Our last two days, we spent more time at the different organizations we had visited earlier in the week. Wednesday morning, we began at REACH. The first day we were there, the building had flooded. Today everything was cleaned up so the children could be inside. We were only there for games in the morning, so we didn't get to see how the rest of Drug Awareness Week went. Next, we went to Tshepo. This time, we were able to teach the children using educational toys. I taught my group of kids parts of the body using a puzzle. They were so excited! The volunteer told us that they don't get to use these toys often since there aren't enough workers to take only a few kids at a time. That day, they were also handing out soup to the community, so there was a huge line of mothers and their children outside the gate to the daycare. This service will continue throughout winter, but this was the very first. Finally, we ended the day at Lebone. Again, we played with the children before serving them lunch and putting them to bed.
Thursday, we spent the entire day at Lebone. We sang with them for hours. They absolutely loved it! After feeding them a morning snack, we went outside to play games and get warmed up. The children were very sweet and made us a banner with all of their handprints and names on it to bring back home with us. After feeding them lunch, they took a nap and we said goodbye.
Friday, I left South Africa after a wonderful 6 weeks there! I not only learned a ton about medicine and the health issues the country is facing, but I learned about the country's history, culture, nature, and people. We also made connections with people here that we can maintain from back home. The relationships and knowledge I gained through my time abroad will certainly shape how I view health issues in the States when I return.
