Category: Things to read

Sometimes they are more than a mother.

Sometimes they are more than a mother.

“Mama, tell me what is your typical working day as a caregiver look like” I didn’t expect to be surprised when I asked. She is a home visit caregiver for terminally ill in Site B, Khayelitsha. The situations that some of her patients are in […]

Inathi, I love you!!

Inathi, I love you!!

Inathi is a very independent and capable child.  However, she is also known in the community as the trouble maker.  After the meeting with her mother and separately with her father, we came to the conclusion that the relationship with her mother needed much improvement. […]

The day we went on the permanent mission trip!

The day we went on the permanent mission trip!

It has been 5 years since we left Vancouver.  Sometimes, it feels much longer than 5 years, but this picture was taken on the 10th of August, 2009 at the airport to mark our departure from our home and Abohna’s birth place.  Many things have […]

Humble beginning of OLIA

We have launched OLIA as NPO in South Africa with the following members. Jung Lee (Chairperson), Mthandazo Vusani (Vice-Chairperson), Siyamcela Nxathi (Secretary), Zuikisani Nzala (Treasurer), Helen Lee (Teacher Training Project Manager), Rev. Insik Kim (Advisor), Rev. Sung Jin Jun (Advisor). Mthandazo and Sakhile left their […]

Something for everyone!

The students in Mondeo Eco School donated their shoes for Zola children. Also, Malize (a parent in Somerset College) donated some used clothes. It was wonderful to see children being happy. Thank you Mondeo Eco School and Malize for your lovely gifts.

As we draw close to the end of 2013

One afternoon, I went for a walk by the beach. As I walked through the market area, an old black man shouted at me. “I’m going to fight you.” I smiled back at him and said, “Why would you fight me?” His response was epic. […]

Big Juicy Russian Sausages – Zola Christmas/Closing Party

We decided to treat our children in Zola this year for our Christmas/closing party. As we serve these children in SA, more we realize (before we try to change them) it is our responsibility to provide safe and loving environment for them to learn about […]

4…. I repeat…. 4 Awards for Papama

When I was running around looking for a school for Papama outside of the black township last year, admission officers from other high schools warned me to expect a 20% drop in Papama’s grade.  On top of that she switched from Afrikaans classes (her primary […]

A forbidden fruit: A DVD player

When I was in high school, the Walkman was a thing to lust after. If you are old enough, then you know those ones with the shiny and sturdy metal cases and refined mechanical noises with electronically activated cassette heads (not mechanical pressed in buttons). […]

“Hi hellen ilvu imicu” – Zimasa on WhatsApp

“Lord, may this child live in your presence. May this child experience the abundance of your love. May this child receive fullness of your grace. Lord, remember this child as your servant’s own.” Zimasa is one of our Zola youth. She moved away to Atlantis […]