The Cottage

I am living in a picturesque little "cottage" here in the Craighall neighborhood in northern Johannesburg. It's actually attached to the house you see here. It's basically a small wing of the house. I thought I would share a few photos. I am very lucky to be housed here by LoveLife. They rent it out from the main house owners for the short-term volunteers that come from all over the world to see and experience the great work they do.




You can imagine how it's an ironic place to live while doing this work though. Only about ten miles from here is one of the largest informal settlements or "townships" in Jo-burg called Alexandra. If you've read The Kaffir Boy, which is an autobio by Mark Mathabane, that is where it takes place. You should read it if you haven't yet. (But, don't use the word "kaffir" ever, it's like the "N" word in South Africa.)

Many of the youth I am working with only see homes like this from outside the tall, cold, concrete walls that surround them all. This is one of the most striking observations I have made here. The almost-obsession with security. In addition to the walls, there are electric fences above the walls. Alarms. And guards. Lots of guards. Two sets you must go through on my street alone. I'm told much of it is not really needed, but was built right after apartheid "just in case." But, why is it still around then, I wonder? And how long will it be?

I find it so sad. It creates physical distance and that's isolating. More than that though, it makes you feel like you shouldn't trust a soul here... and that's just so far from truth. The people I have met here are incredibly lovely, lovely people. So friendly and welcoming, and truly the bright spot of my stay so far.