Farewell South Africa... you don't know how much you will be missed

Today was our last excursion and it was by far the most adrenaline-charged. We went shark diving. It was quite the experience with massive Great White sharks, uncomfortable wet suits, taking risks and overcoming fears. It took two hours to get to the site, so I had plenty of time to think about the experience and the whole trip in general. The before car ride was mostly spent trying to control myself and convince myself that this was a sane idea but the after car ride was quite different. As I thought about the fear that I overcame with the sharks and the risks and experiences I had with other parts of the trip, I found myself thinking about my priorities. Is what was most important to me before the trip the same as it is now? Why is it different? How can I reorganize my very well planned out life to accommodate to my new found self? Because of all of the things that I was exposed to and immersed in, I repeatedly asked myself if I was ready to settle, not only on a career choice but on where the rest of my life was going. I thought about all of the other things that I wanted to experience, to see, and appreciate. I thought about all of the challenges and risks that I may or may not want to face. I thought about how possibly one of those adventures could take me down a completely unanticipated path and lead to following a dream and I am not yet aware of (somewhat like our friend Justin with These Numbers have Faces).

All of these thoughts brought me back to one of our lectures about identity. Have I explored all of the pieces of me? Yes, I am human, female, American, student, daughter, sister, friend, child-lover (couldn’t think of a better way to put that?), and white. But what else?  After being here for three weeks and learning so much about myself, I cannot help but ask how much more of me is left to discover.  Will being present with my future endeavors be enough to lead me?

With all of the experiences here and all of these new thoughts about my future, how will I explain the trip to those who want to hear about it? I can say now that nothing I say or write does this trip justice. There are no words for the events and rollercoaster ride of emotions that each of the group members endured in their own way. Good thing I have 24 hours to think about it on the airplane ride home.

See you in the states my friends

Robben Island: June 7th

This morning was an early one, early enough to see the sun rise over the mountains. It was almost as pretty as the sunset in Camp’s Bay.  Approximately 85 other people accompanied our group on an hour long ferry ride to Robben Island as we tried hard to overcome the sea sickness and embrace the beauty of yet another view of the whole city (at least most of it). We exited the boat and began our two part excursion on Robben Island. I had no idea that the island consisted of more than just the prison. They have a school, a hospital, and about everything needed for living. They even create their own energy and can live independently from the main land. The one thing they did not have was an ATM. During the first part of our Robben Island experience we explored the other things on the island had such as the Leper Graveyard and the Limestone Quarry. This part of the tour gave a lot of background on the island and its amenities, for example, the island was named so because of the immense amount of seals that lived on the island at the time. The tour ended at the prison. After watching Invictus and hearing stories about people’s experiences visiting the prison, I had a certain set of expectations (which I tried to void, but failed) that were not met. I anticipated that the experience would be much more emotional and moving, but instead there was an absence of any emotion whatsoever. The prison was cold, white, sterile-feeling and empty. Our leader (ex-prisoner) spoke in a loud mono-toned voice with a thick accent and didn’t speak much about his personal story. We had the opportunity to read some personal stories, however some didn’t make much sense and others didn’t say much at all. The Robben Island experienced ended with Nelson Mandela’s cell. It was kept set up with the minimal belongings he was able to keep while sleeping on a concrete floor with one thin blanket. It was sad but almost didn’t feel real. I left Robben Island tired and not knowing what to think or feel.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on the waterfront exploring the mall area. The place was huge and reminded me of the Mall of America but more open and bright and not quite as big. It was frustrating. We were in a VERY ritzy part of town so not only could we not afford anything it had to offer, but it also brought back memories of living in the township and reinforced the “tale of two cities.” It was an exhausting day to say the least. Early to rise and definitely early to rest tonight to be up for another day in South Africa J

In Country Assignment #2: What did I learn from my week in Guguletu?

Some of the experiences we had this week brought about common realization; such as the effect of presence and listening, the effect of mindset on daily living, and the effect of community in personal development.

One concept that was reinforced before almost everything that we did was being present and actively listening to what our gust had to say and try and make sense of it in the context of the bigger picture in the community. Not only did being present mean consciously being aware of what was happening, it also meant simply being the human presence for someone to use in order to express their feelings, talk through issues, and embrace the company of another person. One example of this was our visit was Lydia. As she told us her story about her struggles with HIV and raising a son born with HIV on top of many other defects, I realized that just giving her the chance to talk through her experiences is an active form of coping with them. It allows her to express built up emotions that may have been restricting her from performing activities of daily living and dealing with challenges that may or may not have presented themselves. Many people, like Lydia, may not have people who accept her and her son’s disease, who don’t want to see the problems within the community or who don’t want to feel the pain of another, so they block them out and don’t allow them to show their true colors. Thus, I was able to first-hand experience the power of presence and how important it is to recognize and listen to those suffering in the community.

The food parcel day was when my recognition for the effect of positive mindset was solidified. It was amazing to see the black and white picture that I got from talking with two separate women. One woman used my presence as a way to vent about her emotions (which is great, because everyone needs to vent), but as she continued, her constructive venting turned into complaining and feeling bad, ashamed, and worthless. I concluded the conversation by trying to help her find some good that came out of her story and the day in general; one thing that would lift her spirits and give her hope. We left the conversation with a smile and I continued on with my work of distributing the parcels.  A while later I encountered an old woman who had a certain pizazz to her step.  I went to help her and before I even got her name, she began preaching to me about how grateful she was of this program and our help. She didn’t tell me much about her life or the struggles that she had endured, but she told me about her relationship with the church and with God and that without the support of the congregation, she wouldn’t have known where she would have ended up. She talked about how beautiful South Africa was and that she wouldn’t have wanted to grow up and live any other place. She explained all of the things that she wanted to do to improve the community and that the youth was the only way (which we bonded about because of my love for children). As the conversation came to an end she told me to keep my chin up. She told me that the only way to conquer the hard stuff was to celebrate the good stuff. She told me not to worry about her and her community members and to leave here celebrating the newly formed friendship. I wonder after having the two separate encounters, if my approach with the first woman helped her get through the day. Did she always think negatively, and if so, how did that affect each and every day? How did the second woman come to have the mindset that she did? How does she nurture that mindset to not drift towards negativity? She really inspired me to look to the good things in life and celebrate their occurrence and then use the power of positivity to help cope and get through the rough times. I only wish the best for these people and hope that those with positive outlooks on like can help those who don’t and make them see the good in life and just how beautiful it can be.

