Wednesday July 13th, 2016

THE SIMPLE THINGS...

Today marks the third day of being back in The States, and although this may sound crazy I am feeling a strong urge to share. 

Upon waking up this morning, I noticed that the air was extremely hot and humid - two things that I am not adapted to at the moment coming from South Africa's winter season. I noticed that the air was heavy & dark clouds were forming in the sky above me. Brushing it off, I laced up my running shoes and went for a nice long run to clear my mind.

I returned from my run, showered and carried on with the morning. Today was our first day here at MCC that involved debriefing and sessions of sharing. Around 2:30 this afternoon we were sitting in a small group sharing on the topic of "time to unpack" when I noticed a sound I haven't heard in months. Something to sounded normal to everyone around me; so normal that they didn't even flinch. But to me... it sounded foreign. 

I excused myself from the small circle, stood up & exited the room. I instantly made my way to the closest window and sure enough, it was raining outside. Not just a normal rain though, it was POURING outside. Something I haven't seen or heard in months. Something that is so normal to anyone here in The States. Something that happens on a weekly basis.

South Africa is facing one of the worst droughts to hit the region in 30 years. The ground is too dry to plant anything. Tractors plough through dusty soil as cornfields are laid bare. Farmers are forced to shoot their cattle because there isn't enough water for them to drink or enough food for them to consume. 

Throughout my year in South Africa, I knew water was scarce but never did I put that much thought into it; At least not until today, that is. It wasn't until I heard it pounding on the rooftop this afternoon, that I realized how bad the water crisis is in South Africa.

As tears welled in my eyes, I thought about my students that I left behind two weeks ago and what may await them in the future if they continue to go without any rain. 

I thought about my host parents, and their endless sugarcane fields that require a certain amount of rainfall each year in order to produce a decent crop. 

And most of all, I simply realized how fortunate we are to live in a part of this big world that does receive a decent amount of rain on a normal basis. 

Although this was a first, I believe I will have many "moments" similar to this in the upcoming weeks, even months/years, that will take me back to my home in Africa ♡

RE-ENTRY

Waking Up in The States

Although I am still in disbelief that I am back in the United States, I have already been overwhelmed by the familiarity of being "home." This morning I woke up in Akron, Pennsylvania at the MCC meeting house and went for my first run. All the smalls things that were once "normal" to me and taken for granted each and everyday, came rushing back. The fresh smell of honeysuckle and cow manure, the endless rolling green sweet corn fields, the silos all around, and the horse & buggies passing by. The "freedom" to simply run by myself  as a female and not have the insecurity of my own safety pressing down on me. To see other young children playing outside in their yard and enjoying the summer air. All things that were once considered everyday normality's for me, are now cherished more than I can explain.  Although I am still trying to understand and process this past year myself, I can already see the changes that were made in myself. As I spend time here debriefing with all the other SALTers this week, I will continue to update you all ♡

July 11th, 2016

ITS THE BEST DAY EVER

 I've been around the world & back again and I'm still convinced these are my favorite people out there ♡ After an 8 hour flight from Johannesburg to Doha, and a 13 hour flight from Doha to Philadelphia, I was reunited with my parents at the Philadelphia Airport!

I had the chance to spend the day in downtown Philadelphia with my family before returning to Akron, Pennsylvania (MCC Headquarters) for a week of re-entry/debreifing.

0 DAYS

HOME

July 10th, 2016

I can sit here and try to form words for the thoughts & emotions overwhelming me as I leave this beautiful place that I've called home this past year, but nothing would come even remotely close to what I'm feeling. From the gorgeous landscapes, to my amazing students, to the beautiful people I've met, I will miss you all 😘 Until next time, Africa 💔 See you in 21+ hours USA!

1 DAY

DAY 1

After our team trip to Lesotho, we traveled to Johannesburg. We were in Johannesburg from July 7th - July 10th. While in Jburg, our team spent time exploring the city and all the diverse history it has to offer. We boarded the hop on - hop off bus which took us around the city, stopping at the Apartheid museum and Constitution Hill, where we learned more about South Africa and The Apartheid. 

