There are so many unemployed. I read a sign on a middle aged man standing in the middle of an intersection - "A job or a donation would be much appreciated. Thank you very much". He is just one of millions. Others are selling what they can - poverty looks you in the face all the time.
It seems so unbelievable to me that so many people can have so little so close the city of Cape Town. It is very overwhelming and the contrast between those who have, and those who have so little makes it hard to write logically and sensibly when I'm processing all this. It's the sheer vastness of the problem that I hadn't anticipated. The shacks go on for miles upon miles. I've never seen anything like this in Washington DC or London.
The Ark School itself is not what I had expected either. The photos made it look better than what it is in reality. It is barren and depressing - I can see there is much work to be done here. We've met some of the teachers. If I had felt underskilled and unsure if I had anything to offer, those feelings have now left me. We all have much to offer. The senior phase classrooms are simply an old desk and chair - nothing more. I intend concentrating my time on supporting the senior phase subject teachers (students are aged 14-16) and the monitors.
Our driver Clinton is a very special man. He was waiting at Cape Town airport for us. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder, and a voice saying welcome to Africa. Clinton lives on Mitchell's Plain. We visited his wife, Jacky, and two cute boys, Cee-Jay (8) and Jayden (6) in their home. Clinton and his boys have come out to Betty's Bay with us - it's one hour from Cape Town going west from the airport along the south coast of Africa. Our B&B is run by Anlie who is providing us with great food and hospitality. If you ever come to Cape Town come to her guesthouse, Aandkoor, and she will spoil you.
The Ark School itself is not what I had expected either. The photos made it look better than what it is in reality. It is barren and depressing - I can see there is much work to be done here. We've met some of the teachers. If I had felt underskilled and unsure if I had anything to offer, those feelings have now left me. We all have much to offer. The senior phase classrooms are simply an old desk and chair - nothing more. I intend concentrating my time on supporting the senior phase subject teachers (students are aged 14-16) and the monitors.
Our driver Clinton is a very special man. He was waiting at Cape Town airport for us. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder, and a voice saying welcome to Africa. Clinton lives on Mitchell's Plain. We visited his wife, Jacky, and two cute boys, Cee-Jay (8) and Jayden (6) in their home. Clinton and his boys have come out to Betty's Bay with us - it's one hour from Cape Town going west from the airport along the south coast of Africa. Our B&B is run by Anlie who is providing us with great food and hospitality. If you ever come to Cape Town come to her guesthouse, Aandkoor, and she will spoil you.
Tomorrow the Ark Teachers join us here for two nights, as Anlie is partnering with us and providing the Ark Teachers and monitors with accomodation and food.
The long flights over were great. I was not sick at all. Christine and I got to sit by each other, and had a spare seat beside us - so we were able to spread out over the three seats. Wonderful. Thanks to all those who prayed for my health on the flight. Your prayers were answered.
