"Given all this, perhaps the only thing about Africa that isn't changing quickly is our perceptions of it. There's an image impressed in all of our minds of a starving child, symbolizing an impoverished continent. If that was ever true, this is an excellent reminder that today, it's at most a snapshot. Yes, there's great human suffering and it's not hard to find. But Africa as a whole is becoming a middle class continent."
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Live.
"Ive been told you only create your own ceiling
And life is limitless and knowing this is what the spirit is..."
Inhale Deep
Monday, April 18, 2011
Fifth Time's the Charm
Similar to a relationship with a person, a relationship with a city has its ups and downs. A month ago, I went through this slump with Cape Town where I felt as though there was nothing else for me to do here- silly me. Luckily, this stupidity lasted for a mere day and I was back on the CT lovin’ boat. It was then that I complied a list of places to go and things to do in Cape Town, and at the top of my list was Crystal Pools. The saying “nothing worthwhile comes easy” really characterizes my journey to the Pools. I would not let it be “the one that got away” as my determination overrode the complications that accompanied it.
I booked a car a couple days before for Crystal Pools a couple friends and I. However, in my moments of excitement leading up to the day, I accidentally ended up inviting more people than there were seats in the car. But I thought that renting another car for the day would not be a problem. I mean, it IS a car rental place. They have to have cars! Thus I did not worry too much.
The thing about Crystal Pools is that it closes on May 1st and only 100 permits are allowed a day as part of South Africa’s preservation plan. This just made it even more desirable for me- “you always want what you cannot have.” Therefore, in order to gain entrance even into the Pools, you have to arrive early morning. So, I told the 10 people that agreed to come with me to meet at my house while it was still dark out. We took a cab to Cape Town center and thus began the test of my determination.
Fun interrupting relevant fact: South African cars are manual. However, me living in America where driving a manual is considered a victory, I did not even think twice while booking online as to which car to choose. So when arriving at the counter of the car rental, I asked if the car held for us was an automatic (wishful thinking). Of course it was not. This began our journey from one car rental to another to another to another to lastly, Hertz. I did not add all those “another”s for exaggeration. We legitimately walked to five different car rental places to finally find an available automatic car. Sadly, by this time, half of the group had grown weary and skeptical as to whether or not we would get into the Pools, so they decided to head back home. 
Fortunately, four people stuck with me. We rented the car and were on our way to Crystal Pools. After a mini freak out about the directions (FYI, Googlemaps is not as reliable here as it is back home), we embarked on a 200 kilometer and 5 hour time crunch to our destination. Throughout the entire drive, I was just waiting for another obstacle to be thrown my way. When we arrived to the tiny hut that is the Crystal Pools entrance, I held my breath hoping that tickets would not be sold out. However, my luck was beginning to turn-no one was there. So we parked the car, gave an excited shriek out and ran towards the hill for the Crystal Pools hike. The hike was absolutely gorgeous. It is you and the mountains. That is it. There was no one there while we were hiking so it felt as if we were the only ones in this world, and that world consisted of omniscient rock formations and the prospect of reaching waterfalls.
The second we reached our first waterfall, we all stood there in awe. I had to keep reminding myself that this was all real and my life at this moment. We proceeded to climb to the other waterfalls, which similarly made us feel a part of this natural world that we constantly forget exists (especially while living in a city like LA). As the sun reflects on the water of the pools, it moves like fire works only to reappear again as tiny crystals atop the water. The name now made sense to us. Simple enough. J
In the end, Friday ended up being one of my best days in Cape Town. At the end of our waterfall escapades, we realized the time and rushed back to return the car. At exactly 4:00pm, the car was returned. In order to celebrate such a fabulous day, we decided to treat ourselves to some Mexican food. This was the cherry on top. I am slowly realizing that I am a Mexican food (real or fake) feen.