2 DAYS

DAY 2

While in Lesotho, we stayed at & worked with a partner organization known as Paballong. Paballong is an HIV/AIDS clinic open to the public that also has a creche (daycare) on site for OVCs (Orphans & Vulnerable Children) as well. On Monday, I had the opportunity to work with the children and teach the importance of hand-washing & hygiene 😍

3 DAYS

DAY 3

Another country visited means another peaked summited 👊 Spent the past week in Lesotho, Africa & of course hit at least one trail along the way 🗻 Mount Thaba Bosiu • translating to "the mountain at night" • with the famous Basoto hat in the distance 😍 

LESOTHO, AFRICA

THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO 

From July 2nd to July 7th, our team spent some time in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Africa. While in Lesotho, we spent time visiting various partner organizations and lots of time traveling through the endless Maluti mountain range! 

Due to not having electricity during our time in Lesotho, I was unable to continue with my countdown.

9 DAYS

DAY 9

An extremely bittersweet night as I had to say goodbye to an amazing family that made my year in South Africa one that I won't forget 😭 Thank you, Jon and Dawn for keeping me grounded this past year, providing me with endless safety & most of all, welcoming me into your little home here ❤ I will miss you and your family and look forward to seeing you again whether it be in the States or Africa.

11 DAYS

DAY 11

Sunsets on the farm with Hope Valley Farm School in the distance ❤ 

One thing I will miss the most about my home here.

12 DAYS

DAY 12
OMG, AVOCADOS!
 The fact that I could walk 10 steps into my backyard & pick a fresh avo off the tree each day was enough to make me love this place ♡

13 DAYS

DAY 13

NO POST DUE TO LOAD SHEDDING 

😊

14 DAYS

DAY 14

Introducing: Philipp

Philipp was a volunteer from Germany that also spent his past year on the farm & teaching at the school with me. Thanks for being a great support this year and best of luck with university & your return/transition back home 

15 DAYS

DAY 15

My little chicken nugggget: Shiloh

A precious little soul that was born prematurely at 7.5 months, weighing only 1.8kgs & then abandoned at the hospital by her birth mother. By the grace of God, my friend here in South Africa, Nicola Wight and her husband, have been fostering this little peanut for a year now and plan to begin the adoption process next year around this time. It has been so incredible to watch two individuals take this little girl in and call her their own. Your family has been such an inspiration to me and I can't wait to watch this little peanut grow!

Love you loads, my little ♡

16 DAYS

DAY 16
After a week full of transitions & goodbyes, I woke up this morning feeling at peace with myself 🌞 Although I am in straight disbelief that this chapter of my life is coming to an end, I am optimistic and beyond excited about what the future holds ahead. There's something extremely terrifying yet thrilling about entering the unknown, and I'm ready for it ♡

17 DAYS

DAY 17

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would pack up my bags, leave my life behind in the States & move to a little farm in the middle of Sugarcane Country, South Africa. And now, the time has already come to say goodbye to the farm, my friends & my family here. A piece of my heart is breaking as I leave this place behind. Until next time, Hope Valley ♡

18 DAYS

DAY 18

Today was my last full day of school with my Grade R students. I came into my year in Africa with hopes & dreams to change the lives of these children, and although I do believe I impacted each of them in some way, the mark they are leaving on my heart is far greater than they will ever know. The 16 little ebony smiles that greeted me each & every morning will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for changing my world  forever, Grade R - my life won't ever be quite the same.
♡

19 DAYS

DAY 19

Calvyn Louter + Coconuts

Thanks for being such a lekkkker bruu this past year! 

20 DAYS

DAY 20
I know many of you have been wondering where I have been living this past year. I was asked several times "If I live in a grass hut?" AND I know if you didn't specifically ask, you probably have wondered. The answer is: No, I don't live in a grass hut but I do live in a little cottage shared with five other ladies. This little room has been my house for the past year, and although I am counting down the days until I can lay out on my big bed, it's safe to say I'll miss this little space that I turned into my humble abode! (feat: my host parents brand new little puppy that they just brought home two days ago) 
♡

21 DAYS

DAY 21

Coming into this year in South Africa, I never imagined making a friend as sweet as this girl 💙 Thanks so much Nicola & your little family, for taking me in and making me feel at home here. Beyond blessed to have met you when I did! Cant wait to come back and see you someday (soon)! Loads of love ♡

22 DAYS

DAY 22

WAKA - WAKA (cause this is A F R I C A) 

Thanks Mozambique, for opening my eyes to yet
 another goregous part of Africa! 

