Sarah was made to feel part of the family right during her homestay

The Homestay had to be one of the greatest weekends I’ve had so far.  I admit, I was a little nervous to stay with a host family I had never met before, but they went through great lengths to make Alex and I feel at home.  Galin and Nigel Adams we the perfect parents, as Kayla and Khloe were the greatest sisters, making us feel as though we were a part of the family.  Although they admitted to being huge meat-lovers, they gave me delicious vegetarian alternatives with the utmost respect and understanding, always concerned about whether or not I had enough to eat (and believe me, I had more than enough).  I was so comfortable in that house I almost didn’t want to go to ballroom dancing Thursday night, but I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to because the experience was amazing!

I had the most brilliant partner, Joshua Daniels, who happened to be the instructor’s son and Chantel’s cousin.  We learned the Waltz and the Cha Cha, both of which made me miss my years of dancing.  I was very concerned about doing all the steps right so I didn’t look like a fool, but Joshua assured me that I was a natural – which very well could’ve been a fib, but was sweet nonetheless.  I enjoyed it so much that I’m thinking I will look into dancing again when I get back home; it would be a great way to stay active and improve my mental health; much of which is the purpose of this class for the youth of Oceanview.  I would really love to visit the class again if I have the chance to before we leave.  Plus, Joshua and is partner are incredible – I bet we’ll see them professionally competing on TV one day!

Friday was extremely busy, and started out interesting as Alex and I woke up late due to a miscommunication with the alarms -- Chantel was thankfully very understanding, giving us a little extra time before bringing us to the crèche called “Little Rascals.”  The children were all adorable, but the one that took a particular liking to me and I took him was Jeremiah: a 3-year-old boy with developmental disabilities whose birth mother was taking drugs while pregnant with him.  I was moved that he had chosen me to be him companion for the morning, but the constant attention and protection I needed to provide him was exhausting; whether that be holding him as he climbed the ladder to the slide, wiping his runny nose, feeding him in a high chair he didn’t want to sit in, or making sure his playing didn’t accidentally harm the other kids.  However, I wouldn’t trade my time with him for anything -- it gave me a new appreciation for those individuals that provide children, like Jeremiah, with the extra time and patience they need to be safe and happy little humans. 

After our crèche experience and lunch at the farm, Chantel introduced us to her children – many of whom come from abusive households, ranging from the ages of about 8 to 10.  As Chantel previously told us, I knew I had to give my all to these kids; that I needed to give them the love, attention, and appreciation they often don’t receive.  Needless to say, this was a group of the strongest, kindest, most loving children I had ever met – I was honored that we had the chance to spend the day with them at the beach.  Their life and love for Chantel and all of us whom they just met was incredible; it’s true when they say the oppressed, the survivors, are the strongest beings out there.  

I was proud to be a part of the Dolphins, building sandcastles, modeling, dancing, having the best war cry, and most of all, getting to know the children on an individual basis.  Liara, who started out as one of the quietest in our group, slowly opened up, taking silly selfies with me, running with me to grad more seaweed to decorate our sandcastle, and giving me a limitless supply of hugs.  The hardest part was as we said goodbye, her asking when I’d be back to see her.  At first I instinctively thought probably never, but then I forced myself to ask why does that have to be the case?  I’m here for another couple of months; there’s no reason that I can’t make the effort Liara deserves for me to see her again – which is exactly why I emailed Chantel asking when I could return.  I’m learning it’s important to keep these bonds, to make an effort to stay in touch with those that make a real difference in your life.

After an emotional day, it was great going to the Casino with Kayla and Khloe; we didn’t gamble as someone (Alex) didn’t bring their ID, but we had a blast anyway playing arcade games and watching 50 Shades Darker at the cinema.  It definitely made getting back to the house at 2 in the morning worth it.  That being said, Saturday and Sunday were very relaxing.  We traveled to Table View in the Northern Cape where we stumbled upon the 2017 World Championship of inflatable boat racing, watched movies like Trolls, Monster-in-Law, and Hacksaw Ridge, and spent time getting to know our incredible family and their 3 dogs, all the while eating tons of food.  Their hospitality and goodness is what gives me hope in humanity; for despite being forced to Oceanview, once called Snake’s Head, from Simon’s Town during the Apartheid, they have built a community, opening their hearts and homes to people from all different walks of life.  The kindness of the Adams family, Chantel, and all the children have inspired to be a better version of myself, where I’m reminded that everyone has a story that’s worth listening to.