Thank you to
everyone who has posted comments to our blog. We are seeing them and sharing
them with Hospice Wits staff. I wish I had enough time to respond to every
comment.
We had a great
weekend. Although we weren't visiting with patients we were still quite busy
visiting three different museums so we could learn more about South African
culture and the history of apartheid and the Black African struggle. I know
Terri and Susan will share some of their thoughts with you on a further post.
Even though I have been to these museums before I continue to learn more about
what life was like for our colleagues. Keep in mind that apartheid didn't end
until 1994. Only 19 years ago! Monday is the anniversary of Nelson
Mandela's release from Robben Island where he was jailed for almost 30 years.
I must admit I often
take much for granted in my life. Although I do express gratitude for what I
have I do think that I expect my life will go in a certain direction and that
my family will have access to so much - good healthcare, a warm and comfortable
home, little fear of physical harm. I am humbled being here and being reminded
the same is not true for all. Today I learned that a good friend of mine,
Nikiwe, had her house robbed at night as she and her family slept. All of her
household appliances were stolen. Although that may be hard for us to
understand this happens often here.
Monday we'll spend
half the day with Penny, the only full time professional social worker at
Hospice Wits. In the afternoon we'll visit the Hospice's daycare (or crèche-school)
as they call it. I promise to take video and pictures and will post some more
thoughts later in the day.
Until later,
Stacy
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