Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Day 11 Photos
Ryan and the ladies at the Cape Town YMCA
Susan, Dalene, Geraldene and me at the brie on our last evening
Nkosinathi, such an inspiring person
Cardie, who so kindly drove us around for two weeks, we would not have seen anything without him!Cape Town: Thursday, Dec. 10
Day 11: Bittersweet
Today was bittersweet. Every minute that passes brings me closer to my daughter who I miss so much, but takes me further away from my new friends, both my friends in Cape Town and my American friends who live all over the country, some of whom I may likely never see again. Although our group had some dramatic moments, everyone is uniquely amazing and incredible and we had a great experience together.
Started the day meeting with Consul General Alberta Mayberry to invite her on a vision tour of the Western Cape YMCAs, to which she agreed. Elaine and Chad were on their A-game and did a fabulous job articulating the work of the YMCAs and their importance in the community.
Had an excellent walk with Chad through Observatory and then to the Waterfront. Great conversation with a great person.
Met Susan and Ryan for ice cream at the Waterfront and relaxed for a bit. Enjoyed every minute. Headed back to the YMCA for our final supper, which was an African brie, or barbecue. Our gracious hosts had prepared lamb, chicken, pork, and salad, all of which was delicious. We had a great time spending our last few hours together. Then we headed to the airport for the long journey home.
Today was bittersweet. Every minute that passes brings me closer to my daughter who I miss so much, but takes me further away from my new friends, both my friends in Cape Town and my American friends who live all over the country, some of whom I may likely never see again. Although our group had some dramatic moments, everyone is uniquely amazing and incredible and we had a great experience together.
Started the day meeting with Consul General Alberta Mayberry to invite her on a vision tour of the Western Cape YMCAs, to which she agreed. Elaine and Chad were on their A-game and did a fabulous job articulating the work of the YMCAs and their importance in the community.
Had an excellent walk with Chad through Observatory and then to the Waterfront. Great conversation with a great person.
Met Susan and Ryan for ice cream at the Waterfront and relaxed for a bit. Enjoyed every minute. Headed back to the YMCA for our final supper, which was an African brie, or barbecue. Our gracious hosts had prepared lamb, chicken, pork, and salad, all of which was delicious. We had a great time spending our last few hours together. Then we headed to the airport for the long journey home.
Day 10 Photos
Great group of kids at YZone afterschool program led by Dalene and gang
Learning about these amazing girls
Fun game of "net ball" aka basketball
Skit performed by kids dealing with issues way beyond their yearsCape Town: Wednesday, Dec. 9
Day 10: Frustration and Hope
DeNovo Drug Rehabilitation Center
This was the first drug rehab center we visited and it was a great place. It’s funded by the government and teens can come at no cost to them or their families. They can get there three ways: come in on their own, a family member can submit a “police report” of sorts stating they are addicted and need help, or the court can mandate it. The greatest drug problem is “tick,” aka meth. Boys as young as 14 years old are addicted, it’s so sad. YMCA staff come in to the facility once per week to do teambuilding activities and teach life lessons. The YMCA staff also follow up with the kids after they leave the center by calling their parents and visiting their home to see if they are staying off drugs. Geraldene (YMCA staff at our host YMCA) told us only three of the dozen or so boys in each session she leads at DeNovo will overcome their addiction.
Listening to Geraldene talk to these boys was inspiring. Her words touched my heart and hopefully her message reached the boys’ hearts as well. She told them how much potential they have and that she and the YMCA is there for them with whatever they need to be successful in overcoming their addiction. She is a small, 21-year-old, soft spoken person, but her words were wise and powerful. If anyone can make a difference in those boys’ lives, it is Geraldene and her team.
YZone afterschool program
This afternoon we got watch Dalene in action! She led the YZone afterschool program and did an excellent job. The kids, ages 10-13ish, performed a skit about challenges they face. The skit involved the kids going to a party, and then the girl telling her mom she slept with a boy who has HIV and she is pregnant by him. I watched in disbelief that these children are faced with these issues at such a young age. I applaud Dalene and the rest of the YMCA staff for allowing the children to be so honest and address the real issues they are facing in their lives. They were great kids and we were lucky to have time to spend with them getting to know them and playing games.
DeNovo Drug Rehabilitation Center
This was the first drug rehab center we visited and it was a great place. It’s funded by the government and teens can come at no cost to them or their families. They can get there three ways: come in on their own, a family member can submit a “police report” of sorts stating they are addicted and need help, or the court can mandate it. The greatest drug problem is “tick,” aka meth. Boys as young as 14 years old are addicted, it’s so sad. YMCA staff come in to the facility once per week to do teambuilding activities and teach life lessons. The YMCA staff also follow up with the kids after they leave the center by calling their parents and visiting their home to see if they are staying off drugs. Geraldene (YMCA staff at our host YMCA) told us only three of the dozen or so boys in each session she leads at DeNovo will overcome their addiction.
Listening to Geraldene talk to these boys was inspiring. Her words touched my heart and hopefully her message reached the boys’ hearts as well. She told them how much potential they have and that she and the YMCA is there for them with whatever they need to be successful in overcoming their addiction. She is a small, 21-year-old, soft spoken person, but her words were wise and powerful. If anyone can make a difference in those boys’ lives, it is Geraldene and her team.
YZone afterschool program
This afternoon we got watch Dalene in action! She led the YZone afterschool program and did an excellent job. The kids, ages 10-13ish, performed a skit about challenges they face. The skit involved the kids going to a party, and then the girl telling her mom she slept with a boy who has HIV and she is pregnant by him. I watched in disbelief that these children are faced with these issues at such a young age. I applaud Dalene and the rest of the YMCA staff for allowing the children to be so honest and address the real issues they are facing in their lives. They were great kids and we were lucky to have time to spend with them getting to know them and playing games.
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