Open Arms

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"MOLO!"

I am in South Africa at an Orphanage called Open Arms. I reside in a tiny town called Komga, about 45 mins away from East London.

I absolutely LOVE it here. I am part of one big family...a family of 30 kids that is! We live on top of a hill that overlooks the town, rolling mountains and even the sea. Africa is beautiful in every aspect. The culture is wild and people are generally friendly, though it is still a wise choice to be cautious. I am learning bits and pieces of the language (Xhosa) and am proudly adjusting to such an amazing lifestyle. I try to watch the sunset every evening, and the hope to wake for the sunrise a few times a week. I have been doing photo work for Open Arms, but have been having a bit of trouble unloading the finished products. The internet connection is fairly poor at the moment, but hey, I can't complain!

I have only been here for three weeks and have already learned so many valuable life lessons. The children are beautiful. They all come from tragic backgrounds and have lived through unimaginable trials already in their young lives, yet their happiness shines above the darkness of their past. Only two children are HIV positive. I feel truly blessed to be a part of their lives. Not only do I feel as if I belong here, but I also feel that I am making a great difference every day.

In the morning, I join the preschoolers in the "Cresh" to sing songs, work on special activities and fun projects. I help the older children with homework, reading and English every night. I play with the babies until my arms can no longer take the repetitive lifting and swinging. I help cook and serve various meals with the house mothers, sing an unlimited amount of songs, play my mandolin for the kids, teach a few children to play the ukulele, personally tutor selected children, take part in craft projects, bake banana bread and birthday cakes with the kids, run around outside playing tag and soccer, go to the tiny Komga library and church once a week, help with the grocery shopping, settle down for movie night every Friday and Saturday, read stories, tuck the babies in for bed...the list continues. There is certainly never a dull moment!

To be continued....

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