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 ♡