Posted Where do I go from here? to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
We have been back in the United States for a couple of days now. Between the jetlag and the immediate return to work and school, I can already feel the hustle and bustle of my life before my Capetown experience returning to me. It is nice to be back to my old familiar world, but I am very much afraid that I will get caught up in it and lose the important lessons that I gained while on our journey in South Africa. There were some very valuable lessons that I want to keep with me forever and that I...
Posted Why I am a Youth Studies major... to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
I moved to Minneapolis last May and for the first time in my life I've felt like I have finally been in a place where I belong. Although I can't say that I have things completely figured out... I have come to know more about myself and what I want to do with my life over the past 8 months than I have over the better portion of my life. Coming to South Africa has been a valuable step in the process of where I want my life to go. I have learned things here about community (ubuntu), forgiveness,...
Posted The Power of the Human Spirit to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
Today was a really good day. I have been blessed, not only today, but within my life in general with the healing power of the human spirit. Yesterday was our first time in the township of Delft. We spent time gardening at Africa Tikkun and then ended our morning in the townships by touring the hospital in Delft. It was quite a humbling experience to see so many sick people waiting to be seen by a doctor with really no promise of getting that opportunity anytime in the near future. Although nobody is turned away at the hospital... the truth...
Posted Awareness to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
"In a system like community, every part is related to every other part and change in one part will lead to change in other parts." "In community a small action can have a very large impact... or vice versa." Both of these quotes were taken from When butterflies flap their wings: Community and contradiction by Juan C. Moreno, University of Minnesota Executive Service. For our first official sit down class while here in South Africa, we were asked to read the above text. This particular text, along with this particular class, focused on the idea of community and what it...
Posted How much does this cost? to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
So we officially made it to Capetown late last night. We are all safe and sound, and except for the occasional muscle cramp from being confined to a plane for 16 hours and the relative lack of sleep I experienced for the same reasons I would say that I arrived in one piece. However, being in a new place even for just one day I have come to notice some major differences between here and Minnesota. Furthermore, I have already faced some struggles. I find that I am really struggling with the concept of money here. I cannot quickly convert...
Posted Coming in Right to EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2011/12
By now I'm sure that most of you have read part or all of the Kevin Winge book that Nate asked us to read prior to our next predeparture meeting. I am mostly through it. I find the book to be both educational and entertaining and I really enjoy it. There is one particular chapter title 'You've Got to Come in Right' that has stood out to me. In this chapter, Kevin discusses the importance of entering a new culture such as South Africa in the right frame. We cannot go in trying to 'fix' things... because they may not...
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