I'm in a little bit of a reminiscing mood today... Perhaps it's because today I am going to try and sell my computer so I've been taking off all of my old pictures and putting them on CD's and same with deleting old papers and other random things. Never thought I'd be sad to see my sony go...? Guess it just reminds me of the first few years of college... and all those memories that are irreplaceable. So long ago, but really, not that long ago. Can't believe that when I go home from here I will be entering my last year of college. Seems like so many people are going places and doing things, it is so encouraging! It's kind of cool that at right now I have friends on every continent (unless my friend who was in Australia is home by now), but still, it's so exciting that so many people are going and traveling and seeing and experiencing! It is amazing, and while you want to enjoy each moment of where you are and what you're doing, a part of you (me) can't help but think about the future and weighing the options, after all, I'll be a college graduate a year from now.... (knock on wood).
But I do believe I owe you all a tiny bit of an update, seeing as it has been about two weeks. School is winding down, but as always, that just means more work. I have two final exams out of the way and am looking at two more exams, one big presentation, and one monster project that is kind of scary to think about. In a week I am going to be leaving for almost two weeks to go to a town called Middelburg and volunteer in an orphanage that they have there. Not sure if I have blogged about this yet or not, but I found the organization somehow online and got in contact with them and they said they have room for a volunteer in the beginning of June. The organization is run completely off of private donations, meaning no help from the government/country and they rely heavily on volunteers and can have up to six at a time. I was told to be prepared for a quick orientation upon arrival and then be given a schedule with a 40 hour work week. Now, months ago, I wouldn't think anything of a 40 hour work week, but since I have been here my work habits and my involvement has somehow slacked... seems like I took on the 'African time' and well, easiest way to say it: I became lazy. Now the laziness has brought with it guilt because as a Westerner I have the inner belief that we must work before play and essentially that play and enjoyment to the extent of what my time here has given me should have been worked for or earned, but seeing as though all areas that I attempted to busy myself with fell through... (getting in touch with a photographer, a youth group, a job? etc.) I have become accustomed to a few classes a week, few hours of work, then lots of walking and sunning and beaching and reading, which has been nice, but back to the point... I am very anxious and excited that there is real work on the future! I have a feeling that I will be thankful that I've spent 4 months prior in this environment and the culture and have seen things around South Africa that help with understanding the position at which the people in the Orphanage are in. Not to mention that I will have time to come back and process (nearly ten days after I return from the orphanage I fly home) because I think it will help with all the culture shocking and readjustment, again. All pretty exciting, eh? Encouraging to see things come together. Whoa, my stomach just did kind of a flip on itself when I realized a month from today I am flying out of South Africa... what? A month... mixed feelings.
So over the past few years I have developed this love for cities. And last summer I experienced a different kind of love and appreciation for small towns, in particular a Reservation for me, but needless to say I have grown fond of looking at communities and cultures, and who knows, that might direct me somewhere in the future, or a multitude of other things might... but if I could stay on track for two seconds I might be able to get out that, as in any town, Port Elizabeth is filled with different areas of town and different suburbs alike, and just like any semi-major city, has a down town area (small towns have more of a 'main street' down town type of feel, even Mankato). I live in Summerstrand (you might know this if you wrote me letters) and it is close to the university and also the ocean. It is kind of seen as a more upscale, compared to other areas. We volunteer in Walmer, in particular the Walmer Township, the mall is in Greenacres, There is another area called Humewood, you get the point. But there is also a downtown part too, known as Central. Upon arrival we heard different stories, sure you can go; but go in a big group, or only go during the day, typical warnings to tourists. But am I considered a tourist if I have lived here for four months? We go to school for four-five month periods in different cities, often times different states, sure it might be a different area code or region of the states, but it is your home, and you wouldn't question that. So, Port Elizabeth has become my home. I know where to get the freshest produce, the best bread, even the cutest shoes and definitely the best dresses at the mall. I know my way around through transportation systems or driving on the roads. So I think essentially it is kind of silly that we were so scared or timid to go into Central, not to be naive, we are young women and are aware of our surroundings... Everyone talked about how it was dangerous, but as soon as I got there, all I could think about was how beautiful it was.. I loved it.
Now, it wasn't a booming downtown Metropolis by any eans, but it held a unique beauty that was captivating all on it's own. There was a misty glow radiating from the faces and the shops, one that only an outsider like myself would see and appreciate- because that's the type of community my heart looks for and wishes to see. Sure, construction in the streets was loud, the congestion on the streets were tight and it wasn't picturesque by any means, but it held it's own kind of mystery. Friends were uniting all around and making deals at small stands selling cheap knock offs and small candies. Walking around we definitely stood out, but it was then that I came to a fun realization: I am not a tourist. No, right now I live here.. not quite a local, but a regular. Somewhere along the way I've slowly 'learned the ropes' or the 'lay of the land,' and the thought was empowering. I thought to myself: I can handle this. And I couldn't help to think I can't wait to do this again... in another community, another place and location, possibly another country. Why travel to just be a tourist when you can live to become a regular? Don't get me wrong, I'm not so naive to thinkthat I can walk into anywhere and pitch a tent, set up camp and label it home... but the past three years of my life I have had 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 month homes... in a sense this is the longest I have lived in the same place since high school, because I have been here longer than both fall and spring semesters by the time I leave... Now we may be more confused, or is it more clarity... because it's all so simple? Ah, simple, beautiful, peaceful... Mind boggling eh?
As always, I wrote too long. Still want to leave you with another thought...
I have even found through the past year an a half of my life that if I tell people what my goals are, they can help hold me accountable and make sure that it happens (and I would love to do the same for you, just throw me a list and I'll call ya every day =]) So here is a random list of things I've been thinking of that I cannot wait to do when I get home...
I want to...
1. Retake up scrapbooking when I come home.
2. Make my own curtains for my bedroom in my apartment (and might need an aunts help in the process).
3. Make my own dress and a purse (at least one of each).
4. Read a book a week.
5. Take a picture a day
6. Write more letters
7. Find an internship in the spring (Urban Studies..?)
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