I left for South Africa with the expectation that I would be teaching, serving, and helping others, but by the end of my trip, I realized that I had been the one learning. We spent the majority of our time in townships that were deeply impoverished, namely Langa. Here, families lived in one-bedroom homes made of scrap metal, and children’s entire wardrobes were draped on a single clothing line. However, these people are much more than what they own. The children we worked with embodied invaluable qualities – gratitude, resourcefulness, hospitality, and resilience. Someday I hope to express those qualities in my life as effortlessly as they do in theirs. The children lived out those values in everyday acts, and I’m going to share a few moments where they shined.
Gratitude
The children at the Learning Hub radiated gratitude. On our first day at Seeds Trust, the supervisor told us that the local grocery store donated their expired produce so the children had a meal to eat. Later that day, when the kids got their lunch, they prayed and thanked God—not just for the food, but for their “many blessings,” too. Despite their circumstances, these young kids, just six or seven years old, expressed a level of gratitude that was both genuine and humbling. They appreciated small blessings without dwelling on what they lacked. That moment left a deep impression on me, and their level of gratitude is something I’ll carry with me moving forward.
Resourcefulness
Both the staff and children at Vusa were very resourceful – all we needed was one another to have a good time. When the field was occupied, we used the parking lot to play, and when it was pouring, we hosted talent shows, four corners, and freeze dance in little classrooms. I remember the boys asking me to play soccer with them on the first day of camp. Their field was a gravel parking lot, and their goals were made of two sets of bricks. Despite our limited equipment, the most fun I’ve had this summer has been at Vusa. Even without fancy gear or a proper field, the kids’ creativity and energy made every game a blast. They showed me that you don’t need much to have fun—just the right people and a good imagination. Their resourcefulness made me realize how much you can do with what you have.
Hospitality
The people of Langa truly made me feel a part of the community. On our first day, the owner of a local shop told us we were visitors, not tourists, so that we would feel at home there. Additionally, Langa residents shared delicious meals with us every day, even when they had so little. I was shocked by their genuine desire to make us feel at home. We also experienced hospitality from the kids. Every day we were tackled with hugs and showered with smiles when we arrived. The small kids at the Learning Hub jumped into our arms when we walked into their school, and the kids’ faces at Vusa lit up when we climbed out of the van. These small, unexpected gestures held so much weight. Not only did they make me feel like my service there was appreciated, but I felt like I was welcome and connected to the people. Showing someone they are welcome in your circle goes a long way when building connections. These kids showed me how impactful it is to express genuine hospitality towards a new face, and because of this, I will always make it a point to accept and welcome people entering my own circle.
Resilience
One of the most moving moments from my trip happened during our evening with Ladles of Love, where we served dinner to over 290 homeless individuals in Cape Town. Within the line of people waiting for our simple meal, one young man stood out to me. He wore a suit, carried a school backpack, and held a textbook in his hand. There was something striking about the way he presented himself. Despite his homelessness, he was composed, polite, and quietly dignified. He seemed determined to rise above his circumstances, and during this encounter, I saw the epitome of resilience. This man was making a choice to keep showing up, learning, and holding onto his sense of self regardless of his circumstances. By pursuing his studies despite his homelessness, the man showed me that resilience is a choice, and our challenges don’t dictate our future.
Thank you, Langa, for welcoming me into your community and giving me insights that I will carry with me forever. I learned so much during my time with you, and I will continue sharing those lessons.