(Alternatively, this blog posting could be entitled: “You know you’re not
in South Africa when…”)
…you can buy a gallon of milk (such a huge bottle!)
…you can buy a gallon of milk for a single-digit dollar amount.
…the government phases out the penny and the stores round your total up instead of down.
…the cars stop for you if you possibly look like you’re approaching the street to cross.
…people remind you that you have an accent.
Two of the biggest differences I’ve noticed being here:
…the weather. I miss hot hot days and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
…the safety. Not that I ever felt scared in South Africa, but it’s nice not to have to be vigilant all the time.
The things I love most about being here:
…being a student. This is because it includes the freedom of deciding my own schedule and the process of learning about stuff and researching interesting topics.
…the community, both at school and at church. A tightknit inclusive group of people who are genuine in their love for each other, and willing to step out of our comfort zones to extend that care to others.
…my home. My room is a welcome place to rest and be me; our house is a haven and the birthplace of many a great initiative and conversation; my homies are serious about becoming the best people we can be, and about embracing the lighter side of life.
…the outdoors. From tree-lined streets, to parks and the beach, to the mountains and the woods with tall tall trees, to crisp cool days and moss-covered trees.
…driving! I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’d love to get behind the wheel of a stick-geared car and just drive!!!
…like I said earlier, hot hot days and thunderstorms.
…Afrikaans. Is it weird to talk to myself at times?!!
…Ouma’s Rusks. Mmmm. Especially on a Saturday morning.
How fortunate I am, to be able to call two places “home.”
…you leave your mobile phone at school and when you look for it the
next day someone has turned it in for you.
…you have unlimited internet.…you can buy a gallon of milk (such a huge bottle!)
…you can buy a gallon of milk for a single-digit dollar amount.
…the government phases out the penny and the stores round your total up instead of down.
…the cars stop for you if you possibly look like you’re approaching the street to cross.
…people remind you that you have an accent.
Two of the biggest differences I’ve noticed being here:
…the weather. I miss hot hot days and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
…the safety. Not that I ever felt scared in South Africa, but it’s nice not to have to be vigilant all the time.
The things I love most about being here:
…being a student. This is because it includes the freedom of deciding my own schedule and the process of learning about stuff and researching interesting topics.
…the community, both at school and at church. A tightknit inclusive group of people who are genuine in their love for each other, and willing to step out of our comfort zones to extend that care to others.
…my home. My room is a welcome place to rest and be me; our house is a haven and the birthplace of many a great initiative and conversation; my homies are serious about becoming the best people we can be, and about embracing the lighter side of life.
…the outdoors. From tree-lined streets, to parks and the beach, to the mountains and the woods with tall tall trees, to crisp cool days and moss-covered trees.
The things I miss most about South Africa:
…the people I love. I think about them way more often than they know. I
am so grateful, not only for where I am right now, but for where I have come
from.…driving! I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’d love to get behind the wheel of a stick-geared car and just drive!!!
…like I said earlier, hot hot days and thunderstorms.
…Afrikaans. Is it weird to talk to myself at times?!!
…Ouma’s Rusks. Mmmm. Especially on a Saturday morning.
How fortunate I am, to be able to call two places “home.”
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