EDHD 3100 - South Africa: Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change 2010/11

Lived experience lives on.

2011-01-19T00:58:43Z

You know, my thoughts were all jumbled up in South Africa. Then I started getting my bearings and making a bit of sense of things. And then I flew back to America. The cycle begins anew...
To say that "coming home" provides the warm, fuzzy feeling you perhaps assume it will is to be just damn naive. Sure, it was an easier plane ride back than on the way to S. Africa. And reuniting with Danny was the best. But (not to be a Debbie Downer) not everything is unicorns barfing rainbows (thanks, Nate). For instance, I have to take my dog to the vet tomorrow, because the anxiety that my absence presumably induced is prohibiting him from keeping food down. I'm still jet-lagged. I feel mildly disoriented (don't ask, hard to explain). Starting a new semester one day after returning is unequivocally NOT FAIR. I'm hooked on anything on facebook related to our experience (comments, pictures, whatever). I swore I saw Anthea from MaAfrika coming out of a Perkin's today. And don't get me started on the weather.
I know we were told, before we ever left Minneapolis, that the return would not be easy. But I guess I just thought....well, that it wouldn't be all that bad. Nonetheless, we're back. We're attending class. We're randomly running into each other on campus. We're going about the normal order of things. But I would be remiss to not acknowledge the strange feeling of longing. It could be something as simple as the African sun and the view of Table Mountain. And it could be more complex, like the shared experiences with the kids from Delft and our daily experience as a class community.
All in all, there is an emptiness that seemingly can be better filled by continued interactions. We know what we saw. We know what we experienced. We know that such things are nearly impossible to describe in words. What I am trying to teach myself is that it is ok. Arrival back in the states does not mean I fade into ambiguity and wallow in my misery. Instead, I have to reach out to my peers. Keep the communications and connections alive. We are so strong as a community, and that strength will keep us going... even through another Minnesota winter.

What I've Learned...my reflection

2011-01-17T13:23:01Z

Our trip to South Africa was filled with funny, serious, intense, challenging, exciting moments...everything I could have possibly gained from this Global Seminar was achieved and surpassed. So many simple things I will miss and remember, so lets reflect everyone :)

-Walking to pick n' pay to get grocceries (for most that ended up being everyday!)
-Having iced coffee in the morning after realizing that it wasn't...ok really wasn't....tasteful drinkning it just black.
-House 7's small kitchen table that was filled with all of us every morning
-Being blessed to get an AMAZING view of Table Mountain every morning, I mean who honestly gets to wake up walk down their driveway and look at a mountain in the distance everyday. That's a blessing that never got old
-Derek is quite sassy! haha (along with Greg....ok and I guess me a little bit!)
-Ellen won the Mortal Combat fight against Derek
-The sun here is seriously no joke...one minute you are soaking it all in the next your stomache looks like a tomatoe
-The vans here are made for 12 but I'd say can seat 20
-Imagine 20 people in the van first....then 20 people singing in the van together (we were quite musical during the trip)
-Every topic can somehow come back to Justin Bieber :) haha
-Apparently I was called a rabbit since I can eat raw veggies plain?
-The exit signs in South Africa are a picture guy running...clearly you need to be in a rush when you leave a premisis
-Aquello and Bonaqua water = pop....best sparkling water ever
- Interstudy people are amazing!
- We had awesome van drivers (especially Brown sugar with his strobe light!)
- Delta 4.....enough said..so glad they joined us in Cape Town eventually
-Charles from Interstudy had some phrases we all will be using back at the states....so don't think its too weird if we say things like "Doooooootz, my girl, my man, chyaaa, and you're on point" along with common phrases like "Howz it? cheers, and pleasure"
-You really can go three weeks on a trip without having your Smartphone attached to your hip
-I am going to miss playing snake on the nokia phone we were given
-Kelly can make awesome animal noises
-Ellen would be happy to show you her gun dance anytime
-Having free wii fi at one of the houses made it quite a hot comodity at night for facebook, emailing and skype.
-Lemons here are actually green, not yellow
-Anthony, Greg and Nate love their drums they bought here and are quite talented at playing them
- Noodles and toast become quite a common meal choice...cooking extravagent meals was too much work!
- The fresh fruit was so so so so so so so so so so so yummy!!
- Megan can't handle a toaster...she'll put a cheesy mini pizza in one. That didn't go over too well
- Due to matching outfits one day, Derek, Aurora and I called ourselves "the family"
-Traveling for 24 hours to get to our destination was definately worth it
-Joe Bergs is the best place ever
- Charissa's famous quotes...."RESPECT YOURSELF" and of course "LOOK AT YOUR LIFFFFFFFE"
-South African people can dance and sing extrememly well..they are so musically talented
-Once Christina starts crying...everyone will follow
-Mini buses aren't as intimidating and scary as they seem....."Cape Town??"
-All members of this group brought forth inspiration, reflections and experiences that I have learned from
-Who knew it would be so hard to say goodbye
- I will be back in Cape Town again someday
- I am proud to say I beleive we formed our own community. We shared vulnerabilities, hurt, frustration together along with extreme happiness and excitement
-I wouldn't have changed anything about this trip...I was extremely blessed and fortunate to have gotten the chance to get to know these people and share such a powerful and impacting experience with them

