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 :)