A Day in the Life

Ally Olejniczak


A day in the life of Ally Olejniczak: I usually wake up at 7 o'clock to do my mourning routine before heading off to work at 8 a.m. I only hit my snooze button once... My office is about a 5-minute walk from my house, maybe a little less. I carry my bag which has my two journals, my lunch, keys, and my computer. At the office, I design posters, and playbills, work on my research, write my blogs, or prepare a schedule for the days that the kids come. I hang out with Rachel and Christene on Tuesdays and Thursdays painting or sealing murals. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I see the Dreamcatcher kids and we work on our music and dance together for a couple of hours (with a watermelon break in between). I also have external projects I work on like things for college so I can be prepared once I get back home in the fall! More sporadically I have other assignments like when I need to build Green Johannas or run errands out in Stilbaai. When I get home I either join a soccer game or take a nap. Later in the afternoons before dinner I usually walk around with the kids that live nearby and on clear days- stop to watch the sunset. I come home to a delicious dinner cooked by Marie, sometimes she will teach me her delicious recipes too! Late in the evening is the best time to call my friends and my family. Before I go to bed I look up at the stars making sure I burn the sight of them into my brain so I never forget. 

On weekends I have more time to play with the kids. Sometimes me and Marie will go into town to go shopping or do other activities. I get to eat all my meals with my new family, which is probably my favorite time of the day. The weekends are the only time I can call my friends because they aren't in school so I take advantage of my time and tend to stay up later in the night. Sundays are sleepy days, I will go to church with Marie, and some Sundays I will take long naps after. Every weekend looks a little different, but I always get my naps in! 


Me, Marie, and the delicious cookies we baked!


Marie was asked to take the role of a homestay Kammama after Leonard's mother passed away. She's amazing at her job, and continues her family's Dreamcatcher legacy with pride, showcasing strong love, and hard work. Besides Marie's talents, she's also just an amazing person in general, she has a kind heart and a passion for everything she enjoys doing. Marie gets involved in her church being a devoted member and helping with all their events! Marie has had a huge impact on me, she showed me the importance of keeping the people I love close and to always be accepting and forgiving. She has gone out of her way to do so many things for me, and for that, I am truly grateful. 


Me and Len <3


Leonard my host dad is a huge help in Dreamcatcher too! He was working on building the gate for where the kids and I do rehearsals and making sure the area was clear and safe for us! Without him, it would be harder to practice, with more distractions and less space. I owe a lot to him and his hard work. Leonard looks over me and Marie to make sure we are safe. Sometimes we run errands together like going to the shop to get power. Leonard also sometimes helps make dinner. He is very funny and always brings a smile to my face. I'm very lucky to be living with such amazing people! 








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