Alex knows Ocean View community has left a lasting impression in her mind and warmth in her heart

This week the most exciting thing happened…. Kaitlyn and I got to go into surgery! Having dreamed about going into the medical field all my life and being infatuated with the human body and all the stuff that that grosses out the average person, I was so thrilled. We were able to stay for a three-hour surgery where the surgeon and a student made a total of eight incisions on the front and backs of an eight year olds legs, cut tendons and resected two large sections of tendon above the knee. This technique was done so that the tendons could stretch out and reconnect, becoming less tight. The surgeon was so welcoming and allowed us to observe closely which was really cool. At the beginning of the surgery after the patient was prepped, Kaitlyn and I were asked to position the patient, and when all the incisions were covered at the end, we each were asked to support a leg while the surgeons molded casts for both of her legs. Having talked to some of the other interns who had gone into surgery, I am interested in seeing and learning about the range of surgeries completed at Maitland Cottage and those done at Red Cross. I also can’t wait to scrub in on more surgeries!

This weekend we went on our homestay in Ocean View and the community has definitely left a lasting impression in my mind and warmth in my heart. From the moment we arrived, I could tell we were in a special place. When Chantel chauffeured us around the area, I loved how she made the effort to know many of the people in her community. Whether it was a child or an adult, and whether she was busy or not, she would always find a way to converse, smile, or at least wave at passerby. It’s funny how she said that if you didn’t acknowledge someone you knew it would be considered rude and the person would question why you didn’t say hi, while in the US, dodging people is a common occurrence. Many Americans don’t take the time to have meaningful bonds and if we do it is not with as many people as those in this neighborhood. In our class before the homestay I remember Chantel talking about how these people are so friendly and willing to give what little they have to ensure that another does not go hungry or to ensure their guests are well cared for and she was so right.

Chantel is so inspiring by how much she gives to her community, particularly the children. In the class before we left for the homestays, she spoke about how last Christmas she put on a Christmas party with food and games and music for the kids. Even though she initially thought the number of kids was a third of the actual size, she still managed to put on an amazing party that attracted the help of locals whom she didn’t even know. I also remember how she talked about how the kids that she works with often refer to her as their mom because of how large an impact she has on them. To be a mother is such an honor and to be seen as a mother figure is such a huge deal.

Alex and Sarah with host parents

On Thursday, our first day, we met our families and ate dinner with them. Sarah and I had the privilege of spending our weekend with the Adams family (Carlin, Nigel, Chloe, Kayla, Lauren). Afterwards we attended a ballroom dance lesson at the community center with a group of young and talented dancers (ranging in levels). We learned routines for the waltz, the quick step, the jive and cha-cha. I loved how we were not only able to learn something new, but after we learned each routine we would practice with one of the South African children. It really was such a fun time with great bonding moments. Though the kids were impressed with how fast we picked up the steps, I was impressed with how well they were doing! Having spent twelve years of my life dancing, I was excited to get back to it. That night I was excited to find that the bed that we slept in was even more comfortable then the ones at home! Despite the family’s overwhelming passion to care for us, I felt guilty taking one of their beds and causing the father to sleep on a mattress out in the living room. That night we stayed up till late talking with the family on their bed and further getting to know each other. I could tell from then on how amazing and inclusive this family truly was.  

On Friday we got to spend the whole day with the kids. In the morning we were each assigned a different crèche in the neighborhood. We were able to spend a few hours with the kids and helping the owners handle all of the kids and keep them safe during play time, snack time, and nap time. I had so much fun! The kids found it particularly fun to all come over and swarm me, hugging and sitting all over me so that I couldn’t stand up. Later we went to the beach with a group of older kids that Chanel works with. The kids divided into groups and competed in competitions building sand castles, modeling, and war cry. Karen and I had lots of fun scoring the kids and passing out snacks and prizes. That night my host family stopped by Nigel’s bike club gathering before Chloe and Kayla took us to the GrandWest Casino. Here we watched Fifty Shades Darker, played games at the arcade, and ate dinner at Spur. That night we came home at 2 am. This family sure was crazy and spontaneous just like Chantel said!

On Saturday we toured around a new part of Cape Town. Our host dad was adamant about wanting to take us somewhere we had not yet been which was hard since orientation pretty much covered all of the basics but we had a great day! After driving down the mountain again we picked up the family’s eldest daughter and drove over to Table View where the World Championship for inflatable boat racing happened to be taking place. There were tons of tents and vendors and spectators out for the event. The views from the beach were absolutely spectacular with the glistening blue water against the white sand and colorful boats with Table Mountain as a backdrop.

On Sunday we slept in with our host family and watched movies with them until it was time to leave and head back to Chantel’s before we went home. This weekend showed just how loving the community of Ocean View is. I believe I felt the heart of the community as Chantel said we would.

The way that Chantel spoke about the families of Ocean View I expected them to have far less money but at least in my case that was far from the reality. The family had a car, everyone had jobs, the youngest daughter was going to college next month, plus they were able to care for three dogs as well. Before Chantel talked I think I had a more accurate picture of what the family would be like but I took her words of caution too literally as others pointed out. When my host family told us that the closest super market was all the way down the mountain, it raised a few questions. How much of an upcharge is added to food sold on the mountain? What percentage of the residents are as wealthy as my family? What percentage of families own cars? How safe is the community of Ocean View (crimes committed)? While at the crèche the owner put off speaking to her neighbor about blasting rap music while the kids were sleeping and I wondered why. Do kids usually fall asleep in these settings? After spending a good amount of time with my host family I would like to spend another weekend with another family to get a better sense of its people and the varying interests and ways of life.

After leaving Ocean View that Sunday, my heart was filled. The people of this community truly showed us what it means to be a South African, to love, and to give. I am already looking into scheduling a day to visit my host family again. They were the best!