22/03/09
Holy cow! Where to start? Let me tell you about my adventure filled weekend... and tiring! Imagine the kinds of Africa that you picture based on the books- that you think exists but haven’t experienced it yet, or seen it first hand. The places that roads can't take you and sadly tourists might miss out on. That is what we experienced on our hike this last weekend. Due to water restraints, not as many pictures were captured as would have been ideal, but nonetheless those hours spent in the freshwater pools on our hike were breathtaking. I couldn’t help but think while I was on the hike, back to the beautiful lead jungle situated at the Henry Doorly Zoo in good ol’ Omaha, Nebraska and the fact that you can walk through the different places and it will show you.. now entering Africa, Asia and so on. Now I believe that those engineers that planned the jungle actually knew what they were talking about. The big green trees and the way you feel when you walk through the downstairs part of the jungle… I felt as if we just cut through one little part and swam down it. The hike was that cool.
While we were hiking I had a lot of time where I was behind most of the group (I’m not a very skilled rock walker), but still ahead of the other group, so caught right in between. It was a great time of clarity and just feel the peace and just be able to walk and take everything in. I believe that knowledge can come in all shapes and forms and I truly believe that people can become masters of their own craft, their own art, their own work or trade, whatever it is that fuels their fire is what they are geniuses of. Yes, I am implying that all people are geniuses. But I truly believe that if you are passionate and able to speak out on what you know, then yes! You are an expert. Congratulations! We hiked with some interesting people, and just hearing anyone speak, no matter what it is about, I am genuinely intrigued when they show so much passion and excitement about their own interests. The youngest one we were hiking with besides the 3 of us students were probably 30, then 50, then 60 something, then 69. Interesting to say the least! I could hardly keep up with the 69 year old at some points. Just goes to show how much joy in your life can take you and where it can bring you. They were fun to sit around the camp fire (braai) after the long hike.
Amazing experience in the Groendal mountains overall. Probably my first real adventure hike, and maybe more to come in the future. They told us of some we should check out when we go to Cape Town, plus some others nearby that some friends might want to go together.
Ah, one more thing I want to mention! We braai’ed all of the fish we caught last Thursday night and it was SO delicious! We caught mostly cob (or cod?) and one huge muscle cracker- one of the pride and joys of the sea (you should have seen Nial’s reaction when Kari caught one- especially the size of it!). We individualized each group of fish- whether using all sorts of fresh veggies, to lemon to pepper to braai spice to garlic to pineapple, it was a feast! Don’t worry, I took pictures =).
I just wanted to say thanks for reading, for anyone who is. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to experience this journey with me. Please know how much I care about and appreciate you, and most likely love you =). Please have a bit of patience with me and accept my apologies that I’m not able to keep in touch with everyone as much as I would like to. But I am always thinking about you all and talking about you! It is pretty much guaranteed that your pictures are lining my walls in my little room and making it all a little cozier (people are kind of jealous I brought so many pictures, but you guys keep me going). If you think of it, or get a chance, please send me an email to let me know how you’re doing (or facebook message). I would absolutely love to hear from you, and pretty sure hearing from you might make my day. Keep me updated on what is going on in the U.S.! People keep asking how things have been going since Obama has been in office, and I kind of have to put my face down and answer that since I’ve been here I’ve mostly been out of the loop- no internet home page coming up daily with my news updates, no news at night nor magazines or newspapers- from the U.S. anyway. So if you have an extra minute in your day, send a message my way!
Love you much and hoping you are doing well! Will post again as soon as I can. =)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Doing my best with what I've got =)
19/03/09
I absolutely love it when people are genuinely nice, or genuinely friendly. Passing by when you say hello to someone and they give a full acknowledgement of that hello and return it with one equally as friendly. Maybe I grew up with the ‘mid-west nice’ and that’s what I’m used to, but either way it’s refreshing to meet people who show the same enthusiasm or appreciation of just a friendly hello. I think that is definitely going to be a quality when deciding where in life to live. Anyway, it has been awhile and let me give you a brief update to what has been going on in my neck of the woods… Our internet is changing. We were allowed one gig for 10.00$ (US) a month, and if you ran out you could pay 8$ more for your second gig. Well, the international office decided to go through and completely change the way internet is run, so to have unlimited, but slower internet we are going to have a pay a lot more- either 30 or 50 US dollars. With the 30$ package we aren’t guaranteed to be able to skype, so we are waiting to figure out. Since I ran out of internet on Sunday while skyping with my parents (sorry I didn’t get to say I love you or good bye or happy birthday one more time) I have been trying to be patient while the new internet gets sorted out. Ryan, the new internet guy comes every day at 4, so yesterday I was awaiting his arrival and I come into a conversation mid way and the first thing I hear him say is that the internet should work for everyone, unless you have a Mac. Lovely. Oh Africa, I am learning so much patience from you… So it will be a bit longer till I have internet, apparently they are flying in someone who is an expert on Macs. On a brighter note! I attempted hand washing my clothes again yesterday and today, and would like to report to you= success! Being now that I have moved into our spare bedroom and now have my own room I bought some rope and now my laundry is strung across my room, probably spending the next two days drying, but nonetheless it was something fun and entertaining to do!
