley have also become a major part of my experience. The relationships I’ve built have been so strong and meaningful and I get to learn and experience something new every week. Sundays are good.

South African travel

This month I’ve had the great opportunity to visit two other YAGM volunteers at their placement sites in South Africa. From the communication I’ve had with the others, it had seemed as if our sites vary in many ways. After spending time at these two different sites, I know now for sure that they vary in many ways! My week long trip allowed me to experience these differences while observing a lot more of South Africa. I started my journey in Kimberley and traveled 6 hours by bus to Johannesburg. The skyline of Johannesburg and the busy bus transit was much different from the small information center where I began earlier that morning in Kimberley. Traveling the half hour by car from the bus stop to Soweto also allowed me to see more of the city life and finally reach one of the volunteer sites at the Central Diocese center. The next leg of my journey continued north on a 4 hour bus ride from Soweto to Polokwane and then on to a small village named Masealama by taxi. From the bus window I saw the beautiful countryside and watched as the landscape become less flat. The hills and ranges in South Africa are absolutely amazing. During these bus rides I would get caught up in the movies being played or listening to music and then all of a sudden look out the window and realize where exactly I was.

Like I said before, each of our sites differ in their own unique ways and during my visits I was able to experience many new things. One of my favorite parts was being able to hang out with people who spoke the other languages of South Africa. If you didn’t know, South Africa claims 11 national languages and each time the bus stopped, or when I would reach a new destination, the people would be speaking a different language. For instance, the people in Kimberley and those who live in the two other sites I visited each speak a different language. It would be like Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa each having a different primary language. Other new experiences included fetching water since there is no running water in Masealama, eating chicken feet and mopane worms, volunteering at a crèche, worshiping in the language of Sotho and attending my first South African soccer game. Knowing now how different the settings we all reside in are, I have a greater appreciation for the time and effort put into selecting where each of the twelve of us volunteers would be placed all over South Africa. In a way it was satisfying to see how well my friends fit into their new homes and at the same time realize the great fit Kimberley is for me.

The mileage between myself and the other volunteers has at times been difficult, especially after getting to know them all so well and becoming such great friends. Then again, I’m starting to realize the great opportunity we as MUD4 have, given our different locations and unique volunteer work. For one, we have the awesome chance to travel around South Africa and visit and volunteer alongside one another. More importantly, however, is the opportunity we have to learn from one another. The different sites mean different learning experiences that would not be available if we were not spread out as much as we are. Through out the year I will be able to share my personal experience in Kimberley and take with me the experiences I learn from my friends living all through out South Africa.

Most of my travel was spent in Masealama. The landscape in the Limpopo province is different from the flat terrain in the Northern Cape where Kimberley is located. It was great walking around with this scenery surrounding me.

The crèche I was able to volunteer at was in Masealama. The children and youth I am with in Kimberley are mostly over the age of 8 so it was nice to spend time with these little ones.

The soccer game was ridiculous. It felt great partaking in an exciting sporting event on a Sunday afternoon. We cheered on the Kaizer Chiefs as they beat the Black Leopards 2-1. The game was held in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, one of the stadiums used during the 2010 World Cup.

I was saying before that while on the bus I would at times forget that I was actually traveling around South Africa. Even when pulling into Johannesburg I thought for a second that I was back in Milwaukee! This bridge looks extremely familiar, right?!

Finally, I thought I’d share with you what I watch for two hours on the bus-- jazz flute. I’m Ron Burgundy?

What's a meatball?

Before leaving for South Africa people would ask me what types of food I would miss the most. I would normally say mini corndogs, meatballs, appetizers in general. Well, take a look at what I’ve been eating in South Africa…

Mini corndogs, meatballs, appetizers in general.

A Month in Kimberley

Help me always to speak the truth quietly,

To listen with an open mind when others speak,

And to remember the peace that may be found

In silence

-Cherokee prayer

From the moment I arrived in Kimberley I was told that my new home would be in a quiet area. Since then, as I sit with my host mother each morning with our tea and coffee she comments on the quietness of her street. I agree that the street is quiet. It lacks the sound of busy traffic or any loud shouting. I can hear the pigeons hanging out on the roof and have started to recognize and distinguish the sounds of the different barks coming from the neighbor’s yards.

Despite this description, the conversations that I have had on this block have been LOUD. I have been a part of loud conversations regarding South African history and how it has affected the communities and individuals within Kimberley, the history of Kimberley and the ongoing search for and controversy over diamonds, the history of the many churches in my city, and the history of my neighbors and their families. I have been witness to the not-so-quiet emotions of my new neighbors and friends. For example, the excitement and nervousness of a girl getting her make-up done before her matric farewell, the pain and sadness as a family mourns the loss of a loved one, and the ease and joy that comes from sitting around with friends over a cool drink and some fat cakes. The talk and chatter that fills my new house and the houses around me on this ‘quiet’ street have spoken to me in very deep and wonderful ways.

Another place in Kimberley has shouted loud enough to catch my attention. This place is a first grade classroom full of brilliant and enthusiastic students who happen to be deaf. My voice, regardless of its volume, does not get me anywhere as far as communication goes in this setting. On my first day I thought, “How can I be of any help sitting here silent and not knowing any sign language?” But I was caught off guard and another seemingly quiet place turned into a loud and exhilarating experience. During my time in this classroom I have noticed the emotions so easily read across the student’s faces and their large and deliberate movements and signs fill a room with a sense of noise. I have found even without a common language, the kids and I are able to communicate, work and laugh together. When too many children try to get my attention I find myself instinctively saying, “shhh”, even though there’s no audible sound to quiet down.

Needless to say, the Kimberley that I have experienced over the last month is far from quiet, both at home and in the places I am volunteering in. Even my surroundings seem to be calling out for my attention in the most wonderful ways. Whether that is an enormous ostrich that walks up across the street in someone’s yard or flock of hot pink flamingos flying over me. I didn’t even know flamingos flew. I’m pretty sure they don’t at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. I have been brought to attention here in Kimberley. I simply cannot help but continually be blown away, even at the everyday things that may be quiet and ordinary to others. I’ve learned that words and actions do not have to be loud to be heard or meaningful. I’ve learned that we all have a voice, disability or not, and that what we have to say can be powerful regardless of where or who it is coming from.

The Cherokee prayer above was found in a packet of readings and reflections given to us YAGM’s in Chicago during orientation in August. I think that I can understand it a little bit better after being here in Kimberley for only a month. With an open mind it is truly amazing what can be heard even on a quiet street or from a child who communicates differently than you. I look forward to continuing this year in Kimberley with ears, eyes and mind wide open, ready to take it all in even on a peaceful, silent evening.

Self-care

During the Chicago orientation in August we had a session and a few discussions about self-care. I found this information extremely important in this time of being thrown into the unfamiliar and unknown. It has been good for me to stay conscious that I am in control of how I treat myself and what attitude I keep, especially since there has been little within my control since being here.

I love to be surrounded by conversation and noise (and have had A LOT of it in the last month) but I’ve realized that having time alone is almost as important for me. One way I have been able to give this time to myself is by popping in the headphones and having a yoga practice in the backyard each day. My house has a cement slab underneath one of the trees, which I have selected as my spot. My host mother is sweet and has taken it upon herself to sweep it for me every other day or so. She is still resisting the daily offer to come join me.

I’ve found this time to be important for both my mental and physical health- not to mention my ‘bird of paradise’ is looking great. It is something that I look forward to each day.

Namaste.