Day 40: Gratitude

Dear avid readers,



After thousands of words and numerous pictures, I couldn’t end this writing adventure without thanking those of you who read day after day and commented on my experiences. At first, I wanted to document my six weeks of excitement in order to recollect every little detail of my journey. By the end, I realized that my diary turned into a daily column in a travel magazine. I have been utterly humbled by the number of people who took the time in their busy days to keep up with what I was doing a half a world away. Honestly, it meant more than you know when I received comments about my adventures and heard from friends of friends who truly cared about my time in South Africa. If you didn’t catch drift, I had the experience of a lifetime. Thank you for bypassing my grammar errors and continuing to walk with me every step of the way. Until the next life-changing experience, that’s all folks!



Carrie

Another spectacular rainbow.

Amazing creatures.









I'm not scared of anything now!

Picture perfect experience.











A simple cross to remind me who created this beautiful country.

The people who changed our lives while we changed theirs!

Day 39: Application is everything.

Most would assume that jumping out of a plane and swimming with sharks gave me stories to take home. Of course, they did! However, I did create two documents that on the trip that will direct my future in ways that those memories can not. On a warm day on the beach, I wrote a vision statement for my life as an educator after designing a bucket list as the sun set over the Garden Route. Enjoy.



Vision Statement

I want to live a life that encompasses my passions, core values, and strengths in a way that allows me to lead a fulfilling life while still affecting the world around me. My desire to ensure others reach their full potential will play a role in my professional life through a “glass half-full” mentality, expecting more than others think is practical. For my students, I will serve as an educator, counselor, and their biggest advocate for success, caring more than others think is wise. I hope to do for at least one that I wish I could do for everyone. Finally, I want to incorporate my servant heard in my students’ education teaching them to serve others via personal connections with those they serve.

Bucket List

* Be an elementary school teacher in an academically struggling school.
* Become “Teacher of the Year” for the kids I teach.
* Adopt a child from the United States.
* Start a not for profit foundation for abused kids that give them dance as an outlet.
* See all old and new 7 Wonders of the World.
* Continuously enroll in dance classes.
* Marry a man that loves God, children, my family, sports, traveling, and me!
* Have 3 children.
* Learn to speak and write Spanish fluently.
* Learn how to salsa dance.
* Live a financially comfortable life and donate the remaining funds.
* Publish my teaching book.
* Write a children’s book.
* Run the Disney Half Marathon.
* Visit every state in America.
* Visit every country in Europe.
* Meet at least one United States president.
* Work at a small bakery.
* Attend the Masters, NBA/NCAA Final Four, NCAA National Football Championship, MLB/College World Series, World Cup, Olympic Opening and Closing Games, Wimbledon, Superbowl.
* Walk the streets of Bethlehem.
* See the American Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker.
* Become a Delta Gamma advisor.
* Read the entire Bible.
* Step foot on all 7 continents.
* Learn how to swing dance.
* Invent a unique cheesecake recipe.
* Watch every Oscar winning Picture of the Year.
* Train a Guide Dog.
* Swim in all 5 major oceans and the 7 major seas.

Day 38: "I need a take away box, please."

As I am typing these last few blog entries, I look out the window expecting to see Table Mountain and the waves crashing in front of my apartment. Instead, I observe my neighbors walking their dog and drivers going entirely too fast on the tiny road in front of my house. After the experience I just had, it’s hard to accept my old life again. The mundane, never changing, small town just doesn’t compare to the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. However, in its own way, Marietta is just as wonderful. As easy as it would be to share pictures and remember the last six weeks as a “fun time,” I learned too much more than to simply leave it at that. Here are a five ideas, quotes, and memories that I don’t want to forget.



1. Keep Calm and Carry On … During World War II, the English government used this phrase to encourage the people to press on during such a devastating time in their history. In just the few days I have been home, I have seen this phrase three different times in three separate locations. OK. I get it. I’ll remember this idea! In South Africa, we discussed how life can come at you in every direction, challenging you to the greatest degree. However, when the bottom falls out of the sky, at the end of the day, the only thing you can control is your attitude. So, in those situations, keep calm and carry on.

2. Care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible… Essentially, this lesson stressed not living a normal life but living a “wow” life. It means going “above and beyond” on steroids while defying the odds. A “wow” life stems from knowing one’s self and realizing what makes him or her tick. That “tick” should be passion. The “wow” individual takes that passion and runs with it to create a positive change in society.

3. Ubuntu… In Afrikaans, ubuntu means that one “lives because of other people.” Basically, every decision you make influences others, and you should use every moment given to you to learn from your peers. Plus, it implies unconditional love and respect for all people.

4. Do for one that you wish you could do for everyone… Just leaving college and jumping off the highest bungy bridge in the world, I feel like I can conquer the world. However, I need to remember to “do [a] little bit of good where [I] am; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world” (Desmond Tutu). I want to make big changes and may feel overwhelmed at the possibility of solving South Africa poverty for example. Instead, I should invest in one or a few changing their lives just as I would want to change the lives of thousands. Helping just a few will in turn better the world.

