I am in my final week here in South Africa. I am filled with a huge range of emotions. I am extremely excited about being able to see my friends and family but at the same time leaving here means saying goodbye to so many new relationships that I have formed while here. The hardest part is definitely saying goodbye to the monks and nuns. They have looked after me and been my family while I have been here. They have been exemplary role models in walking a God-centered life and a great encouragement to my faith. At the same time they have been the ones to laugh with and cry with during all of the highs and lows over this past year. I have slowly had to say goodbye to the monks as they have been leaving for different events making the goodbye process even more difficult for me. Saying goodbye to the children will definitely be the hardest part as they don’t understand why I am leaving them.
I was very fortunate to have one last outing for my time in Africa. Last Saturday I got up early to meet up with some of the people I had met in town. We had planned a kayaking trip up in a game park about 1.5 hours away from here. The morning winter air was pretty chilly but after the sun came out everything warmed up to a very pleasant temperature. They skies were perfectly clear and we could see for miles. We kayaked up the river through dense bush and saw tons of birds and it really was intense wild Africa. For lunch we hiked up a short ways to the top of a hill where there was a Xhosa hut and picnicked with an unbelievable view. There were three giraffes on the hill across from us, zebra below us, and in the distance we could see impala on the river bank. While most people sat around chatting I really just soaked up the whole experience. I just took the moment to reflect on my whole time here. I feel like this year has gone by quickly but when I reflect about how much I have grown, I understand how long it has been. This year has been filled with many challenges and difficulties but those have been overpowered by the numerous moments of joy and growth I have also had. I also know that I have more challenges ahead of me as I adjust to returning home a very changed person.
I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me in my future. It has been said the Africa has a way to seep into your veins and that all this insanity can be addictive.