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...
Recently in Cymone Fuller Category
A common theme has been brought up in many of the class discussions we've had throughout our time here, and that is the theme of happiness. The people of this country have an extremely noticeable amount of happiness in their lives that could only be felt by actually interacting with them. Whether it be the elderly woman sitting on the steps of a home in the townships, or a child splashing in the dirty water of a nearby puddle, happiness is something these people are definitely not lacking.
I think the reason we are in such awe of this obvious abundance of joy these people possess, is because at home, we tend to associate happiness with money and success. How many of us can honestly say that we love the work that we do? How many of us can say that if we had the option to do something we genuinely enjoy and not get paid, or do something mediocre and get exceedingly paid, that we would pick the first option? To be honest, I can say that before coming here I was definitely one of the people who would pick the latter. Everything in our society is so money driven that we forget about the things that truly put a smile on our face. We neglect the people we love, and reject the simplicity of sitting down with a cup of tea and reflecting on the day.
The people are simple. Not regarding the depth of their intelligence, but with regards to the expectations in their lives. They are truly content in their lives. They make the best of the situations they are faced with and hold their heads high. The amount of pride these people hold for their communities is truly amazing.
This genuine appreciation for life and the ability to happy with the simple things, is something I most definitely intend to take home with me from this experience. Since I have come here, my stress level has dropped dramatically and my spirit has lifted to places I have never been before. I can whole-heartedly say that this experience has given me a gift that I intend to keep on giving... the gift of true happiness :)
Let me just tell you guys about the beauty of a child's smile. My classmates and I have the amazing opportunity to spend a good chunk of our time here, working with a group of young kids living in the Delft Township of Cape Town. These kids are definitely the highlight of my trip. They are so full of life and energy. One of the little girls has so much rhythm it's crazy. You can definitely see why this is the birthplace of a lot of the dances we have back home. They are just born with a natural rhythm and fire that I truly do envy and wish our country had more of. On Friday, we put together a playlist full of different dance songs from back home and played them for the kids. They LOVED it and caught on to every dance almost instantly. They're so curious about our lives and what life is like back in the states, but all I wanna hear about is their lives and what they like to do and what they're hopes and dreams are. Conversation is always fun with these kids. You can't imagine how rewarding it is to ride up to the site and have all the kids greeting you smiling and waving! Indescribable.
Ill take you to a place where the children run free
I bet you'd never guess what kind of place this could be
Scrap metal and trash
As far as the eye can see
Mixed with friendships
And the true joy of family
Follow the dog that limps to the shade
To see images that weigh on your heart
And cause your smile to fade
Witness the horrors of HIV/AIDS
Then follow the child
With the questioning gaze
Into the extreme warmth
Of the warm summer rays
There you will find that inspiration is here
And feel the power to wipe your face full of tears
Because within the sadness anger and rage
Lies a book full of hope
If you just turn the page
These people are strong
And have a lesson to share
Happiness can be found in the darkest of places
If you take the time to embrace the story that's there
Cape Town.. this is BY FAR the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my life. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing experience.
Spending NYE here was fabulous. We brought in the new year with a bang, screaming and dancing in the streets of downtown Cape Town. And the clubs.. let me tell you my trip commrades know how to get it in! Everybody was genuinely enjoying themselves, dancing, singing and partying together!
As far as the men in South Africa, they LOVE them some big women! My girls are over here gettin all the love. Marriage proposals, neck kisses, the whole shabang! I've laughed more here than most people laugh in a lifetime. My roommates are hilarious and have really made this trip a great time thus far!
My mind is all over the place here and I love it! There's so many new experiences and things to explore and everyday I am excited and ready to get outside and see something new.
Home sick? psh! NOT ME! I'm loving it here and can't wait to start the next week.
Not much else to say at this moment, but stay tuned people! Our journey is just getting started..
Love from Cape Town,
Cymone