St Patty’s day took an interesting spin this year! We at Annie’s (where I live) knew we had high expectations and wanted to make our Irish friends proud, so covered in green and with our green dye to go with us we made our way out to a favorite pub for live music, dancing, topped with meeting lots of new Irish friends! Needless to say, I believe everyone had a good night. Ah, now lets backtrack.
Since I have been able to travel a little bit in both directions, up the East Coast and the West Coast, I feel as if I have been able to experience a little of the country and am gaining a grasp for different lifestyles and even just the smallest differences from that of home. One thing I love is the fact that homes here just seem so warm, as if they are built with the welcome aspect engraved in them. They are friendly and open, inviting and completely individualized. When you look around at the furniture and the tables and chairs that they have, you have to wonder if they are complete originals because it doesn’t seem as if they could be mass produced. I love the personality that just shines through. Last Friday night a group of 4 of us traveled to Kenton-On-Sea. Backpackers weren’t an option there, so we stayed at a bed and breakfast. Let me tell you- it was adorable! Marlene was the friendliest, most helpful lady. Her home was beautiful and we stayed in “Tree Top” beds- a complete upstairs with a deck and living area, a fireplace and even a cold hot tub that ran into a waterfall that went down the rocks. Since we were venturing out early the next morning, she had to wake up early but it was the most amazing breakfast any of us had experienced since we have been in South Africa. Gave us a slight taste of home, but without a doubt, a perfect beginning to the day. The night before we drove along the curving, never ending, roundabout roads of Kenton without streetlights and the biggest speed bumps that our poor rented car, Babe (like Babe the Blue Ox) encountered first hand. We finally reached our end destination, the much-anticipated Floating Restaurant on the River, yay! I decided to have steak, but they had the best calamari I have ever had and if by chance I ever go back, I know what I’m getting!
Ok, enough with all the boring details. Saturday when we were on the beach about to go deep sea fishing, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt- to my family members who I know would have loved this experience so much and then I got to experience it, and I’m not even a fisher! It was just the joy and the feel of being on the water that was so great. It felt like a jet ski when we were going over the huge waves getting of the beach, but our skipper was skilled and we all felt safe. We ended up spending close to 5 hours on the ocean. That is quite some time when you factor in the smell of the fish, the rock of the boat, and needing to use the toilet! Ha, but it was a great time. I was excited to catch my one tiny fish (don’t worry I caught several), but I spent most the time rebaiting my hook. The others I was with were much more experienced fishers and we caught a beautiful array of sea life- including many sharks! I couldn’t believe when Sam pulled of the first one- probably 6 ft long, and then many more to follow- leopard sharks, pajama sharks, spotted something and then your classic smooth looking blue ones. Scary but exhilarating! Nial, our captain and expert for the day, took us back to his home, cut up the fish for us and we enjoyed coffee with him and his wife and just talking. They have a beautiful oceanfront home that is just breath taking. Kari and I even ran down to the ocean to chase after the dolphins we saw swimming.
Our fun filled day was then greeted with some interesting turns as we entered our next city to visit, Port Alfred. The backpackers we attempted to stay at was interesting to say the least, I’ll spare you the details, except for the fact of it felt like we walked into a family’s living room and home, but not welcoming in the least bit. Didn’t take us long to move on from there. We ended up staying at a nice inn that was about a 10-minute walk from restaurants and beachfront, as well as the town and shops. We had a nice two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen, living room and bath; we even got to experience taking baths again since there wasn’t a shower! Another mini adventure inside the adventure. Another early morning followed, we ate, shopped, took a stroll on the beach and a scary, scary pier with the biggest crashing waves (don’t know how/why we managed to walk to the end) and then decided we enjoyed the quite small town feel of Kenton better, and headed back to explore those beaches.
