Africa time actually goes quite quickly!
This week us new volunteers finished our training as CSO's so we are all hoping to get to action and help out!
OIn Wednesdays we help at the Tree Clinic, this is a gathering of women and kids to pray, sing get medical care and donations of food and clothing. It's amazing to hear of how far these women walk with children tied to their backs with blankets (no strollers or 'made' slings here)to get to the Tree. Sweetie and Mabel run the Tree while us volunteers play with the kids, help to provide medical aid and in any other way we can.
This week my roomies had their farewell at the Tree with the two girls, it was very moving and special. They had to perform a Zulu dance with some ladies of the Tree and some of the kids too!
As for the girls, we have been trying to get them placed with a foster family before their two volunteer caregivers were to leave this weekend. Sadly, the Magistrate was suppose to show up yesterday to meet the kids and hopefully push through their placement. Needless to say, we were waiting all afternoon and she never did show...."this is Africa". Hopefully this will be resolved next week.
Ciao for now!
Reactions
Mary wrote:
22 Mar 2008 at 13:46 Hey Molls,It is so good to hear from you. we were excited and worried for you but it sounds like you're in a good place making a world of difference to people who can really use your help and support. I agree with the person who said they admire your strength. I'm not sure I could do what you're doing. So, I also thank you for exposing me to it in the first place.
I'm emailing you from the Bahamas. We've been here since last Friday and heading home tomorrow. Unlike your time away, our trip has been filled with leisure activities...walks, trips to the beach, early evenings etc. But we've really enjoyed the kids. I start my new job on the 26th and Brandon starts in a new department at BP so it's nice to get away beforehand.
Good luck with all your good work.
I look forward to your updates...keep sending.
Carol wrote:
22 Mar 2008 at 14:38 Hi Molly, hoping all is well. I think it's a wonderful thing you're doing. I've thought of doing that sort of thing before, but it never got beyond that stage. What kind of person that makes me, I don't know. Selfish, I guess.I'm not sure when next I'm getting back to Toronto, but when I do I want to hear everything.
God bless you and everybody you're helping,
xoxo
Carol
Barbara Deal wrote:
23 Mar 2008 at 02:28 Hi Molly,I'm glad you are well and learning a lot from your experiences. We're fine and Barbie is doing good too.
Lots of love,
Mom
Carrie wrote:
24 Mar 2008 at 18:55 HI Molly!WOW - post some photos of you will ya? I need to see what the heat is doing to your hair!
My wish for you in the weeks to come is as follows:
Courage - to continue to put one foot in front of the other, in those moments when you think you can't
Acceptance - for all that you will see and do - knowing that your efforts do and will have an impact
Respect - for taking on such a challenging project - not only becuase you're doing your part in helping the world, but by virtue of your experiences, the personal development you've signed up for.
Ease - in working your way thru every situation you encounter - of establishing rapport quickly with those who need it, in reaching out to protect and heal wounded hearts, in travel, in sleeping......
much love and admiration
Carrie
Zoe wrote:
24 Mar 2008 at 21:29 Hi Snowfoot,Your photos send me right back to my days in South Africa. I think you are doing a fabulous thing in helping those kids. I am sure you are already having life changing emotions. I was always so entranced by the music there and knowing you and your inner dance queen/singer, you are in pure heaven. I am fully expecting you to return home with a child of your own!
I miss you and feel terrible that we didn't get a chance to meet up before you left, but am just thrilled that you are involved with such wonderful humanitarian work. You've got me all fired up!
Lots of love to you. Be safe and get your hands of some biltong if you can. There's nothing better than an icy cold beer and some salty dried ostrich.
Zoe
Leanne Hunter wrote:
25 Mar 2008 at 14:05 Hey Molly!!!!The time must be going so quickly for you - I can't believe you have only been there for a couple of weeks and have already experienced so much!! The differences in how people live their lives compared to here must be a great deal to get used to, let alone seeing the suffering and injustice of some of the situations there. You know how much we respect what you are doing - it must be exhausting and draining both physically and emotionally - I hope it is also very rewarding.
Things are much the same here. My dad is home from the hospital and finally getting some rest. It will be a bit before he is feeling himself again but I guess that is to be expected when you have heart surgery. The Easter bunny made his appearance, the kids were very excited about that. Do they celebrate Easter the same way there? We got a new principal at work - we'll see what happens there. Adam is doing well - work is getting busier.
We miss you and hope that this time has been what you were hoping it would be!!
Love,
All the Hunters
Christine wrote:
29 Mar 2008 at 19:25 Dear Molly,First of all: I love the way you describe the Tree Clinic. I have been volunteering at Agape last summer and the visits of the "Tree" have always been emotional and impressive - exactly how you describe it.
I also hope that you can solve the placement for the girls. i am sure you will give them lots of your love in the meantime.
I am looking forward to read more of your impressions!
All best,
Christine
Karlien wrote:
04 Apr 2008 at 14:32 Hi Molly!!How are you? You still enjoy your stay in Africa? How was your horsedriving? Hihi!
Eline told me the story about the girls... How is it possible? The social worker wouldn't listen? It feels so strange... we can't do anything, but I will do a lot!!! Was it difficult for you to brought them to the crisis parents? How were the girls? You can see, I have a lot of questions! So I look forward to your new story and maybe you can tell more about the two little girls? If you still see them, can you give them a big hug from me???
Good Luck Molly!!!
Love, Karlien
Name: Molly Deal
Volunteered at Bobbi Bear from 10 March 2008 to 19 April 2008.
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