My 'Life To Do Continued..'

5.Visit asia- Begjing & Hongkong, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos.......and volunteer in an orphanage while there.

6.Get dressed up in the appropriate attire (yes, a HUGE expensive hat and sundress) and drink gin and tonics while watching the kentucky derby

7. Visit New Zealand with all of my brothers-we have all wanted to go here......and bungee jump, surf, do the outdoorsy stuff!

8. become affluent--make sure to be able to pay for all of my children's college education & more

9. Become a speaker/writer/author life coach extrodinare!! Of course, after I am a leadership consultant, professor, event planner, etc......my dream is to write an advice/self-help blog/website, do consulting work for organizations on generation Y & leadership, coach some people, and write a book. Yep, some day I will do it....

10. Become the proud owner of a little pup- shitzu ( spelling) or miniature yorkie.....and name her Anabella OR Lucy

11. See beyonce, usher, rihanna, and chris brown in concert.....enough said!

12. Do a roadtrip all around the US--to do's: vineyards in California, hiking in New Mexico, beaching in LA, whale watching in Boston, and the list goes on...

13. Live in Washington D.C .--not forever, but for a year or so....I want to spend my weekends exploring the history of the United States :)

14. join a book club ( geeky, I know.....) so I can chat with other people and read books for a purpose....

15. Plan an RV roadtrip through Alaska and Canada for my dad.....and be his personal tour guide.

16. Adopt a child from abroad- either Africa or Asia

17. Own a yellow car...I know, I know this is weird but I love the color yellow because it's bright and happy.....maybe a VW BUG?!?!

18. Become healthier- loose 30 lbs and make healthy eating a lifestyle- not just a phase.

19. Do a 'what happens in vegas, stays in vegas' vacation with girlfriends- Next winter break with friends I've met in the Virgin Islands!!!

20. graduate college- next spring!

21. become a mentor- I've done big brothers big sisters but have had trouble with consistency with my littles moving all of the time.....I am going to apply to be a mentor for a program the U this fall....

22. go white water rafting!

23. visit costa rica and explore the jungle

I feel like there is still more to come.......stay tuned!

Oh The Places You Will Go..

How many of you have a life to do list? Think about it for a minute....."I've always wanted to go....or "I'd like to go bungee jumping with friend x"......whether mental, written down, or spread to your family and friends, I think many of us have things we want to do before we die, considering we only have one life to live! Well, I've always started 'life to do lists' but never finished them as I have a tendency to get off track and forget about them-or accomplish things without congratulating myself ( celebrate celebrate celebrate!!!).....So, without further adue, here is a good start to my life to do list:


1. Go on an African Safari- DONE!!! Part of a trip that was an experience of a lifetime- ask me about it :)
2. Run a half marathon- plan to do it this fall!!! Minneapolis Twin Cities half!
3. Run a marathon
4. Visit several other places in Africa- Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, Morrocco--and go back to South Africa...
5. Do a Europe Trip w/ girlfriends or my future husband--I think girlfriends would be more fun, don't you agree? I want to see Austria, France ( Bordeuax), Italy, Holland.....bring on all the tasty foods!!!
6. Do a 'semester at sea'--this is a study abroad program where you can go pretty much anywhere in the world for a semester at sea, literally. I wish I would have done a semester at sea in my undergraduate, but will now do it during my graduate studies OR as a crew member ( working as a traveling professor or in adminstration)....
7. study abroad--in the Virgin Islands and South Africa- DONE! Again, ask me about both :)
8. get a 4.0 at least one semester of my studies...I got a 4.0 during a summer term, but that doesn't quite count!
9. Scuba Dive in the great barrier reef in Australia
10. Purchase a vw jetta or passat or bug- I'm not looking for a brand new spanking car, but a cute used one :)
11. Get my PHD


okay.....I will continue this later because I'm off to dinner with my family- I think I'll have to get a margarita or two!

Giving.