Thank you to everyone who was apart of this trip with me...Nate you did such a fantastic job at putting this together and I am so grateful.
sooo....whens the first reunion???? :) I miss everyone already and know that what happened these past three weeks is something I have grown from and will impact the person I evolve into.

-Emily Holland

p.s. Comment any other things I forgot from the trip that are memorable!

Its not the end..

2011-01-16T11:25:20Z

Well... today is our last day in South Africa and it is certainly bitter sweet. Our journey here has lead us on many ups and downs, ins and outs, and now we are packing our things and preparing to head back home. This experience has been nothing short of absolutely AMAZING.
I first chose to apply for this trip because I was looking for something new. I wanted a chance to get away from my normal day to day and experience something completely different, exciting and uncomfortable. I don't know how to explain it, but I have always felt that there was a part of me that was hidden within myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my life at home and all the people and experiences within that, but I always knew that there was a whole world full of things just waiting for me to experience and this trip seemed to be the perfect opportunity to dive into what this world has to offer. I've always felt that there's no better way to truly learn something than through experience. How can you travel to a completely different part of the world, with different customs, people, scenery, a whole different way of life, and not come back changed?
I have changed. I have changed. I have changed.
Something in South Africa and this experience has taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined and my life will be forever changed because of it.
Unfortunately we literally walking out of the door, headed to the airport so...
To be continued when I get home...

Believe in your heart

2011-01-15T17:48:24Z

I woke up one night in the hours of darkness,
I sat up straight in my bed to find a shimmering light in my closet,
But their where no lights on in the room,
I got up and went slowly toward the closet,
To find a pair of gold wings,
An angel was standing by my side,
"What do I do with these gold wings?" I asked the angel
"Put the wings on my child." Answered the angel
I put the wings on flew to a place that had many stars,
The angel then appeared and said, "Follow your heart, your goals and your dreams."
Only you know what is right for you
Anything is possible
Miracles do come true ,
Hope and dreams are a reality if let them be,
Life can be wonderful if you let it be,
-Stacy Chillemi

On this blog there are many poets, though I am not a writer I truly appreciate poetry and the depth in which they can speak to you. This poem speaks to me because it embodies exactly how I feel about life. Things are really what you want them to be, dreaming and hoping is real and if you are making the right decisions about your life and what makes you happy you will find that you can make your life as amazing as we all are. The fact that I made it on this trip brings tears to be eyes because I would have never thought that I would get an opportunity like this. Most people don't and it am utterly fortunate to have made it. I know that I am where I am in life because I pushed myself toward my dreams and it really is hard to accept in reality when it actually comes true. I can see this poem in the faces of each and every child at MaAfrika I hope that they figure out their dreams and chase them. I have never seen hope like I have seen hope here in South Africa. It's not like people are running around the streets spilling their stories but you can feel it in the presence of people you get to know. The staff at MaAfrika doesn't at all cry a story of pity for the families and kids that they work with, they see promise and have faith like I've never seen in their country. Knowing the whatever part they play will make a difference even if they only help one person and I will carry that in my spirit.

