As we prepared to depart for our 2017 South Africa Odyssey, we learned that Rachel – one of our tribe members – would not be able to join us. In an effort to help her know she was with us in spirit, each of our tribe members took a turn sharing highlights of the experience. Read excerpts from their letters below. Rachel – you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and you will always be part of our AFC Tribe! ~Terri

September 20, 2017

Hey tribe! I hope you are all so excited to be on your way soon! I began chemo this past Monday and as I book more doctor appointments in my phone, my flights pop up that I’m not longer flying on. It saddens me but I am looking forward to reading more updates and continuing to follow along on the adventures while I feel sickly at home. I hope you all get lots out of your volunteer placements and that the weather cooperates enough for excursions…I almost feel like I’m still going! Thank you very much for allowing me to follow updates.

Xo,

Rachel

September 24, 2017

“We had a great first day, but you were missed. We saw the sights of Cape Town including the Castle of Good Hope that was built in the 1600’s, District 6, and the beautifully painted house of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.” ~Meredith

September 25, 2017

“Today was a day of many highs and some lows for all of us. After a delicious breakfast (we have been so spoiled with amazing food), we went on a tour of the Townships. We were serenaded by a marimba band. We had a passionate conversation about advocacy work with cancer patients. As I type this, Paul is playing the guitar and singing Imagine by John Lennon. What a day!” ~Erin

September 26, 2017

“Thinking about you today! Today was quite a day. We split up for the first time and went to our volunteer placements…After lunch, we had a tough but good session on vulnerability. It was a two tissue box session…It is truly a safe space and fabulous people and I’m learning so much about myself.” ~Abby

September 28, 2017

“We woke up to clear blue skies for our 3rd day of volunteering, connecting with patients, family members, staff, and community partners. Our afternoon was filled with teaming up with Project Flamingo to prepare ‘pamper packs’ for women diagnosed with breast cancer receiving treatment in the public hospitals. We then had a quick stop at the promenade before heading to the beach for relaxation and reflection.” ~Missy

September 29, 2017

“We completed our first week of volunteering today.  My group is at Tygerberg Hospital.  We are offering listening ears and our stories to the patients in clinic and in-house. We have all felt quite inspired by their strength and hope.  We have also been moved by the power of music and the human experience to unite us even if we aren’t speaking the same language.” ~Laura

September 30, 2017

“We are so happy that you are home. We all had a fantastic day driving around the Cape of Good hope, seeing penguins & just spending the day together. I know you were there with us in spirit.” ~Candy

October 1, 2017

“Today we had a free day so Shelly and I went to Robben Island. The ferry ride was smooth. The trip at the island was a reflective one. I was inspired by the depravity of the human heart and the innate desire for freedom. The conditions at the island were designed to break the human spirit. The beauty of it is that once there is a will nothing can break one’s spirit. That was my greatest lesson today.” ~Philip

October 2, 2017

“After my initial hesitation, The dragon boating turned out to be extremely invigorating. It felt good to cruise around the harbor with a team of women, rowing in perfect harmony! In that moment, looking up at a cloud covered Table Mountain, a seal frolicking in the water, and being surrounded by a group of strong determined women, I was reminded of an important lesson from one of Jennie’s animal tarot cards: fear and excitement can sometimes feel the same in your body and to allow myself to experience that feeling, and push thru it. Try something new. Do it afraid. And know that you will be ok.” ~Shelley

October 3, 2017

“I am continually amazed at the contrasts and the contractions in Cape Town, there is a stark disproportion of wealth here that I think will take generations to change. We have made many friends here with our designated assignments and many heart warming experiences that we will share with you when we return home to the USA.” ~Paul

October 4, 2017

“It was a lovely morning, full of laughter with our mini-tribe. The kids in the home could have cancer, AIDS/HIV, malnutrition, burns, serious disabilities or could be from an abusive home. Still the kiddos are resilient and sweet. We found a lot of joy to be in a place that really needed our help and we were able to jump in and relieve the staff from some stress. This afternoon was free and sadly, for some of us, the ferry to Robbin Island was cancelled due to high winds.” ~Madeline

October 5, 2017

“You have truly been in my thoughts each day of this journey, and my gratitude for the circle of gifting. I know how hard it is to watch from home, but I now equally know how doubly rewarding it is to step on to the other side of the world after illness…I can’t wait to cheerlead you on when your meant-to-be trip begins and am already doing so as you move through treatment. Perhaps having our trips altered or not go as planned, can magnify the experience with even greater joy and gratitude than otherwise imagined?” ~Jennie

October 6, 2017

“There were many beautiful moments during our closing ceremony accented by the flowing of tears yesterday. Saying good-bye to souls you have worked and lived with during this incredible experience is difficult…It has been an amazing two weeks. This tribe is filled with people who have enriched my life in new ways. You have been with us on this journey and I hope that we get to meet in person one day.” ~Wanda