I must say, I never thought that I would make it this far. Month 11 with 11 days left on the Race. 11 days until I get to hug my family and talk to them without a delay or a blurry screen representation of their face. I’m excited; sometimes I’m giddy with the anticipation of what that reunion will be like. There is also nervous trepidation of what reentry will include for me.
As reluctant as I was for South Africa to be our last country I realize it’s for the best. I was disappointed because I knew it was more westernized than East Africa, call me crazy but I wanted to go out with a bang. I wanted no Internet, no electricity, no beds, and no running water. I wanted to rough it for the last month so that I was truly appreciative of America’s conveniences. All that being said it’s been really good for us to end in South Africa. We are getting to experience some of the 1st World conveniences/hassles together as a team, which is a blessing. For example, we walked around wide-eyed when we went to the mall together. We also were in shock at the Hillsong church we went to. The conversation went something like, “We don’t have to speak at church!” “Shoot, we don’t even have to get up and lead worship!” “They have a children’s service?!” “Wait, we don’t know these songs but they’re in English.” “We can actually understand what they’re preaching about?” “Is the service already over?”
(A day out exploring the Waterfront: Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well, thus the out-of-it look that's on my face)
This adjustment period has been good but it has also brought out some of the harder points. At the beginning of the month we were all a little bit more irritable, everybody was trying to look their best, wear more makeup and do their hair. The crowds and the western culture overwhelmed us. I will speak for myself when I say I was ready to scream at random people for their spoiled ways and the way they were ignorantly living their lives when there are hurting people in the world, even just 30 minutes away from them. Then I remembered, that’s what I’m going home to, that’s the culture that I get to look forward to and that was the way I was before I left so who am I to judge? It was a great reminder to me that when I go home I can’t forget what I’ve seen and that there are people suffering in America too.
(Driving around the peninsula of South Africa visiting the different bays and the beautiful views)
So, that’s my rant about readjustment. I am thrilled that in 11 days I will be hugging my dear family and enjoying some good ol’ Chick-fil-A. I am also really going to miss the kids at Phumlani (hint about another blog to be coming soon.)