Final:-(

2011-01-15T17:40:07Z

So this entire trip the word "community" continued to show its face. In our text that we read, the blogs that we wrote and the conversations that we held. But it wasn't until yesterday, that I felt we were an authentic community. If it's one thing I've learned during this experience is that community is messy, its ugly and sometimes its distant, but that doesn't make it any less of a community. Before our "community problem" I felt we were simply getting by or tolerating each other because we had to, but last night showed our strengths as well as our weaknesses, our fears as well as our triumphs. We were a community because we balanced each other out, where one was weak the other was able to hold that weight and vice versa. Though we had ugly moments, the calm after the storm proved what this team is really about, and I am forever grateful to be a part of that.
Thanks!
Nobody knows what it's like to be you, and that's the beauty.
I can't know you unless you teach me.
Show me that ways of your heart and the darkness of your soul.
Show me how to love you even when love is not what shows.
Reach out your hand, ushering me into your past and I will follow.
Oh how I love to get to know you.
For the more I learn about you the more I get to know me.
We are one with two different avenues, two different paths two different trials to lose.
And it wasn't until I got to know you that my flaws made since.
Because you are the part of me that I once missed.
Together we make a whole being, wrapped up in intelligence, and sealed with the perfect kiss.
Without you I don't know all of me.
Nobody knows what it's like to be you, and that's the beauty.
I can't know you unless you teach me.
But I hold a piece of you, it's how I live, it's how I came to be.

TiMe.....

2011-01-15T17:32:26Z

One thing that I want to take from this trip is the fact that time must be appreciated and used wisely. During this entire time I could barely figure out what day it was or what time it is because here that is not a concept that is of high importance. As a result the level of stress is not apparent in most people, they aren't yelling at the minibuses about the fact they have somewhere to be when they make a thousand stops. Though I know that I would be unable to completely ignore time at home it is my hopes that I can take more time for myself to reflect, learn, and absorb my surroundings. We all feel like we are always on the go and there is nothing that we can do about it but there is. I survived without my phone for 3 weeks and that is astronomical. Before this trip my blackberry was glued to my hand at all times if I wasn't texting, talking, or sending an email I was probably in the motion of reaching for my phone again. That is one key thing that I want to change. All of the face to face interactions were the most important parts of this trip and will be the most important parts for me. As a society I feel that people isolate themselves from human interactions and blame it on technology or not having time but that makes it even more important for people to make sure that they have human contact because it proves to impact the soul.

What now?

2011-01-15T17:31:37Z

I know that a big question for everyone is going to be what now? Are we going to go on to our normal lives as if nothing happened or will we be changed? For me I feel that its going to take going home for me to realize that I have been changed. Though I feel I have been the product must be produced for me to feel that it's real. So my answer to what now is to wait, wait for an impact, wait for a changed and embrace it openly as I did this experience. There are many thoughts that run through my mind all the time. Especially at the farewell dinner when looking out to the window and watching the peacefulness of the water helped me reflect and I found myself drifting off and I feel that I might just stay in that state......

Relationships was a dynamic of the group that was interesting to me whether they be changed or altered in anyway, formed as they are new, or made to strengthen. My house which I deemed the "Brown House" got extremely close. There was commonality in our problems and we were able to identify with each other and in turned it helped us all grow. Throughout the trip I remember hitting Kiarra and kept saying we really made it. This was one of the relationships that strengthened as well we now have another common thing to add our list but a bond we will cherish for sure. But I also want to shed light on the relationship that we formed as a group. I honestly can say that I'm not the closest with everyone but I definitely knew that I would defend and make sure that my group was ok and we stuck together. That is one of the deepest bonds that I feel can happen between people when you are willing to go the distance to protect them.

10 Greatest Moments

2011-01-15T17:28:59Z

1. On the plane from Chicago to London, a rude woman in front of Mary shoved her chair back in her face and I proceeded to call her out and alert the stewardess.

2. During our security check-in in London, this man was agressively yelling at his sons by saying: "Respect yo self!" The poor boy was only being antsy! It is now a big inside joke with our community.

