In a matter of moments the rich, affluent fair skinned people disappeared and we had entered a new world inside of the already new world that was Africa. The beautiful brick houses and flower filled gardens turned into metal shacks with tin roofs held in place only by rocks resting on top. Soweto was to become our home for the week, and already we felt like a tourist group of kids brought there to gawk at an unthinkable way of living. I couldn't help but wonder, if I was already feeling uneasy about barging into their township as if we were on a trip to the zoo, watching the animals at play, what did they think of us.

It wasn't until we exited the bus to go to our first black African church service that the sadness and despair that would seem to describe the people of Soweto floated away. The breeze carried the joyful noise that was the people of the church singing.
It’s an impactful experience, walking into a situation with the motive to help in any way you can, and then leave the situation changed in every way possible.
Our week in Soweto changed the way I look at wealth; a man teaching us during the week described the people of the community as being rich in spirit. Never have I ever seen more joy in people that would outwardly be thought of as broken.

Our week in Soweto also changed the way I look at God; experiencing a way of worshiping God that makes me wants to dance and shout and do whatever I can to show that I am unashamed of who he is in my life. That is a moment that I will always cherish.
It almost didn't feel right leaving Soweto after a week, but I know the impact that the people of that community has made on our group will leave us changed forever.

By Tessa Funk