We parked babe at one of the beaches and just started walking around, and what seemed like a harmless beach trek ended up being quite the adventure of finding caves and gorgeous beaches, exploring rocks in all different capacities and climbing hills and breaking my feet because I, being the smart one, decided when we were getting out of the car to go ‘South African style’ and not wear any shoes, bad idea! We managed to photo graph much of the jot: ranging from climbing up rocks and peering over the ocean, to walking out next to crashing waves, to finding deep holes, climbing up huge sand dunes, and being lost in a mountainous bush, completely blazing our own trail. Good thing Kari, Matt, Sam and I are adventurous types and it felt good to be active again.
Wow, I am at over 1400 words and am afraid that if I keep going then I won’t have any readers left! I understand the overwhelming-ness of my typing so I should spare you and stop for now. Wish the internet was a bit more convenient so that I could update more, but 10 posts in about a months time isn’t too bad is it? Thinking of you all and sending my love!
Sending this days later from the computer lab at school. Will hopefully have internet this afternoon... but with tests and presentations coming up, no guarentees that I'll be able to post any time too soon. Excpet the one I am currently working on now that I'll post shortly after.
Much love, ya'll =)
I absolutely love it when people are genuinely nice, or genuinely friendly. Passing by when you say hello to someone and they give a full acknowledgement of that hello and return it with one equally as friendly. Maybe I grew up with the ‘mid-west nice’ and that’s what I’m used to, but either way it’s refreshing to meet people who show the same enthusiasm or appreciation of just a friendly hello. I think that is definitely going to be a quality when deciding where in life to live. Anyway, it has been awhile and let me give you a brief update to what has been going on in my neck of the woods… Our internet is changing. We were allowed one gig for 10.00$ (US) a month, and if you ran out you could pay 8$ more for your second gig. Well, the international office decided to go through and completely change the way internet is run, so to have unlimited, but slower internet we are going to have a pay a lot more- either 30 or 50 US dollars. With the 30$ package we aren’t guaranteed to be able to skype, so we are waiting to figure out. Since I ran out of internet on Sunday while skyping with my parents (sorry I didn’t get to say I love you or good bye or happy birthday one more time) I have been trying to be patient while the new internet gets sorted out. Ryan, the new internet guy comes every day at 4, so yesterday I was awaiting his arrival and I come into a conversation mid way and the first thing I hear him say is that the internet should work for everyone, unless you have a Mac. Lovely. Oh Africa, I am learning so much patience from you… So it will be a bit longer till I have internet, apparently they are flying in someone who is an expert on Macs. On a brighter note! I attempted hand washing my clothes again yesterday and today, and would like to report to you= success! Being now that I have moved into our spare bedroom and now have my own room I bought some rope and now my laundry is strung across my room, probably spending the next two days drying, but nonetheless it was something fun and entertaining to do!
St Patty’s day took an interesting spin this year! We at Annie’s (where I live) knew we had high expectations and wanted to make our Irish friends proud, so covered in green and with our green dye to go with us we made our way out to a favorite pub for live music, dancing, topped with meeting lots of new Irish friends! Needless to say, I believe everyone had a good night. Ah, now lets backtrack.
Since I have been able to travel a little bit in both directions, up the East Coast and the West Coast, I feel as if I have been able to experience a little of the country and am gaining a grasp for different lifestyles and even just the smallest differences from that of home. One thing I love is the fact that homes here just seem so warm, as if they are built with the welcome aspect engraved in them. They are friendly and open, inviting and completely individualized. When you look around at the furniture and the tables and chairs that they have, you have to wonder if they are complete originals because it doesn’t seem as if they could be mass produced. I love the personality that just shines through. Last Friday night a group of 4 of us traveled to Kenton-On-Sea. Backpackers weren’t an option there, so we stayed at a bed and breakfast. Let me tell you- it was adorable! Marlene was the friendliest, most helpful lady. Her home was beautiful and we stayed in “Tree Top” beds- a complete upstairs with a deck and living area, a fireplace and even a cold hot tub that ran into a waterfall that went down the rocks. Since we were venturing out early the next morning, she had to wake up early but it was the most amazing breakfast any of us had experienced since we have been in South Africa. Gave us a slight taste of home, but without a doubt, a perfect beginning to the day. The night before we drove along the curving, never ending, roundabout roads of Kenton without streetlights and the biggest speed bumps that our poor rented car, Babe (like Babe the Blue Ox) encountered first hand. We finally reached our end destination, the much-anticipated Floating Restaurant on the River, yay! I decided to have steak, but they had the best calamari I have ever had and if by chance I ever go back, I know what I’m getting!
