Just over a year ago, the date 18 July had no special significance to David and me. If someone were to ask what the day commemorated, I’d have to consult Google for an answer.
Personally, 18 July now marks the day we boarded a plane and flew halfway across the world to our new home. Globally, 18 July is the day that the WORLD (not just South Africa) recognizes as Mandela Day.
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
– Nelson Mandela
The heart behind Mandela Day is to take 67 minutes of your time to do something good for someone else in memory of the 67 years of service Nelson Mandela dedicated to fighting for a better South Africa and world.
Excited to participate in my first Mandela Day (now knowing what it was), I searched for volunteer opportunities to contribute my 67 minutes too. Can you believe that I didn’t find one opportunity? Not one school. Or organization reading to kids or picking up trash. Even the radio stations that claimed to be celebrating this special day didn’t actually have any information on their sites. Pretty sad considering the amount of need in this country.
Disheartened, I expressed my frustration to some friends.
“Well, if we can’t find something to do, we’ll just create our own volunteer opportunity,” they responded. Immediately we began brainstorming things we could do.
“We could go to businesses and give them treats?”
“Ooo, we could make goodie bags!”
“And we can make 67 of them!”
And so the plan formed. We went out and bought assorted treats, both of the sweet and healthy varieties. The following day we set up a good ol’ fashioned assembly line and got to work.
By the time Friday, 18 July, finally came around, we couldn’t wait to start handing out the 67 bags.
We hit up the gate guards of our estates. Domestic workers. Parking attendants outside our grocery stores.
It felt like Christmas, and we were Santa Claus. Most people were confused but ultimately thankful. And a few were truly touched. Like the wait staff at Vovo Tello, a cafe I frequent. As we unloaded the goodies onto the counter of the coffee bar, each person cracked an enormous smile. Beaming, one of the waitresses gave us all excited hugs. And my heart soared.
There was absolutely no better way to celebrate our first year in South Africa. And I hope that Mr. Mandela would be proud of our 67 random acts of kindness. I’m sure he would encourage us to continue this spirit of service year-round. Moving forward into year two, this is exactly what I hope for — a life of intentional service and kindness.
Bring it on year two,
Elle
Letters from Afrika 