Tag Team…From Alicia

All through the night, after leaving Soweto we could barely sleep—talking and wondering what was happening at that very moment in the places we’d just left. We woke up early in the morning with so many things to do! I had to pack and prepare for the flight to Durban and had an extremely important meeting with the MMC CIR Mr. Monareng, also known as, Mr. Tekere to the community.

The goal of the meeting was to KNOW we had the support of the city to assist us in identifying, and turning over the land that we will need to build the children’s village. I met Mr. Monareng, a man born in Soweto, who is well aware of the needs of the community and in a position to truly help us. He looked me in the eyes and ASSURED me that he would help us find the land and make sure the city gave it to us to OWN. There was also a wonderful woman named Mpho Sechoaro, Mr. Monareng’s office manager, who was very moved by the project and they both promised to make it come through. They saw my passion for the project and knew it was something that must be supported and made to happen. Mama Carol was at the meeting as well and all of their information was exchanged. I feel very hopeful that I have received their word and that they will honestly follow through.

As I was doing that, Swizz couldn’t get Ezimbuzini, the slum we visited in Soweto, out of his mind. He got up early the next morning and immediately went out and bought clothes for the ENTIRE village!!! Wooooowwww! He had promised he would go back and when he did, everyone was SO excited to see him! “SWIZZYYYY!!!!” They yelled!!! With the help of the beautiful residents and the people he brought with him to deliver the gifts, everything was perfectly organized and everyone got something new to wear! The whole village was ecstatic and grateful that he showed them so much love and his presence proved to them that our support wasn’t just temporary.

Kenzu, the gentleman I told you about in my last blog, relayed to the village residents the message that Swizz wanted to convey: “If we can come together on something small like this, there are SO MANY things that we can accomplish together!”

The direct contact with the people and building for their future—what an AMAZING day to be able to achieve both of those things simultaneously!!!

We both felt very proud, encouraged and motivated to do everything we can!

We boarded the plane and took off to Durban. Sometime during the flight the pilot announced, “We lost an engine but not to worry, we have 3 others left.” I guess he meant it as a joke, but it didn’t bother me because I KNOW we’re protected! There’s too much greatness to be done!

Thank u for your support! That means so much to me! To us!
Believe me, I will be calling on you for your thoughts, your time, your expertise, your love.

Sending love to you,

Alicia