Ok, enough with all the boring details. Saturday when we were on the beach about to go deep sea fishing, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt- to my family members who I know would have loved this experience so much and then I got to experience it, and I’m not even a fisher! It was just the joy and the feel of being on the water that was so great. It felt like a jet ski when we were going over the huge waves getting of the beach, but our skipper was skilled and we all felt safe. We ended up spending close to 5 hours on the ocean. That is quite some time when you factor in the smell of the fish, the rock of the boat, and needing to use the toilet! Ha, but it was a great time. I was excited to catch my one tiny fish (don’t worry I caught several), but I spent most the time rebaiting my hook. The others I was with were much more experienced fishers and we caught a beautiful array of sea life- including many sharks! I couldn’t believe when Sam pulled of the first one- probably 6 ft long, and then many more to follow- leopard sharks, pajama sharks, spotted something and then your classic smooth looking blue ones. Scary but exhilarating! Nial, our captain and expert for the day, took us back to his home, cut up the fish for us and we enjoyed coffee with him and his wife and just talking. They have a beautiful oceanfront home that is just breath taking. Kari and I even ran down to the ocean to chase after the dolphins we saw swimming.
Our fun filled day was then greeted with some interesting turns as we entered our next city to visit, Port Alfred. The backpackers we attempted to stay at was interesting to say the least, I’ll spare you the details, except for the fact of it felt like we walked into a family’s living room and home, but not welcoming in the least bit. Didn’t take us long to move on from there. We ended up staying at a nice inn that was about a 10-minute walk from restaurants and beachfront, as well as the town and shops. We had a nice two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen, living room and bath; we even got to experience taking baths again since there wasn’t a shower! Another mini adventure inside the adventure. Another early morning followed, we ate, shopped, took a stroll on the beach and a scary, scary pier with the biggest crashing waves (don’t know how/why we managed to walk to the end) and then decided we enjoyed the quite small town feel of Kenton better, and headed back to explore those beaches.
We parked babe at one of the beaches and just started walking around, and what seemed like a harmless beach trek ended up being quite the adventure of finding caves and gorgeous beaches, exploring rocks in all different capacities and climbing hills and breaking my feet because I, being the smart one, decided when we were getting out of the car to go ‘South African style’ and not wear any shoes, bad idea! We managed to photo graph much of the jot: ranging from climbing up rocks and peering over the ocean, to walking out next to crashing waves, to finding deep holes, climbing up huge sand dunes, and being lost in a mountainous bush, completely blazing our own trail. Good thing Kari, Matt, Sam and I are adventurous types and it felt good to be active again.
Wow, I am at over 1400 words and am afraid that if I keep going then I won’t have any readers left! I understand the overwhelming-ness of my typing so I should spare you and stop for now. Wish the internet was a bit more convenient so that I could update more, but 10 posts in about a months time isn’t too bad is it? Thinking of you all and sending my love!
Sending this days later from the computer lab at school. Will hopefully have internet this afternoon... but with tests and presentations coming up, no guarentees that I'll be able to post any time too soon. Excpet the one I am currently working on now that I'll post shortly after.
Much love, ya'll =)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Snap shot!
The bridge!!! Tallest one in the world that functions on a daily basis!!
All of the images are out of order from the way they are described, but since this is my first time uploading pictures, give me a break!! =)
This is Stephanie jumping off the tallest bungy jump in the world! Through a company called Face Adrenaline, Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa... about 2 hours away from where we live. Absolutely amazing! 08/03/09
The picture with the six hotties and long boards is after we became PRO surfers! Shannon (yes, a male) was a fabulous instructor and we learned so much! Can't wait to go back for lesson #2! 15/02/09
This is an elephant! We got so close and there were so many of them! Addo National Park.. home to about 400 elephants. 22 or so of us road around in a big Safari jeep and went for Lauren's birthday. 28/02/03
Looking out from our backpackers on our way to Cinsta in East London. 20/02/09 I believe.