'When I give, I give myself'....taken from a very good friend of mine who has spent her semester as a university student experiencing the culture and life of Ecuador, a life changing experience it has proven to be, I'm sure!

In my attempt at failing to blog while I was in the Virgin Islands (sad, huh?!), I have decided I'm going to work and make this a routine thing. I'm not going to be the type of person who writes each and every day, but rather write a few times a week or when I have something I feel is very worthwhile and valuable to share- so here it goes!

As my title implies, the theme of this particular post will be around the spirit of giving. After returning from a significant time of my life spent away in the caribbean, I finally feel like I have something 'concrete' to translate this experience into. When I came back from South Africa, I had (and still am having) a very difficult time translating how I spent my time there and what I can do with my experience. The Virgin Islands, however, provided me with something I realized I take for granted- simplicity. I have a newfound admiration the simple things in life. This didn't hit me until I sent foot in the US, where life was faster than I have ever seen it before- and I was an island goddess running around trying to catch my flight, frantically of course. I think my time in Wisconsin for the month of may will be spent well.......when I come home for more than a weekend to visit my family in Wisconsin, I used to find myself EXTREMELY bored. However, I am 100% embracing this month to continue my rejuvination and enjoy time with my family, friends (through phone and online, of course) and the 'northwoods'. I will admit, after living in the caribbean, I have a new found respect for the 4 seasons :)

Now onto the important stuff...

Today I had an awesome conversation with my dad. To put it very briefly, everytime I am around my dad, we 'dream share' (this is a term I've coined). We talk about each other's dreams, hopes, wishes, passions, etc. which will be something I will always remember my papa for. Because my parents are in their mid-50's, they have begun to think about 'life after life'.......how the investments and inheritence will be managed, who will manage it ( out of the 5 of us), what types of things he would like to see done with the money, etc.....let's remember my dad is a financial planner.....So, my dad went more in depth to a vision he has for our family he's mentioned before, but gave me incredible details. My dad has a vision of 'giving', more so meaning leaving a significant amount of money to his children to continue investing, but also to gather around during the holidays and collectively decide as 5 siblings, an organization, cause, whatever you have it, to give to. For example, one year it could be to a nonprofit my dad gave to throughout his lifetime ( to honor his legacy) or an organization, such as JL Zwane ( see previous posts) in South Africa that I care about. Not only will this create tradition, but will allow our family to celebrate who we are, as well as something we all remember my dad for- giving.

Throughout my lifetimee ( now granted, I am only 21 years old), my dad has given, given, and given. He has dedicated his life to his family- giving his time and love to his 5 children and wife , giving his time to our commnity where he is heavily involved, giving his financial wisdom to those he cares about, and will continue to do so. I have always wondered where my spirit and passion for giving has come from? Well folks, I finally have the answer- my dad. Yet another thing I can thank him for.

This past week at home has absolutly been a blessing in disguise- I have NEVER been this happy at home. Now if you know me well enough, you know I belong in the world's most positive or optimistic people, and can always see things on the bright side. Well, I found an even happier place and time- right now! I am more euphoric than I have been in a long time. And I have finally realized why I feel these feelings- I am giving. I am giving my time to my dad to listen and spend time with him, I am giving my time to go outside and play baseball with my brothers, I am giving my time keeping in touch with my friends around the country, I am giving my time to an evening spent with great friends in Minneapolis. I am happy because I am giving.

As I think about and figuratively 'digest' my experiences in the Virgin Islands, I realize my purpose was to give. Give my heart, friendship, advice, and self to whoever came along and allowed me to open up to them. And out of this, I made some wonderful friends who I can continue to give myself to for the rest of my life. All experience is valuable- whether good or bad- and as long as you choose to look at it in a positive note, one will benefit. So with that note, I challenge you to give- volunteer for a few hours at an organization you are interested in, give your time to an old neighbor you have been meaning to visit but just haven't gotten the time to do so, even doing something small as giving a smile to a strangeron the street will do; because in doing these things- you give yourself, a gift that is totally unique!

Warm Wishes,

Emily

Change.

