Western
Jurisdiction
United Methodist Volunteers
In Mission
Tjakastad, South Africa
"Sebonana futhi," I assured Notando through tears. "We will meet again." The young South African child just gripped my hand tighter, seeming to understand that my promise might not come true. Notando embraced me and sweetly whispered something in Saswati, her native language. Though neither of us understood the other's words, our emotional connection spoke clearly. As my team drove away, the people of Tjakastad saluted with the American Sign Language sign for "I love you," which they had learned from us. We responded by waving our hands and saying, "Shine," their Saswati affirmation.
Upon leaving for Tjakastad, South Africa on August 22, 2002, my expectations amounted to, simply, building a church. I thought that the sixteen Americans on the church-sponsored project would just go to some village. There, we would spend two weeks laying brick and go home. Everyone knew that we planned to go to a poor village where Apartheid had directly hurt most of the people. I expected a general distrust of whites, especially those considered wealthy by Tjakastad's standards, and I theorized that the people of Tjakastad would see us as unwelcome invaders.
I couldn't have judged more inaccurately. Upon our arrival, the people of Tjakastad treated my team and me like royalty. By our departure time, the villagers treated us as family. We shared meals with the local volunteers who helped with the work on the church. Some team members helped the local women prepare tea and lunch every workday. The local children taught us all of their songs and games. Everyone honed their pantomime skills to break down language barriers and learn to communicate.
The life lessons that South Africa impressed upon me will last forever. I went there expecting to do a charity. I reasoned that, because the people of Tjakastad had so little, the team would give without receiving. Instead, we came to realize just how rich immaterial possessions could make someone. The people of Tjakastad live with true happiness and wisdom. They dance, sing, and laugh much more than most monetarily rich people. We Americans gave them bricks and labor for a new church, and they gave us the priceless gift of a new perspective on life. For that, the team has become eternally indebted to the people of Tjakastad.
In two years, I hope to return to South Africa. A town not far from Tjakastad has need for a new church, and a 2004 team has already begun organizing. I left a piece of my heart in Tjakastad, and it will not feel whole again until my return. Sebonana futhi, Tjakastad. We will meet again.
Leah Landes-Anaconda High School, Anaconda, Mt