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.

Alex spending a very different yet satisfying Easter at the Red Cross Hospital burn unit.

This week having come back from excursion, I am beginning to really feel like I am truly running out of time. I have been trying to plan my last two weeks and it’s been really sad but kind of motivating. Each day I have something fun planned which I hope will help to even out the sadness. Despite being ready to go home, I really don’t ever want to leave this place.

I went into my third round of surgeries with one of the student physios from Denmark. It was her last day and it was cool to observe with her since she had much more knowledge on human anatomy than myself, and prior experience with surgeries. She was able to ask questions and explain the previous symptoms of the patient, what the surgeons were doing to fix it, and what the probable recovery would look like. I found it so interesting to be able to hear a patient’s case from start to finish. It helps not just from a learning stance, but to better understand the pain of the patient. This time we watched two student doctors operate on a patient. In the past I have seen a surgeon working with a student so this was a different dynamic. The students turned on their playlists which really relaxed us all. We were laughing and feeling the music so much so that at times I even forgot I was in surgery. As we waited for the next patient, the student doctors and physio all sat in the break room together and at some point got into a conversation about different countries and their capitals. They were trying to guess a capital of a pretty well- known country in my opinion, and with every wrong guess, I was able to correct them and name which country that was from. They were all thoroughly impressed because as an American they believed that we often lacked the global awareness that most other countries had. I have never been so proud to break an American stereotype.

For Easter, I was able to help out at Red Cross in the burn victims wing. I can’t even begin to say that I was unprepared for what lied ahead, but I am glad that I did it. I spent much of my time talking to a little girl who was hooked up to a machine and had a bandage around her head with her eyes and mouth swollen shut. I could barely tell that she was even responsive other than the fact that she managed to turn towards me in her crib as I stroked her leg because even her little hands were completely bandaged up. Another one of the patients I played with was a one-year-old baby boy. As I disinfected the games I had just used with another patient, I heard him crying as he tried to crawl onto his pillow. My heart broke. Since he was mostly bandaged as well, I could only touch his hand. But even with that, he held on, stopped moving, and stopped crying. On this day I managed to make it to three different patients and each one was such a gift. Having worked with many children injured in car accidents and left to recuperate in cots for months with few visits from family, I was amazed at these circumstances. How strong these kids were to battle burns all over their bodies, some not even able to see or move for weeks. If nothing else, my time spent here has showed me just how lucky I am to be in good health and have the funds to travel and afford the necessities. Whenever times are rough, I must think back to the people I have had the pleasure of meeting and push forward knowing they would do the same. Having gone to church every single Easter of my life, this year was unique. Though I definitely would not call myself religious by any means, I felt as if what I was doing was like church in a way. Interacting with the kids was not only satisfying but left me feeling happier and more at peace.

Alex found the excursion to be a perfect mix of education and fun

Yesterday we just came back from our amazing spring break to Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. It was the perfect mix of education (interesting and thought-provoking museums and memorials) and fun. I honestly can’t think of a week that has gone by faster in my life!

Sharpeville was my favorite stop in Johannesburg. It evoked not only a surplus of emotion, but understanding and education as well. We so often learn about history and not only is it white-washed, but we are so conditioned to feel little if any pain when we learn about human deaths around the world whether it happened yesterday or hundreds of years ago. Not only this, but we rarely remember these events. Actually going to the scenes of tragedies or triumphs like these, and hearing from victims and their families really solidify this knowledge. I loved how we were instantly greeted by singing youth as well as by our kindhearted host who led us through the pictures documenting the massacre, along with a descendent of one who passed away as a result of it. We watched an informative video that provided a well needed perspective on the thoughts of the living victims. It touched on what they believe should be learned, its importance, and how it was upstaged by Hector Pieterson despite the fight beginning with them. They also portrayed the anger some still had as well as the forgiveness that others had given their perpetrators. One of the things that stood out to me was how before entering, our host said that America is where everything is and where everyone wants to go. I was taken aback. Though I know of the United States’ status in the world, especially with the number of massive flaws today, I can’t imagine someone saying a statement like that. I spend much of my time with those that are either unfazed by my birthplace or have more negative views towards it, so this was a new experience for me. Walking through the memorial with the white columns with the names and ages and the fountain that washed away the blood that was shed was unbelievable to see and to feel. This was followed by a fifteen-minute theatrical dance that the same singing group put on for us which was unbelievable. They were able to portray an entire story with just a few people, zero props, and only their voices as music. With just their bodies they were able to emote so clearly and bring people to tears. Having been a dancer for twelve years of my life, I have a special place in my heart for anything involving dance and this was no different. They were looking for funds to bring their group to perform on a different stage and I could not help but applaud them. I have never seen youth so passionate and educated on historical matters, but I wish for that to change. Afterwards we went to visit the graves of the sixty-nine people who lost their life that day. Before lunch we drank a traditional Zulu (leopards) beer from a calabash (heavy clay pot) as was traditionally done after a visit to the cemetery to connect with one’s ancestors. I was excited to be a part of a long standing tradition and was eager to try. Before I left, I was able to connect and exchange contact information with our host to keep in touch. I have never been so touched and brought to tears by a memorial as I had here. This day will never be forgotten just like the massacre itself.