Hello All!

The fall semester of my junior year is completed- all to-do lists thrown away, last minute coffee dates finished, and all that I have been busy doing this semester is finally OVER!!! I have balanced more than I ever could have imagined this semester- working 2 part time student jobs ( in the CEHD student services office, as well as TA-ing for an Intro. to Public Speaking class, volunteering, 18 credits, lots of different areas of work through the leadership minor, among many other things...) and I have to say I feel quite accomplished! It turned out to be one of the best semesters of my life- and now I am on to bigger and better things!!!

I am in Minneapolis until December 22nd, leave to go home to Wisconsin December 23rd- and depart for the US Virgin Islands January 5th!! CRAZY how time flies. So many things to do, people yet to see, planning and organizing, you name it- I'll be doing it!

I have mixed feelings about what I'm going to be experiencing- incredibly appreciative for being able to do something like this ( again, the opportunities you have in college) and CANNOT wait to meet new people and experience another area of the world; however, it really just fully dawned on me that I'm leaving something behind that I absolutly LOVE- Minneapolis, more specifically, the University of Minnesota. But as many have reminded me, the U of M will still be here when I return- my experience in the Virgin Islands won't. Additionally, as many know, change is inevitable, yet difficult. And what's even more difficult, is anticipating the change. However, I have recognized that some of the most difficult, yet most rewarding and best experiences of my life, have been introduced through large amounts of change. With that being said, let the packing of suitcases, running around for last minute errands/appointments, and preparing myself for the semester of a lifetime begin!!

Warmest Wishes,
Emily

I feel that this blog has come to an end and needs to be closed, but I feel a deep desire to continue it. As my summer is coming to an end, I have finally begin to realize some of the most important lessons my time in South Africa taught me, as well as how this trip has affected me immensely, both personally and profesionally.

One of the biggest lessons my time in South Africa taught me is that I have learned to appreciate who I am and what I have, more specifically my lifestyle. I have come to realize ( and did realize this prior to my trip, but didn't fully "practice" it before) that things will never make a person happy. What makes "me" happy is that I am surrounded with good company ( friends, family, co-workers, people, you get it...), that I have the desire/ability to travel, opportunities, an education, and the ability to give ( give to me means that I can give "me", Emily, the person I am and what I stand for)....I think the most prominent at this point would be education. Through South Africa, I realized my passion is education. I have taken my education for granted all of my life....I have always had the ability to pursue an education and all that it entails. It was not made entirely clear to me until being in South Africa, that some people will NEVER have the ability to pursue an education, let alone have any. Education is incredibly powerful and has enriched my life ( as it will continue to) in many ways I cannot explain. My biggest professional dream for the future is to be able to teach others the value of education- whether it be college students, friends, people I come across, etc. And because I am fortunate to be in a position to give, I want to use my talent and strengths in giving those a memorable experience in education. I want to be able to travel the world and give those who do not have an education, the opportunity at having one. Each day I am reminded at what my education has done for me.....it has shown me the world. I am forever appreciative of what my college education has given and taught me. The opportunities have been endless.

In addition to all of these, South Africa, specifically my time in Gugs, opened my eyes to the power of forgiveness. There have been many times in my life where I feel bitter towards people or certain relationships. Why did a certain friend take advantage of me? How come I was put into this situation? Why did this happen to me? After spending a week ( and this may seem like an incredibly short amount of time) with people in the township of Guguletu, my eyes and heart were awakened to some of the most forgiving people I have EVER met. To shorten this story (because I could go on forever), the people of South Africa face incredible challenges. They have had a very rough history in regards to Apartheid, are statistically living with the world's higest HIV/AIDS rate, extreme amount of poverty, etc. However, many of the people I met, have set aside these trajic facts and have opened their arms and hearts to forgiveness. Despite the odds, they are bound and deteremined to forgive. Forgive those who caused them pain, anxiety, many times lives of people they loved. This, alone, has reminded me to forgive anyone and everyone. It has reminded me to forgive myself when I make mistakes. Why waste time being bitter and disliking people or things when you cannot change them? Instead, be grateful for the good in life. Being able to forgive because life will improve drastically.

