ALUMNI POST: Recall the Joy that Graced These Halls*

The "Old Prison" Cell Block - Our Accommodations

By Jenna, 2023 Trip (Nursing, '25)

The most memorable place for me was the project gateway "The Old Prison" in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. We stayed at a prison that "turned darkness into light"; it was cold and dark but filled with history and now currently serving as a private Christian school.

As a group we had the opportunity to serve the community which brought many emotions. When we learned about the significance, history, and movements that were all started within that prison it was heart breaking to learn many movements were started less than 30 years ago.... 

One of the "Creche" / Preschools Project Gateway Supports

When we went into the school community, the children attending school showed a new level of grace and welcome. As they sang songs praising Jesus it brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with wonder about why they would welcome a stranger like me with open arms. It felt as if they were welcoming us into their community without holding back. As they sang, we all eventually joined in and usually ended with laughter and some tears. Their hearts are so young yet so powerful. As they showed their gratitude and courage, I was left in AWE of how courageous their act of welcoming us into their community was. It was a privilege to learn about their community, history, and culture. I will forever be touched by the young hearts within that small community. 

"The day we stop showing Grace is the day we stop being Human." 

To read Jenna's original post from her 2023 trip, see here.

*Editor's Note: If the title sounds familiar to you, than you may have attended a Viterbo commencement ceremony and heard our alma mater. "With grateful hearts we will recall, the warmth, the joy that graced your halls."