by Decature Tounsel
June 18, 2010

And here’s another post from South Africa…

The most heart warming day of the trip so far was on Wednesday, June 16. A group of five of us went on a tour of Jo-burg that included a stop in Soweto.

About an hour into the tour, we stopped on this bridge that overlooked the worst conditions I have ever seen. What we were looking at was a small village of homes that were made of scraps and boards. Our tour leader was the director of a community center in that village. He told us that he wanted to take us around that area so that we could meet some of his staff, and so we started the trek down the hill, into the village. Once we got to the village we started to see utter hell. Women were cleaning clothes in cold water, kids were running around, shoeless, on dirt that was littered with glass and garbage. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing; all I could do is shake my head.

Once we got to the community center we met the assistant director who took us to his house in that village! The house consisted of two rooms, a bedroom, and a kitchen, for 6 people! The assistant director told us that they just got electricity 3 weeks ago! Imagine for a second living in the cold, with no heat, in the dark. Even with all of this, the man was happy that he had what he had. I told a new found buddy of mine, Arturo, that even through all the pains everyone must be experiencing living here; they still found happiness and hope through the blessings that they had.

From the house we moved back to the center. The center was basically three small houses — a classroom, office and library. When we made it to the classroom we were surprised to see 20 kids standing in three lines. Once we all go seated, the director started shouting some chants, and then, magic! The three rows started to chant and dance! The choreographed performance was about 15 minuets long, and the whole thing almost brought tears to my eyes. I gave the kids a high five when the performance ended, and all of their faces lit up. Although 75% of the kids that live in that village of 40,000 people won’t be able to go to school, they still keep hope in themselves, and each other!

The 6 Yard Box will be keeping in touch with the Kliptown Youth Program, we are already looking at ways to help their cause from the US.

Another post will come after the game today. Hope all is well, and GO USA!

Until then…

DDTJR