Overall, Crystal Pools was long awaited and completely worthwhile. Although the day began with panic and guilt, it ended with laughter, odd tan lines, margaritas and a newfound appreciation for the cliché phrases that infiltrated my mind throughout that day (and this blog). Especially, “nothing worthwhile comes easy.” You are telling me.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Pursuit of Happiness
Being thrown into a new environment alone for six months has given me a lot of time to think about who I am, where I want to go and what type of person I want to be. One of the bittersweet epiphanies I am journeying through here is my self worth. I will spare you my own realization but instead will briefly go into that of yours- my friends.
It kills me when people do not understand how amazing they are. I wish everyone received a book about what he or she means to other people and how influencing they truly are. The people I am meeting here and my friends/family back home would receive War and Peace sized novels concerning my love for them. There will be people in life that will disappoint, but that is constantly overshadowed by those that love if you open your eyes and see that. People wake up! You are loved! I have noticed not only in those I come across here, but you (my lovely friends) back home do not fully grasp what you teach me about life and myself. I thank and love you all. This is a post that I felt compelled to write. I love you guys so much and am truly happy here! (no I am not on happy pills or anything while writing this). I knew from the beginning that God sent me here for a purpose and I am seeing it more everyday. My relationship with South Africa is not done just yet. I am not ready for it to end. I am excited to see where else He takes me. Stay tuned! :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Mo(SA)mbia
About a week ago, I came back from spring break, or as South Africans like to say “Holiday,” where I traveled to Zambia, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park and Mozambique with 5 girls from my house. It was 12 days full of hostels, 4 different currencies, new people, stunning sights, milk fiascos, border annoyances, wild animals, a plethora of mosquitoes bites and great adventures. We had an itinerary where the basics were planned out, but just like my housemate Anabela says, “you just can’t anticipate everything.” Boy was she right.
Zambia
Our first stop was Livingstone, Zambia where saw one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World-Victoria Falls. We left Cape Town around 2 in the morning- sleepy, tired from last minute packing and excited for the next two weeks. Now ever since I was younger I have had this curse that I cannot sleep sitting down. Thus, throughout our entire trip, which was dominated by planes and cars (our modes of transportation), I did not sleep. I wish I remembered this before I decided to sleep a mere hour before boarding a plane to Zambia. We took a flight to Johannesburg and connected to Livingstone, arriving towards mid afternoon.
The airport in Zambia, as we will find out all throughout Africa, is nothing more than a mere building with a couple of workers. The tickets were even hand written. After we arrive, we pay the 50 American dollars for a visa into the country. Mind you, the process to get a visa for South Africa involved months of gathering paperwork and security clearance. Zambia? 50 bux. TIA. Then we proceed to exchange our South African Rand for some Zambian Quacha. Fun to say, not so fun to convert. The woman at the counter handed me around 800,000 quacha….thats about 200 US dollars. It took me a while to stop being shocked at seeing prices in such large increments for a 10,000 “dollar” cup of coffee. It became a running joke even to this day.
Jollyboys was the first of many hostels we would come to call “home” over the weeks. By the amount of different hostels we stayed in throughout the trip, we can start up a website and become critics. If this did come true, Jollyboys would have high rankings in my book. It contained a very inviting set up and there was always fellow travelers lounging (or skinny dipping) by the pool, reading in the pillow pit, or socializing at the bar. We did not have much time to catch our breath because as soon as we arrived, we were whisked off to a booze cruise on the river.
Please believe me when I say that Zambia is breath taking. Literally, there would be times on that cruise (small boat with tables set up, popcorn in large bowls as appetizers, and an open bar) when I would turn around and have the wind knocked out of me because of the beauty that laid before me. Zambia is what screensavers are made of. There was a very diverse group of people on that boat from Japanese tourists to European volunteers. We quickly made friends with everyone on the boat and chatted away for the next couple of hours. By the time the cruise was over, no one was the same as when they boarded. Take that as you like. We then proceeded to go back to the hostel where the lounge/bar was full of people, and so the socialization continued. I met a lot of interesting people, especially those who are traveling for long periods of time such as a year or 2. But I will get into my realization about them later on.