After all of the experiences and emotions this week, I came to one last conclusion: the positive effect that community has on personal growth. Each of the experiences that I discussed in my previous blog postings have all given me a different taste of how community effects people’s lives and how it really aids in personal growth and development. One place where I saw community building within JL Zwane was with the youth group. The church itself is a developing community with many positive things coming out of it, but the youth group, I feel, is a place where the youth community is explored and can easily be taken outside the church’s four walls and into the community where they are involved in and experiencing a variety of different things. It impressed me how open they were to discussing their personal lives and how accepting they were of all of our different backgrounds and genuinely interested in what we had to say. From the beginning they welcomed us with warm arms into their group and the church community and tried to get to know us before judging. They encourage people to speak out and voice their concerns and issues they are having in the community. They provide an open, safe, and nonjudgmental space where people feel comforted to share those opinions. We can learn a lot from their willingness and ability to go above and beyond for their fellow community members. 

Finding Strength in Pain: June 3rd

Even with all of the pain and sadness that came with this week, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. We concluded the week with the visit to Thembalethu School for Children with Special needs. We toured the grounds and visited with students in a variety of classrooms. This school was very impressive – from the quality and cleanliness to the equipment that accommodates student learning. Visiting here and being exposed to the high spirited staff and students was definitely a highlight of the week. One notable part was when they gave us a taste of their talented choir. Their energy and happiness that resulted from their singing brought tears to my eyes for the second time. It was a place that I saw myself returning to and a place where I could see a career building. Visiting here reinforced that even amongst the struggles that the community endures daily, there are still positive and beneficial things happening in the community. We concluded our time with JL Zwane with a discussion with the pastor. He left us with a question that I continue to ponder: “How do you motivate people to do better?” 

Yes, I am a nurse: June 2nd

Today challenge: ask more questions and think critically about today endeavor and partner with again, someone you don’t know very well.

The day began with a guest speaker and consisted of a lecture that furthered our understanding of South African past and how it is dealt with currently. Kenneth Kivenkew is from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. It is an organization that interrogates the past to find the truth and find reconciliation. One of their main projects is the Community Healing Project. The mission is that all people who come from a violent past (apartheid) need healing not only on a personal level but also communal level. It is the opportunity to address gaps and overcome division. They have created a video to show past footage of their history as well as efforts to overcome it. It found ti much more effective than my experience with history lessons. Because I am a visual learner, the video worked very well at describing and showing the feeling of the past. The program also gives the youth or those participating to discuss the past with those who actually experienced it. It was difficult to react to the movie and history lesson as I was trying to be vulnerable but I was also at a lose of how to react because of all the conflicting emotions, much like how I have felt about most of the things we have been doing. I feel that everyone should view a video such as this especially the youth because it can help the younger generation as they were not exposed to that kind of hardship. Consequently, their leadership may form into some of the weaknesses that brought about apartheid. So having this video in school or making it more available can help prepare people for the future and continue working on the present transition and recognize trends within history to avoid mistakes in the future.

The second half of my day was probably the highlight of my trip thus far. We visited the hospice services in Guguletu. A crew of 19 caregivers and approximately 130 patients. We were able to split into two groups and follow the caregivers to their scheduled visits for the afternoon. We traveled deep into the shacks to visit a man who suffered from SEVERE pressure ulcers (bed sores). As I watched the caregivers prepare to care for the man, all that was running through my head was the furether actions and precautions I wanted them to take. The smell that filled the room was of soiled linens and deteriorating flesh. The man was HIV positive and had been bedridden since 2007. He was frail and immobile. Since the caregivers last visit, the man had progressed quicker than expected. On a better day, he loved visitors and is open to talking/sharing his story, his struggles, and his outlook. Today was a different story. He had progressed to a point where he couldn’t talk and couldn’t even smile when I empathetically gave hgim my hope and sent him my prayers. They cleansed his deep wounds with a commen disinjectant and dressed them. I learned that when the disinfectant is run out or not available, they resort to using salt water. The use of salt water on open flesh causes excruciating pain and I cannot imagine inflicting that much pain on a human being. I continued to ask questions about their practice and interventions. I large part of my education is educating the family on how to help the patient cope as well as how t ocare for the patient’s condition. This is not at all a apart of what they do here, which hurst me. It could easily be done while care is being done. Another thing that is not included is how the grieving process affects the patient and family as well as the caregivers. I cannot imagine how quickly all those involved burn out from all of the emotions (much like I am starting to burn out from all of our rollercoaster rides of emotions). Our group filtered through and watched and interacted, I recognized that this is an opportunity to help any group member to cope with the experience. It was a time for vulnerability to be put aside and composure and rationale to sink in in order to stay strong for the family, patient, and group members. It was a time to lead by example and put logical terms to the circumstance. While also feeling the pain that this family as well as the hundreds of people who are suffering from the same situation but no one knows and no one is there to assist.  

We left the man with conflicting emotions and continue on our way. Wishing for a more uplifting experience, we had the opportunity to see the Siyaya Musical Education Gorup. The spirit and enthusiasm that is sweat off these gifted people is beautiful. Their talent is nothing like anything I have seen. This group is able to express the wide range of emotions and struggles that the community is experiencing. They made us realize that there is no need to feel shame or sadness because the people that live here are happy and content with their lvies (for themost part). However, what they need is to be shown how to live better. It was an insight conversation and uplighting experience to bring to out last night in Gugs.

We concluded the evening with dinner and dancing with all the host families. It was a sad yet joyful night with a bittersweet goodbye. I never realized that I really valued Noxi and her willingness to open her home and her life to us. She shared her love and was not shy about expressing it. I can’t tell you how good it made me feel when she would tell us, her children, how much she loved us and how happy she was that we were there. We had one final, meaningful conversation with Noxi. She told us about the circumstances around her son’s murder. It was a situation revolving around a stolen cell phone. That’s right, you read that correctly, a person was murdered over a stolen cell phone, and the story gets even worse. Her son had a very similar name to another boy in the neighborhood and he was mistaken for him. That’s right, they beat the wrong 17 year old boy to death over a stolen cell phone. The story broke my heart. However, Noxi told the story with little emotion. She had been strong for many, many years, and wasn’t going to give up now. She spoke of her struggle to forgive those who participated in murder. She talked about how you cannot change the past, so one must trust in God and believe that He will help you through and give you what you need. Through her story and her words, she never gave up. 