5. Preparation, Risk, Integrity, Drive, Everybody… Vince Dooley and his wife Barbara gave a engaging presentation on their views on leadership. As an avid football fan, they held my attention with their game scenario analogies. In his PRIDE acrostic, Vince Dooley mentioned that “proper preparation prevents poor performance” using the losing season before the 1980 National Championship game as an example. Then, he discussed how risk can lead to unexpected circumstances while integrity involves “treating others as you want to be treated.” Also, drive and determination overrides talent. Finally, leaders need to remember everybody or that the team accomplishes a goal not just the leader him or herself.



Random fact: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, both Nobel Prize Winners, grew up on the same street.

Picture: Great people I met on this trip. (From left: Hamilton-Georgia, Grace-Georgia, Taylor-Georgia, Maddie-Tennessee)

Day 36 and 37: Leaving on a jet plane

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!



Even completing the highest bungy jump in the world was easier than waking up for the last time in beautiful Cape Town. To begin our thank yous for the past six weeks, a large group of us went to Hillsong Church and celebrated their third birthday. The pastor came from the London Hillsong Church to discuss the importance of having good character using Daniel as an example. Another great message to take home from this city.



Procrastinating my suitcase packing for a few more hours, I made one last trip to the Waterfront before ending this adventure. We returned to Balducci’s, the first restaurant we attended at the beginning of our trip. This time, I had a delicious pasta primavera while I admired the scenery. This has to be the hands-down most spectacularly, beautiful country in the entire world. No questions asked.



Finally, I faced reality and began packing. Around five, the first group of us started our thirty six hour traveling journey. Thankfully, we left in just enough time to watch our last Cape Town sunset. I will certainly miss those views the most!



We arrived at the airport two hours prior to check-in so we held a few more deep discussions with the Global Lead interns. Someone began discussing education and probably ended up hearing too much from me. Once we finished solving the education world over milkshakes, I checked my underweight bags (big victory!) and wondered around the empty Cape Town airport. At midnight, we boarded our KLM plane on our way to Amsterdam. Luckily, Taylor/interim pillow sat next to me which allowed for a few hours of sleep on our twelve hour flight. Mrs. Doubtfire kept me entertained the rest of the time.



We had a six hour layover in Amsterdam so it’s safe to say I can draw a detailed map of the airport. Unfortunately, I felt the Euro exchange rate as I bought my ham and cheese toastie for lunch. For the remaining few hours, I took a nap and lost a game or two of Bananagrams. Finally, our ten hour flight took off and the great U.S. of A. became a reality. After what seemed like eternity, I walked off the plane feeling warm air for the first time in six weeks. Immediately, my frizzies reappeared. Sadly, I caused quite a commotion at customs when I claimed the proteia seeds I bought for my family. Security sent me to a room by myself and proceeded to examine my bags questioning me the entire time. In the end, America won’t have the opportunity to experience the South African national flower. Oh rats!



After an amazing, life-changing journey, I am home!... for now.

Picture: Scene from the elementary school one day

Day 35: A final curtain call on Cape Town

Today was the day we all dreaded: our last visit to the Old Biscuit Mill. Thankfully, the clearest, warmest day in quite awhile allowed us to take full advantage of our last opportunity to fill our tummies. Most of us arrived early to start the morning off with a hearty breakfast. For the past four Saturdays, I have eyed the Dutch section of the market and decided I would try their Poffertjes. Essentially, the kind chef gave me ten, inch in diameter pancakes with every unhealthy topping that comes to mine. After a few minutes of shopping and wondering, I indulged in a mid-morning apple cake snack that just topped off the pancakes. We closed the market down after a last sirloin sandwich and rich conversations in the sunshine. Old Biscuit Mill, I love you.



Even though we have had over a month, most of us had to make a trip to the Green Market and Waterfront to get last minute gifts while spending our remaining Rand. Sure, I’ll use gifts as an excuse to leisurely enjoy the dynamic culture of the Waterfront one more time.



Sadly, we celebrated our last night all together with a fancy banquet in the Atlanta Suit of our neighboring hotel. One of the interns spent countless hours filming our experiences which he proudly showed in a final video for all of us to cry and laugh over. Lance, Corbus, Ish, and Ish’s wife even joined the party! I think I may have seen a few tears in their direction as well. We concluded the banquet with a few superlatives recognizing a few of our peers for their personal accomplishments throughout the trip or for “just because” reasons. Astonishingly, I received an award! I was completely shocked! Zach presented me with the “Miss Honeybee” award, as in Ms. Honeybee in the childhood classic Matilda. Essentially, the award is given to someone who completely embodies their chosen occupation. Apparently, the staff and my peers think my personality best suits me as an elementary school teacher. I was really honored at the compliments I received, and hopefully, I will live up to everyone’s expectations.

