In the Blink of an Eye

by Katie Siewert

I can’t begin to describe the feeling of seeing an individual, smiling brightly, and hearing their shack burned to the ground less than an hour later. It was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday and very, very dry. We were doing some home visits, both in concrete homes and shacks. I had asked our friend the likelihood of shacks catching on fire during similar weather events. Soon after, I could see and smell the smoke from this individual’s house. In South Africa, there are over 100 shack fires a day with at least one death every other day. In the blink of an eye, everything can change.

Those living in the shacks already have very little. They struggle to have access to basic human needs. I was happy to hear that organizations, including Ma’s vir Wellington (Ma’s for Wellington), jumped into helping her. They provided clothing and a place to stay as everything had burned to the ground. They are now working to build a more stable shack, with help from donations. It’s not the best, but it is something for the family to live in and feel comfortable in. 

I’m very grateful for the supportive family and the physically stable house that I live in. That is a luxury and privilege. Most families in the community don’t have that support or shelter. As I return to the U.S., I’m hoping to remind myself daily of the luxuries I have in my life daily and how many could only dream to be in my shoes. 


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