Alex has learned so much in South Africa that she is unbelievably grateful for

So before I even start, I know this is going to be hard. I cannot even begin to explain this semester in a way that is coherent, includes everything, and pays homage to those who made this trip all that it was.

South Africa taught me so much that I am unbelievably grateful for. Firstly, it taught me how to love. I have never been around more friendly and caring people in my life. Whether it was the incredibly adorable and amazing children at Maitland Cottage who managed to put a smile on my face each and every day without fail, or the children who helped us paint at the crèche without us asking. The way that the community welcomed me in, made me feel more at home than I did back in the U.S. For the first time in my life I felt like I was a part of something, like I truly belonged and fit in. And for that, South Africa will forever have a place in my heart. The sick children at Red Cross as well as the Baptist church brought out emotions so deep even I was amazed. Never in my life have I been so happy nor have I ever felt so alive.

           

Saying goodbye to the kids at Maitland was so hard. When I told the kids that I was leaving, one of the mothers translated that one of the boys replied that his heart hurt. Not only this but the mothers wanted me to stay as well and each hug slowly broke me down. Though I expected to walk through the girls wing rather quick, one little girl who I would give hugs to every day gave me the longest and best hug of my life. Even before I said I was going home, she told me she never wanted me to leave and wouldn’t let go. Maitland Cottage has been one of my main sources of happiness so when I had to say goodbye, I was devastated. These kids have been as much a help to me as I have been to them and I will never forget them. I no doubt will continue to think about them always.

This semester taught me to be happy. Having battled a mental illness for countless years, traveling to an African country has always been my light at the end of the tunnel. For years I have dreamed of traveling to this continent to help and interact with the citizens, and for it to become a reality has been my biggest dream come true.I was able to play volleyball again after a hiatus of three years at UCT with a ton of cool girls and an amazing coach who is casually a part of the top beach volleyball team in all of South Africa. Volleyball has been one of the greatest things introduced into my life and to be able to play again felt amazing. Saying goodbye to my coach and new friends was honestly sadder for me then graduating from high school. I can never say it enough; the people here made my experience.

I learned to push myself. Never have I ever put so much effort into incorporating myself into a community like I did in Cape Town. By staying out and being a part of the things I loved, I was able to meet so many cool people I would never have had the pleasure of knowing. I would never have thought that I would have gone paragliding especially since I wasn’t sure if I had a fear of heights (yes I know I should know but I had my doubts). I also didn’t realize I could tackle a mountain where more people die on than Mt. Everest. Finally, during this trip I battled some upsetting family issues back home but I managed to cope and further immerse myself with the happy people we’d call Capetonians.

With most of the academics out of the way, this last week I was able to just relax and enjoy the best of Cape Town from a hotel. We were able to enjoy some of our last moments joining hands and dancing through the Lumineers concert at Green Point and reflecting on our crazy adventures.

This group of sixteen co-educators (plus Ethan) have not only been tons of fun and energy, but have been there for support. I truly believe that I have also come away with life-long friends after being a part of the most life-changing journey together and creating strong bonds with one another.