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Published: April 3rd 2010
African Sunset
One of many amazing views of the skyHey everyone!!
Sorry I haven't been able to post sooner as the internet connections in Africa weren't always the quickest, so I'm posting after the fact. This is one of probably 4 or 5. I'm actually back in Europe - Den Haag to be exact but Africa was AMAZING!! It's definitely a country that I will be returning to as there is still so much to see and explore.
I arrived in S. Africa on March 12th and met our friend Brad and on the following Saturday, our 5 friends, Maureen (Brad's wife), Deborah(Maureen's baby - ha!), Lisa K. and Danielle and Josh flew in. Our few days in Joburg definitely helped me to see the stark reality of the hardship. I know there was much that I took for granted being a US citizen. The next few days made me understand the notion of unconditional passion and giving. There were moments during my time here that I simply had no second thoughts about giving unwillingly what I had.
We started off in Joburg with a bang as we met a friend of Brad's. Michael is a Canadian that lives in Joburg and is the head of a
great charity called Smile. He brought us to the township Soweto and his charity specifically works with the children there and it focuses on music - specifically with the marimba and with steel drums. We were fortunate enough to enjoy an afternoon of their rehearsal. It was fantastic! I was able to record some of their music and the kids entertained us thoroughly with their talent from music thru their sharp dancing skills. Michael has given so much opportunity for these kids and it's amazing as to what a small amount of unconditional love and attention can do to broaden and open a child's mind. His kids have had the privilege at times to travel out of the country to play for others. What is great about his charity is that even though it provides them the ability to broaden their hearts and minds, it also strives to teach them the benefits of where hard work and dedication will take them. You could tell that Michael had so much passion for his work with these kids and that he literally did anything to help them through. It was definitely a gift I won't forget having the opportunity to explore this.
The following day we headed up further north to another friend of Brad's. Leigh is the founder of a scholarship program that helps many kids from the surrounding township to get an education to prepare themselves for university. Our friend Brad met her on his trip to Antarctica and she's fascinating. We had the pleasure of staying with her and her family on their 33,000 hector property (about 75,000 acres!) That was kind of our first true encounter with the creepy crawlies of S. Africa - spiders, some shedded snakes skins, you know the usual... haha!
With Leigh we had the pleasure of having dinner with the scholarship kids and they were so engaging and wonderful to speak with. It was amazing to see the gratitude in their eyes for the opportunity they have been given and believe me, all of us left with tears in our eyes as we witnessed and heard their stories. Two of the students invited us to their homes which was built with simplicity to get them by. Their homes may have been on a decent piece of property but their actual homes might have only occupied a mere 1/4 of it. Yet
despite it all, they still carried the biggest smiles and their parents and family had such grace and wisdom. It was quite a blessing to have them invite us and to allow us to see a part of their lives, let alone willingly share it with us.
It's certainly an experience that I'll never forget and one that I'll be very grateful for. But more importantly I'll be sure to follow up with these amazing philanthropists and more importantly helping their causes and following up with the progress and success of these amazing kids.
Up next, Zambia - Victoria Falls and the beginning of our safari.
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Auntie Rose
non-member comment
Wow!!
Hi Lani, What can I say? . . . How fortunate for you that you were able to see, and experience the wonders of Africa and the generosity of your friends. How fortunate for the children and families who are being gifted with their kindness!! I am so happy for you and perhaps a bit envious!! Although being with all the tigers, elephants, etc. is definitely not my cup of tea!! .Take care and enjoy the rest of your trip. I talked to Flora the other day and she was most likely in Romania when you called. I think she'll be going out of country again on April 15 or 19. Luv ya, Auntie Rose