Recently in Doua Yang Category

Doua Chee Yang 1/27/13

Reality

Online Blog #4

"It's amazing what simple interactions can do. I'm still so amazed by how close we've all gotten! From the awkward airport introductions to Afrika Trikkun, everything and everyone has been so motivational and unforgettable." -1/18/13 Personal Journal Entry

It's been a week since we've gotten back... it's sad because it feels like forever ago; time is going so slow here in America. Every time anyone asks me, "How was your trip? What was your favorite part?", my thinking cap comes on and I realize, I have no one favorite part. The entire trip was my favorite part...

It has been a tough re-entry for me; I miss South Africa every day and find myself dreaming about my classmates, the staff, tourist sites, Table Mountain, House 7... The first week of school was tough as well (even though it was "easy syllabus week") because all I could do was look at South Africa pictures on Facebook and sob, haha. I'm constantly trying to find ways to talk about my trip with others but unfortunately; no one really wants to hear it.

It's true what they say; we will only have each other. 

Doua Chee Yang 1/8/13

Love & Heartbreak

Online Blog #3

It's been 11 days since we departed... and holy hell, I've learned and thought about a lot! Time has flown by and each and every day I adore the South African beauty even more: the mountains, the people, and the slow-paced culture. I have been so distracted by these little beauties that I have not realized how much my heart yearns to want to fix, change, or heal others... I have been exposed to so much painful history that as much as I love what South Africa has become, my heart is broken. I watch documentaries and read the articles Nate assigns us and my heart is full of anger and pain. I cry... but for what? Why do I grieve the past? ... I currently sit here in class; my heart on fire, my mind crying and I have so many questions ... How could we, all human beings, let shit like this happen? ...Why? Our world's past disappoints me and I am ashamed we, human beings, let cruel things like this happen. It disgusts me and my heart is torn. Who gave these people the right, the power... WHY?

Doua Chee Yang 1/5/13

That's Bazaar

Online Blog #2

Today we visited a Middle Eastern bazaar in downtown Cape Town. We sat down and had delicious (and rather cheap) food, while we laughed and enjoyed the market experience. I wasn't able to finish my food and as a typical American, was going to throw it away. As I sat there contemplating if I should trash my food (because I hate leftovers), I realized about how much I take food for granted in America. I live in the heart of campus and eat out almost every week, spending almost $10+ every time...  Here, there are people begging me to buy them food, water, milk, and many times asking for money. I literally had to slap myself as I packed my food up to carry with me. It was ironic because after asking Charles and Nate if it was "okay" to give away my food, a man approached me.

He grabbed my hand and the food I was holding. His grip surprised me because I naturally pulled away and realized he was holding onto my bag of food really tight. He said, "Please, I am so hungry. May I please have this? I am so hungry. Please." I stared into his eyes and of course, was more than willing to give my food away, but I thought about wanting to buy him a completely new meal so he didn't have to eat my leftovers. I thought about if this had to be his daily routine to maintain or live. Did he have a family? Were they hungry too? Many questions ran through my head as I explained to him that the food was very spicy and that the fork and napkins were all inside. He then squeezed my hand, thanked me, and walked away.

This directly affected me because I was able to feed this one man, but what about the others? Regardless if they beg for food every day or not very often, it saddened me. In America, I buy homeless people food all the time, but here... it's almost everyone. My heart was torn that I wasn't able to help every single person. It's just so bazaar to think about. 

Doua Chee Yang 12-27-12

South Africa, Here I Come!

Online Blog #1

Hello, Hello, Hello!

My name is Doua Yang. I am currently a senior studying Family Social Science and hoping to minor in Social Justice. This past semester, I took an introduction course to social justice. I loved it so much, I knew this trip would be a perfect fit to expand my interest. What makes it even more exciting is that I've always wanted to go to South Africa! It's funny because I've never even traveled outside of the Midwest, let alone, been on an airplane... I am extremely nervous but of course, more excited!

Reasons for Going:

·          Great interest in (South) African beauty, culture, and customs

·          Great interest in social justice

·          South Africa has so much history and I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience

·          First time out of the country

Pre-departure Expectations:

·          I do expect many friendships and tight-knit relationships to be made

·          Looking forward to a life changing experience

Hopes for Yourself:

·          Its funny, I got a fever just last night so I hope to be healthier during this trip

·          I hope to survive the plan ride... haha

·          Have fun, learn a lot, and make new friends!