Seeing is different than being told….from Rachel

“Seeing is different than being told” - proverb from Kenya

This past week, our trip to South Africa exposed us to a world that we had previously only been “told” about. We had read though the KCA website and watched the documentaries, “Alicia in Africa” and “Rough Aunties” (the latter following the work of the heroic staff at Operation Bobbi Bear). Some of us had even studied in school about the AIDS pandemic in Africa. We had done our intellectual homework. But within 24 hours of landing in Johannesburg, we were standing in one of the poorest townships in Soweto, and all that we had been told - and much, much more - was staring us square in the face. The reality hit us hard. Yes, seeing is different than being told.

But this trip to South Africa did more than confirm harsh realities. Yes, we saw firsthand the devastating effects of the AIDS pandemic in South Africa, which you have already read about in the moving and often poetic words of many of those on the trip. However, we also continued to be educated about the KCA organization and we saw for ourselves some of the results of their hard work and dedication. As a result, over the span of eight days, our minds were stimulated, our souls were invigorated, and our humanitarian spirits were further moved to action. Additionally, this trip facilitated a bonding experience like no other. Whether we were experiencing sadness or joy, we were experiencing it side by side. There was always a hand offered, or a hug, or comforting words, when needed. And so, another byproduct of this trip was a group of very special people coming into our lives.

Leigh, President and co-founder of KCA with Alicia, was someone I was so looking forward to meeting. In preparation for the trip I had read articles about her and I had watched some of her interviews. She turned out to be everything I had imagined she would be…and much more. There is SO MUCH wisdom, love, compassion, humor, zest for life, generosity, spirituality, love, love, love, more humor, beauty, yet more humor, and soul all wrapped up into this one woman. On the trip, she made everyone feel like one of her own from the moment we met her. And her son, India, only 11 years old, already possesses a sense of humor and a sophistication that can be hard to find even in grown men. Like Leigh, he is a force to be reckoned with.

Alicia is one of the most gentle, peaceful spirits I’ve ever come across. I don’t like using the word “grounded,” because I think it’s overused but she is SO grounded! She’s present, in the moment (a few more cliches, if you don’t mind). If you’ve met her, you know what I’m talking about. And the people she surrounds herself with are a reflection of who she is and the family she comes from. They are all quality individuals, and you could see they were all very moved by this experience as well. It was wonderful to get to know them, especially on a trip like this.

Earle, the director of the documentary — I’ve met a true creative genius! I could literally see the wheels turning in his head during the shoots. I know the film about the trip is going to be gorgeous and powerful because Earle cares deeply about everything KCA is fighting for. I think the world will truly have a better understanding and appreciation for what is going on in South Africa once they have seen Earle’s vision come to life.

Louise, Mama Lou…Louise O’Shea is the communications manager for KCA. And, as you can see from her nickname, she was like a mother to us on the trip. In fact, from the very day we found out we were going to South Africa, she has been there for the five of us, sending emails, answering questions, preparing us thoughtfully and thoroughly. Finally meeting her was a big moment! Getting to know her during the ten days we were all together was a pleasure. She is one of the most intelligent, beautiful-on-the-inside-and-out, young women I have ever met.

Noelle, the programs manager at KCA. We all so wish we had had more time to spend with her in South Africa. Whenever she came around, she made us smile or laugh. But she was literally running around for the entire trip (she was even in SA doing her job for a couple weeks before we arrived) - we always wondered if the girl ever slept! It was a pleasure to meet her and spend the time that we did get to spend with her. Another beautiful spirit that is truly KCA.

The rest of KCA staff on the trip - Andres, Steve, Ellie, Brian our wonderful photographer, and the entire film crew (an extraordinary crew!), too many to name…Each and every one of them went above and beyond in making us feel comfortable, happy, loved, and supported. I cannot thank them enough for all their kindness and hard work.

EVERYONE from the KCA office we met at dinner the first night in NYC was a joy to meet. They made up a welcoming and remarkable group - and all are clearly a perfect fit for a welcoming and remarkable group such as KCA.

You’ve heard, as well, about some of the incredible leading ladies that inspired us on our visits to KCA-funded sites, such as Ikageng, the Blue Roof Clinic, and Operation Bobbi Bear - Mum Carol, Rhona, Jackie, and more. We can only hope to someday be able to make the kind of difference for others in the world that they do, and to display the courage and character that these heroes display in their daily life and work.

As many of my co-winners have expressed in their blogs, traveling to South Africa with KCA has been the impetus for a huge amount of personal growth for all of us. In addition to the memories we hold in our hearts that we’ll cherish forever, South Africa’s people have left a permanent imprint upon our souls. We may have won a contest, but we clearly all became winners in far more important ways than we ever could have imagined. Thank you KCA and South Africa.

LOTS OF LOVE,

Rachel