A tribute to Back Packers
I have decided that since backpackers are these sweet little nifty places all along the South African coast line and are all over the place, they deserve a little dedication spot in my blog. So people talk about staying in Hostels while traveling around Europe, and while I don't have any basis for comparison (yet), backpackers are amazing. Each one is jam packed with individuality, spirit, adventure, enthusiasm and what I would describe as nearly pure joy. They can hide in the littlest nooks and crannies and you can fly by one in East London without even realizing it, so beware! You have been warned. The staff at each one varies from locals that can't get enough of the tourists and obvious backpackers that come by, to Europeans who have had enough of their lives and want to get away, English folk who came down for a job but seemed to fall through so they thought a job at the backpacker's bar as a bartender might suit for a few months.. or years, and the mid 30-40 year olds who can't get enough of the hoppin' places, so they decide to stick around a night or two or years just for the kicks. Backpackers can have the wildest, craziest paintings along the walls, but most of the ceilings and walls are lined with the stories and names and people and dates of others who have passed through over the course of the years. Most backpackers have the most unique bar you have ever witnessed, that is until you go to the next backpackers and find another one that is completely of their own. Some have the rugged mountainy feel, where you can overlook the ocean from the hammock in front of your cute little cabin. Some you fall asleep to the crashing of the waves outside your dorm with 3 or 4 or 6 strangers sleeping around you. Still others have the tree-house-type feel to them and you feel as if you are an honorary member of the Swiss Family Robinson. Either way, it's an adventure. The lovely workers will do anything, and truly anything, for you to make plans/arrangements with their friends, including calling to cancel surf lessons at 10:00 at night so that you can go with their friend that next morning. Or they will have a "free wine" and volleyball tournament. I even experienced my best Braai since I have been in South Africa, with probably over 100 people there by the time we were done eating! Some even cook you traditional Xhosa food, which is very unique, interesting, but good! At one backpackers 5 hours away you might run into several people you know from PE and even meet a group of 30 dutch, maybe 40, that are also in PE for the semester. You could go with a whole group of friends and rent out the whole top floor, or rent out an entire 12 person dorm room. If you pick your backpackers right you can order a drink and pizza from the bar by the pool and say "charge it to my room." Some backpackers offer township tours that you can take via mountain bike, but caution:: being in shape is almost necessary. Striking up casual conversations with people from London, Germany, Britain, the States, Austria, Australia and others is pretty normal. You can even catch a backpackers that does 3 hour horse back rides along the beach (beware, your bum may be sore!). All the while being greeted by friendly faces, enjoying lots of stories, and can even sit around a bonfire type setting. Some are in the middle of no where, others in small towns, and many right there with the ocean only a beach away. Backpackers truly are one of a kind type of establishment that I cannot wait to experience more of. Just wait, pictures will be coming very soon.
Thank you for your time!
Thank you for your time!
Leap for the Mountains
I don't know how it happens... but it's like I get so caught up in the moment that I actually forget that I am in South Africa.. but then it's always the little things that bring me back.. the fact that on any given day I can see monkeys on campus, or that I go exciting new places each weekend, or the fact that I am driving/riding on the left side of the road, I have a pool in my front yard, I hear TOWNTOWN everywhere I walk or just that the sun is shining and I'm breathing it all in. Of course the sun shines everywhere you go, and maybe that's some of what I'm learning while I'm here.. that from the joy and the experiences of day to day simple pleasures I will be able to take that home with me. Like the fact that I cannot wait to get home and walk to Hy Vee to get my groceries! (The one in Omaha, not Mankato ;-) ). But really, I will even bring my Spar (grocery store here) bag home with me so that I remember! Just everything. I am in awe.. disbelief.. and even feel unworthy for being able to experience something that is so unbelievable and eye opening all at the same time. But then again I think it makes sense. Being able to travel here with a large group was beneficial because, of course, it was my first time traveling outside the U.S. But now I have come here and met so many people, I feel as if not only do I have future traveling buddies, but that I also have people to travel with to see. And living outside the U.S. for a semester/six month was probably good for the first time, but next time I'm thinking possibly a year. Not to get ahead of myself or anything! But while I'm here I can't help but think about the rest of it.. the future, what is to come.
Why take a step when you can take a leap??! I never want to stop learning about people, places, things, cultures. I love people and knowing what fuels them, and what fire they live for in their daily life. So much of my classes are focusing on the stories that people are living on a day to day basis.. not even kidding. My sports coaching is constantly referring to what type of person YOU want to be, how are you showing that, how are people reading that? My photo journalism class is constantly stressing the story.. the story behind the photo and the content (not just composition!) but what is really there to look at it, how does it make you feel, what do you see differently because of it? And then my Youth Work (adolescent social work is the easiest way to explain) class is looking at the social capital side... seeing the community for what it is and recognizing the assets and strengths that it can bring and pull together. Not just looking into community work, where people go in and just implement a program that might be needed, might not, might work, might not.. but instead looking at the strengths of the community, where they lie, what they need and what may be beneficial to them in the future and instead of 'work' it is long term and giving the community itself the power to take control of their future, aka, community development.
Now lets put those all together... defining Stephanie's future? Is this a bit too much to be talking about right now? Possibly, but either way it is on my heart and has been, and is starting to make more sense.
