A Desmond Tutu filled week!

I mentioned last time that I had heard a little rumor that Desmond Tutu was coming to the school where I teach, St. Mary’s on Tuesday. It turns out it was true! But the amazing week did not end there…I met him again on Friday!

On Tuesday, Desmond Tutu, former Archbishop of Cape Town, Noblel Peace Prize winner and an amazing inspirational leader for South Africa and in the world came to St. Mary’s Primary school in Nyanga township. All of my literacy students were invited to be there where he would read and speak to them…so it was a very small, intimate gathering, with about 30 students and 5 teachers. He came in with one cameraman and a journalist, quietly and humbly, and came and sat down in front of the students. He spoke to the students for a bit, tested their knowledge of the bible, and then read them the story of Noah’s Ark. After that he spoke to the students a little more about their education and asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. He explained to them that during the years of apartheid, they would have been legally limited in the jobs which they could pursue, they would have had to be one of a few things. But today, in the New South Africa, they have the right to be whatever they desire, and though its not easy, they owe it to themselves to work hard and to achieve their dreams, because it was made possible for them. He said to “shoot for the stars, for even if you miss, you’ll fall upon the mountain tops”.

Desmond Tutu’s stay with the children lasted all of an hour, and he was kind enough to take pictures with us afterward, for we were all very anxious for the chance to do so! My individual picture with him is on my facebook page!

As if I wasn’t already thrilled about meeting Tutu once…we were told Thursday night that we were going to mass at St. George’s Cathedral at 7:15am on Friday to see Desmond Tutu say the mass. Apparently he only says mass there about once a month because he no longer lives in Cape Town, but he was obviously here this week so he said the mass on Friday, and we got to go! We all woke up by 6am, still pitch black outside, put on our Sunday’s best, and headed to see Tutu. The mass was very small and intimate, with people from all over the world (but mostly from the US actually), all in South Africa for different reasons, gathered to meet Tutu. He was very welcoming and asked each group to tell him where they are from and what they are doing in Cape Town. He made sure to shake every person’s hand at peace and opened the floor for any questions or comments after mass. Then of course, pictures! And we got one with our whole group of 21 students…also on facebook. Apparently I have been accused of “hogging” him! I have two pictures standing directly next to him this week. I couldn’t help it!

I think the most amazing thing about Desmond Tutu’s presence is his laughter. He has this very high pitched, adorable, hilarious chuckle which, no matter what he is laughing about, sends everyone else into laughter. He smiles so much and makes the funniest faces at certain things people say. It is like he radiates joy, and in response to any comment at all, positive or negative, without thinking he responds with such a light-hearted, uplifting perspective. I wonder how a person gets to be like that. I wonder how someone can see so much bad and still never lose sight of the good, in God, in people, in this world, in their self. I wonder how we can be more like Tutu. He is truly an amazing man and I feel so fortunate to have been in his presence twice this week J

P.S. I have officially been here for THREE months! Time flies. Less than two left…ahh!