Ubuntu

If I can let you in, if I can share a tiny amount of the impact that today had on me, I would send you to this site, and ask that if you are able and want to help stand in solidarity from afar, that you give to this organization.  The JL Zwane Centre is a church in the middle of one of Capetown's townships (Guguletu), that provides after school care, hospice, an HIV/AIDS support group, emergency food aid, and so much more.  The Reverend Dr Spiwo Xapile has been doing transformative work there for decades, including being one of the first religious organizations in South Africa to support folks who are HIV positive.  He talked today about the importance of crossing boundaries, and as a religious institution crossing the boundaries and stigmas of those living with HIV is a life-saving step for many.  While we were there, folks living with HIV came for meals, and kids came for dance lessons and drumming lessons and after-school programs.  To quote the Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Ubuntu: "One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity."  Thank you--Love, Lisa
http://www.jlzwane.sun.ac.za/contactus.html