It's Raining Children: June 1st

This morning we talked with two outreach personnel at JL Zwane. Because women in power is somewhat resisted, both of these women went through detailed circumstances to get to their positions within the center. They go out into the community to find out what the people really need, ask questions, listen to stories, support community members through life obstacles, visit sick members and give hope. They work to bring the church outside the center’s four walls, reinforce what the church preaches, expand relationships, follow up with community events and stories and simply be a part of their lives outside 10:00 Sunday service. I think what they do is extremely difficult but necessary. Maintenance of relationships is what keeps them strong and thriving. Without that outreach, many people may be lost in the chaos of daily living.

Today’s challenge: partner with someone in the group who you don’t know very well

Personal challenge: drink two water-bottles because there have been too many things going on to remember to stay hydrated

After the morning’s discussions, we were able to see what our host mom, Noxie, does on a daily basis. She is a school teach for the 1^st grade. We all got to visit her classroom and interact with her students. Interacting with the children was very rewarding. We sang songs, took pictures, and experienced a true South African School. I finally had some happy feelings fill my mind after seeing the children in school instead of in the street. The spirit that these classrooms have is unbelievable. I wish my school days growing up had as much energy has these did. This school was one of the better schools in the community. However, it was run down with trash flooding the grounds. The only thing that helped me look past the rough conditions was how happy the children were to be in school and because of the education they had a better chance of having a better life. Noxie and her principle were to so happy and so proud of their school and the students that it was hard to feel sad because great things are happening in the community.

We left the children to their studies and proceeded to our next destination: Priscilla Home care. This was a sort of foster home where 12 children lived due to be abandoned or abused. It took some time for the children to warm up to us as for some of them , we were the first white people they had ever seen. Because of my love for children, I absolutely admired her work and dedication to getting children off the streets and out of abusive situations and giving them the love and attention they need and deserve. Teen pregnancy and caring for the youth has become a huge issue and it is so refreshing to see places such as this in the community working to overcome this challenge.

We then moved to visit Lydia, a woman struggling with HIV and caring for a child with HIV along with many other health conditions. She story was sad and really expressed the effects that this disease has on a woman and her children. She was one of the strongest ladies I have interacted with and her outlook on life is positive. She has good hope for her child and herself. It was difficult to see her and her child in the conditions they were living in, especially because the likelihood of getting infections in that environment is high.

We proceeded to visit Mary, a woman with a hand full of stories all revolving around living during apartheid. She had strong opinions and it was refreshing to her how she and her colleagues transitioned from the apartheid way of life to living in freedom.

The day concluded with the Rainbow After School Program where similar situations were experienced. It was a day full of children and their energy. These experiences have reinforces my passion to work with children and work to develop a positive mindset and five them hope for the future, just like many of these programs and people are doing every day. 

Food Parcel Day: May 31st

Today was food parcel day and was filled with a plethora of emotions.  

Pre-food parcel distribution discussion: We started giving ourselves daily challenges. Today’s challenge is appreciating presence. The challenge was to get to know the community members who were receiving food parcels, to strike up conversation, inquire about their story and simply listen. Many of these people have lost more of their family members and don’t have anyone to talk to so the presence of a person to just listen to them rejoice, cry, vent or just enjoy the company.

The day began with unloading the trucks of the contents of the parcels. It was exciting and the first time that we were really active and getting to channel our emotions to exercising which was a nice relief. The group and set of workers worked very efficiently together and the group dynamic changed in a positive way. As the food parcels were assembled and the women and children filed in a stream of sadness, guilt and frustration came over me. We had to practice ambiguity and adaptive leadership throughout the day as challenges arose such as a delay with the trucks, assembling the parcels in the most appropriate manner, and as we interacted with the community members. It was difficult to see some of these people and the conditions they were in, some suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS, other not having having eaten for a day to two and children helpless to their own needs. A question or concept that seemed to stay with me all day was the fact of sustainability. Is it more effective to teach a man to fish or provide fish for him? How will these food parcels effect the next month? Before we began administering the parcels, the pastor began by saying that the point was not to make us feel guilty or bad but to work as a support system as we help them survive. While we assisted them with the transport of their food, we were able to have deep conversation and get to know the personal stories and struggles these people endure.  One woman in particular told me her story: she was a widow whose two children had passed away. She was lonely and scared and was missing the presence and feeling of safety that a man brought to the house. She also told me about how she was sad that she was unable to have celebration for her grandson’s birthday. Another story was about a woman who did not elaborate on her life story but preached to me about people’s mindset on life. She explained that there is no use in feeling sad, hopeless, or sorry for oneself when it doesn’t solve any issues. One needs to be optimistic and positive about life, use God and the community members as support to get through the hard times and celebrate the good. A positive outlook can lead to solving challenges and finding new opportunities much more than thinking pessimistically. Thus, I left the food parcel day with uplifting and appreciative thoughts.

After most of the parcels were distributed, buses were sent into the community to give parcels to those who were physically unable to get to JL Zwane. I was not present for this particular experience but some of my classmates were… here is what they encountered:

A left over parcel was given to a high school boy who was an active member of the church. As he welcomed the distributers into him home. He started talking/showing is life to them, the couch in which is drunken brother spent his days versus his room where he reads college course guides for fun as he dreams to attend a university and provide for his two younger siblings and encourage them to seek a better life. As his brother wastes away he is keeping a positive outlook and always striving to do better. He was truly deserving of the food. The students also “happened to have: the business card for These Numbers Have Faces. They gave him the contact and explained the programs purpose. He expressed that he was grateful and that he would contact them. After hearing the story I am SO SO SO appreciative for the opportunities that have come available to me and that I have a supportive family who is with me each step of the way. I only hope that this boy excels in life and works hard to get where he wants to be.

Meanwhile, I was participating in the tutoring session at the Rainbow afterschool program. Through the week we have been able to participate, but today was different. I was in the 1^st grade room (following the chaos of the 4^th grade room yesterday). I was with a young girl who was very smart for her age, extremely polite and proper and beautiful. As we worked together we formed a strong bond. I showed her learning tricks which she caught onto quickly and she told me about her schooling and how much she loved to learn. She was the most mature 1^st grader I have ever encountered. The day came to and end and it was time for us to be going. I gave her a hug and wished her well and she whispered in my ear, “I am happy to be with you, I wish you didn’t have to go, I don’t want to go home again.” Her friend sitting next to her shared a little of our experience and refused to let go of my hand as we exited the classroom. It was by far the hardest thing for me to walk away from and the first thing that made me break down and cry. It made me realize how much I value family and a strong support system. Without these things, I would never have had the chance to experience things like this and I would never have the strength to get through experiences like this. The day ended and we returned to our host families where their faces didn’t leave my mind. 

