Kaitlyn appreciating the opportunity to experience and love her two different worlds

Spending time with the Fire Fighter’s has been amazing; it has turned into something we truly love participating in, as opposed to a part of our curriculum requirements. Last Thursday, instead of going to practice, we went with Power and Bongi to the Kensington Tournament Launch. I was so unaware of how much our presence there was appreciated until Bongi told us. I was so caught off guard when he started saying how special it was that we were there and how much it meant to him. He expressed such genuine gratitude and was so thankful for us, even though us being there changed nothing; knowing that we were able to fundraise so that they could join this tournament made us so happy though. During practice this week, we brought all of the equipment, that we acquired from our co-educator’s families, to practice with us and the looks of pure excitement on the children’s faces warmed our souls. They all started coming up to us while we were laying it all out, touching all the new cleats and asking us to pump up the soccer balls for them. It was challenging to say no to them (since we wanted to wait until Power arrived) because they were so genuinely filled with joy. 

         

On the minibus ride home from practice, I was texting one of my friend’s from UConn who I haven’t caught up with in a while. He was asking me all about my time here, genuinely interested in what I had to say. At one point in the conversation he mentioned how it seemed like I never wanted to leave. I told him if I could take all the people I love and miss from home and move them here, I would never ever leave Cape Town. His next response was “that would be the ultimate experience, huh? it wouldn’t be the same though.” I never realized how true his words were until he worded it like that last night, even though it’s been something I’ve thought so much about. Having those people, here in this other home of mine, would have altered my entire experience completely (and not necessarily for the better). This realization made me feel so incredibly grateful for all my other co-educators and adults who make this program everything that it is. I know that all of us who have experienced Cape Town together with will always share a unique bond that cannot really be explained. This conversation allowed me to accept the fact that my two worlds could never realistically collide, but that that isn’t a bad thing. I cannot go home expecting people to want to hear every detail of my past four months or to understand much of what I’m saying. Thinking of returning home is not an appealing thought to me, but I just need to acknowledge how amazing these four months have been (even though it’s not over quite yet) and make the most out of the time I have left. Living in the moment and appreciating everything, makes life so much more worthwhile. I'm ready to tackle these next six weeks with a new mindset and many emotions, and make some more lasting memories with people I love so much!!