The next day in Zambia was spent in Victoria Falls. I am at a loss of how to describe something with such synonymous power and tranquility. It was beyond amazing. Everyone who had visited the falls warned us about how drenched we would get while visiting. My favorite phrase came from our German roommate, “Let me just put it to you this way. I jumped into the pool right now to dry off from being at Vic Falls.” Understatement.
So we thought ourselves a clever bunch and rented ponchos to be worn during our visit…useless. I loved it! There is this bridge that connects Zambia to Zimbabwe, however the water and mist from the waterfall entrenches it that all you see is white in front of you while a tsunami engulfs you. It was difficult to keep my eyes open, but I continued to walk on the bridge. Soon enough, I was lost in the white mass and just kept walking forward unaware of neither where this bridge leads nor how long it was. I could not help but smile the entire time. In fact, I had to scream a couple of times to release my happiness and disbelief at God’s grace (scene from Garden State anyone?) I seriously want to be proposed to at Victoria Falls. It is the most epic wonder I have ever seen in my life. When I told this to our hostel owner in Joburg, he laughed and said “good luck getting a guy to do that!” It will happen. Wishful thinking ;) 
This was a great start to our trip. Unfortunately, we were scheduled to leave for Johannesburg the next day. We arrived at the airport an hour and a half early only to hear our names on the intercom and an airport worker frantically asking if I was Marina Saleeb. I was shocked as to why we were being hassled while still so early. Apparently Zambia does not run on Africa time and is indeed very very early in its airports. To this day, I do not understand why we were rushed when we then sat in the airport lounge for another thirty minutes. Nonetheless, the prospect of missing our plane was terrifying as Africa does not have many flights, for there is little demand for them. Thank God, all went well and we were off to Joburg!
Johannesburg
Going from the simplicity that covers Zambia to the hustle of a city like Johannesburg took some getting used to. I am currently in a Crime and Deviance in South Africa class here and every lecture is centered on the crime that poisons Johannesburg. Thus, I was on edge and very cautious while walking around Johannesburg. Mind you, I am traveling with 5 other American girls, which means that we definitely stick out as tourists. Backtracking a little bit, the plane did not serve us food or drinks. Ladies and Gentlemen, you now have to pay for food and drinks on the plane. Yes, that even means water and peanuts. What happened to the good old days when I was given a blanket, pillow, coloring book and mixed nuts? Well, this lack of food and traveling frenzy left us incredibly hungry. We dropped our stuff at the hostel and jetted to the Cats Pajamas, restaurant, and coincidentally one of my favorite phrases. This is where the disorientation of our trip exhaustion combined with hunger created delirium in us all.
You can all relate to the next statement I am about to say. Every culture thinks they are slow and run on their own timetable. We have all heard Egyptians say “Oh, (giggle) Egyptian time!” or Pnays claim “Philipino time!” as they arrive an hour late. However, there is nothing in comparison to Africa time. Here, the concept of fast service is non-existent. So you can only imagine how we looked sitting there in a nice restaurant in our casual clothes with starve crazed looks in all our eyes while waiting for our food. Every time the kitchen door would open we would all stare up as if the Lord Himself would appear. I tell you all this because it was one of the most comical times of the trip for me as we were all insane. After the restaurant we walked across the street to wait for our driver. Sadly, a crazed man followed us out of the restaurant. We took refuge in a pharmacy where the woman working behind the counter told us to stay put. I cannot imagine living in a city where I feel unsafe at all times purely for being. This incident contributed to all my travel mates disdain for Johannesburg. Understandable. However, I still want to go back to Johannesburg and explore, but with someone who knows the area.
The owner of the hostel, Harry, drove us home. His family lives in Miami but he refuses to leave South Africa because he says that he is connected to this place and will not leave and let those who pushed his family during apartheid win. He gave me chills while speaking. The zeal for his nation, family and South African descent was evident, a great precursor to our next day.