Khayelitsha: May 30th

On May 30^th we began out day with a discussion with the Treatment Action campaign (TAC). It is located in a township called Khayelitsha which in one of the newest townships in Cape Town. Its population is roughly 700,000 people (7x larger than Rochester and in probably a quarter of the space). Lumkile Sizile facilitated our discussion and initiated the conversation with statistics such as that 36% of the people there have HIV/AIDS. It is one of the major issues that needs to be addressed and their mission is to establish support groups and develop current support groups as well as educate and advise/counsel as preventative measures. As Lumkile told his story he concluded by explaining that his acceptance of his HIV positive status came with the question, “What is my mission in life?” He Wants to help others help themselves, and educate them so that they know how to react to the disease and effects it has on the individual, the family, and the community. It took him years to come to grops with the harsh realities of his positive status so now it is his goal to help others do the same as well as help others recognize the issue and work to improve those poor statistics. To me, working to change people’s mindsets to a more positive thought process can help work as a preventative measure. It can also help as a way to help those who are infected cope and live a longer, more enjoyable life. However, one must come to peace with themselves prior to developing other to think optimistically and with hope.

After this powerful story, we had the opportunity to talk with Mandla from the Social Justice Coalition. The main topic that was discussed was the connection between the tap water system, the sanitation system and violence. Their main focus is on human rights and building a stronger community through discussing key issues that need to be addressed. In these townships, there are about one toilet for ten houses and one tap for about 20 houses. The public access to these spaces becomes extremely dangerous where an immense amount of violence and rape occurs and where gender-based violence is exploding. However, these victims are not seeing justice because of the gap between police and township members due to their harsh apartheid part. There is distrust and thus a lack of quality justice. This separation, distrust, and tight quarters is frustrating. Why isn’t the government more concerned about these issues? What are they doing to improve those issues? Why can’t they create job just surrounding cleaning up the environment in these townships and supervising and patrolling those public spaces? How can the government and SJC collaborate to solve these issues? How can people work to restore the trust and loyalty of the police and safety systems?

These meetings were followed by a tour through Gugs. Our first stop was the Guguletu Seven monument where police killed a group of black protesters. It was interesting because the monument had outlines of bodies with holes so that when the sun casts a shadow it shows bodies on the pavement. We then moved to Amy Biel’s cross. She was an American student who was murdered by a group of black men. Her parents began a foundation in which a few of those convicted of her murder are now a part of. These monuments helped show some of the past struggles that Gugs has endured and are still working on coping with. It aided in putting the community into perspective. We ended the tour at a local market where various items are sold, one in particular are smileys, which is a sheep’s head. For me, the visit to the market was extremely uncomfortable. We were stared at and many were unfriendly (probably because we were not buying anything). I left there sad and hopeless that I could ever be accepted into the community.

On a more positive note, we had awesome guests at dinner. Our friends, Edwin and Justin, from a program called “These Numbers Have Faces.” It is a program whose mission surrounds the fact that education is power. They fund for students to attend tertiary schooling in return for their dedication to the program through service learning, mentoring and goal-making. The other student that is staying with Noxi during our stay is Akhona, is a part of this program. She explained, “It is the opportunity for me to give youth in which I am mentoring hope, because I have so much to give.” The program is described as a developmental one instead of simply aiding students to get tertiary training because it requires personal growth from the students.

These guests reinforced many leadership concepts that we have learned about.

One – it is essential to utilize assets within the community before seeking out assistance from the outside. They talked about an example of an American student who came down with a bad rash while staying in Gugs but tried to solve the problem by calling the US. However, the problem was not in the US, it was in Gugs, and Gugs resources and assets could work to solve the issue. Why do people always resort to going to the comfort place before exploring options in their own community that could possibly work much better and quicker? By searching for a solution to an issue, it could also give rise to relationships and open doors to the community.

Two – it is so important to follow your passion. Justin began this program while attending grad school and completely changed his direction to explore an interest that turning into his passion and entire life. It made me feel fortunate that I found my passions for health care and children early in life.

After everyone left we were able to finally talk with our host mom, Noxi and her other student, Akhona. She told us about how she got there and about her deceased parents and her son, who was murdered when he was just 17. My first impressions for my host stay family were indescribable. They were perfect. It amazed me how quickly we all became comfortable with one another and shared very personal stories. The conversation flowed and information was exchanged. I couldn’t have asked for a better home stay situation. Noxi accepted us as her children and for the next of the week, we intended to be just that. 

Let the immersion in Guguletu begin: May 29th

First impressions of Gugs:

No street signs

Trash EVERYWHERE

Sewage smell

People in bare feet and congregating in small groups

Children around on a regular school day

No white people

Almost another “tale of two cities” within Gugs as there are structured homes to collapsing shacks

Our immersion adventure began with a typical African church service on Sunday morning at 10:00 am. Before I elaborate, let me just say that if church services in the US were at all like this one, you could count on me to be there each and every Sunday. As we filed into our rows, the choir serenaded us with a taste of gospel music. We were intertwined among the church members of all ages. Almost immediately I was handed a baby to hold. If you know me at all, you can guess just how happy that made me. Interacting with these people was unlike any of my past experiences. The ability that these people have to immediately greet us with a warm, loving welcome and place complete trust in us was indescribable. There is no circumstance that US can think of in the US where someone would hand over their infant to a complete stranger. Or on the other hand, an instance where the child would not have been frightened and making it clear that they wished to return to the familiar faces of its family. Or again, for the set of people sitting next to you in church to strike up a conversation and genuinely be interested in what you had to say. But this was different, the family struck up conversation, handed me their baby and the baby sat contently in my arms making happy noises. I couldn’t help to get a little choked up at not only how happy I was to be giving my affection to the child but also at the trust the family put in me immediately. I feel that Americans are so paranoid that something bad will happen (even in church) and that there are too many “bad” people in the world to trust anyone. Instead these people looked at the good in me and handed over their pride and joy and made an effort to get to know me before judging me.

Another thing that I noticed as the church staff and members interacting was how easily and honestly they searched for partnerships and relationships among one another, our group, as well as other organizations in the community and in South Africa. They clearly recognize the usefulness of creating and nurturing relationships. The resources that become available, the insights that are realized and visions that are shared work as benefits to the further development of each individual center as well as work to solidify and strengthen the relationship. As I continued to interact with the church members, they displayed these values of community and partnerships through their willingness to open their homes to others, share their stories, explain their struggles and discuss their plan of action to help other break the chain of poverty, poor health and isolation.