3. I decided to take my braids out around the country of South Africa which resulted in tumbleweeds in various places.

4. At the beauty shop, the womans daughter was misbehaving so the woman decided to scold her daughter by saying "LOOK AT YO LIFE". The poor daughter is only 3.

5. Courtney and her theatrical and dramatic explanations are ALWAYS funny.

6. Greg discovering what 'dougie' means.

7.Every eating experience had some kind of hilarious outcome,

8. Late night conversations with house 14.

9.Getting to meet new people and build new friendships.

10. Studying abroad and having so many monumental experiences.

Learned Strength

2011-01-15T17:27:29Z

Long days turn into tiresome
Nights that is filled with
Thoughts that have no
Focus of where I am
Going with my new perception of life
I am confused yet I feel
Accomplished about all of the things
Completed and all the rewards I have
Received so many lessons from this country and I will not
Leave behind any memory
Forever South Africa has left a lasting impression
On my heart because I was so unhappy and now
I feel content with my life and decisions
I am at peace even though
There is change
I often feel challenged but
I am not defeated
With knowledge history cannot be
Repeated ignorance
There is a sense of whole and as someone once told me
You have to have faith before you can
Have hope and I completely agree thanks to
What these people invested in me
I live to duplicate their strength

Lessons Learned

2011-01-15T13:37:50Z

Nate said this experience would be intense -- and he was right. The past few weeks have exposed us to the human condition from Camp's Bay to Delft Township but has also led to a different way of looking at class as a community. Here are just a few of the lessons that we have learned along the way.

]]> 1.The people in South Africa have showed us how their hope and compassion for each other has led to change for the entire country. The people from MaAfrika for example, each of the workers have difficulties but know that as a group they can face it together and handle new situations that come their way.

2.Gratefulness, this is not just because there are people living on small incomes and being content with what they have but there is a real joy and hope that money cannot buy and we think it comes from being a part of something bigger than yourself like family, government, and community.

3.Pride we have been witness to immense pride in being South African. Although the country has had a tumultuous past they have been survivors had have been leaders in change, forgiveness, and reconciliation so much so that they are models for global conflict.

4.Individuality, each person on this trip has learned more about themselves and how they function in a group. Patience is one lesson, from waiting for others to get ready for class to also listening to others during our talking circle. As an individual you are still part of a group or community of some sort and it takes time to discover how to lead and express responsibility within that structure but this course has pushed us to look at how we answer to others and ourselves never forgetting to use a collective lens.

5.Learning doesn't just take place in a classroom. You have to be student and teacher at the same time; this allows you to have open mind and heart. For example in our talking circle, as we listen to others we get to have new lens on an experience and in this context we also get to share our view point and ideas.

There are so many other lessons that have been learned and we believe that as time passes and we return to home, school, work, friends, and families other lessons will reveal themselves. Our time spent in South Africa has been short but rich and it will be missed.

- Zamzam and Angela

And....This is the End?

2011-01-15T09:40:50Z

Today is the last day of our journey in Cape Town, right now, I have a mixed range of emotions. What I know is that I couldn't have asked for a better experience and location to learn about social justice. This trip has opened my eyes in so many ways that I know I have been changed for the better. Previous to this trip, I was naive about issues locally and globally. Upon return I want to work on educating myself so that I can become an actively involved citizen. It has also opened my eyes to the value of community. We have truly lived through Ubuntu (I am who I am because of you). We have all gone through this 3 week seminar together and it is together, that we will heal the wounds we have endeared this far.

Something I do know, is that this is not the end. This is only the beginning of something that we must work at for the rest of our lives. Having a socially just community is not easy, but with the lessons we have learned, and the mentoring we have recieved, it makes it easier to take a step on the path of less taken.

Gratitude.

2011-01-15T07:28:17Z

I woke up this morning realizing that this is it. We leave tonight. If I get out of bed, the day will launch into fast forward. Hence, why I am currently still in bed as we speak.
I have a good deal of thoughts running through my head that I can't possibly begin to make sense of or even make into complete sentences. So let's just talk about recent events, reflect a little, and try to bring this experience to a satisfying close...