My heart leaps, my heart breaks and my heart is strengthened every time I go into the township. I am encouraged and uplifted, yet hesitant and uneasy. It is never not an awkward thing (sorry it's my love for double negatives) to arrive on a 'shuttle' if you will, a van that seats up to 22 and has safari/ocean type scenes painted on the side, yet when you drive by the children, their faces light up and they wave-- but you can't help but wonder what people think of all of these, mostly white, yet not all American, students coming in. I don't see anything broken about the community and I don't intend to fix anything while I'm there. I do intend to love and possibly teach the children, show maybe a little more patience and give them a little attention and recognition for their efforts and energy that they have flowing from them at all seams. But this is all short term, short term for us at least, and the German interns that are working there, so does that get us much further? It all goes back to the idea behind community work and development (emphasis being on the work and the development). I believe that through education is empowerment. Do I see these children's futures? Do I hesitate before asking them what they want to be when they grow up? Do I know enough about the culture and the society that they are raised in to be able to make such calls? No. The answer is straight forward: no, I don't. What little I know is not comparable to a lifetime of knowledge, of events and people and a full timeline that does not give justice to where they are in their lives. Our position is to have open minds and open hearts. To show maybe just a bit more patience, give just a little more time, and always think back and remember those people who influenced us while we were growing up.. a caring teacher, that extra cool babysitter, a coach that spent so many hours working simply on the concepts of understanding work ethic can trump talent, that time and effort can say more than one good shot, one good game, one super swim or one sweet dance move (hey, it's where I come from). But it's true, each person growing up has people that come together and surround them, creating a support system that helps with the transitioning phases in their life. Does it hurt thinking that after this short semester I won't be returning? Yes, but that is eased by the fact that people will still be in their lives, and that there is more adventure, more children and people and places and lives yet to be known ahead. My oh my Africa, you have so much to teach me. I had an amazing conversation the other morning, Saturday morning to be exact, and I think it was one of those divine moment things, where the right people's paths crossed, just enough to give one another encouragement and have hope even in nearly forgotten, lost friendships. Amazing how an hour of conversation can completely open up my eyes and even give a bit more hope where hope might have been fading. It's a wonder, an amazing wonder the way in which life weaves it's way into this beautiful picture, no not picture, but a book. A story book with lots of pretty pictures and fun captions that we all get to enjoy. Oiy! Did I boggle your mind today? I think I boggled my own! Taking a leap with posting this post, but I'm going to do it anyway. After all, this is Africa, anything goes.
Love.
Why take a step when you can take a leap??! I never want to stop learning about people, places, things, cultures. I love people and knowing what fuels them, and what fire they live for in their daily life. So much of my classes are focusing on the stories that people are living on a day to day basis.. not even kidding. My sports coaching is constantly referring to what type of person YOU want to be, how are you showing that, how are people reading that? My photo journalism class is constantly stressing the story.. the story behind the photo and the content (not just composition!) but what is really there to look at it, how does it make you feel, what do you see differently because of it? And then my Youth Work (adolescent social work is the easiest way to explain) class is looking at the social capital side... seeing the community for what it is and recognizing the assets and strengths that it can bring and pull together. Not just looking into community work, where people go in and just implement a program that might be needed, might not, might work, might not.. but instead looking at the strengths of the community, where they lie, what they need and what may be beneficial to them in the future and instead of 'work' it is long term and giving the community itself the power to take control of their future, aka, community development.
Now lets put those all together... defining Stephanie's future? Is this a bit too much to be talking about right now? Possibly, but either way it is on my heart and has been, and is starting to make more sense.