The Apartheid Museum. Amazing museum in design and content. It was very well put together and interesting to see the recent struggle of a country that I now call home. It is easy to forget that apartheid was merely a couple of years ago. The transition is evident everywhere you go in South Africa. After the museum we commenced on a long shuttle ride to Nelspriut where Kruger National Park is located.
Nelspriut – Kruger
When I told people that I was going to South Africa, one of the most common questions I would get besides (what country in South Africa?) is “are you going on a safari?” Now I won’t lie, I am not an animal lover. In fact, I could care less about them. However, while sitting in literature class, my professor was lecturing about how the world’s perspective of Africa is incredibly romanticized to be that of Disney’s Lion King. He then asked how many of us abroad students are going to Kruger Safari, South Africa’s famous. The students sitting near me knew I was not a local and when noticing that I did not raise my hand, one leaned over and said “you are missing out” as another girl chimes in “you cant be in South Africa and not!” That did it for me. If locals are scolding me for not partaking in it, then I had to go. Although my motives were not purely for the animals, it was an experience.
We stayed at Funkey Monkey hostel while in Nelspriut. Best hostel of the entire trip. Our nights were filled with meeting travelers, playing an unceasing game of Trivial Pursuit (pre fall of Berlin Wall version) and watching movies. The hostel led our safari the next day as well. We woke up at 3 am to climb into a large (emphasis on LARGE) jeep. In other words, a safari car. It was exactly what you think it is. I could not keep my eyes open for the hour drive to Kruger, especially since I had not had coffee. Thus the beginning of my safari was an internal struggle to stay awake.
The safari was a 12-hour car ride around the park looking for animals that felt more like a game of Where’s Waldo. My eyes grew tired, but it was completely worth it. We ended up seeing giraffes, zebras, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, warthogs, impalas, dung beetles, vultures, hippos, and a hyena with a suckling baby. We unfortunately did not see any ferocious felines- our biggest wish. Time went by quickly during the safari for every animal sighting would rejuvenate us. I, unfortunately, am the worst at spotting animals. Rocks transformed into animals to me….multiple times. Pretty much, I was banned from spotting “animals.” It was well deserved.
With a safari crossed off my Africa (and life) to do list, we headed back to the hostel to wake up early next morning to board the greyhound for Mozambique.
Mozambique
Crossing the border to Mozambique was an adventure within itself. We were under the impression that Mozambique’s visa process was similar to that of Zambia's-pay money. However, the woman behind the counter at greyhound informed us “if you do not have your visas and everyone else does, we will leave you.” Did I mention how terrible service in Africa is? Nonethelss, we boarded the buses crossing our fingers to have the process be a quick pay out. This was not the case. We waited for what seemed like forever for the ONE worker at the visa counter to take our money, new pictures, and process all of this. We expected to hear the engine of the bus to leave us as we were the only ones missing from the bus. Fortunately, the bus was awaiting us. However, we were not able to board it-no one was. There was a milk problem.
Now when I say “milk problem,” it is exactly what it sounds- problem with the milk on board. Greyhound (I am under the suspicion this company has nothing to do with the reliable greyhound we know and love back in the states, but merely took their name to fool us Americans into thinking it is) was using our bus to transport potatoes, milk, flour and other necessities to be sold in the city of Maputo. Therefore, we waited for what seemed like a lifetime in the sun while the issue of allowing the milk to cross the border was being disputed. You would have sworn it was drugs by the way they were defending the "powdered milk." The locals on the bus with us grew impatient and began fighting with the driver as he refused to open the doors to the air-conditioned bus. I will spare you the details and just say, we finally made it to Maputo.
It was here that the goodness of humanity came to light through a man named Velta.
He sat next to us on the bus and overheard my friends and I speak about how we have no idea where our hostel is, how to get there, what currency to use and how much everything would be. Pretty much, we were a mess. But Velta came to our rescue.
He offered to grab us a cab, ride with us to the bank, wait while we exchange money, and then drop us off at the hostel. This man is a saint. He just met us and barely even got our names yet took care of us and made sure no one took advantage of us. I blessed him with good luck for the entire week.
