Feb 22nd _ “Last week”

Don’t let the title of this blog fool you. There is exactly one week left in my internship and my time in South Africa. People here and abroad have asked me: “are you happy to go home?”

Yea. Sure!

I never stop missing people. With that understanding, leaving South Africa will not be easy. I have made a lot of friends here, especially the way my relationships have developed since the New Year. However, it is with great satisfaction that I can say, I have many homes in another country.

Last week, Jos and the Niagara Team arrived in preparation for the conference in Qunu. It felt as if it was yesterday when Jos parted us (back in September). I remember saying goodbye to him at the Bed and Breakfast and heading back to my room and asking, “so what do I do now?” Well, it was great to see Jos again and finally meet Kyla, Michael and Fode!

A side story for you: I was in Pretoria this past week staying at a friends (Priyesh) place while we were taking part of a course in Johannesburg. Priyesh lives in a neighbourhood called Laudium. Under apartheid, this area was reserved strictly for Indians. Walking through the town I could not help but feel like I was in another country. The shops and restaurants were either Hindu or Muslim. There was a Temple and a Mosque at every corner. Sitting at the table, I heard the beautiful Aazaan (call to prayer). I had never experienced this before. Walking into a shop to buy airtime for my cell phone, I had a discussion with the owner who had spent six years in Toronto. It was at this time his little daughter, probably 9 or 10 years old, came and showed me her homework book. In it she circled Canada and said “Canada will win the Cricket World Cup, not South Africa”. I gave her a high five.

South Africa, a country which can amaze you at every turn.

Cinsta:

"Wanna race Lise?"

"Mama G"

"Priyesh – Tumi Meri Mandil"

“One last time Kev”

Feb 13th _ “So long Mthatha”

On Saturday I hopped on the Greyhound and headed up to visit Mthatha for one last time. With only a couple of weeks remaining, I would not be able to schedule another visit.

It was tough to leave. Most of my internship was spent in Mthatha working for the Centre for Rural Development. Under the guidance of Clemens, I was able to go visit community members in the rural areas and receive an education textbooks will never be able to match. I was able to see the homes in which these folks have built and lived in for generations. I was able to witness the passion of individuals coming together to create a business so that they may become productive, earn an income and help their community.

However, working at the Centre was at times very challenging. The Director wanted to be involved in the basic day-to-day operations and as a result, everything moved at a slower pace. Also, I had the feeling of wanting to do so much more but feeling restricted by the structure of the environment. Whenever these moments presented itself to me, I would walk outside and stare at the beautiful site of Africa. Because we were located on top of a hill, I could look out and see the wide landscape, the rural homes and the mountainous background. It was magical to see the sun set.

Professor Bello and his family are such lovely and amazing people. When I first met him at Clemens’ house for dinner back in September, he was wearing a traditional Nigerian outfit. I told him I wanted to purchase one from him. In return, Prof Bello and his wife, Mama Bello, gave me one as a gift and even tailored the outfit. Mama Bello is one of the best cooks. I will miss her homemade samosa’s and Nigerian tea. I look forward to the day I can meet all of them again.

And then there is Kate and Clemens. They became my family in Africa. I grew so much with them these past five months. I was in their wedding and basically lived at their home. They were always there for me. Clemens, my mentor, who I have learnt so much from. And Kate, my “Mama Africa” who worried every time I left Mthatha. May it be playing monopoly, watching “24” or just sharing ridiculous jokes – my time in Africa would not have been the same without these two.

Oh! Can’t forget Clemens’ old 1980s Mercedes-Benz. That car shut down on us so many times. My favourite memory would be the time I had to steer the car while Clemens dragged it with a rental car. We had to maneuver turns, avoid potholes and drive up and down the hills of Mthatha. Ahh, good times.

Mthatha…Haibo!

"Qunu meeting"

"Qunu Cooperatives"

"CRD Security Team"

"The Mamas who keep CRD shiny"

"Xolani & Andisa"

"Cinga & Shirley"

"Sibo!"

"The Bello's"

"Kate & Clemens"

"Sunset at my favourite spot"

Feb 7th _ “3 weeks left”

Right now I am at Johannesburg airport waiting for my flight back to East London. Standing at the sight where international guests arrive, I started to reflect on my first arrival back in September. I remember entering the doors dragging two large suitcases with feelings of nervousness, excitement, confusion. I had no idea what would happen in this journey.

Now looking at myself, I stand posing with my South African style cap. The bags I carry have been tagged through nine different languages - English, French, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Swati, Afrikaans, Dutch, Chichewa, German.

The orange t-shirt I am sporting has been my “go to” shirt for the nights out at clubs and discos in Cape Town, East London, Mthatha, Sandton, Blantyre, Zomba.

My dress shoes lol. These “kicks” have carried me through weddings, house parties, train rides, documentaries, offices, Churches, airports, the rural areas, townships. There is not enough polish in the world to make these shoes black again!

My eyes. They have seen mountains towering over clouds, rivers and ponds in the middle of vast landscapes; wild animals close enough for one to snap a picture or to run away as fast as you can. They have seen the sky turn blue-grey-purple within an hours time. They have seen stars so clear that you can hold a stencil up to the sky and trace it. They have also seen sorrow beyond words, poverty unimaginable and such deep pain. But they have seen experiences of profound hope.

My heart has been blessed by the wonderful people I have met through invitations to communities, homes, dinner tables, cricket matches, cultures, celebrations. It has been enlightened by the young and enriched by the old. It has remained solid by my family and friends emails, postcards and personal messages.

These past five months the soul has grown, stronger.

…and I am just getting started.