I will be back someday ♡

23 DAYS

DAY 23 

Went snorkeling out in the big blue sea this morning and was able to 

splash around with flipper & all his fin friends!

MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA

24 DAYS

DAY 24

When Mozambik gives you fresh coconuts, you accept the offer without any hesitation.

LOVING PONTO DO OURO, MOZAM, AFRICA

25 DAYS

DAY 25

It's always been my dream to travel this world, and I'm not finished yet! Today I entered my 17th country and was able to get a stamp of fresh ink in the little blue book...

 HELLO MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA!

26 DAYS

DAY 26

These two monsters have been such a pleasure to have in my Grade R classroom this past year in South Africa. Sbulelo (L) and Ntando (R) are brothers that live on a neighboring goat farm. These little boys walk over 3.5 miles home EVERY SINGLE DAY from school without a single complaint in the world! I've had the privilege to watch both of those boys grow in amazing ways and cant wait to see where they continue to go in the future!♡

27 DAYS

DAY 27
Welp, that's a wrap! (...literally) Last night, the community members & teachers from Hope Valley Farm School held a safari farewell party for myself along with the German volunteer that has also spent his past year at the farm school. Words can't express how much each of these individuals have touched my life one way or another. ❤ Thanks to each and every one of you for welcoming me into this community and making my experience here in SA truly one to remember ♡

28 DAYS

DAY 28
This lady. The lady that I called my "mom" for the past year. The lady that baked me endless gluten free creations. The lady that brought me tea when I was sick from bad water. The lady that would scrub my running clothing every Wednesday so they would be clean for the next week. The lady that would keep my cottage spotless day in & out. The lady that would pick me endless fresh mangoes each day from the garden & sneak me avocados from the tree in the backyard. A lady that will forever be etched in my heart. Thank you, Esnath, for your endless love and care this past year. I will miss you more than words can explain. ♡

29 DAYS

DAY 29

Today I went to Lily Of The Valley Children's Orphanage one last time to say my goodbyes to the kiddos. Im going to miss all of the smiles, laughter & most of all this special girl. Keep going to school and getting good grades Miss Thandi, there's a big world out there waiting for you! ♡

30 DAYS

As my time here in South Africa becomes more limited with each day that passes, I am finding it harder to put my thoughts and emotions into words. Its been a constant back & fourth battle between the excitement of returning home & the sadness that bites with each goodbye. 

I have decided that posting a picture each day until I return back to The States will be the best way to get my thoughts & feelings across to whoever is interested in this part of my journey. 

DAY 30

It's incredible that I could have spent this past year anywhere in the world, and I ended up here. Here, on a sugarcane farm in the middle of South Africa. Its safe to say I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. This is where I was meant to be ♡

Excited, Nervous, Happy, Sad, Anxious, Bittersweet.

ALREADY JUNE

…which means, one month left in South Africa!

You may be asking, “Is she ready to come home?”

Seeing things day to day, sometimes it feels as if the time is moving so slowly.

As I look back on my year as a whole in South Africa, I’m not sure where the time went.

(…As I sit here and type about my current thoughts, I find it extremely hard to get my feelings and emotions into words, so please bear with me…)

I think it’s safe to say that the emotional roller coaster that I am currently riding on is unlike any other. Some days I wake up and cannot wait to get to the school to see my students, and other days I wake up and am counting down the days until I can be back at home with my family. It’s a feeling that I have never experienced before. The excitement of going back to familiarity & the people I love the most mixed with the realization of the upcoming goodbyes that will be made creates an overwhelming “bittersweet” sensation.

The past few months in South Africa may have been the most challenging out of the whole year. I found myself constantly trying to be present here at my assignment, yet there is so much to look forward to when arriving back home. Often times, I had to completely stop myself in the moment and remind myself that THIS is where I am right now, and that I have been placed here for a reason. 

