When I was in college I wanted to be African. It all started with an African Culture class. The depth of heritage and history was amazing and compared to the young American culture I experienced, I was jealous. Ever since, I’ve wanted to visit Africa and I finally got my chance. After spending 2 months in Swaziland and South Africa, I’m leaving already devising a plan to come back. I love being surrounded by black people and their exuberant joy. Africans are beautiful and the culture here is vibrant. There are over 11 languages spoken in South Africa. During my time in the suburbs of Durban, I heard Zulu, Africans, and English on a regular basis. I’ve come to enjoy hearing another language on a daily basis, keeps life interesting!
I’ve had the privileged of working with children these past two months. I taught soccer skills, helped with camp, and just played. This month confirmed my love of children, especially 3-14 year olds. There were 8 young children who lived at Ingane Yami. I enjoyed walking outside each day to the sound of their laughter and excitement to see me. Unfortunately, the organization has asked me not to share pictures on the web, but these kids are the cutest I’ve ever seen. I wish Ingane Yami needed my help, but they are still small. Maybe in the future there will be a school in which I can teach. Until then I joke with the pastor, “Too bad I’m not 40 years old and black, otherwise I’d be a house mom.”
My time in Africa was amazing. It was my first experience at an orphanage. It was my first introduction to a family cluster children’s village. Africa has captured me and I’m excited to see what opportunities God brings in the future.
