Almost Gone...

My time in South Africa is almost gone and I can’t believe it.  The day after tomorrow I will be boarding a plan and 36 hours later I will be back in Minnesota.  I am definitely going to miss this place.  It has become like a second home to me – the complete mess that is our apartment should testify to that.  I hope my adjustment back into the United States goes smoothly – I have heard some horror stories.

I am finally finished with school here.  My last final ended about an hour ago.  I feel bad for those who have two finals tomorrow…ok no I don’t.  My biology final went as well as could be expected with two very condescending people running it.  I definitely won’t miss the lecturers.  Music went really well considering I had been sick the entire night before and I didn’t study more than an hour for it.  So, from now on, whatever happens, happens. 

On Saturday night, our entire group had a farewell party.  Everyone had an amazing time and there were a few tears shed by some in the group.  We had a braai (again) and saw a couple slideshows (one embarassing, one sentimental) had a speech and an awards show.  It kind of felt like I was back in the sixth grade again.  During the party, I began to realize how close we have all become and how much I am going to miss everyone.  So sad.

For my South African Literature class we began discussing about going home and how we are going to communicate our time here in South Africa.  At this time I realized how I am not going to be able to tell people how much this trip has changed me.  I have seen things that I wish I never had to see, I have seen more people beg in the last week than most people in the US will see in years, I once even saw a man scrape off icecream from the ground with a stick so he could have something to eat – never have I been so close to tears about what I have seen here.  Every morning I go running, I see this same mand and wish I could do something to help him.  I won’t be able to communicate these feelings correctly when I tell my friends and family.  No matter how detailed I have been in this blog, or how detailed I will be in retelling my time here, they cannot get the full effect.  At the same time I don’t want to go home and just tell everyone South Africa was ‘amazing.’  I have used that word too many times and I know people won’t be satisfied with that answer.  But what I have begun to understand is simplisity is best.  When retelling stories, chances are I won’t go through all the details, I won’t give you the full version, sorry but you just won’t get it.  I now that is not what people want to hear.  I wish I could make you all understand. 

So I might write one more blog before I leave just as a summary of my time here.  I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Peace.