This is it. The end. My last few days in South Africa. I am struggling to come to terms with it because I do not want to go home. I suppose I never really do, which is why I spend so much time away. And for better or worse, all my attempts to stay abroad for this summer have not panned out. But why am I not content at home? It's not that I don't have anything to return to - I do. A family, friends, the significant other, a job. All patiently waiting for me to decide to come back (God love them).
I've had a lot of time this past week to think about this and the best conclusion I've come up with about my never-ending wanderlust is the following quote: "Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it." I seem to be driven to live a life opposite of normal. So it is hard for me to return to what I consider my normal life. While I may not think there is much for me back home, there are people there who are very important to me who I am beginning to miss. If I've learned anything through all my experiences it's that life is what you make it and attitude determines all - so I suppose normal is what you choose it to be. Home (Ames) does not need to be normal and I will try to not let it become that. It's still a work in progress for me...onto the next grand adventure - finishing my degree on campus.
And for all those who will ask how Africa was, here is a quick summary of my favorite things from the past semester:
1- The ocean, the mountains, and vineyards - all in one scene will never get old.
2- How handicap signs all read "paraplegic" instead. Random, I know.
3- Wine. And more wine. Best wine in the world - I guarantee it.
4- The children. I want to bring them home with me.
5- Nothing is more awe-inspiring than an African sunset. Nothing.
I've been so fortunate to have had this opportunity. Not having any real expectations going into the semester - to be honest, I just kind of went - I wasn't sure what South Africa would hold for me. Stellenbosch and the university presented plenty of frustrations for me, but looking past those, it has been quite the time. Traveling the countryside, meeting the people, seeing the diversity everywhere. Nothing can really explain Africa, I know I haven't done it justice - so you will just have to come and see it for yourself. TIA.
My heart is heavy as I begin to think of boarding a plane for home and leaving it all behind. But I know I am headed to where I am meant to be and until next time (and there will be a next time, I can't stay away from such a beautiful place forever) - thanks for reading. I appreciate it and would love to have some email updates on your lives!
And to all the friends I met along the way, and all the things we shared: this is for you, wherever life takes you - be well.
Cheers!
"And may God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done"
