Hearing about
poverty in South Africa and seeing it at first hand are two completely
different feelings. At first when the housing in Africa was discussed it didn’t
really affect me emotionally. Of course I felt bad and wondered why they live in
those kinds of conditions. When actually standing there staring at the poorly
built and condensed houses, my heart sank and I could not control my emotions.
I felt angry, heartbroken, and devastated. Angry because I could not do
anything to help them as well as angry because their own government obviously
finds nothing wrong with the conditions since they have provided electricity
lines for the townships.
Seeing this kind of
housing hit me hard because in America those kinds of houses do not exist in my
neighborhood. Although we have what is called the “ghetto,” it is nothing
compared to what I have witnessed in my time in Cape Town. What was more
surprising is that although the housing is worse in Africa, the people are more
humble than we Americans. I have seen that these people who have nothing and
have gone through so much still possess hope, happiness, and have so much to
give. Even though they do not have much, they will willingly share.
I think my time in
Africa has taught me manners that I have learned as a child but had forgotten.
It has also taught me a new kind of strength and hope. I say this because when
I go through stress or a hard time, I think the world is coming to an end right
before my eyes. Now, I look at struggles and a sign of prosperity to come. Two
people whose stories taught me all this are Joseph and Tameron. They have gone
through so much and yet they have still managed to keep their heads up high,
stay in school, and they have the brightest personalities ever. I will never
forget their stories and they truly are my inspiration.
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