Cindy's experience to remember

Cindy & Chantel

Looking back, the homestay was one of the best experiences I had while in Cape Town. Cynthia and I stayed in Ocean View with Chantel Daniels and her family. When we first arrived I wasn’t sure what to expect because when people mention the word township it automatically makes me think of poverty, small-unfurnished homes, and unstable conditions. However, this was nothing like that Chantel welcomed us in with open arms as did her parents and I really felt right at home. That night we ate dinner together as a family and her mother even asked us what food preferences we had so that she could cook us food we’d like for the following days. The next day we woke up and went to our volunteer placements; we were at the Green Curtain Project, which is a preschool/kindergarten for children in the area. They were all so precious; I really enjoyed my day with them. I assisted the teacher and then played outside with the children until it was naptime. After naptime the parents came and picked up their kids and because it was a Friday it was also a shortened day for the children. 

Later that day we went to a communal dinner at one of the host parents’ houses’, the food was amazing and everyone was so willing to give. I really enjoyed that night we all got to spend it together and spent a lot of time conversing. That is also where I met the cutest and most playful dog named Max! I loved his company that night, although he wasn’t supposed to be in the house!

On Saturday Chantel brought us to the mall and we shopped around for a bit then we ate lunch at McDonalds. It was unbelievable how many people ran into Chantel, literally everywhere we went someone knew her! It’s such a tight knit community that almost everyone knows each other, so we got to meet quite a few people that day. Finally, on Sunday morning we went to church. I truly loved it, I was able to relate to what the pastor was preaching and although it was a two-hour service it didn’t feel like it was because I was so engaged. Afterwards we went back to Chantel’s house and her mother made us lunch; it was fried chicken and potatoes! One of our preferences that we had mentioned earlier that weekend, I was surprised yet appreciative. I was so happy to have been able to spend a short weekend in Ocean View. I learned that you make with what you have and appreciate the things you do have. I also learned the importance of respecting your elders by addressing them as auntie or uncle. This is definitely an experience I’ll always remember.