Church for the Children

We had an especially tough church service today. It was centered around children, specifically children heading households. Rev. Spiwo made the link by reading John Ch. 21, Verses 15-19 in which Jesus tells Peter to "feed my lambs." Spiwo wanted to remind the congregation that there are many children in Guguletu and elsewhere that are on their own and need help. He had Noloyiso and her brother, Shepherd and Loyiso, and about 12 other orphaned children at the pulpit with him. They told their stories, as did another woman who had been caring for a large number of orphans. Many people were crying, including Spiwo. Based on the feedback from the congregation, I think they got the message. Now we'll have to see what actions happen.

After the service the girls' empowerment group made lunch for the orphans. We fed them hot dogs, sweet rolls and juice, plus a few sweets to take home. The food was purchased with money the girls made at yesterday's sale, plus some donations. I think the kids all got their fill - the orphans had full stomachs and the girls had full hearts. (A little cultural note: The girls volunteered to do the dishes afterwards, like it was expected. I have a hunch they all have this role at home where it truly is an expectation. Not quite the same as in the US, in my experience.)

Sisi Yvonne and I spent the afternoon driving to some homes with bread and warm clothes. It's been relatively cold here the past couple days, with highs only in the upper 50s. It's also rained everyday since Thursday. Some of the orphans had only lightweight clothes on in church, and a couple didn't even have long-sleeved shirts or proper shoes. Yvonne and I picked up some clothes with donations received at today's service and took them around to select houses. Driving through the shacks in the rain was more depressing than usual - leaky roofs, muddy floors, and smoke from paraffin heaters made borderline housing even worse. I also felt sorry for all of the township dogs, most of which don't have homes to go into. I saw a pile of 6 dogs and puppies, wet and shivering, doing their best to stay warm.

The Centre is closed tomorrow and Tuesday because of May 1st holiday (Workers' Day). So, after a half-day at the clinic tomorrow it's a day and a half of rest for me.

More to come.