It was nighttime by the time we arrived at our next hostel, the Base, the site of our first taste into the frustration that is Meticas, Mozambiques currency. Put simply, Mozambique (yes, the entire country) does NOT like to give you change, YET the ATMS only like to hand you large bills. This translated into a multitude of frustrating conversations that went something like this:
Man: “Your total is 450.”
I hand them a 1000.
Man: “Uh…I do not have change for this.”
Me:”Well, I do not have any other bills.”
Man: Blank stare… “So what are you going to do about this?”
Me: “Nothing. What are YOU going to do about this?”
It sounds more comical than it was, especially after the 15th time.
My friends and I decided that we should try and pull an all nighter at the Base as we had to wake up at 3 am for a 7 hour mini bus ride to Tofo, where we would be spending the remainder of our trip. I hope you still remember what I said about not sleeping in the sitting position. Remember that, it will make this explanation much more visual (cruelly enjoyable) for you.
The mini bus is an adventure. It is a small bus that seats about 20 but somehow always contains about 30 people (if not more) crammed into it. Everyone knocks out within the first hour due to being incredibly uncomfortable, however, this could not be the case for me. Instead, I peered out the window and watched as we ventured on the one paved road of Mozambique to Tofo for seven hours. Periodically we would stop to pick up people and drop them off as well. This mini bus ride was a cakewalk in comparison to my returning one.
Tofo is the perfect beach. WARM water. Blue from far but clear while in it. God bless the Indian Ocean! Perfect waves for boogie boarding, surfing or just lying on the water. There are different pockets for whatever you were in the mood for. I did not think that I would be able to just lay out and play in the water for 6 days straight, but I was wrong. Time went by so quickly while in Tofo. We met up with a lot of people from our program as many came to Tofo as well. Aside from the water, my favorite part of Tofo was the stars. I have never seen the night sky so clear as to recognize the galaxy. The white in the sky overpowered the black. Amazing. Romantic.
The last night at Tofo was spent in a different hostel called Fatimas Nest. It provided a mini bus back to Maputo at 3 in the morning, yet again. This time we rode with the boys in our houses, so Roxy house was together again, along with 20 other anonymous passengers. That car ride was incredibly entertaining as I sat in the back and watched everyone trying to fall asleep. People would try and find a comfortable position while not bothering the person next to them. However after about 30 minutes of polite sleeping, people gave in and everyone was on top of each other. I myself had a “17” (he looked 12), year old boy collapse on me from sleepiness. Yet again I was up. But Africa is teaching me patience and the scenery outside of the car was beautiful. The flights back to Cape Town were long awaited and overdue. We waited 8 hours for a 30 minute plane ride. Delirium of Cat Pajamas part two. Overall it was a fantastic trip. It gave me a lot (and I mean a lot- 20 hours in a plane, 20 hours in a car) time to think. It is the best and worst part of traveling. The one thing that I kept overplaying in my head is how much the people in our lives influence who we are. A lot of this blog is about me discovering through the people I meet here or have known for a mere couple months. However, this trip was different in that I thought a lot about you guys at home and how those I choose to keep near to me have impacted my life. And to that I say thank you.
Surprisingly this is the bare bones synopsis of my trip. If you made it this far in reading, I commend you. Message me what souvenir you want!
Love you all and missing Starbucks (per usual).
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I'm Home
This past weekend was hands down the best weekend I have had in South Africa thusfar. My program set up a homestay (living with a local family) for us at Oceanview township, a middle class to poor area. I already feel distressed in knowing that what I experienced there cannot properly be conveyed with the words I am about to write. But I shall give it a try.
When I first signed up for South Africa, I knew that a homestay was part of the program, but I did not think much of it beyond buying my host family a book on California back home. However, when the time was approaching for the homestay, I will say that I was disinterested and somewhat annoyed that I had to go. I did not want to be intrusive and go into someone’s house as if I was an observer at a zoo. But how wrong I was. The program gave us absolutely no details on the homestay experience except for a mass text telling us where to meet and at what time. Thus, I went in with no expectations.
