After the Go-Go Getters, we continued our journey to the Grootvlei Prison which is a prison for the young men of South Africa. We visited a section of the prison where young men live in dormitories and attend various programs. When we arrived, they were called out of their dorms to meet us. They were eager to see us and had been let out of school for this occasion. As they stood in front of us, we looked into their faces and felt their sorrow and brokenness. These truly are the lost boys of South Africa! We were told these boys had committed any number of crimes, most likely violent ones. After a talk from a guard, we had an opportunity to go to their dorms, where they had made their beds in a special way for us.
As the mother of a 20 year old son who has so much, it broke my heart to see these young men with nothing! I was moved to tears.
We attended a performance of their own small band. The first singer was charming - especially when he went into his falsetto. Then "Pavarotti" sang, "the wind beneath my wings." Amazing! Then a group of 9 young men who show promise performed a play about HIV Aids and high risk behavior. Brilliant! At the end, the band played a song and we all danced! We were able to make contact with hugs and promises to pray for them. We told them we would never forget them. There was so much life and hope at that moment. We were full of emotion such deep saddest for their lives yet hope for their future even though we know they lack opportunity. We walked back to our cars with heaviness in our hearts but gratitude for the connection! Becky Wright and Maribeth deJong
As the mother of a 20 year old son who has so much, it broke my heart to see these young men with nothing! I was moved to tears.
We attended a performance of their own small band. The first singer was charming - especially when he went into his falsetto. Then "Pavarotti" sang, "the wind beneath my wings." Amazing! Then a group of 9 young men who show promise performed a play about HIV Aids and high risk behavior. Brilliant! At the end, the band played a song and we all danced! We were able to make contact with hugs and promises to pray for them. We told them we would never forget them. There was so much life and hope at that moment. We were full of emotion such deep saddest for their lives yet hope for their future even though we know they lack opportunity. We walked back to our cars with heaviness in our hearts but gratitude for the connection! Becky Wright and Maribeth deJong
Thanks so much for sharing that -- how moving and poignant.
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