Second day of work, start of amazing sights, wonderful experiences and ways to help others.
I went to the IT room and planned for a day of training. I invited Mpumi to help us out in the lab, since she has a computer at home and skills to share. She was the bright star that came everyday. There was only 2 hours scheduled for people in the computer lab. A lot of folks were wanting to get on the Internet and play games, but there were a few dedicated people that wanted to learn skills. Some people stayed all day and were able to have personalized attention.
Jim was out in Extension 6, the worst of the worst in poverty. The shacks have no running water, toilet, or flooring and are made with wood, metal and cardboard. His first garden he built for the people they were so proud, the next day they built a patio with found bricks, isn't the picture cool. At those moments, you know you are doing the right thing for a person on the other side of the world. Read his personal story about meeting Gladys at:
http://www.crossroadscommunity.net/go
I went to the IT room and planned for a day of training. I invited Mpumi to help us out in the lab, since she has a computer at home and skills to share. She was the bright star that came everyday. There was only 2 hours scheduled for people in the computer lab. A lot of folks were wanting to get on the Internet and play games, but there were a few dedicated people that wanted to learn skills. Some people stayed all day and were able to have personalized attention.
Jim was out in Extension 6, the worst of the worst in poverty. The shacks have no running water, toilet, or flooring and are made with wood, metal and cardboard. His first garden he built for the people they were so proud, the next day they built a patio with found bricks, isn't the picture cool. At those moments, you know you are doing the right thing for a person on the other side of the world. Read his personal story about meeting Gladys at:
http://www.crossroadscommunity.net/go
The Gardening teams each day were groups of 4-5 Americans, 2-4 Mamelodians for workers, translators, and safety, plus the taxi driver. They all would drive out to the Extension for a full day of working building as many gardens as they could in a day. Every day Jim would bring Stephen and Charles (his two buddies, Charles on the right) something of his to wear. Our suitcases were much lighter coming back!
On Jim's team for most work days in the Extension was Eunice, who we met at church on Sunday. It is not a coincidence that certain people are sent to you in life. Eunice was invaluable as a translator and a friend!! We were destined to connect with her deeply through our mutual volunteering and later in the week (read on!!).
On Jim's team for most work days in the Extension was Eunice, who we met at church on Sunday. It is not a coincidence that certain people are sent to you in life. Eunice was invaluable as a translator and a friend!! We were destined to connect with her deeply through our mutual volunteering and later in the week (read on!!).
Jim immediately connected with a small boy named Lucky. He would follow the team around and try to play at any downtime. Jim got to see Lucky throughout the week and give him stickers, balloons, and toys. Makes you feel like you have space in your heart for 1000 children when you can feel such a connection with someone in another country.
When I met up with Jim after his amazing day, he was glowing. He was telling me about his amazing day and his face was aglow. He could not tell me enough about the his day. I felt his joy and needed to get out there and experience it for myself. That night I talked with the other IT trainers and we made plans for us to take turns to go out into the Extensions.
When I met up with Jim after his amazing day, he was glowing. He was telling me about his amazing day and his face was aglow. He could not tell me enough about the his day. I felt his joy and needed to get out there and experience it for myself. That night I talked with the other IT trainers and we made plans for us to take turns to go out into the Extensions.
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