After an hour long drive outside Cape Town, we enter a small community named Oceanview where they lead us to a high school gym with tables set up for us with food already plated. I then proceed to look for the number table that matches my sticker and seat myself down next to this old, timid looking man. I introduce myself and right away we begin chatting about our lives as if we had been friends of many years. He instantly brought up the topic of God (something I have been craving to talk about throughout my trip) and how he is deeply rooted in his church and the teachings of the Bible. I instantly fall in love. Mind you, I still do not know who I am going to be living with for the next two day,s but I do not care to speak to anyone else at the table. About an hour into our conversation, I smile and giddily ask him “Can you go check if I am with you?” Lo and behold, I was. I then figure out that I am paired with my housemate Jamie of whom I have been getting increasingly close to throughout these past couple weeks. It was perfect.
During the opening ceremony of our homestay, the local children of the community performed for us from singing to break dancing to playing instruments to “pyro tricks” (aka- dancing with a stick on fire). Watching these kids up on stage, I have never been happier than my entire time in Cape Town. The excitement and passion these kids performed with was unlike something I have ever seen before. I had to hold back tears multiple times during their performances because felt this rush of just pure joy in my life and clarity as to what I want to do. While watching these kids perform, I sat there wondering about their future and how much of the world they have yet to see and partake in (myself included). I took out my little journal and scribbled down what I was thinking because I wanted to remember this moment forever:
“Overwhelming feeling to get to know everyone but there is not enough time. I have never been this happy. This is what I am meant to do. Absolutely.”
The last part is a bit complicated, but I shall explain in due time.
After the ceremony had ended, we gathered our things and I followed my new grandpa to his house. And so the journey began.
I lived in a house with Grandpa Tyrin, Grandma Daisy, Sister Wendy, Brother Jerome, Ashley (age 11) and Baby Cole (age 3). I am obsessed with this family, to say the least. Although the house was small and one would never think that there were 6 residents living there, it fit perfectly. I was greeted with smiling faces and even though Cole was shy for the first 20 minutes, he would not leave our side the entire stay. So many great quotes came out of that kid.
So after we put our stuff down, we go upstairs to the balcony and proceed to talk about the community and its origins. Both grandparents lived during apartheid and have led amazing, inspiring and absolutely fascinating lives. Literally, their life stories can become a lifetime movie. On that balcony, I had an interesting conversation with the Grandmother concerning family and love. She shared with me the troubles of her family and said that she carries the burden as she is looked to for the strength in the family. It was a heart wrenching moment for me to see a woman of such character to openly tell me, a girl she has just met, her worries of life. She did not take her family as a burden but instead had the mindset that the Lord provides and this is her family of whom she would die for. I tell this anecdote of the balcony as it embodies what this family stands for: family and God.
Literally everyone in their community was related to them. The next couple days were spent meeting so many family members that I honestly lost track of names and faces. All of them reside blocks away from each other and their lives are centered around each other. Even during the hardships of finances and dark family histories, the concept of abandoning their family is not an option. It made me miss my family a lot. But moreso, it opened my eyes to the importance of family that has always been drilled into my brain growing up. Their love runs deep for each other and as a guest, I felt as though I were part of it as well, even if for a mere couple of days.
Activities throughout my stay included:
- Hours upon hours of conversation concerning politics, God, family, love, and life experiences
- Playing soccer (scrimmage and one touch) in the streets – I told Jamie to let them win, but I was earnestly trying my hardest and lost to 11 year olds. My 4 years experience as an AYSO player is useless up against these kids. We also ended up buying Ashley a soccer ball at the local store for he lost his a long time ago. His face lit up when we presented him with the ball even though it was used and half deflated
- Teaching card tricks and games to the children
- Eating the BEST South African food of my life
- Going to an Anglican church – I have missed church so much
- Attending a community brai to watch the cyclists of the Cape Town Cycling Race- it is their biggest event of the year
- Playing with lots and lots of babies
- Getting breakfast in bed served to me every morning (First time in my life I have ever received bfast in bed. All men should take note of this as Grandpa does this for Grandma every day-good man).
