WAITING LIST

Working with an education aid group (RATA) in Cape Town, South Africa was exhausting, but very satisfying work. We occasionally mixed our work in classrooms with humanitarian aid assignments. 

On one occasion, we planned to deliver food and clothes to a slum area in an industrial part of the city and organised some of our Cape Town teaching colleagues to come too. Our group parked outside the slum and had no idea what was waiting for us. The sound of a wailing baby was. Mike, an American aids doctor working alongside our team casually remarked that he could, “smell typhoid in the air.” Glenys, the kiwi leader of the team called us together. “Go quickly in pairs and don’t stop with your stuff and be prepared for anything.” As we walked, people ran towards us and within seconds our donated goods were gone. The temporary silence was pervaded by the wafting smell of aged portaloos. Pressure off, I ambled towards a resident and asked a silly question, “What’s it like to live here?” She graciously replied. “It’s good. I used to live under a bridge and this is much better. You have to wait your turn to get in. There’s a waiting list.” A waiting list? I’m sure my internal shock could be seen outwardly on my face. I awkwardly said goodbye and continued walking somewhere. 

I came closer to a group of old men playing cards and teenage boys standing protectively around them. The boys stared unnervingly. Two of the old men had no teeth and nothing on their feet, so I gave one man my shoes. A perfect fit. From another direction, Colin, (a South African colleague, since passed away) arrived at the same place. He’d noticed what I did and gave the other old man his shoes too. Lots of ‘thank yous’, toothless grins and handshakes followed. Eventually we made a terrifying, slow walk back to the van through mud and used needles sticking up. We looked at each other and no one could speak. What the…

POINTS to PONDER

Compassionate action can take many forms both here in New Zealand and overseas. Get involved where, when and how you can.

Coming out of our comfort zones to help is good for us and obviously good for people. Once again, ‘Give what is in your hand or on your foot!’
Kiwis are known around the world for their generous kindness. Be a part of ‘the programme’ too. You have nothing to lose.