Enkosi (Thank you!)

It’s hard to believe it has only been a week since I left Cape Town. As I sat down to write this blog, I found myself at a loss of words. I am clueless as to go about explaining the rush of emotions I have experienced upon my re entrance to the states. There have been moments of elation and joy accompanied by times of frustration and despair.  But throughout the whirlwind of emotions, I have experienced a persistent feeling of gratitude; gratitude for the people I’ve met, the places I have traveled to, the things I have done, but most importantly the lessons I have learned. I have been taught to appreciate instability in life, for that is what brings us the most profound transformations. South Africa also taught me the value of simplicity, flexibility, passion, and correct attitude. And I could never express an adequate appreciation to all those whom guided, supported and taught me over the last few months.

I left for South Africa with the hope of being pushed outside my comfort zone- I wanted to be fundamentally transformed by the language, the culture and by the diversity. With pride, I can say that I have indeed evolved.

There is something about living abroad that ignites within you a childlike outlook on your surroundings. I was in a constant state of awe and appreciation and I pray that I am able to maintain that sense of wonder in my life back home in Milwaukee. As each day presents new opportunities, I will strive to learn form them with equal conviction as I have done in South Africa.

Mzoli's

To celebrate our last Sunday in Cape Town, my roommates and I went to Mzoli's market in the Guguletu Township. When visiting Mzoli's, your first stop is at the butcher shop to pick out your meat (being vegetarian, I brought a PB & J sandwich, but regardless, the experience is worth it). They then pass you your 'bucket of meat' which you then take to the braai room. While you wait for your meat to cook, you can enjoy music and dance in their patio area. 

Mzoli's is a unique atmosphere in that it brings together so many different worlds. Generally speaking, it is extremely unlikely for white individuals to be found roaming around the townships. However, Mzoli's offers an exception to the rule and is both welcoming and affirming of diversity. 

Since we were already in Guguletu, my roommate Christine and I decided to walk a few blocks to her service site, a nearby primary school. I had been informed that the area surrounding Mzoli's can be somewhat dangerous if you are not careful. However my curiosity to see more of the township, as well as where my roommate had dedicated so much of her time abroad, got the best of me. 

When we reached Christine's school we were greeted by some of the children that had been playing in the field. The youngest ones, who did not speak English, came running over to me with arms outstretched shouting out "Amy Biehl Foundation," which is the outreach program that Christine worked for. This foundation recruits volunteers, many of whom are white individuals, to do youth outreach within the schools in the townships. It was amazing to me that this young girl had assumed that I was part of the Amy Biehl Foundation, likely because that is the only time she sees white women in her township. This is an example of the segregation that is prevalent throughout the city. It seems as though there are imaginary borders that certain individuals either refuse to, or are prohibited, to pass. Cape Town needs more people like Amy Biehl who are willing to surpass those borders (read more about Amy's life and legacy here: http://www.myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=a_biehl).

Goodbye Braai

On Saturday, the Kimberly House hosted a "Goodbye Braai" to which we invited EVERYONE who had played an influential role during our semester in South Africa. In preparation for the event, the roommates were busy cooking and cleaning all day. And I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever seen the house as clean as it was that day. Even the dishes were done, which is quite a rarity in a house of 21 college students. 

The night was enjoyed by all and I am so thankful to all those who were able to attend. We have been so blessed to have had the support of such amazing people and they will always have a special spot in my heart. 

In celebration of a successful evening, a few of my housemates and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for a margarita (favorite is a relative term considering its Mexican food is a country that has a very minuscule Mexican population). Apparently a full day of cooking and cleaning was a lot for me to handle seeing as I fell asleep face down on the table. At least my roommates woke me up before they left!