Ocean View

     You would think such a beautiful place, with a beautiful view of the sea would bring happiness to people. That though at one point persecuted, their new found freedom would encourage them to thrive; not in Ocean View. Government housing apartment blocks and small houses are over ruled by the shacks built out of tin and wood. Often 4-9 people live in a single "windy", or multiple families in one room of these tiny flats. The children run around outside in the dirt and broken glass, wearing the same clothes as the previous 3 days, many of them are clearly malnourished, have rotting or missing teeth. 
    
    All this seems like the typical donate to children add, but its the secrets of a town that truly make this place in need. Most parents hide in their shacks and flats leaving their children to fend for themselves while they binge on Tik. Tik is crystal methamphetamine, it is the main drug of abuse in Cape Town area, even when alcohol is included. It is highly addictive and creates long term side effects including anxiety, depression, suicide, violent behavior, etc. Alcohol and weed are also widely abused in Ocean View; people lost inside themselves. All these elements lead to naughty behavior beginning at an unbelievably young age, and abuse amongst each other. Abuse is either seen by them or has been inflicted upon them, causing them to return the treatment to others. Kids grow up beating, raping, stealing, and abusing substances here and it is looked upon as normal. its not a matter of if these things will happen, its just a matter of when. Even when mothers strain to support and protect their children, it seems unavoidable.

      The first thing you want to do when you come across another case is be angry, angry and the perpetrator when you see the sorrow in the victims eyes. You can't though, because you know it has to have been influenced upon them. Overwhelming is an understatement, however, nothing is too much for our Lord. To see the hope in each child build, and to see them smile bigger than you've ever seen is enough to know every little bit matters. BUT more is needed....

     The dream is to have safe houses for these children being abused, especially the special needs children, and the children living with their perpetrators. An escape from the slum that has kept them in the vicious cycle of the generations before. Ideally a compound sort of idea, property with a couple safe houses. Split between more permanent residences, and some for temporary relief. To give them love, encouragement, skills, knowledge of the potential of life! How amazing is the dream we have to give special needs kids a place to run around freely in safety, and abused children won't be scared to build relationships. Hopefully giving the proper nutrient filled diets that they have been lacking, to escape the visual influence of a culture so corrupt. 

     More information on how to help us raise money and support will come soon. Thank You, Pray, and keep reading our combined blogs!!

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