I am back physically into my previous lifestyle, but not mentally. I have been spending time at home, at our family cabin, and working too many hours. At our cabin in Northern Wisconsin (Hayward to be exact) I made a South African dinner and displayed my 400+ photos of my adventures. I taught my family some Khosa words and explained what I learned on my trip. I could have talked all night. Since then I have been working on a team of eight to plan the logistics of a three day Leadership Symposium.
Yesterday was the first day and it was busy, fun, and full of laughter. As I was watching people eat and making sure the food would not run out, I had been deep in thought. Kate, one of the Leadership Minor Alum has been working in Tanzania. We talked about South Africa because she also had been on the same trip. It was great to talk to someone who had been on the trip but not part of my group. She had some great questions and could relate to what I was going through. I felt so much better after talking to her and seeing her was great! She loves her work in Tanzania, and gave me hope that I can still go back to South Africa someday. Instead of "If I go back to Cape Town, South Africa, the question is when!"
My next revelation a few hours after this was the realization of who I am right now and how to remember what I learned and how to use it in everyday life. I realized I am not only a U of M student, a leader, a daughter, a sister, a chef wannabe, a dreamer with strong intentions, but an Ambassador for South Africa. Instead of dwelling on what I could have done or what I will do, right now I am focusing on keeping my stories alive and sharing my study abroad experience with as many people as I can. Telling people and inspiring them to go on their own study abroad experience is one thing I can do. No matter what the cost: financial or personal, everyone needs to get out of the country and really see, feel, and share what they saw.
I need to keep sharing and laughing, remembering and pulling those feelings out. I have been hiding how much I miss it. This weekend will be our first of many South Africa Leadership Reunion parties and I am dying to see everyone! It will be great to connect again and get things in the open that people have been feeling.
It is hard to get right back into things, it has been harder than any midterm, or final that I hope I never have to do again. I am still adjusting and will never be done learning and growing from this experience. I am so happy to have had this experience and even though I am pretty broke, I will survive and thrive after this journey of my life.
I love everyone and THANK YOU for the unconditional support.