Yesterday we had our last class on the UCT campus. We discussed the US's role in Apartheid (and it was a significant role, Mr. Reagan) as well as our potential plans upon return to Minnesota. We committed to anything from better communication with family, to volunteer work, to opening a non-profit center. We have also committed to stay in touch as a group and routinely gathering together to keep our spirit of service and community alive.
Following class, we departed for dinner at the Top of the Ritz restaurant, where we were treated to 360 degree views of Cape Town from 21 floors up. And at sunset, it cannot be beat. InterStudy treated us to the lovely dinner, complete with chocolate mousse.. haha.. you had to be there.. so many inside jokes, so little time. All in all, fan-freakin-tastic. InterStudy has been very good to us, and I think I speak for the group when I say that their guidance, care and friendship has been invaluable.

So here I am. A day away from home, with a bit of packing and cleaning to do. But the real difficulty lies ahead. Sure, the plane ride is no walk in the park, but I have to leave this place and these people. The goodness that lies within the South African people is something that is remarkable. But let me not forget to include the goodness in my American comrades as well. They have taught me so much in my short time with them and have made me feel a part of our community. I look forward to fun, fellowship and social justice activism with them in the future. Things can only look up from here, as we have much to do and the abilities to accomplish so much. So a few "thank yous" to those near and far....
Thank you, Nate, for constructing an experience that was able to change lives. Your thoughtful planning and preparation did not go unnoticed. I am more motivated than I've ever been, and this entire experience has done that and so much more for me. Also, if I ever need a cat herder, I know who to call.
Thank you to my classmates (you're so much more than "classmates").. SA friends, how about that..? Your bold personalities, out-of-the-box thinking and enthusiasm makes me want to be more like you. I'm so proud of you all and what we have done here together. I am excited to see the positive things we can accomplish in the future.
Thank you to my parents for always being supportive and motivational. This time was no exception. You could have talked me out of it. You could have told me I can't afford it. Instead, you said "why not?" Even at this age, you have a huge influence on me, and I thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you to my good friend, Denise. Quite honestly, lady, you just saying that I'd be crazy not to do this was like the nail in the coffin. Live life to the fullest, right? This is only the beginning of the adventures, and next time you're totally coming with me.
And to Danny.. Thank you for everything. Even though we knew this would be tough, you were still so excited for me. It helped ME be excited for me. Thank you for looking after that hairy beast that lives with us, as it's quite the job. (Has he started paying rent yet?) Thank you for hanging in there with me and touching base. You keep me going when I feel weak, and you share in my joy even when you can't be here. Thank you for your love.
Last but definitely not least.. Thank you South Africa! For your beauty, your spirit and your people. I have spent the majority of this trip purely amazed by it all. I will do all I can to take back the love and charity you have shown me in these past 3 weeks. I am a changed person, and all credit should go to this extraordinary place.

With that, dear friends and family, I am off. Not just off to the US, but off to bigger, better, bolder things. See you back home!!!

Bitter Sweet

2011-01-14T10:47:59Z

Things I will miss about South Africa...
I will miss the hospitality; the people here smile as if smiling was equivalent to breathing, effortless.
I will miss MaAfrica, oh how I love those kids, and their hearts. Though I have learned a lot from them, leaving or saying good bye has never been something that I've been good at. This is hard, my feelings are wrapped up in the future, but my mind is still trying to conceptualize today. They will forever be in my hearts, and I pray that their spirits hold hands with mines and walk with me for as long as I walk this earth.
I will miss community. Not a particular community, but just seeing community in the most pure form everywhere I go. From the townships, to the pizza place, it was obvious that community was in the hearts of those people, by the way they interacted with each other as well as with 25 American students.
I will miss the ability to be vulnerable. In a place where people are happy with God, family and self, being vulnerable was a given. You wouldn't be judged, and your past didn't walk in the door with you, therefore people were really just getting to know the real you. That felt good. Though there were bumps and bruises along the way within our group, the ability to be vulnerable presented itself in those moments. That's something that wouldn't happen at home. Most are too afraid of being judged, or afraid of their past speaking for them, and it never comes out as genuine as it could. South Africa has shown that being vulnerable, being genuine, being true even when it hurts, is the best way to grow. Therefore it's the best way to live.
I will also miss the hardships that I personally had to go through. Being here as taught me a lot about myself, and how I could be perceived, and going through those hardships has shown me how I can get past some of those imperfections. Though I am ready to share my knowledge with those at home, I feel as though I have so much more to learn. If I learned this much about myself and the world in 3 weeks, I can't help but think about where I would be in 3 months or 3 years.
Leaving is bitter sweet, I will miss a lot of things about South Africa, from the people to the plants, but I will also take a lot with me. I will go home with a piece of South Africa in my heart, and I look forward to spreading that across my many communities.