My heart leaps, my heart breaks and my heart is strengthened every time I go into the township. I am encouraged and uplifted, yet hesitant and uneasy. It is never not an awkward thing (sorry it's my love for double negatives) to arrive on a 'shuttle' if you will, a van that seats up to 22 and has safari/ocean type scenes painted on the side, yet when you drive by the children, their faces light up and they wave-- but you can't help but wonder what people think of all of these, mostly white, yet not all American, students coming in. I don't see anything broken about the community and I don't intend to fix anything while I'm there. I do intend to love and possibly teach the children, show maybe a little more patience and give them a little attention and recognition for their efforts and energy that they have flowing from them at all seams. But this is all short term, short term for us at least, and the German interns that are working there, so does that get us much further? It all goes back to the idea behind community work and development (emphasis being on the work and the development). I believe that through education is empowerment. Do I see these children's futures? Do I hesitate before asking them what they want to be when they grow up? Do I know enough about the culture and the society that they are raised in to be able to make such calls? No. The answer is straight forward: no, I don't. What little I know is not comparable to a lifetime of knowledge, of events and people and a full timeline that does not give justice to where they are in their lives. Our position is to have open minds and open hearts. To show maybe just a bit more patience, give just a little more time, and always think back and remember those people who influenced us while we were growing up.. a caring teacher, that extra cool babysitter, a coach that spent so many hours working simply on the concepts of understanding work ethic can trump talent, that time and effort can say more than one good shot, one good game, one super swim or one sweet dance move (hey, it's where I come from). But it's true, each person growing up has people that come together and surround them, creating a support system that helps with the transitioning phases in their life. Does it hurt thinking that after this short semester I won't be returning? Yes, but that is eased by the fact that people will still be in their lives, and that there is more adventure, more children and people and places and lives yet to be known ahead. My oh my Africa, you have so much to teach me. I had an amazing conversation the other morning, Saturday morning to be exact, and I think it was one of those divine moment things, where the right people's paths crossed, just enough to give one another encouragement and have hope even in nearly forgotten, lost friendships. Amazing how an hour of conversation can completely open up my eyes and even give a bit more hope where hope might have been fading. It's a wonder, an amazing wonder the way in which life weaves it's way into this beautiful picture, no not picture, but a book. A story book with lots of pretty pictures and fun captions that we all get to enjoy. Oiy! Did I boggle your mind today? I think I boggled my own! Taking a leap with posting this post, but I'm going to do it anyway. After all, this is Africa, anything goes.
Love.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase.
It's been such a long time and so many exciting things have happened! I will start with this past weekend and work my way back depending on how much time I have!
I was thinking yesterday, when I look back in a year- or whenever someone asks me what the craziest, most wild thing I have ever done- I will be able to answer this time! On the 8th of March, 2009 at 9:41 I was dangling from the highest bungy jump in the world-- and loving it! Yesterday was just amazing. I said before I left that if I met people while I was here and a group of us wanted to- then I would jump, but otherwise it was never something I had pictured myself doing in my life. Well, this was one of the very first trips that we planned when we arrived- and so many people wanted to do it, we had a group of 20 go, and 18 jumped! Two even did it twice, going backwards the second time! There really aren't words to describe it, such a rush, so breathtaking and ridiculously amazing. Adrenaline rush for sure! And yet so unbelievable at the same time. i ended up jumping second out of all of us, so i didn't even get to watch the video of anyone going before! When we arrived we went down to register (sign our lives away practically) got the harnesses and made the jot down to the bridge. For so many people the bridge was the scariest part, after all it was a long way down! I didn't mind the walk, the view was gorgeous. To the left through the mountains was the ocean and to the right were rolling mountains one after another, and we were looking down into the valley with a little stream at the bottom.. one of those moments worth living for. Of course wanting to psych myself up as much as possible, I'm singing and dancing along the bridge. When we got to the platform in the middle of the bridge where we jump from the crew met us and they were awesome! They were so enthusiastic and so fun. They started playing music as soon as we got there and all of us just started dancing right away, freaking out but extra excited. One lady who wasn't with our group jumped before us, then they called Nick to go next and then right after he had his foot harnesses/pad things on, they called me. I was like- wait, me Steph or the other Steph??! I couldn't believe I was going second! I didn't even get to watch anyone else go, it was just boom boom boom- the only moment I was hesitant was right before when I haddd to jump, but everything was so unreal, so amazing!
Ok enough about that! We all finished and all survived, and we all jumped, just like we knew would! Even two girls who didn't want to go decided that they wanted to when we all got back! So while waiting for them, we enjoyed a few spirits and some pizza, and overall it was a good day. Even ate some yummy Chinese last night because we went out to continue Kevin's birthday celebration. Seems like there have been lots of birthdays! Friday was Kari's and we went out to a place called Ginger for that for a lovely dinner, and last Saturday was Lauren's where we went to the Cheetah farm and then to Addo National Park, home to over 400 elephants! So cool, they walk around almost completely ignore the fact that you are there- they don't run away from you or hide because they have never been shot at (apparently there are some gaming tours where they have shot at them so there is less of a chance you might see the elephants or other wild animals while you're driving through. At the Cheetah park we all got to pet and play with a Cheetah, trained of course. Then on the other side of this fence was this amazing lion den... absolutely amazing! The baby lions were just months old and we could actually hold them, yes hold lions, it was so amazing! I took so many pictures that day, we won't even get into that.
Shout out to Kari for helping me with the layout of my blog.. might be a bit bright and take some getting used to, but I have wanted it customized for so long now! And now I actually understand (somewhat) of how to do it!
