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| The Magnificance of a Day.... |
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| Posted on Aug 29 2009 |
 | Months of sacrifice, hard work, and conviction have culminated in the form of a packaged product that is proof of the gift of generosity and the power of humanitarian spirit…The books are here!
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I got off the taxi in Ximhungwe, 2 km from my house just in time to catch the golden embers of the sun disappearing behind the Drakensburg Mountains in the distance. I was leveled by the glowing coal that set the sky on fire with hues of pink and orange emanating from the source. My crunching footsteps, sinking into the sand path did not make a sound. The background clatter of cattle, hawkers, taxi drivers, and cars ceased to exist. The moment was still, my mind was clear, and my body was buoyant, as endorphins flushed throughout, raising the hairs on my body, and releasing the tears that swelled up my eyes. At that precise moment, I felt connected. After a month of focused labor on the library, I was caught in a tunnel of single-mindedness, not taking a moment to appreciate my surroundings. However, as the smoldering globe vanished at the rear of the peaks, I was awake and aware of all that was in the moment.
My eyes flickered suddenly at 3:30 am at the sound of my alarm. Immediately, my body jolted into motion, and I sprung to my feet for the big day. Fast forwarding my mundane morning chores, I closed the door behind me and was greeted by an endless starry sky. Momentarily a truck approached and honked. I boarded, and the journey began. For the next few hours, I slipped in and out of dream state, as we bounced rhythmically up and down on the gravel road. Mandla, the driver and I quickly became acquainted with small talk in and out of my slumber. By 6:30 the sun's rays climbed the summit of the mountains at our backs. The stillness of the moment offered solace and clarity once more. We were headed westward, bound for Johannesburg, the city of gold.
When we arrived at our destination, the stream of tears returned. I was overtaken by the significance of the occasion. It felt like the most meaningful day of my life. I trembled with adrenaline as I walked up to the massive warehouse, and set my eyes on a flurry of activity, buzzing frenetically. Dozens of people darted this way and that, sorting tens of thousands of books and attempting to stack them in jumbled piles. This massive room, aptly named Rotary Humanitarian Distribution Centre, offers resources such as bicycles, medical supplies, books, and much more to Sub Saharan Africa. This outlet is a harbor of charitable aid. I was overwhelmed by this overflowing haven of resources, designed to uplift communities, empower youth, improve health care, and meet the needs of millions in substandard conditions far and wide. Blue clad volunteers approached and offered their assistance. For the next hour we shared our stories, sipped tea, and embraced one another. These women have lived eventful, successful lives, and during their retirement years are giving back to the world.
Shortly after, Tom Borrill, manager of the Centre, strolled in the office and spotted me right away. Immediately he called out my name, as though we had known one another for years. Truth is, Tom and I have only become recently acquainted through SMS messages, written emails, and talked on the phone several times in recent weeks. Throughout our conversation of gratitude and kindness, it is clear that our visions have united, our purposes overlap, and a future relationship is inevitable. He has offered to assist us in future shipments and in any other way that he can. I am honored to have met such a compassionate humanitarian, eager to meet the needs of others.
Tom walked me over to another warehouse, and lifted the drawbridge door to reveal 4 pallets of boxes with my name plastered in several places. I was speechless.
The arrival of the books is an important milestone in the historic timeline of our mission. We would not have reached this point, without the valiant efforts of everyone back home who carried out valuable roles. Some rummaged their closets and workspaces in search of books to donate. Others reached into their pocket books and bestowed their hard earned funds to the project. Many offered resources at their disposal including time and effort to spread the message to others. Some even worked miracles, such as Tom Borrill, Charlie Clemmons, and Jonathan Layva who all played a part in transporting the books across countries and oceans to reach our humble village. Any person missing from this equation, and we would not be where we are today. It took the collective work of selfless individuals to make a difference and impact a village forever. I tip my hat to all of your super humans who have made this dream, a reality.
The long trek back to the village, covered a distance of more than 600 kilometers. Driving in an open bed vehicle, we prayed for clear skies. Much to our dismay, we clenched our teeth and hit high speeds to evade the heavy, dark clouds that threatened to drench our dreams. A few pockets of storms pounced on our boxes, but the shrink wrap sheath, prevented the moisture from saturating our treasure. I sat nervously on the edge of my seat, pivoting my head continuously to scout the status of the books. In spite of the onset of the seasonal rains that decided to make their appearance today, another spectacular sunset was painted across the purple, clouds.
Back in the village, the library work site boasts a great deal of progress as well, as the four walls have received their final touch of paint, doors have been installed, and window panes have been put into place. The workers have shifted their attention to the shelves, and systematically they have sawed at the pine wood planks, and have created the shelves which will appear in the adult non-fiction section, measuring 1.8 meters tall by 1.2 meters wide. These hand crafted, sturdy structures are certain to withstand the tests of time.
The volunteers continue to amaze me, as they tirelessly devote their bodies to the cause. The sense of pride earned from observing the progress of a day's work is just a small incentive of the project that keeps them coming back day after day.
Tomorrow will see the beginning of the security bar creation and the continuation of the shelf construction. Stay tuned for future developments.
I applaud all of your heroic efforts and selfless sacrifice. This would not have been possible without all of you!
Jasen van Kampen
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