Is Africa really all that different to home?
Since arriving in South Africa my views and opinions have changed greatly. For each of the many houses we have visited, painted and built we have come across various types of personality. On some occasions you could be forgiven for thinking that the family could make more of their surroundings, keep a tidy plot of land and as back home strive for more.
Some families we have met and spent time with have perfectly kept homes and grounds. These people I felt ‘deserved’ there new home more as they cared far more for their surroundings. I have since learnt that for some keeping used or old items littered on their land is a sign of wealth.
Unemployment in the region is 80% and by fermenting sugar and water into alcohol, many turn to drink as a form of relief from the world they have been born into. Many people in the area have a life expectancy of 35 so it’s no wonder they have low self esteem and no self worth. Part of our journey this week took us to a workshop that helped children and adults with social and physiological needs.
Children who have lost their parents and of which a large number had been raped are taught all about their ‘private places’ through song and to encourage telling 5 people, police, doctors, teachers etc if they felt those places had been compromised by anyone.
At the children’s home I met a young boy, deformed and paralysed from the waist down. “What’s his story” I asked the social worker, “he was gang raped by 30 men leaving him disabled” she replied. I cried there and then. This poor lad of just 16 had suffered this ordeal when he was just 12. But what amazes me most was that he learnt to walk with crutches, and through the wonderful work at the children’s home is now moving this week to a be with his lost family, cared and provided for and thanks to the CoCos foundation will have a new home in December.
The people here use God to give them a focus in the same way many of us would use our jobs, hobbies and family. God gives them hope and fills a void and time where for us ‘coronation street’ would be. When they sing they smile. When they prey they believe, and when you offer hugs they accept and hug you back with twice the love.
On my two down days on this trip I started to feel that nobody here helps themselves. I’m so cross for feeling that. When I reflected I thought more about this, for example, my mum keeps a beautiful home and tidy land. One of her neighbours has a very overgrown garden and let’s the whole road down. We all know people who could work but choose not too, or drink because they are unhappy. So in a world of where 7 out of 10 people have HIV and only 20% work, I can totally sympathise.
On the whole, the people of South Africa, however poor, have been beautiful, kind and loving. I can’t wait to return!
Gary xx
