Many Europeans (and some Americans) tell me this isn’t “real” Africa.  Apparently South Africa is too urbanized with big cities and night life to be considered a part of “real” Africa. Let’s not forget about the strong European cultural influence that thrives through the Cape Town streets.  I am not too sure what “real Africa” is, but I’m guessing since I haven’t seen a lion walk by me on the street, or I am not living in a hut, South Africa isn’t “real” enough.  If critics would open their eyes and closed minds, they would see the unimaginable living conditions that some people endure.  Cape Town has two of the largest townships (hood) in South Africa.  The abject poverty is apparent.  If these critics open their eyes, they would see people begging on the street at every robot (Traffic Light) in order to survive.
Last week the staff members were at a training to improve the ways things are accomplished at Christine Revel Orphanage.  In this training, they discussed how the children in the orphanage are actually being spoiled and are living better than the average child.  They noticed when a child is released back to their parents, they struggle with the adjustment and actually run away from their regular home life and return back to the orphanage.  At the home, the children receive two snacks, juice/water and three full healthy meals throughout the day.  This is considered growing up privileged.  My heart sank when I heard this because for me eating three meals a day with snacks was not considered growing up privileged.  While growing up I never had to wonder when my next meal was or where I would be sleeping.  The fear of not knowing sends these kids into a panic of just wanting to be back where things are consistent.  I realize that many families in America have struggles with poverty, homelessness and providing food for their children to eat.  It is difficult to see the reality of some people’s lives.
Whether you think it is “real” Africa, South Africa is Africa.  Many people with jobs are struggling to provide for their families.  Even if South Africa isn’t “real” enough, “my kids” are growing up without a family or a loving home.  They don’t get to hug their parents good night, kiss them good bye, or snuggle up under their mom when they are having a bad day.  These are all things I have taken for granted. “My kids” are given the best atmosphere that the orphanage can provide, but it still is not a family.  I guess once I have a pet lion,  I will finally be in the “real” Africa.
Until next time.
Stay Awesome,
Jill
 They will kick, scream, hit, cuss and all sorts of things before simply going to the toilet.  Lately the older kids have influenced my group into saying cuss words. I cannot say this word, because I do not know what it means and I cannot spell it.  It is extremely difficult trying to accomplish activities when three kids are crying, two kids are running around not listening, two kids are just staring and just four kids are actually trying to do the planned activity.
members do the best they can in order to give the children the correct discipline, love and everything that they need, but it is hard.  For example, one staff member in the morning is in charge of bathing, dressing and feeding 15 kids in about a two hours’ time. Even for a super mom this would be hard.  The other obstacle is the mental delays. Many of my kids act as though they are one and a half years old.   I’ve found out that one of my kids, Kyle, a 3-year-old boy that doesn’t talk. He only says “no” and cries a lot. His developmental struggles come from his mother drinking alcohol when she was pregnant.
On portions of Lion’s Head I was put out of my comfort zone and forced to rock climb.  While looking at the route I became discouraged; and I thought to myself I cannot make it. In life when you are looking at the obstacles ahead, you become discouraged. Sometimes you don’t know how or why things happen, but you feel defeated before the race even starts. My thoughts were crippling my actions and making it hard to move forward on my hike. After a few deep breathes and focusing on one step at a time the route became clear and less terrifying.
not a job for the weak at heart. Volunteering at Christine Revell is an extremely emotionally draining roller coaster that I must endure. For example, today the little boy, Immunati, he is a 2 years old and has been at the orphanage since the beginning of January and hasn’t made any noise other than crying. A 2 year old boy that does not make any joyful noises or say any words is a bit odd. Today his Aunt came to visit, in the beginning they discouraged the family to come visit because it was making the adjustment period worse for Immunati. In the last week, I have seen him smile, and today he actually started to make happy sounds while he was playing. The joy that filled my heart is something I cannot put into words. He has made such an amazing progress in the short three weeks I have been here. While his Aunt was leaving his cries were piercing to the ears and the heart; I can only imagine what his Aunt was feeling. Although Immunati may not truly understand what is going on now; she made an incredible selfless decision to give him a better home.
outh Africa, from my class. I still struggle to understand what many of the children; including the older ones are saying to me. These children are absolutely little bundles of joy and brighten up many parts of my day. Today I learned that I cannot adopt several of the kids in my class because they will be returning to their family. *Does happy dance!!!* Many parents who place their children in Christine Revell’s Children home is because hardships have fallen on the family and they want to provide a better means for the child. It is a relief to know that the families are being reunited and whole once again. I cannot contain the joy that fills my heart knowing that there are many happy endings to a sad beginning.
ExperienceSomethingAmazing 