The church service consisted of an immense amount of singing and dancing (we even did the electric slide!). The enthusiasm that vibrates off the members here is overwhelming in a good way. The members come and celebrate their beliefs, nurture their community, and become support systems not out of obligation but out of the good of their heart and because they actually want to be there. The energy continued cas we mingled with the members of the youth group. As we discussed the comparison of religious practice of America and South Africa, a few things came up. First, many Americans are brought up believing what possibly generations of family members believed. However, with this particular church, it was said that “people just find their way here through different means, especially the youth.” It is a church that focuses on listening and NOT solely telling. One sentence that was stated during the service that stuck with me was “It is amazing what one can learn when one is prepared to listen” They have found that the church and its members require a reciprocal relationship instead of the one way street of telling and members following. The youth continued to show us their openness of creating relationships as each one of us felt comfortable asking each other very personal questions and not being afraid to speak up, express thoughts through song and inquire about particular responses.

This welcoming carried on as we left the church to meet our home stay mothers and their families. As we shared a meal together we were able to truly be ourselves and accept one another for our strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, my roommates and I were not able to meet our host mother, Noxi, until late in the evening. She attended a wedding celebration all day. We are planning on chatting with her more tomorrow.

First impression continued:

I was quite surprised how different the township and homes were than I anticipated. The outside of the homes do not do the inside justice. They are much nicer and cozier than I had imagined. When walking down the street one would imagine that the inside are as dirty and trash-filled as the outside, however, the longer that a family has been in the home/part of the township, the more unique and better the home becomes. Many homes that participate in the home stays do not having running water, heated water, and showers for that matter, bathroom facilities and many other accommodations. My roommates and I were fortunate enough to have running water. It will be quite an interesting week and I am ready to face it head on. 

Molweni friends: greeting to more than one person in Xhosa language

As our interesting and enthusiastic lectures with Alan continue, we had the opportunity to start learning some basic Xhosa terms with our guest from the music lecture. It is the language that community members speak in Gugulethu. Our class struggled through the clicks and pronunciations of the words but it got us thinking about the interaction we will have with families and people in the township. It also brought back wonderful memories of learning a new language in high school, difficult and frustrating. However, we have begun practicing on our own and I think we will impress our home stay families with our effort. J

As we began to realize that our homestay is a day way, many anxieties and questions come to mind. It is an unpredictable experience that may very well be the highlight of our time here. As I practice cultural humility, will I be aware of those things that are inappropriate and those things that are accepted? How will I know if I have crossed the line? Am I prepared to seek out the potentials for the immersion? I am continuing to try and keep the mind set of leaving my expectations behind and “coming in right.” It is difficult for me to ask questions and think about the township when I really have no idea what to expect. I know that it is going to be a hard shock and I think I am prepared to handle it and let myself become fully immersed in the culture and way of life. Tomorrow we attend a church service as an introduction to the community practices. We have heard that it is quite the experience and I am excited to become a part of it. 

Some other things we have been doing:

Table Mountain: Cape Town’s landmark mountain. The view from the top of this mountain was one of the most unreal sights I have ever seen. It was a view of the entire city plus more.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve: We have gone on a jeep safari. We saw a very a animals and got to look at our very attractive tour guide, Eugene.

Well, until we return from the township… peace

In Country Writing

Throughout the course of this week many lessons have been learned, emotions have been felt, relationships have been built and knowledge has been acquired.

Some takeaways:

Effect of community: Building a community is a powerful concept that can help a group of people create a common bond, develop support systems, and find a safe place for members to express their beliefs and share stories. By solidifying the relationships among this community, members can utilize assets and also compensate for the weaknesses or gaps that present themselves. We have seen community among our group and in the environment we have been exposed to. The relationships we have built in our group have allowed us to share emotions, break down barriers and seek out the potential for the group and overall trip. Although South Africa is still working toward building a community as a country, there are still smaller communities within that help people cope with this transition. It has been a challenge for me to connect and really experience the community in South Africa outside of our group. I don’t know if this is because we haven’t had the chance to explore this or if I have not been trying hard enough. I suppose the epitome of connecting with the community may be found in our experience in the township.  Here, we will further our understanding of community in the township as we experience the community through immersion instead of exposure. How do these community members interact together? What does being a community such as this mean to them? What emotions does it invoke? What resources amongst themselves do they utilize? Are they aware of the potential assets? What are their weaknesses?

Adaptive Leadership: One of the major discussions we have had is about adapting to the South African culture and accepting/appreciating it for what it is instead of comparing it to the American way. Dealing with the ambiguity of our schedule and environment here is essential to surviving in this culture. Letting go of expectations and simply “going with the flow” has been beneficial to me for this trip. I have had no disappointments and numerous celebrations such bonding amongst the group, quality of excursions and ability to reflect on the experiences. One thing that has aided in being adaptive in this experience is having lecture and reading the history of the country. I have caught myself numerous times comparing cultural practices to America and then find myself asking “Is this even relevant to our norms?” I feel that I am progressing and working toward my goal of avoiding such thinking from the American perspective and moving toward an opened minded, respectful, culturally humble one.  I am a strong believer in the phrase “You cannot know where you are going until you know where you have been.” Thus, learning the history is making it much easier to understand why South African is where it is today and helps move away from comparing it to American history. Without having that foundation of past history to build off of and know where strengths and weaknesses lie, how do you know which direction to go and what needs to be improved upon or what strengths need to be utilized?

Be Mindful: This particular concept entails a couple different things for me. First, it means simply slowing down. My natural American instinct is to accomplish what I am doing as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, in a place and experience such as this, I need to work on stepping back, standing on the balcony for some time and consciously being aware of what is happening around me – the sights, sounds, smells, emotions, activity and interaction. It is important to be mindful of how one is interacting in a different culture that they are not completely comfortable with. Second, it means letting myself be vulnerable. Up until this point, I have not fully let myself be vulnerable, let myself seek out the potential of my emotions and truly be myself. Vulnerability, to me, not only means those things but also means pushing boundaries, taking risks, moving out of my comfort zone, and going beyond what I think I am capable of. Although I have opened up and partially broken down barriers, it is a challenge for me to fully do so. I am aware of this weakness and am working toward resolving it, first by being aware of when I am doing it and then asking myself why I am holding back, what exactly I need to do in order to let myself become vulnerable and it is even appropriate in the situation. What I mean by this is that there is an appropriate time for being vulnerable and keeping composure. For example, while Nelson Mandela was on Robben Island, many times he did not express his fear for life to other as a way to help others cope with the situation. I feel strongly that our week in Gugulethu will help in the progress I make with this challenge.