Despite spending one of the saddest weeks of my entire life in South Africa, as well as the emotional rollercoaster I I felt while spending my time in South Africa, I realized how incredibly hopeful and positive some of the people is what kept me emotionally alive. These leaders. True leaders. Leaders that are INCREDIBLE- their hope and positive outlook for the future of improve for their country has been one of the most inspiring lessons I have come across. How did I stumble upon this life-changing experience? Why me? Was this part of my mission? Is this part of my journey? Absolutly. I believe everything happens for a reason. South Africa was intentional.

This experience has truly given me the power to act upon what I saw, felt, was moved by, met, etc. I will pursue education, professionally. I will give back. I will continue my travels. I will volunteer for an extended time abroad. I will continue my leadership journey. I will force myself out of my comfort zone and expand my thoughts and ideas. Most importantly, I will be FOREVER grateful for an experience that has truly "given" me the world.

The best experience of my life

So, I have been “officially” been transitioned back into my life at home in Minneapolis after spending a month in South Africa. I am back to my normal routines- working full time at my student services job on campus, getting iced coffee’s at Starbucks, hanging out with friends, working out at my gym- and It definitely doesn’t feel weird anymore. The first few nights back from South Africa in Minneapolis were weird. I got home back to my apartment, emotionally exhausted and physically exhausted. I only got to see my family for a little bit so that probably didn’t help either. I was overwhelmed with questions, phone calls, facebook posts, etc. about how my trip was and to be honest, the last thing I wanted to do was talk about my trip because I still felt like I didn’t know what to think or feel. But to my biggest surprise, I was upset and sad that I was at home. I was excited to come back to the US when I was in South Africa towards the end of the trip because I was getting sick of having such long days and not having “comforts” conveniently located where I wanted them. I hadn’t slept on the plane rides at all really because I had to sit in the middle of snoring men and crying babies, fun! I thought the first thing I would want to do was go to sleep when I got back, but instead I sat up all night ( literally) thinking about my trip. I could NOT go to sleep. I feel like it was my first full time to really “process” what I experienced. I thought about the people I met, the places I visited, and realized that my time in Guguletu was the best week of my life. I had also realized that I had fallen in love with a culture different from my own and that I want to travel more. Not just to a few destinations, but the world. I want to see and experience other cultures, peoples, and communities and have different traveling experiences, because of what I have seen that travel teaches. Travel has taught me to appreciate myself, my home community, my comforts. Travel has also taught me that even though I can be across the world, I can also adjust and be comfortable in different surroundings and with different people. In my opinion, there is just something incredibly exhilarating about waking up in a different country and I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that.

 

 

I’m also rereading Kevin Winge’s book, Never Give Up. I would highly recommend those of you who went on this trip to do the same and for anyone who hasn’t read it, buy a copy and read it!!! It gives a great glimpse into South Africa and township life and all of the proceeds go towards JL Zwane. I’m actually just going to buy both of my parents copies and give them to them when I go home next. It is SO neat to reread this book and when the author talks about the things he saw, I cannot believe I have been there. I also understand what he is talking about more because now I can paint mental pictures of what he is talking about because I got to see these things. Wow!!

 

This past week was very difficult for me, as far as thinking and processing my trip. I found myself become sad during all parts of the day. Someone would say something or do something that reminded me of my trip and I wanted nothing more than to turn and relate to someone who had experienced South Africa. I saw new pictures being posted on facebook with the faces of the people who inspired and impacted me and I wanted nothing more than to hug them and spend my evenings feasting and dancing the night away. Someone would ask me about my trip and I wasn’t sure how to respond. I felt frusterated when people would complain about the hot weather, not having money to go shopping ( but really having money), or having to work ( at least you’re employed!!)……and I even found myself complaining a little too. At times, I wanted nothing more than to go on a rant on how good that person had it in comparison to the people I met across the world, but obviously that wouldn’t be exactly appropriate, nor would it be my time or place to judge. I also found myself constantly rethinking a future career path. Was I in the right place? Am I headed down the right path? Is there another option I should maybe explore because I might find a hidden talent or passion? I have questioned myself daily about this. Will I be able to make enough of a difference in what I want to do?

