As they say, all good things must come to an end. And in the next 48 hours, this journey will be complete. I don't know that I'll ever fully be able to measure the impact of this trip on my life. But I do know that I am coming back to NYC (I hope) a little wiser, a little more aware of the world around me, and a whole lot more thankful for all of my blessings.
Saying goodbye to the people I've met has been difficult. But I do so hoping that I was able to make just a small difference here in South Africa. At Sibanye, I was so lucky to find a friend in Jo-lene and the rest of the staff. And through my work on funding proposals (we were able to finalize a template for grants and sent out 4 in the past six weeks), developing a vision statement, and revising and enhancing many of the online and offline marketing materials, I've found that my skill set has grown. Who knew that would come from this? I think I may have gotten back more than I gave--including a very sweet going away party on Tuesday night at a restaurant in Stellenbosch (wine country) called Moyo which included Jo-lene and her husband Patrick, 3 of the other volunteers at Sibanye (Marcy, Sallie, and Stephanie), and Brian and myself. It was a wonderful way to celebrate this crazy and wonderful couple of months.
As for the CCS volunteers, I was a little surprised at how sad it is to leave the house. While I will not miss any of the following...:
1 - 1 1/2 hour long van rides to and from work every day
2 - Standing in approximately 5 inches of water while showering at all times
3 - Trying to be a good sport about the mystery meat and fish I'm ingesting ("Remember Carol, this is a learning experience for you...")
4 - Hearing the Vicki's talk about their latest booze soaked evening (OK, well maybe I'll miss that one a little)
...I will miss living with a group of people who have enough heart and enough awarenessto take a break from their everyday lives (mothers, students, working professionals) and try to make a difference in a place where they will not reap any direct benefit. That is, if you don't count the extreme gratification that comes from volunteering in this way.
So besides all the sappy stuff, the last week has been hectic but a whole lot of fun. While finishing up work, I've given Brian the 4-day tour of Cape Town. We've seen Table Mountain at sunset, Camps Bay, drove to Cape Point and back, went wine tasting in Stellenbosch, hung out at the waterfront. On Thursday, we took off for a 4 day Safari to Kruger National Park. And we saw the big five, the small five, and the ugly five (anyone who's seen a warthog or hyiena knows what I'm talking about). I won't even try to put into words the extreme beauty and peacefulness of the game lodge that we stayed at. While on our first game drive (5:30-8:30am every morning and 4:30-7:30pm every evening), we met a great couple name Jill and Jeff from where else but NYC. All in all, a fantastic trip!
Today, we spend one last night in Cape Town. It's definitely bittersweet but I am looking forward to coming home.
Thank you all for keeping up with this trip and showing your support through this blog and emails. It has meant the world to me. Hope to see you all soon!
Much Love,
C
Saying goodbye to the people I've met has been difficult. But I do so hoping that I was able to make just a small difference here in South Africa. At Sibanye, I was so lucky to find a friend in Jo-lene and the rest of the staff. And through my work on funding proposals (we were able to finalize a template for grants and sent out 4 in the past six weeks), developing a vision statement, and revising and enhancing many of the online and offline marketing materials, I've found that my skill set has grown. Who knew that would come from this? I think I may have gotten back more than I gave--including a very sweet going away party on Tuesday night at a restaurant in Stellenbosch (wine country) called Moyo which included Jo-lene and her husband Patrick, 3 of the other volunteers at Sibanye (Marcy, Sallie, and Stephanie), and Brian and myself. It was a wonderful way to celebrate this crazy and wonderful couple of months.
As for the CCS volunteers, I was a little surprised at how sad it is to leave the house. While I will not miss any of the following...:
1 - 1 1/2 hour long van rides to and from work every day
2 - Standing in approximately 5 inches of water while showering at all times
3 - Trying to be a good sport about the mystery meat and fish I'm ingesting ("Remember Carol, this is a learning experience for you...")
4 - Hearing the Vicki's talk about their latest booze soaked evening (OK, well maybe I'll miss that one a little)
...I will miss living with a group of people who have enough heart and enough awarenessto take a break from their everyday lives (mothers, students, working professionals) and try to make a difference in a place where they will not reap any direct benefit. That is, if you don't count the extreme gratification that comes from volunteering in this way.
So besides all the sappy stuff, the last week has been hectic but a whole lot of fun. While finishing up work, I've given Brian the 4-day tour of Cape Town. We've seen Table Mountain at sunset, Camps Bay, drove to Cape Point and back, went wine tasting in Stellenbosch, hung out at the waterfront. On Thursday, we took off for a 4 day Safari to Kruger National Park. And we saw the big five, the small five, and the ugly five (anyone who's seen a warthog or hyiena knows what I'm talking about). I won't even try to put into words the extreme beauty and peacefulness of the game lodge that we stayed at. While on our first game drive (5:30-8:30am every morning and 4:30-7:30pm every evening), we met a great couple name Jill and Jeff from where else but NYC. All in all, a fantastic trip!
Today, we spend one last night in Cape Town. It's definitely bittersweet but I am looking forward to coming home.
Thank you all for keeping up with this trip and showing your support through this blog and emails. It has meant the world to me. Hope to see you all soon!
Much Love,
C
5 comments:
thanks for letting us live vicariously through you for the past six weeks. can't wait to see you in just a few days. safe travels. lots of love.
Ca, I am certain that you learned a lot, gained a little more perspective and will,in general, come home a wizer person. I know you fostered some new relationships making your departure a "bittersweet" experience. Friends are for life, however; and I am sure you "made a few". At any rate you looked pretty happy in the pictures. Who's that with his arm around you in the Garden of Eden? Anyone we know? I am sure we'll get all the details when you get home. Travel safely and looking forward to seeing you. Love, Dad
Hey Carol-It sounds like you had a great last week in SA. I think your last blog put the whole trip into perspective for me. Oh, how I miss Cape Town and all the great people I met there. I can't wait to come to NYC to see you. I hope you had a good trip home and good luck adjusting back to reality. Love Danielle
Congratulations on finishing your trip on such a high note. We are definitely looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about your experiences! Safe home, and see you soon! Love, Laura & Dan
Hey Carol
I'm a couple months late to the game but wanted to say hi while I was out here :) The chronicles of your trip (along with some of the photos) are extraordinary. It seems like a once in a lifetime experience!! Give my best to everyone. Look forward to catching up with you and the entire clan soon.
Your cousin,
Mike
P.S. Marie and your cousin Peter send their love!!
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