Throughout all of those experiences and realizations so many emotions have been experienced – excited, happy, sad, enraged, uplifted, overwhelmed, pressured, and depressed. With a mix of all of these emotions cascading quickly, I feel choked up a lot of the time. It is difficult for me to cope and sort through these things and allow them to run their course. I am hoping my stay in the township will also give me an opportunity to seek out those emotions and analyze why exacting I am feeling the way that I do. 

Hello Beautiful :)

I cannot begin to paint a picture of the beauty of this country. The landscape, the people, the environment.

 Here are some places we have visited:

Boulders Penguin Colony: Located on the beautiful coastline live our small tuxedo friends. It was intriguing to watch the penguins interact with each other as well of the crowd of people observing them. They were careless and taking life as it came. I wish I could unconsciously do this. Life each moment in the moment and life with the land instead of on it and appreciate it for it vital resources instead of take advantage of it. It is one struggle that I am working on.

Cape Point: the southernmost tip of the continent of Africa. An adventure up the mountain further advanced my appreciation the beauty of this country. During this journey we encountered a variety of wildlife including baboons, rock-side rabbits, and deer-like animals. We hiked around the mountain to see two different lighthouses from the 1800s.

Hout Bay: a classic example of a “tale of two cities.” It is a continuation of the beauty that we had seen all day and gave us a view of the extreme wealth and just blocks away the extreme poverty. It was the first time that we were able to go on a beach and feel the ice cold water.

It was nice to take the time to soak in the scenery. To appreciate it for its honest beauty and to wonder how a place like this came to be. I caught myself thinking back to the lecture that Alan gave us about the history of the indigenous people and how colonization came about. It was all about this precious land. This beautiful land. How fighting, arguments, and war could result from such a calm place astounds me.

Guest Speaker: Allison Alexander from Rainbow House

Rainbow House is a sort of shelter for abused and neglect children. These children who live in the townships are exposed to so many things that they should not see. They do not receive the attention and love that they should be. Children come to this house and receive those things that are lacking as well as additional counseling. This place is different from governmental institutions because it is a safe place for children to cope with their disgusting life events, pursue education, sports, and interests. It is different because they place these children in homes outside of townships to try and break the assumptions that they need to return to a poor legacy.

The discussion of children in need really provoked a lot of feeling for me. Children and their well-being are a huge passion of mine, so hearing some of the stories that these children go through broke me. I tried hard to hold back the tears that were accumulating. However, after reflecting on this, I asked myself why I did this. Could I not be vulnerable around community members and my group members? Why did I feel like I needed to compose myself? This discussion really reinforced this passion and added to my excitement for my profession in pediatric nursing.

Questions I am beginning to ponder:

                Will I let myself become vulnerable around my peers and community members in the township?

                How will I use the group dynamic for good and not evil?

                How do I feel about the experiences and what emotions am I running through?

                What are my challenges and what are my celebrations?

                What am I taking away from this experience?

You cannot know where you are going until you know where you have been.

We have had the rare opportunity to explore the major museums of South Africa including:

 The Castle of Good Hope: a replenishment station used during colonization that consisted of three     museums

Iziko Slave Museum: slave evolution with a Nelson Mandela exhibit

District Six Museum: accounts of forced removal during apartheid

Quotes that struck me during our tours and individual exploration of the museums:

                “In the light of the memory and remembering – through the streams of our sense – reconnecting –     recollecting – we find our way home” –The Slave Dream

                “Nothing is more important than human thinking.”

                “Wisdom?”

                “Encourage! Try! Fail! Persist!” – Tom Peters

                “To live life of joy, fill it with love.”

                “Never doubt what few committed human being can do to change the world.”

                “We are made to reach for the stars.”

                “Joy in spite of everything.”

                “We are just one race.”

                “I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there  are many more hills to climb.” –Nelson Mandela

                “…It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest

                “Good moral character is not something that we can achieve on our own. We need a culture that supports the conditions under which self-love and friendship flourish.” –Aristotle

                “I quickly realized that I had to make my way on the basis of my ability, not my heritage.”

                “It struck me that our history is contained in the homes we live in, that are shaped by the ability of these simple structures to resist being defiled.” – Achmat Danger

                “If you prick a person’s finger, what color will come out? Human beings all bleed red.”

                “I am what I am both as a result of people who respected me and helped and of those who did not respect me and treated me badly.” –Nelson Mandela

                “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” –Nelson Mandela

                “You encourage people by seeing the good in them.” –Nelson Mandela

                “One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself.”

                “Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” –Langsten Hughes

Visiting these places brought out a lot of emotions. From the brutal past of slavery and colonization, torture, and apartheid activity to the present continuation of segregation and assumptions of keeping past legacy alive, one becomes depressed and saddened by the consistency. A feeling of guilt floods the mind. It is almost sick how much more opportunity we have compared a large portion of the population here. I recognize that South African hardships and devastating past is still very fresh. Consequently, the process of recovering and reorganizing is still in the beginning stages and there is much work to be done before differences are not resolved but are respected.

Walking through the Nelson Mandela exhibit was inspirational. How one person can inspire a country to look past their differences and do better is a skill that can define a leader. He used the tool of creativity to use sports to facilitate unity and create a common bond among all people. It was a tactic that opened numerous doors for the country to advance. One major question that I ask myself is how I inspire people to do better and how I motivate people?

District Six Museum showed me ways that people conquer their struggles. Poems were posted explaining enlightening moments as well as explaining the worst of times. Pictures displayed “before and after” of the destruction of the district. Before was a successful street that was flooded with people of all ages and thriving businesses. After it was transformed into a barren desert street. It amazes me and hurts me to think of how quickly things turn over and how appalling it can be. This particular removal affected thousands of families. They moved from a functioning happy lifestyle to living in the Cape Flats in extreme poverty that took over lives and left them with solely the clothes on their back and family. I am thankful to say that without a supportive and loving family, I would not be where I am today. I can’t imagine how powerful the concept of family would be for these people and their transition. What did those people do who didn’t have a support system? How have these people risen to where they are today? What techniques did they use to cope with the pain of the transition? What leadership qualities are required in an event such as this? How do I utilize my relationships as a support system or as tools to accomplish my goals and seek out my ambitions?