Having only 11 days left of school with my students, I have come to realize how limited my time truly is. Each day I have had with these children this past year has been a true blessing in my life. Before coming to South Africa, I had all these “big visions” of changing my student’s lives, and leaving an everlasting impact on them. Instead, the roles were reversed. And although I do believe I was able to positively influence each of their lives & education, it doesn’t even come close to the impact they made on my own life. As I say goodbye to each of my 16 students on June 24th and send them on their way home, I know part of my heart will never be the same. Although I have come to realize I may never get the chance to see all of them again, I do know that I will forever carry a piece of each of them with me wherever I go.

On June 24^th, I will also be parting ways with the wonderful teachers & staff here at Hope Valley Farm School along with the farming community that I have called my home since arriving here last August. Over the duration of this past year, I have been able to build such strong friendships with all the teachers and individuals on the farm. They have all taught me different & important life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Although I am beyond excited to return back home to my family and friends, I also am feeling very unsettled & unsure about how the “reverse process” will go. I would also like to take a second to simply say thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout this journey. Your kind words, thoughts and prayers mean more to me than I can explain.

THE HORIZON

We will have our last day of school at Hope Valley Farm School on June 24^th, 2016 (AKA a day filled with many goodbyes and tears.)

After school on the 24^th, I will pack my bags and leave the farm that I have called “my home” for the past year in Africa. From there, I will travel into Pietermaritzburg where I will be spending the following few days with my reps and team members.

On Saturday July 2^nd, 2016 Team South Africa will depart for Lesotho. While in Lesotho, we will be meeting with several different partner organizations and seeing the kind of work they perform.

July 7^th, 2016 the team will begin our road trip to Johannesburg. I will be in Johannesburg until I fly out on Sunday July 10^th, 2016. I will be arriving back State Side on Monday July 11^th, 2016.

I will be participating in reentry orientation in Akron, Pennsylvania from the 11^th-15^th of July. During this time, all the SALTers will come back together from their year overseas to share different experiences and stories.

JULY 15^TH – HOME SWEET HOME!

The Many Joys of March ♡

As I sit here and reflect on this past month, two things come to mind:

1. TIME IS FLYING!

and

2. I am so lucky to be where I am today.

March provided me with many new experiences. I feel as if I am finally living in the present time and am content with where I am in this big world. Reflecting back on my first few months in South Africa, I am now able to see the "emotional rollercoaster" I was riding. The first few months were overwhelming with homesickness combined with the excitement of a new adventure. Time now is slowly catching up with me and I am realizing how little time I have left here in this beautiful country. 

March 18th ended our first term at Hope Valley Farm School. We had a very successful term in Grade R. My students are continuing to grow each and every day and its such a blessing to watch them develop into strong little learners! 

Our classroom continues to expand and grow as well. As I look back to where I started last August, I am so excited about all the progress that has happened. We will continue to improve the Grade R classroom until I depart in June! 

Although we werent in school over Easter, Grade R still had an Easter Party Celebration on our last full day of school before break! We discussed the importance of Easter and why we celebrate this special day. We had an egg hunt and enjoyed many sweets together! 

Rebecca and I on Easter Sunday. Rebecca was the SALTer last year in the Grade R classroom at Hope Valley Farm School. Rebecca re-signed for two more years in South Africa doing work at Lily of The Valley Childrens Orphanage. Its been so nice having Rebecca around this year to help guide me through my time at the school! 

Easter Sunday! 

This past week, our team traveled to Swaziland! It was so amazing to see yet another part of Africa. The beauty in endless, from the land to the people. While in Swaziland, we visitied a few of our partner organizations. Most of our partners in Swaziland do work with HIV and agriculture.

While in Swaziland, we stayed inside Milwane Wildlife Park. We spent one morning hiking Nyonyane Peak! 

THE HORIZON

Term 2 will begin on April 5th and will end on June 24th! 
I will be saying my final goodbyes to my students on the 24th of June (this means I only have 55 days left of school with my kiddos!)
July 2nd - July 6th I will be traveling to Lesotho, Africa to meet more partners.
July 6th - July 10th I will spend some time in Johannesburg, South Africa! 
July 10th I fly back to the States! (F I N A L - C O U N T D O W N)

Peace and love to all ♡

Allison Shade