Friday 19 August 2011

A week in

My first week is up here at Refilwe. I can't say it has been incredible or life changing already. It's been a bit slow and I've been a bit lonely. Getting settled in hasn't been easy but I know these feelings will pass. I am surprised at how quickly I am adapting to my living space. My first day I was so comfortable, like I've been living here for some time already. Slowly but surely my place is being found here, and Im looking forward to what the future holds for me.
Tonight I met with a group of young girls who are organizing a group that meets regularly to discuss poverty, HIV, teen pregnancy, drug/ alcohol abuse, etc... most of the main issues here in South Africa, and throughout the whole continent in fact. They want to become familiar and informed about these issues and one day go out into the community and share their knowledge and become apart of change. These girls are teenagers. It's really incredible to see how inspired they are, at such a young age, to want to not only learn about the problems in the world around them, but act upon them to bring change. I'm really excited to be one of the volunteers over-seeing this group and watching it's growth. I'm liking these girls already ;)
Another wonderful thing... there is a sewing room. With sewing machines! I am so happy that I will have the chance to do some sewing while I'm here. I spent almost the whole day in there today. Soon I will help out another lovely volunteer we have here with sewing lessons. We are teaching some of the ladies here how to sew. Soon we will be able to take these lessons out into the communities. Its a good skill to have in a lot of these areas. There are so many people with clothes just falling off their bodies. If you can't get new ones, it's good to know how to do a bit of repairing.
Well, I am very very excited about what I get to be apart of here. More to come in the future. Of course I must send out my love and thanks for all the support!
Until next time...

2 comments:

  1. Sounds awesome! Isn't it amazing how God uses all the experiences and skills for good :) I'm pretty sure that while you learning mad sewing skills from Ms. Avitable that you would one day be teaching sewing in South Africa!
    The girls are lucky to have you!

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  2. Refilwe has a way of becoming "Home" in short order... God obviously has a reason for you to be there, or I doubt it would have worked out so slick for you to work it all out! We are HERE for you, and look forward to a possible (probable) trip in the spring....

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