 

So, overall, I have realized how much my experiences in South Africa impacted me. I want to do something and I want to be able to help, no matter how big or little. I still haven’t fully decided what I want to do on a personal level, but assure you I will follow through because I don’t want to let myself down. It would be too much of a tradgedy to not use my experiences in South Africa to create change, no matter how big or little they are, because I know it will make my life more meaningful ( and you all know I am constantly searching of ways to improve J). I will probably continue blogging when I decide what this is going to be…. But I also know that I will go back. I would LOVE to revisit South Africa within the next couple of years and explore more of Africa. Not only would I like to visit, but would even more so participate in some sort of volunteer work for an extended period of time. If 3 weeks has a significant impact on my life, I can just imageine how much several months would. I want to reconnect with the people who shared their hearts, stories, homes, and most of all their country with me.

 

I also want to make note of some of the highlights of my trip and what I will never forget. A lot of people have been asking me what my “favorite” part of the trip was and to be honest, I can not narrow it down to one. Some are more memorable than others, though and I figure I will post them so you can all see what I am trying to describe…the first set are my favorite memories/moments/places during my “tourist” part of the trip. The second set is from my week spent in Guguletu.

 

1. Visiting the Cape of Good Hope. This is an area of South Africa that is the “most southern” tip of the continent of Africa. Something about the name of this area just inspired me! J I really enjoyed this area because it was absolutely breathtaking ( as far as scenary), but it was the first time on the trip I feel like I got some good exercise ( something I had been really missing!). We climbed up a walking path made out of stone to the top of the moutain area where there was a lighthouse and you could overlook the ocean. It was just one of those moments where you would have never imagined yourself seeing or experiencing something like so.
2. The beach. We had a Sunday off where nothing was schedule and we could do whatever we wanted. Amanda, Emily T., Christen, and I went to a beach in the suburbs of Capetown, about 45 minutes from the Mowbray/Raundabasch area. It was a colder day, so we obviously couldn’t swim, but just spent a good amount of time having a picnic on the beach and walking the beach. I felt like it was the first time on the trip that I really sort of had to myself, which was refreshing. I needed some alone time and I got just the perfect amount of that walking along the beach. The beach was also absolutely breathtaking….situated along some mountains. We later revisited that beach as a whole group on one of our last days in South Africa.
3. THE SAFARI!!! From the time I was a young child, I remember myself dreaming of going on a safari and how cool it would be. I loved animals, more in particular, WILD animals. The safari wasn’t what I imagined it though. It was a very windy/cold day, so we all bundled up ( with what warm clothes we had! Haha) and spent our morning and afternoon in a jeep exploring the “african” wilderness…..We saw giraffes, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras ( my personal favorite, I think), and several types of deer-like animals. We also had lunch at the place we went on the safari and it was delicious!

 

 

