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south africa

South Africa

Ten Years Later: The Difference between “You” and “Ubuntu”

Posted on December 20, 2015

Ten years ago I went on the trip of my life. I was insistent this wasn’t going to be the case. Not only was I a young woman who had already seen the world, but no singular trip could change who I already was.

I have to say, it’s been only been recently I’ve come to admit the deep changes I’ve felt over the past ten years, brought specifically from the decision I made at 20 years old to travel to Cape Town, South Africa. My friends and family have reminded me for years that this trip was my great love. Continue Reading

South Africa

Rainy Day Last Day in Obs

Posted on July 19, 2005

It is rainy and overcast today in Obs. As a woman from the desert, it’s a treat to feel the protective surrounding of low-hanging clouds. It rained all night last night and the noise is something I’d not anticipated. Our home is constructed out of metal and paper insulation and our community is surrounded by sand. As the wind blows through the neighborhood, it sweeps up and scatters granules on the sides of the homes, making a smattering sound around the home throughout the storm. The contents in the house sporadically displaced as the wind blows pushes in on the walls and sneaks in though more porous areas of the home. Continue Reading

South Africa

A Week in the Life

Posted on July 13, 2005

Lost & Found

It’s been an interesting week so far. Along with developments at Rape Crisis and stimulating conversations with family members here, I’ve also been writing a ton. This trip for me is part of my scholastic endeavors and I plan to write my Honors Thesis on my experience. I’m not 100% certain on what yet, but my thoughts seem to be culminating around women’s rights. Continue Reading

South Africa

Life in a Township: Journal Entry Reflections

Posted on July 4, 2005
Khayelitsha Township

Each day, I open my journal and put pen to paper. It isn’t always a lengthy entry, but the committment to write daily is still there. Knowing I’ll not always have a chance to get to a computer, it’s important to write down the day’s events or observations. Here’s an excerpt from last night and my reflections of my current life as I live in a township in Cape Town, South Africa.

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