- Realizing even more how much every person contributes to this world and how little we need to be happy.
One of the biggest learning experiences I had from this homestay experience was the lack of educational opportunities offered to those in the townships. When I asked family members about where their teenage daughters and sons plan on going to school, they answered casually that they just want to find a job to make money. College and University is not an option to those growing up here. For one, a higher education is incredibly expensive and no one can afford it. When I brought up financial aid and scholarships they told me that only the top of the top 1 percent receive it. That leaves 99 percent of the students behind. This disgusts me, not because they choose to work (as that is understandable), but the fact that it is not even an option for them. This should not be the case. However, their lives are lived better than mine ever could be in terms of grasping the more important things in life.
I always thought that every local I would come across, there would be a disconnect due to our upbringings and environment. But I was wrong. The connection felt with this family and their children was effortless and I cannot wait to visit them again. Everything was much more clear to me while being there. I understand where I want to go a little more and my worth to myself and what I give others. This marks a new beginning of my mindset while being here. I am so happy here and know that God has much more in store for me.
Shout out to Mena Michael as I feel he like is the only one reading this! haha
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Boys
Contrary to the title of “studying abroad” I did not come here to study. I came to South Africa to volunteer. I tutor boys ranging from grade 3 to high school three to four times a week at a Refuge School called the Ark School, located near townships away from the modernism or lifestyle of Cape Town. It is by far my favorite part about being in South Africa. These boys are set up in this school (where most of them also live) due to lack of resources, unfit families or abuse. Therefore, it is similar to a boy’s home, but much deeper than that. They do everything together from sleeping, eating, playing and studying. There is a strong brotherhood among the boys that I have never seen in any children I have ever worked with. It is truly inspiring; in fact, I am jealous of these boys. Although they have little to nothing compared to what my parents blessed me with while growing up, they are not depleted of love and care. It is evident in their interactions and through the headmistresses, Dawn. She is incredibly strict, but completely out of love. Even though she scares me at times, I can only hope to become half the woman she is one day.
Each time I go to the Ark, I see the progress in these boys and their fire to learn. Although the school is doing all it can for them, having individual attention to learn basic skills of arithmetic and grammar at their age is crucial. I always get flashbacks to my mother doing homework with me every night while growing up. My education and ambition in school is due to her, and for that, I thank her tremendously.
But each of them is excited to learn. For instance, today was Mario’s birthday and while there was a cutting of the cake and commotion surrounding letting the boys use my camera, Abonye sat there trying to figure out a polynomial subtraction problem I had given him earlier (which I will admit took me a while to remember how to do). He refused to not give up. He is a serious child, who I can tell will go far because he is willing to take the time to learn things-even something as dull as polynomial equations. Once he got the concept, his face lit up and he smiled- a difference from his usual demeanor. It sounds incredibly trite and dare I say cliché to say, but it was one of those moment I will remember forever. This is why I came here. Nothing about these boys is credited to me. I wish they knew how amazing they are and the possibilities life has to offer them. One day, they will-even though all of them claim to desire to be a soccer player, except for Eric who wants to be a social worker and is interested in human rights at the age of 13. I can talk for days about each boy, but I shall spare you all.
I now can confidently say that I am going to teach abroad for a year of my life, God willing. I am really happy being here. Although exhausted by the time I reach the school, the second I sit down and have them beg me to write their names in Arabic, I feel revived. The car ride to the volunteering usually follows the same pattern: everyone is quiet and sleepy on the way there, but is overflowing with things to say about each boy and their progress on the way back. I will admit that I have lately been a little preoccupied about things back home in California, but this reminded me why I am here. Although people matter back home, this is the time I need to give more of myself to those here.
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