As I was sitting on the bus today as we went along the peninsula of South Africa I could not help but think about how I actually am in South Africa. I sometimes get these moments where I think back to the things I have done and to actually realize where I am. You get in these routines of doing the same things over and over and sometimes forget to enjoy the places you are around. Today I realized just how amazing the opportunity I was given to study abroad in South Africa. This program allows for you to do things most students would never get a chance to do. It made me thankful for all the amazing people I have met here and the relationships I have built.
The other day I had to tell someone how old I was and it was the first time since turning twenty that I had to say my age out loud. I took a step back and was like wow I am actually twenty years old? I am growing up. It made me realize just how much I have accomplished and done and I am only twenty years old. With regards to South Africa I cannot help but be proud of myself. Proud of being courageous and adventurous. I always dreamed of going to California and to travel the world, but I never quite realized that I would actually do it. Going to school in California has been a tough but rewarding thing. I still have to pinch myself that I get to be out there nine months out of the year. The same goes with South Africa. When I look on a map and realize just how far away from home I am. Man oh man do I go, “am I really doing this?” I never thought I would learn so much from this country and the people who live here. I have learned not only about South Africa and its people but a lot about myself. Learning about just how much God has in store for me. He has challenged me so much this semester and has constantly surprised me.
The relationships with people that I have formed are beyond anything I could imagine. I am still wanting to cling on to what we have here. Cause I know that once we get to campus everything will change. No matter what the group we have here will be changed. I hope that we still all cling on to one another but coming back to old friend groups and so on will be hard. Another thing that I thought about today was the places I have been. Thinking about AE felt like it happened a million years ago. I still remember the first day we arrived there and thinking about all that would happen. I love remember all the fun things that happened, the food, the staff, my chalet and so on. That place will always be special because it was the root of where all my friendships were built. The hilarious moments that were shared. I had almost forgotten about our Safari weekend and how it was literally the best weekend I have had so far in South Africa. The community that was experienced will be something I will never forget. Thinking about it now brings a smile to my face!
Cape Town has been great so far. The thing that is hard is being separated from people all the time. We have been split into two groups, so seeing each other has been limited. Something that I have noticed is that it is feeling like it is time to leave South Africa. My time here is coming to an end. Some days I get so excited to go home and then some days I am so sad to be leaving. I know in the end that I have learned a great deal from this country and will be leaving forever changed. I cannot wait to be reunited with my family and to see my precious little maggie. Only fourteen more days till I am back in the USA.
Goodnight! :)
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