ptfo.

Brittany Anderson
14 January 2012
Title:  PTFO.

So long South Africa. I've tried all the tactics to stay: losing my passport, going to the hospital, attempting to find a husband. None of them have worked.

I'm sitting here on the couch in our living room. Packed. Not ready to go.

Reality is pulling at my heartstrings. I could literally stay here and do Nate Whittaker Bootcamp for the rest of my life. It's so weird that we've only been here for three weeks.; I've only known these people for three weeks. Being here with 25 strangers hiking in the mountains, building community, serving the people of Delft has made me really look at my character and assess what I really want to do in my life.  Coming back to South Africa is a must.  I, like Nate, feel as though this is my second home.  Its weird how comfortable it is.  Things change, the people are different, but the feelings that come rushing back are all the same.  I feel more like myself here.  Maybe that's because one of my most formative years was spent here.

I've been avoiding this, because it's an admission that we're going back, but I really want to say thank you to my classmates for all they've taught me. Through the interactions we've had on the mountain, in the city and in the township, I've learned a lot about leadership, community and myself. I also want to thank Nate for his extensive work on this program and hope that he continues to share his passion for people and social justice with students. And of course, Sarah.  She has been a vibrant addition to our class, with her spunky attitude and loving sense of compassion. I can't imagine what our trip would have been without either of these two.

I also want to thank Kristin, Nate's girlfriend. I'm sure that Nate spent many hours outside of work formulating the skeletons and meat of this program, not to mention the three weeks that he's been here.  Obviously, I want to thank Anthea and Liz for being so bright and welcoming into Afrika Tikkun.  Our experience would have been incomplete without the two of them sharing their stories and their work with us.  Mark, Emma and James have been an absolute inspiration to all 26 of us Americans with twang.  Chris Kotze, I could thank but we never took a bestie open sandwich pic, so...My friends and family back home, I appreciate you but come to South Africa to visit me.

South Africa, I cannot thank you enough. See you soon.

Miigwech indanaa manidoo wabaminigoog noongom.