Day Two

We want to begin our second day by expressing our gratitude for joining us in thought and prayer on this journey.  We welcome you on today's journey which began in Khayelitsha at the Missionary Sisters of Charity.  Approximately 50 adults with varying disabilities, many homeless and without family, live in this communal setting and are cared for by 7 Catholic nuns and other staff.  Traditionally this facility has been a place that has provided hospice care. Today it was apparent in meeting with the residents they are well cared for and respected in this loving environment. Our visit ended in the chapel sharing a prayer and blessing their good work. Our second stop of the day brought us back to our friends at the Senior Center in Gugulethu. This center is a government sponsored program for seniors to socialize, enjoy a hot meal and prayer.  The center provides transportation to the center and is immensely important to the seniors that make it part of their daily routine. It is an amazing experience to hear firsthand their memories of living through apartheid. A truly unique part of this experience involves a communication that requires no speaking.  We have discovered the intimacy of touch by giving each of these seasoned people a hand massage. In leaving we were blessed by their courage and willingness to be reconciled to a life well lived.   Our first delivery of medical supplies was to The Mitchell's Plains Medical Center in the township of Mitchell'Plain. Our group was given a personal tour of the facility.  We had the opportunity to meet the staff and to hear of the challenges of providing health care in such a large community. This facility responses daily to the needs of 800 pharmacy patients, direct care and assessment for 125 HIV patients, have scheduled appointments for 240 patients, an additional 200 walk in appointments and delivers 2,500 babies per year.  We had the honor of welcoming 4 new babies and congratulating their mothers. Our day ended with a walkabout in Gugulethu in the area know as "the hostels."  This style of housing was created during the time of apartheid and was intended to house male workers that were relocated away from their families by the apartheid government. Today we discovered approximately fifteen people living in one room in conditions in which no human being should be living.  The tragic results of apartheid continue to this day. In the relative amount of time of just these last two days, it is apparent that our group has much to discuss and a reason to reflect on why we are here. It is also clear that the work of Arm In Arm In Africa continues to make a difference and that we are truly grateful to our families, friends and benefactors for supporting this work. Peace, The 2014 Delegation