So, I have yet to ever buy my own meat to cook (honestly, at home and here) and tonight when I got back from Kragga Kamma Game Park my Norwegian friends were Braaing and I just went to talk to them, and our whole dinner turned into an entire feast! It was amazing, possibly the best dinner I have had here in Port Elizabeth! We braaiied/grilled the steaks, and potatoes and had a delicious salad (I'm in love with feta by the way), corn, yummy Norwegian sauce that you can only get there, grilled tomatoes, and a few other things. It was so delicious! And great company. The Norwegians have taken me in as one of them and now I am just one of the girls. They often forget that I'm not truly one of the girls and continue to speak Norwegian to me until I remind them that I actually can't understand them, but I'm learning a little more Norwegian every day. So fun! Well my internet is kind of going in and out and I don't want to lose what I have typed, so for now, goodnight sweethearts, goodnight! Much love =)
I was thinking yesterday, when I look back in a year- or whenever someone asks me what the craziest, most wild thing I have ever done- I will be able to answer this time! On the 8th of March, 2009 at 9:41 I was dangling from the highest bungy jump in the world-- and loving it! Yesterday was just amazing. I said before I left that if I met people while I was here and a group of us wanted to- then I would jump, but otherwise it was never something I had pictured myself doing in my life. Well, this was one of the very first trips that we planned when we arrived- and so many people wanted to do it, we had a group of 20 go, and 18 jumped! Two even did it twice, going backwards the second time! There really aren't words to describe it, such a rush, so breathtaking and ridiculously amazing. Adrenaline rush for sure! And yet so unbelievable at the same time. i ended up jumping second out of all of us, so i didn't even get to watch the video of anyone going before! When we arrived we went down to register (sign our lives away practically) got the harnesses and made the jot down to the bridge. For so many people the bridge was the scariest part, after all it was a long way down! I didn't mind the walk, the view was gorgeous. To the left through the mountains was the ocean and to the right were rolling mountains one after another, and we were looking down into the valley with a little stream at the bottom.. one of those moments worth living for. Of course wanting to psych myself up as much as possible, I'm singing and dancing along the bridge. When we got to the platform in the middle of the bridge where we jump from the crew met us and they were awesome! They were so enthusiastic and so fun. They started playing music as soon as we got there and all of us just started dancing right away, freaking out but extra excited. One lady who wasn't with our group jumped before us, then they called Nick to go next and then right after he had his foot harnesses/pad things on, they called me. I was like- wait, me Steph or the other Steph??! I couldn't believe I was going second! I didn't even get to watch anyone else go, it was just boom boom boom- the only moment I was hesitant was right before when I haddd to jump, but everything was so unreal, so amazing!
Ok enough about that! We all finished and all survived, and we all jumped, just like we knew would! Even two girls who didn't want to go decided that they wanted to when we all got back! So while waiting for them, we enjoyed a few spirits and some pizza, and overall it was a good day. Even ate some yummy Chinese last night because we went out to continue Kevin's birthday celebration. Seems like there have been lots of birthdays! Friday was Kari's and we went out to a place called Ginger for that for a lovely dinner, and last Saturday was Lauren's where we went to the Cheetah farm and then to Addo National Park, home to over 400 elephants! So cool, they walk around almost completely ignore the fact that you are there- they don't run away from you or hide because they have never been shot at (apparently there are some gaming tours where they have shot at them so there is less of a chance you might see the elephants or other wild animals while you're driving through. At the Cheetah park we all got to pet and play with a Cheetah, trained of course. Then on the other side of this fence was this amazing lion den... absolutely amazing! The baby lions were just months old and we could actually hold them, yes hold lions, it was so amazing! I took so many pictures that day, we won't even get into that.
Shout out to Kari for helping me with the layout of my blog.. might be a bit bright and take some getting used to, but I have wanted it customized for so long now! And now I actually understand (somewhat) of how to do it!
So, I have yet to ever buy my own meat to cook (honestly, at home and here) and tonight when I got back from Kragga Kamma Game Park my Norwegian friends were Braaing and I just went to talk to them, and our whole dinner turned into an entire feast! It was amazing, possibly the best dinner I have had here in Port Elizabeth! We braaiied/grilled the steaks, and potatoes and had a delicious salad (I'm in love with feta by the way), corn, yummy Norwegian sauce that you can only get there, grilled tomatoes, and a few other things. It was so delicious! And great company. The Norwegians have taken me in as one of them and now I am just one of the girls. They often forget that I'm not truly one of the girls and continue to speak Norwegian to me until I remind them that I actually can't understand them, but I'm learning a little more Norwegian every day. So fun! Well my internet is kind of going in and out and I don't want to lose what I have typed, so for now, goodnight sweethearts, goodnight! Much love =)
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