The Hector Pieterson Museum brought similar emotions. It was crazy to think how a twelve-year-old child could be so politically active. I think back to my childhood and how little I knew was going on in the world at that time. I can’t even begin to imagine myself protesting let alone putting myself in a dangerous situation for a worthwhile cause like he had. The courage and bravery that this child had is so admirable. At Constitution Hill I was shocked by the living conditions and further disgusted to find the differences in diet between the different races. This differing treatment in jails among races relates back to the differing treatment set under apartheid. The Apartheid Museum and Freedom Square were added reminders of what the courageous South Africans fought for years ago and the price they paid. From visiting these historical landmarks, I have a better understanding of what it took to achieve the level of equality that exists today.

Another highlight was The Boys and Girls Club we were able to visit for a day. I was amazed at the ease in which I had conversations and built bonds with the kids here. I got the number of one of the girls who was telling me about her upcoming Easter performance that the club puts on every year. She talked about how hard the kids rehearsed and said she would send a copy of the final show which I am excited to see. Everyone I saw was so eager to talk or play which made the afternoon so fun. I heard the kids’ aspirations, their difficult schooling, and the impact that the program had on them. Despite the large number of kids, the kids knew everyone and were one big family in a home away from home. When we got on the bus to leave, many of the little kids came out and started running beside the bus waving goodbye. I could not have asked for any more love or care from the kids or staff.

Kruger National Park was absolutely huge! One of my co-educators told me that it was 19,600 sq km and if that doesn’t already sound huge, its bigger than the entire country of Israel! We were able to see a wide variety of animals including plenty of impala and kudu, a heard of buffalo, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hyenas, lions that walked beside us, a hippo, and an elephant among others. I was able to go on an early morning drive, a sunset drive, and a late night drive which provided a good variety of sights. Being in such a secluded location without internet was so relaxing. With only three weeks left of the trip, I hope to finish it off as best I can.

Alex has decided she wants to stay here forever

Last weekend I went paragliding off of Signal Hill and it was definitely worth the wait. With the wind being such a huge factor, it is often canceled and had to be rescheduled. I don’t know whether it was an adrenaline rush or a new me, but when the pilot asked if I wanted to do tricks… I said yes! I have never been a fan of rollercoasters and have often shut down any ideas that involve drops, so this was big for me. When I paid for my pictures I was so sure that in the video, I would look terrified during the tricks but for the first time I was actually calm, and I was so impressed. Though this wasn’t something I was too worried about to begin with, I can definitely see myself becoming more fearless and its exciting.

On Monday I went to Clifton Fourth Beach with Kaitlyn, Claire, Maddy, Sara, and Shona and it was so beautiful. It was crazy how despite it being 95 degrees, the water was cold enough to instantly cool you down and numb your feet with one step.

Earlier in the day, Odon (the sand art artist) delivered my custom-made design. I cannot brag enough about this man. His work is not only stunning and unique, but he often goes the extra mile to deliver the paintings to your house. If you ever find yourself in Langa, stop by the community center and check out his artwork. I promise you’ll be amazed. 

I finally hiked Lion’s Head with Kaitlyn and Laura T at sunrise. We went on Tuesday which was a national holiday so there were TONS of people hiking with us using headlamps. I absolutely loved the hike but it was insane how hot it was at 6 am. At the top I overheard a man saying that if Lions Head existed back home, he could see himself hiking it every day. Though I may not be on that level yet, I definitely love the idea of being active outdoors. It is not only more motivating to see a gorgeous view at the top, but you are able to work more muscle groups at the same time then at the gym. You are also thinking more about the adventure then about the exercise itself! On our way down we found one of the caves and were able to climb up to it. And I know I was a little tired, but this cave had the comfiest rock seats I have ever come across as well as a great view.  I can’t wait to hike it again in the daytime and explore the rest of the caves.

I was recently talking to a good friend back home; telling him about all that I am doing here. It is easy to compare yourself to others down here, but to get an outsiders view on how spectacular my last two months have been and how much I am doing was a good reassurance. He said that I was surprising him in so many ways which was cool to hear. I literally cannot believe that its almost over. I want to stay here forever.