1. Hands down the best memory I had in Gugs was getting to know Johanna ( and I journaled/blogged about her earlier). Just for the reminder, Johanna calls herself a social worker and volunteers for JL Zwane. She spends her days bringing meals and sharing her company with people in the township who need someone to visit with. She has her regular visits- such as the orphan and brother we met and a couple of other families- and sure just seems to know everyone. I admire Johanna to an amount that is undescriable. She is extrememly giving, friendly, compassionate, sweet, and forgiving. For having so little, Johanna’s is one of the happiest people I have ever met. What I was able to take away from getting to know Johanna are some of the most important lessons I feel I will ever learn ( and I’ll keep them to myself for now J). This is where there will not be a closed door in regards to South Africa…..I think of Johanna a lot and would love to revisit her someday.
2. The food and evenings we spent with our host families. Each evening, after we were done at JL Zwane, all of the students and the host families would get together at a particular scheduled host families’ home and have dinner. And this was not an ordinary dinner, trust me. It was literally a Thanksgiving feast for 5 nights straight!! We always had several types of meats, vegetables, pap, and of course coke/fanta! My favorite part about the way we spent these evenings was the good food and good company. Not only did we get to talk to eachother, but we got to know eachother’s host families. A couple of the evenings, we also listend to music and danced ( and I loveeeeee to dance!!). They would play music and taught us what we would know as the electric slide. During these evenings, there were lots of laughs and so much fun. I remember ( for a moment in time) at our last get together we were all dancing, singing, laughing, and enjoying life and I stepped ( to look back on the balcony, in leadership terms) back for a moment and the room was like a scene out of a movie. I can’t forget to mention how great of hospitality these families provided for us. They were incredibly gracious and definitely knew how to entertain!!
3. The children. I have realized that this is where a lot of my person passion lies for this trip….the kids. I was both saddened and touched by the children of Guguletu- from the kids at the Rainbow After School Program, Priscilla’s children that are orphans, the children at the disability daycare, and children that ran around on the streets. Everytime, I saw a child, my heart was tugged at ( for a better lack of words). I sometimes think it was more exciting for me each and every time, than it was for the children when we would approach them, introduce ourselves, hand out Dum-Dum suckers ( thanks for that Ben….such a good idea!!), and take pictures and then show them their faces. I bet some of some children had never even seen themselves in a picture before and the excitement on their faces when they did is so unexplainable. The irony of their lives is what struck me the most. These children grow up in extremely difficult situations ( in comparison to what I have or other Americans). Some of them have no education ( if they cannot afford to or because they cannot afford uniforms) and if they do, there is little chance that college can become a reality, many of them have been orphaned because their parents have died from HIV/AIDS, there lives are in general very unstable because they are passed around from family to family throughout their lifetime, they go to bed hungry, their living conditions are very uncomfortable in their small shacks, and the list could go on and on. The  irony of the situation is that these children seem to be the happiest of all children I have ever seen. I was truly inspired by their energy and zest for life- something a lot of people struggle to find on a daily basis. Additionally, during one of our last days in Capetown, when we had our Braii ( South African barbeque), the interstudy director, Ouma, brought her two children. She had a daughter who is about 10? And her son is 3. We spent a majority of the evening running around with these two….they were great! I loved Ouma’s daughter’s attitude. She had attitude like no other and was such a diva. I couldn’t stop laughing!

 

I also had a great conversation this past week at work with one of the academic advisors I work with. He has lived and spent a good amount of time in Capetown because he has extended family living there. In addition to working at the university, he also is a DJ and does tours in South Africa during winter breaks to DJ at clubs there. It was so refreshing and helpful to have someone to talk there who has seen and experience South Africa. When he is there, he spends his time working/volunteering at an organization ( I’ll ask him again what it’s called so I can post a link for those of you who want to check it out) where his job is to basically be a social worker and reconnect families together who have been separated. These families are usually separated because of parents fighting, parents not being able to provide for their children, or because there has been rape/incest within the family ( all incredibly sad). He also has a person friend living there who has a daughter who is now 17 and he has been paying her education since she was 5 ( something I thought is SO neat because he has chosen to do this all on his own). We talked a lot about South Africa and his passion for helping people. He plans to move there for an extended period of time in the next two years and live there. Additionally, another academic advisor went to South Africa to do a sight visit for a week just before I went abroad and we ended talking about our experiences. I got around to reflecting upon how grateful I am to be working where I am. I have a job that I love and am able to make a difference in student lives….the team of academic advisors I work with care SO MUCH about the students they advise, as well as do my bosses….I also want to mention that I have a good friend from highschool going to Tanzania this July for a month for study abroad and I am so excited for him! I think these are all subtle signs that I didn’t get enough time in Africa and that I need to go back.

