Claire knows she'll form a special connection to this place

It is hard to believe that just 2 short weeks ago I was waving goodbye to my parents in the airport terminal, ready to start a new journey, in a new country with new people. Now two weeks later, I can’t believe how much we have accomplished in such a short amount of time. We’ve traveled through townships and mountains and all in between, trying to soak up all we could have before we start our internships this coming Monday. Although this is my second time returning to Cape Town, I still had a set of expectations for what I would be doing and experiencing throughout my time here. To say the least, the orientation and all the planned activities have way exceeded my expectations. I never knew how much of a city can be seen in such a short amount of time.

Coming here with a major in human development and family studies, the classes that I will be taking will be my first introduction to human rights. I am looking forward to learning more about it in class, from books, through conversations with people I meet and from my fellow co-educators. Although learning from books and articles is good, I believe that the conversations I have with people I meet at my internship and elsewhere will be the most important and beneficial to me making the most out of this experience.

One of my favorite moments here so far has been going to the service at the Sivuyile Baptist Church in Gugulethu. From the moment we walked in, I felt the power of the music and the upbeat atmosphere. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about going, but from the moment we walked in the people of the church were so welcoming, as they waved to us and even gave us hugs. I think the most powerful thing about the service was that although all of these people may come from extremely poor areas and townships, they still come together all dressed up every Sunday morning to celebrate the religion they know. I think this is especially important because their religion may be something they rely on, on a day-to-day basis, when they may not have much else. I will definitely be back at that church again during my stay here!

Another favorite part of orientation was visiting everyone’s internships. I never realized how many different non-governmental organizations there were in Cape Town. It is absolutely amazing that there are so many different programs to help people and children in need, ranging from Christel House to First Community Center to Maitland College Orthopedic Hospital. I am so excited to be starting my internship at Christel House working with a social worker. This will probably be one of the most humbling experiences, as I will be working with children who come from almost nothing. I am looking forward to making friends and learning something from each and every student.

After being here for two weeks and already not wanting to leave, I know that I am going to form a special connection with this place. I am looking forward to meeting new people, learning new things and becoming acquainted with this city that I now call home for the next few months.