Even in the short amount of time that we have been here and the little that we have explored, I can’t explain the emotions that I have felt, the relationship that I have built and the information that I have gathered. It is a unique experience that I know will change my life. 

Happy African Day!

There have been many things going on the past couple of days, with very minimal internet access. Consequently, there will be a couple of posts done at a time chunking my thoughts…

Some things that we have been talking about in lecture:

Wealth is a lifestyle here. Prominent in west Cape Town, these people integrate their wealth into every aspect of living. It is a “tale of two cities” here. As you move just 15 minutes from these specific communities, you run into extreme poverty and outside these communities are the Cape flats were the poverty only gets worse. I am curious to explore this further in the townships. How do the people in the townships perceive those of wealth? Is there tension? What are their feelings on the concept?  Another point that was mentioned was the fact that there is a large link between faith and socioeconomic status. It becomes an extremely powerful way for communities and families in poverty to build community, feel safe, express their beliefs, and have unification in such a poor environment that has minimal resources.

Biggest challenges that South Africa is facing:

                Unemployment: 30% in town and approximately 40% in townships

                Health: HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis

                Crime and Housing

Although these challenges and continuing issues are prominent here, they are everywhere. Not necessarily to these extents but they are obstacles that most communities need to address. What are the ways that Americans deal with these issues and how are they different from how they deal with the issues here? Would the way Americans cope with the problems relevant to these communities?

One repetitive concept that we have seen throughout the entire trip was to BE MINDFUL. It is important to be aware of what you are doing, what you are saying and who are you doing these things with. Being culturally humble is essential to interacting with the community and its members here. By doing so, one is able to dive deeper the lives that these people live daily. It provides the opportunity is ask the right questions as the right/appropriate times and receive honest answers. When people know that you are genuine and respectful of the differences in the relationship, it is easier to build a concrete relationship and know that the benefits stemming from the relationship are reciprocal and at their full potential.

We continue to have extensive discussion on adaptive leadership. Are we adapting to this country and their norms or are we simply comparing it to our American norms?  Are these changes “weird or wrong” or just “different?” This is a challenge for me this first week. I find myself comparing things when really shouldn’t be comparison. It is just different. However, I have gotten better at recognizing when I am doing it. I can then ask myself, “Is the American view or norm relevant here? Does is coincide with the culture?” We need to recognize that these changes are not weird or wrong but simply a different way of living and a different perspective of life. One example that Aaron mentioned that has really stuck with me is about the safety here. Safety was a major pre-departure issue of mine that I continually visited. However, after these discussion and some exposure to the community, am I really unsafe or is this just a different environment with unique people? Why do I think that I am in danger? Why do I judge the country and look at the statistics when the experience tells more truth? The issue is slowly dissipated with the more exposure and immersion I get here. Although awareness of my surroundings is a constant, the fear of danger and negative activity is minimal.

Recently we have had a brief history lesson. I know, it sounds like a complete bore, but in reality it was one of the most interesting lectures that I have had in my entire college career. Alan, one of our amazing instructors, had such a special way of talking. He is so enthusiastic with his words that the topic that it would be difficult not be intrigued. The lecture definitely helped put the country into perspective of how exactly it can to be where it is today (in an extremely concise manner making it much easier to understand). The way Alan spoke gave me the impression that many South Africans really and truly appreciate knowing the countries extensive background. This way, they can make more sense of who they are and where they come from. It really made me think of why I don’t know more about America. I feel guilty about it. Who were my ancestors and what significant events led them to where we are today? …and why don’t I know about it.

A big part of the African culture is music. There are many different genres that can either be dividing or work to unify the human family. Another national building aspect of South African culture is sports. It is binding. The World Cup was an example of the expanding unification of this county. What are unifying things (other than sports) that Americans use to bring people together? How do we move beyond our past hard-times?

Music Guests:

We had the opportunity to listen to some guest speakers about the different music selections that South African. Being the big music fan that I am, this lecture was very interesting. We will be receiving the list of genres and music selections that were provided, so I will update you when we get the chance. Many of the songs they provided us with reminded me the parts in movies that are uplifting or positive things are happening. They reminded me of my grandparents and the things they used to share with me and the cd’s they listened to. While the speakers were describing these genres and providing examples, you could sense the passion dripping off their words and emotions they felt as they listened to the music. Ti showed just how important music is to the African culture. They reinforced the fact that it can either further the division of people or work toward the unification. They emphasized the fact that singer and song writers use their unique form of music to express hardships, talking through emotion, share their roots, and explore a community and its struggles as well as a tool of expression and reflection. Music is a large part of my life and I use it when the feeling is right, to help reflect, listen to the lyrics and relate them to my life. It is both individual and community building. It can help a person through their personal struggles or help a community build a common bond.

Although I wasn’t thrilled about the lection portion of the trip, it turns out it really aids in the reflecting process and understanding of why I am here and how it can change my life. 

Day 1 in Cape Town

After what seemed to be a never ending journey through various airports, we have arrived safely in Cape Town!! It really didn't hit me that we were actually in South Africa until the drive to our lodge. Even the view of this place at night is breathe-taking. Moving from airport to airport is exhausting. It wasn't until the moment that we stepped outside in South Africa and inhaled the biggest breathe of fresh air did we realize that we hadn't been outside in approximately 30 hours. That was 30 hours of breathing recycled airport air and eating airplane food and sitting in the upright position. I cannot describe the words of how it felt to walk outside, breathe the fresh moist air, and realize that I was standing in South Africa. I am finally here and taking every moment as it comes.

Things were somewhat messy when we got to our lodge with some miscommunication with our directors and the lodging staff. Nevertheless, we eventually got a bed and crashed. Even after sleeping for an obnoxious amount of time of each of the plane rides, we couldn't be happier to see a bed. This morning was an interesting story as the showers were either scolding hot or insanely cold... it seemed to switch about every 3 minutes.

After the complicated morning or getting ready and organizing our things in their rightful places, we had orientation with our guides: Alan, Jane, and Aaron. Just a preview of the expectations and guidelines to the trip. After this short introduction and "get to know you" stuff, we took a tour around the city. I can't come close to explain the beauty that this city has to offer. I have already taken around 100 pictures (somehow I will get them on here to show you)! I couldn't help to snap pictures left and right just to make sure that I will never forget what I experienced on Day 1 of Cape Town. Our group is already becoming so close and finding each other interests and then working with them. We are becoming a family :)

With my past knowledge from my family members and research, I am finally being comforted and reinforcing all of the amazing things that this country has to offer. I have seen pictures and artifacts that my family members have brought back to the states as well as heard stories of the adventures that they have had. I am pleased to say that I will be the one coming back with the insights and stories to share with family and friends this time around. Following family and family friends to this amazing country was the best decision I think I have ever made. I have a good feeling that the relationships that I build on this trip not only lead me to become wiser and more experience but it may lead to a return visit to follow another passion of mine: nursing.