 

 

I think one of the biggest takeaway’s I have gotten out of this trip is that there is a bigger world out there ready for me to explore. From small town Wisconsin to big city Minnesota to Capetown, South Africa has been an interesting dynamic. I will never be able to replicate or fully experience the things I did while on my, nor the people I have met. If study abroad taught me so much in three weeks, I cannot imagine what possibilities are out there for future travels. I am excited to be studying abroad again in the Spring of 2010 in the Virgin Islands and have decided that I will be getting involved in some sort of volunteer work while I am there (because it will make it that much more enjoyable and meaningful). Beyond these experiences, I hope to be able to visit more of Africa, China, Australia, And Europe ( let’s set a deadline and do all of these by the time I am 30!!!).  So, if you ask me, how is South Africa, I think I will tell you that you need to experience it yourself. There will never be words that will best or fully describe/illustrate what I experienced. Thanks for reading my blog and getting a glimpse into my journey. Don’t forget to look for my new blog next spring when I spend a semester in the Virgin Islands!

 

 

 

 

 

6/11/09

 

 

We had a nice free day today to relax and do whatever we wanted- we slept in, went to the beach, and then back to Guguletu to see the progress on Priscilla’s house. If I haven’t mentioned Priscilla yet, I will tell her story. Priscilla is a middle-aged woman (about 50??) who is raising her own grandchildren and out of the goodness of her heart, she has an informal orphanage set up in her house. Her house is small- a living room, very small kitchen ( Smaller than Nicki’s office at TLC for those of you from TLC who are reading!!), one bathroom ( with no warm water may I add), and two small bedrooms. Priscsilla has 11? Children in total, and receives no money from the government to raise these children. Priscilla scrapes up money to feed, cloth, and give these children a home to live in. A majority of the children are orphans because their parents and relatives have passed away from HIV/AIDS. The group of students from the U of M that came to South Africa were so inspired by Priscilla’s story that they raised over $8,000 to be used towards fixing her home and providing better space for these children. Christen and a few of us students went to visit Edwin and see the progress on Priscilla’s house. Driving back into Guguletu was almost surreal. I will admit, I wasn’t all that looking forward to driving back into Guguletu because of what it entailed. Once we got to Priscilla’s home, I was again greeted by smiles, hugs, and eager children glaring up at me and for a moment in that time, my heart hurt. My heart ached with empathy for these children (even though they weren’t in any pain), but for what their lives are like. However, their smiles were contagious. Another moment I will never forget because it was that moment I knew that I would be back in South Africa one day.

 

Tonight we are having an authentic South African “Braii” ( spelling). The interstudy faculty, Ouma and NJ, are coming, too. A braii is basically a barbeque to celebrate something, and we are celebrating our last days in Cape Town. I have mixed feelings..I am excited to go home to see my family, friends, and have comforts again. I am also sad because this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am going to miss South Africa’s beauty- the beauty of not only the physical landscapes (mountains, ocean, animals,), but the people of Guguletu and their beautiful personalities- they are incredibly unique. It is truly bittersweet.

 

 

6/12/09

 

I still find it surreal that I have been living in a different area of the world for 3 weeks. Not many people can say they picked up their belongings and headed to a different country across the world to study, even if studying abroad has emerged because of globalization. And not only did I get to study, but I got to study something I am passionate about. I would not trade anything in the world for this experience. This experience has taught me that being pushed out of my comfort zone is important. This experience has taught me that an important tool for learning is being able to listen to others, learn from their stories, and incorporate into what you already know. This experience has given me the opportunity to become friends with 10 leaders who are determined to follow their passions and make a difference. This experience has given me the chance to see the world in a different light (and that isn’t always easy when I am at home). Mostly, this experience has helped me reflect upon my own personal leadership and how I can not only further my leadership skills, but improve them as well. I have learned and truly believe that we exist because of our relationships and communities, better known as the concept of Ubuntu ( Yes, this is cliché, but I’ll say it anyways!!).