The team woke up for an amazing breakfast at our B&B, and were on our way to paint a school. We were not thrilled to wake up early after a day long flight to paint, but as we started driving, the team was finally exposed to the different neighborhoods that makes up South Africa. I pulled my camera out to try to capture the little houses that held happy families. I was quickly brought back to reality- no longer would I whine about painting, when I am given so many opportunities to travel, learn and grow.
The team poured out of the van ready to find out our task. Volks Wagon employees were leading the charge to beautify the school campus, this is apart of their Show of Hands volunteer program. Groups of people were gardening, painting the exterior, cleaning, tiling and painting murals in classrooms. All of the volunteers were pleased to be there, and the community was overwhelmed with gratitude.
In the bathroom, the message below was a decal at the entrance. Everyday, the students will be reminded to "Work hard...Do what you love, and stay humble." Children who will have a working toilet in their school for the first time are reminded to "stay humble."
I was reminded of my own journey. I've dreamed of teaching, of changing the world through loving my students, I have been pushing myself to keep dreaming, but I never thought I would be in South Africa. Now I dream of meeting new people, seeing new places, and trying everything. I can do anything, as long as I love what I do and stay humble.