I HAVE BEEN CHANGED!

2011-01-14T10:36:52Z

I have come to a place that most people would classify to be filled with poverty and sorrow. A place that is misunderstood as much as it is fanaticized about. A place that most call the Motherland and can only dream of walking on her soils. A place that bares the scars of Apartheid and racial divisions but yet and still smiles. I have found in this place peace, serenity, strength to cope with my daily stresses and grief's, pure contentment, envy for simplicity yet admiration for the ability to downsize life's complexities. I have found a true spirit of giving and forgiveness without expectations of reciprocity. most would ask where on earth would one find these great elements, and I have been blessed with the ability to utter SOUTH AFRICA! It is a place that will leave anyone regardless of status or stature speechless. It is a place that will make the most prideful of men and the most knowledgeable scholar, surrender all that they have come to know and bask In all that is foreign, yet in so many ways familiar. This place embodies a type of familiarity that is neither common nor familiar due to experience, but rather more it rings as a long desired familiarity. Most would love to be familiar with the ability, to forgive the unforgivable, to give when there is nothing material to salvage and to smile regardless of your circumstance. Yes this is something that we ALL wish we were accustomed to but sadly we come from a place where it is not only common but promoted to gloat on all that you do not possess, to despise those that have more than you and to never be truly content with your own blessings. It is not the fault of the people solely however, for we are only following the status quo or so some like to say "keeping up with the jones's" but I have broken free from the air of an unsatisfactory and ever growing atmosphere of GREED without RETURN, I have been granted a dual perspective on life, I have been given the ability to CHOOSE whether I will perceive my shortcomings as loses or smile and know that what I am meant to have and accomplish I will. I can look myself in the mirror now and I can honestly say with all faith in my words that I AM THE KEEPER OF MY HAPPINESS! I attribute those words to the true discovery of FREEDOM I HAVE BEEN FREED FROM MY OWN NEGATIVE MIND TRAP! I may be leaving this place of sheer joy tomorrow but I worry not because I have a souvenir that will keep me whole and grounded for the rest of my days. I HAVE FOUND HONESTY, LOVE, REALITY, GREAT SORROW YET GREATER FAITH AND STRENGTH, these in turn have made me a HAPPIER person, and I am so thankful. I now know that regardless of the size of your struggle if you faith and strength overshadow it, you will make it through. I HAVE BEEN CHANGED!

Are You African American?

2011-01-14T10:34:59Z

SO...........before departing for South Africa I had mounting anxieties about exactly how the Post-Apartheid racial divisions would impact me being an African American woman that is a minority in the U.S. I was told that my race would not matter, because my nationality as an American would overshadow everything. I was told that I would be assumed to be African until I opened my mouth and my accent gave me away, but then I would be embraced by the South African people. THREE WEEKS LATER AND ABOUT FOUR REALITY CHECKS OVERDUE! I have experienced all of the above mentioned and a lot more! I have received much positive attention from the men of South Africa and have been labeled as "exotic" by most of them. I have had interactions with some South Africans that have told me that I could never be mistaken as a South African that my body language and my appearance give me away. Of course these type of statements raise questions such as WHY? and WHY NOT? And unfortunately most of my questions were met with a " I don't know, you just don't" I am not bothered so much by it, I just embraced my differences. I can say that I find it interesting that the perception of African American people as a whole is based on what South African people see on television. I have been told that shows such as Judge Joe Mathis, Housewives of Atlanta and Glee are the sole representation of African American people and our culture. While I am just as saddened as I am interested in this fact, I took this lack of knowledge of my people as an opportunity, I know that I am only one person and that I do not embody all that is an African American in my being, but I made sure that I represented myself well while here.