Investment in the Extraordinary

A young girl plays outside the Ocean View Care Centre. This dilapidated building was once a church, a grocery store, a coffee shop, and a community gathering place before it was vandalized in 2016. It has never been rebuilt.

A friend from the United States visited Ocean View last week after being away for five years. As she walked through our gate, she exclaimed, "Nothing has changed around here. Everything is the same as when I left five years ago." The shop buildings are still withering under the salty air. The weeds still cover the barren land, hiding broken glass bottles from bare feet. 

I stared out across the space from our Havilah Collective. I'd grown accustomed to seeing this demolished area. It's been years since it looked like anything but deserted rubble. Outside of Ocean View, a new apartment complex has nearly been completed, and a new school with solar panels and eco-friendly infrastructure has announced its presence. Of course, its tuition is out of reach for the students who live directly across the street from it.

Nothing has changed. Nothing has improved. No one looks at this place and says, "That would be a great investment." Most people would say that it's risky to invest anything of value in Ocean View. "It's a terrible investment. There's no return and, likely, things will just get stolen." They are not wrong about the stealing, as I know from experience. 

The neglect of this community is seen and felt in the lack of attention, resources, and improvement. The long-running message of "you are not worthy, you don't belong anywhere" is confirmed by the ever-present cycle of disrepair and despair. 

While the tragic history and current present of Ocean View might discourage those looking for a financial return, there is gold here. Gold in the form of flesh and blood, aunties and mothers, children and fathers, who are worthy, worthy investments. 

Last week, a small team of women from the United States chose to invest in Ocean View. They humbly arrived, not knowing what to expect, but they brought experience and wisdom, life skills and medical expertise. They offered it freely and without expectation of a return. I am beyond delighted to tell you that it was met with excitement, enthusiasm, open notebooks, and open arms.

Here are some brief highlights and the reactions to a worthy investment:

Auntie Jill was beyond excited and proud of her crochet accomplishments. She was one of many women who attended the crochet workshops and micro-business seminar.

The new soccer balls were instantly popular. Joy is always a worthy investment.