Day 4 - A Day of Deep Connection

Today was a day of deep and heart felt connection with some of our youngest cousins at TLC Orphanage in the Barcelona community to some of the eldest at the Senior Center in Guguletu. We talked, laughed, played, prayed, danced, and rejoiced in our shared time together. 

We provided hand massages to seniors who gathered to greet us and socialize with their friends; this brought a special human connection to both the giver and the recipient. We moved collectively as we clapped and listened to the sounds of a talented group of youth, stretched during yoga led by one of the delegates, and danced a variety of styles from across the globe. For hours, the sound of old and new friends celebrating life together rang out from every corner of the room. 

We were honored to be able to serve the group a traditional lunch while they sat at a beautifully set table socializing with friends.

Being welcomed into one’s home is a very intimate and loving gesture, and today we were graciously invited to sit with, share in conversation, and learn from several Guguletu families who allowed us this great privilege. Our hosts showed us gardens, graciously fed us snacks, shared details of their lives and families, told stories of removal and resettlement during apartheid, and shared parts of their lives that have brought pride and gratitude.

Our day ended with a visit to Barcelona to see longtime friends at the TLC Orphanage. They are presently caring for 28 children in a small compound ranging from the age of 3 to young adult. AIAIA has been providing food parcels, school uniforms as well as bringing toys, clothes, and sporting equipment over each year during the delegation trip. 

As our fourth day ended, we were filled up with the awe of how quickly one can feel such a deep connection and love for another human being, for one who only days before was a stranger and now has become family.