The past
week of our trip has been so emotional but has made me fall so in love with
this city. The first part of our orientation made everything about the city
seem so beautiful and perfect but as the week went on we learned more about the
history of apartheid and its repercussions today. As we did the tourist
attractions daily it became evident that there is only so much you can see
before the recent and depressing history hits you. Because it’s so fresh, the
evidence is everywhere whether you’re walking through District 6, taking the
trip to Robben Island, or even just driving away from the airport you have to
see the past and present examples. This week has pushed me into falling in love
with this place but also forcing me to recognize the negative aspects.
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| Ainsley finding the joy amongst the challenges |
The
absolute best part of my week though has been that every time I look around a
township and feel discouraged or see this terrible car accident on the side of
the high way, within hours we are exposed to something or someone who reminds
me why I already love Cape Town. While learning about District 6 and the
terrible actions of apartheid on the black and colored citizens a man name Joe
described his first hand experiences. And while his story was depressing with
long lasting consequences later that week we ran into Joe at a jazz club and
watched him laugh, dance and sing. Later in the week we went to Elonwebeni, an
abandoned children’s shelter in the township Mitchell’s Plain. Mama Frances
showed us around the facility and introduced us to greatest children. They were
so beautiful and optimistic despite coming from terrible circumstances. The
little girls begged us to stay and jump rope or push them on the swings longer
and when we couldn’t kissed our cheeks and made us promise to come back. We had
spent hours touring townships and seeing such hardships and these kids just
reassured me of why I’m here. There have been dozens of instances in the past
ten days when I felt like I was losing hope or faith or whatever but there is
always someone who steps in to make it better and reassure me. I’m starting to
think that’s the way it is in Cape Town though, that as soon as it gets bad
there will be something to brighten it back up.
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