Well that's all for now folks... until next time!

OOoohh sometimesss.... I get a good feelingggg, yeah

Well it is the morning of our departure and I still don't feel like this is actually happening. I have had quite the packing experience... felt like I was in the movies trying to sit on my suitcase to make sure that it would close. It is a good thing that I am a list maker or else I would have forgotten half of the things that I am bringing along, yet a bad thing because there is not doubt in my mind that I over packed.

I can't say that I am too thrilled about the upcoming plane ride. The issues with my ears could make it not so enjoyable. I am extremely excited, however, to get to know the 14 other students joining me on this crazy adventure. The fact that we are going on this trip and leadership minor students has many benefits. We are all responsible young adults with diverse backgrounds which can make for interesting "get to know you" kind of conversations. Like these routine conversations or not, they are essential for a journey like this one. Without knowing your teammates on a more personal life rather than the standard surface-level relationship, how will you know if you are getting the most out of the relationship and potentials for the trip? With just meeting these people a couple of times, I can already see the wide range of strengths that our group has to offer, such as communication with the departure details, photography, and humor. I am excited to see how our group balances out one another and compensates for others strengths and weaknesses and how well our newly formed family will function. We will totally be dysfunctional... but in our own functional way? I can see it now...

Currently, my excitement for the trip is about at an equal level of my anxieties.  However, once we have landed in Cape Town and settled in I have a positive feeling that those anxieties will slowly disappear, especially thinking about all our sweet field trips. We received our itinerary a week or two ago and I have been trying hard not to look too into it. Something I have discussed with people prior to the trip was "coming in right" and having no expectations or visions for how the trip will play out. I think I have done quite the job considering I have a very vague view of what we will actually be doing. But, I think it is better that way. Taking it one day at a time. Living in the moment instead of looking to the future. Taking in as much as I can and getting out of this trip whatever I can. Soaping in the beauty of an opportunity like this one and appreciating life the way it should be appreciated.

Well it is about time for me to head off on this wild adventure... that's all for now!

Step 1: conquer the plane ride
See you in Cape Town my friends :)

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it - Nelson Mandela

After watching Invictus and reading Never Give Up, I feel that I have a better understanding of how South Africa got to be where it is today and how daily hardships are affecting communities there. An immense amount of thoughts and emotions are running through my head about the upcoming trip that it is difficult to sort through them and write them down. Following the resources that we were to investigate as well as some additional research of my own, I recognize that although Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, there is a deeper, more concerning level of society that is struggling. How will our work there influence their community? Will we have an impact at all? This semester, my leadership class read “To Hell With Good Intentions” by Ivan Illich.  Due to this particular reading, I am having trouble convincing myself that what we are doing will make an impact and will help this community.  What if what we are doing in the Guguletu community is actually doing more harm than good? Did we ask them if food parcels was something that they really needed? Maybe someone, somewhere, did that research and can answer that question because without asking the community members what they truly need, how are we really helping?

Although my excitement for this trip is overwhelming, every day that we get closer to the trip, I become increasingly nervous. My biggest concern and frustration with South Africa is the safety. Through my personal research and particular accounts that Kevin Winge describes, I am sickened by some of the statistics and events that occur on a daily basis. I realize that I am a smart, responsible person and we are in a program that will do all they can to keep us safe, but the knowledge that I have gained about the country continues to linger in the back of my mind.

Even with the concerns that I have, my excitement and wonderment of traveling to South Africa triumphs over any discouraging thoughts. In the beginning of Kevin Winge’s book, “Never Give Up,” he talks mainly about “coming in right.” It is a concept of leaving all of one’s assumptions and previous feelings about something behind and coming into the situation with an open mind and an open heart. I am considering carrying a small pocketbook with me so that I can document certain parts of our adventure that I feel are significant. Did “coming in right” affect the way I responded in these situations? Did I “come in right” at all? How did acting this way affect subsequent actions or responses?

Another thing that I am excited about is immersing myself into a completely new, unique culture and exploring their beliefs and “norms.” The people we will meet on this journey will stay with us forever and their influence on the trip will make our experiences different from anyone else’s. Who knows, maybe the relationship that we build here will lead to opportunities for our future and possibly a return to South Africa and Guguletu. HIV/AIDS is a continuous issue to South Africa. It hurts me to read about accounts that families and communities endure because of the effects of HIV/AIDS. As a student studying health care with a passion for nursing, the thought of possibly building a relationship with community and returning to practice my nursing skills is overwhelmingly bright.

Lastly, one of the main struggles that I am dealing with currently, is how I am going to pack for such an unpredictable city! This struggle is not a negative one at all, but an exciting one that builds on my curiosities about our adventures and obstacles we will have to overcome yet be somewhat prepared for. Being the nurse that I am studying to become, first aid/health is my big concern. We will be in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people, doing a lot of hiking and exploring of the landscape in underprivileged communities were first aid and health care is not available. Will we be prepared to deal with health issues? I am also the daughter of the gadget king and am concerned about the security of my electronics. With a new camera in hand, there is a hesitation for how much I will be able to bring it on some of the adventures we will be experiencing. With the pictures I will be able to take, how will I share them with the people back home without my laptop! Will these precious items survive the journey with me?

The two resources that we explored opened my eyes to many things surrounding South Africa and what the country has experienced. First, I am amazed at how one person could turn a country around. Nelson Mandela is an extraordinary person and I am excited to learn more about how he contributed to the developing country. I hope to discover some of his leadership qualities and perhaps incorporate them to the work we will be doing while staying there. Second, the resources discussed perspectives from both the negative and positive sides of South Africa. These resources have made me appreciate the promising assets that South Africa has to offer yet also making me aware of the hardships that the country and communities are dealing with on a daily basis. Will I even make a fraction of the impact that Nelson Mandela and Kevin Winge had on the community and country? Am I educated enough on the history of South Africa and the transition it took to get where they are today? Will that lack of knowledge impede my ability to practice appropriate leadership skills for each unique situation? Will I be prepared enough to adapt to changing environments and settings? How will my leadership skills be altered due to the experiences that we will have there?