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.
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