Our final night consisted of spending time with each other over chocolate pudding, dancing to Backstreet Boys, and admiring Cape Town’s night lights. Great conversations, great company, and a great end to an unbelievable trip.



Random fact: South Africans use the phrase “as well” as frequently as the word “the.” We have all started to use saying in our daily conversations… as well.

Day 34: Pursuing relationships

Happy Youth Day!



On my first week in Cape Town, what seems like ages ago, we heard the touching Amy Biehl story and first experienced the poverty in the townships. Kevin Chaplin, the managing director of the Amy Biehl Foundation, taught us about the history of the organization and offered keen advice for our future careers. His lecture and story really touched my friend Zach and I. So, for the next few weeks, we emailed Mr. Chaplin in an effort to learn more. Thankfully, he agreed to meet with us yesterday! (Picture: Zach and I)

After getting slightly lost in the Cape Town business district, we arrived at the seventh floor foundation office. The walls were filled with pictures and articles about the foundation as well as art from the students. Within a few minutes of our arrival, Mr. Chaplin escorted us to his office showing his favorite children’s artwork. Throughout the meeting, we discussed everything from how we foresee our futures to the foundation’s marketing plans to how to start a non-profit organization. He is full of knowledge and life experiences and so willing to share!



Of course, Mr. Chaplin is a busy man so our meeting did not last too long. However, he introduced us to his staff who gave us a tour of their office. We even met a student from John Hopkins University who is serving as an Amy Biehl intern. What a great job! Additionally, Zach and I had a long, deep conversation with the marketing director. This sweet man worked as a high-paying construction company executive but had an addiction problem. One day, we realized his life was not what he wanted. He quick his job and began working for the Amy Biehl Foundation and couldn’t be happier. He even told us a story of how he participated in the New York marathon within months of having hip replacement surgery. Unbelievably, he took twelve Amy Biehl disabled students with him to complete the daunting task. After nearly nine hours, everyone crossed the finish line. He explained that the students’ determination inspired him on that day and continues to do so everyday since then. Children are miracles for sure.



The rest of the afternoon consisted of a Mc Donald’s McFlurry and last minute souvenir shopping at the Waterfront before going to dinner. Ish, Corbus, and Lance planned our evening on Edward Street. They drove us to the Starlight Diner, an American inspired menu. America in South Africa?!? They thought we missed home. Sweet boys! At dinner, I even met a member of the South African parliament who graciously shared with us the best places to visit in Cape Town. I think we impressed him when he realized we had visited most of his suggestions.



Then, we danced the night away at a local club. The fog machine, strobe lights, and techno music made for quite the party!



Just in case you are curious: http://www.amybiehl.org/



Random Fact: June 16th is national Youth Day. During the apartheid, the government instituted a law that school must be taught in Afrikaans. However, in the poorer districts and townships, most of the black students spoke other languages essentially setting them up for failure. In 1976, student protests scaled to riots. In a riot in the Soweto township, a photographer took a picture of a young man and girl carrying a twelve year old boy, Hector Pieterson. The picture spread the cruelty of the apartheid becoming incredibly iconic. In fact, the students have a poster of the picture in their Sir Lowry’s classrooms. So, every June 16th, the country celebrates the protestors’ bravery and South Africa’s future generation.

Day 33: Living the High Life

I felt like a proper, young lady today as we took a girls trip to Mount Nelson Hotel’s Tea Time. This hotel has Table Mountain in the background and a long driveway lined with palm trees in the foreground. Originally built for English travelers vacationing in Cape Town, the hotel has a Titantic-like feel at 112 years old. Famous for its bright pink color, the hotel trademarked the paint after World War II to ensure its prestige. Also, I am sure you are thinking that the hotel pays tribute to South Africa’s beloved Nelson Mandela. In reality, the name originated far before his time. The hotel is dedicated to Lord Horatio Nelson, a famous English Naval officer and war hero. History lesson of the day!



Enough about the hotel, it was delicious! We had a private dinning room filled with the most amazing food and ladies showing off their new South African dresses. The hotel waitresses gave us the largest display of mini sandwiches, bite-sized tarts, and an assortment of different yummy cakes. Initially, I don’t think the hotel was prepared for how much fifty girls would eat judging from the shear panic on their faces as the first group made a Table Mountain of food on their plates. Personally, I have never tasted a better piece of cheesecake in my life. (And, I am famous for my Thin Mint, Andes Mint, Oreo cheesecake recipe!) Not to mention, the tea had its perks too. After our tea/biggest meal of the day, you could see belts loosen left and right. I had difficulty breathing for sure. I can’t believe that people used to do this everyday!

Following a few hours of rest, a small group of us went to Cubana, a Latino restaurant on the other side of town. Since most people stayed in last night, Corbis, Ish, and Lance all joined us! It was quite a funny party listening to them banter and pick at each other. In particular, we pocked fun of Ish for his nap earlier in the day. Since I have written about him so frequently, you can imagine that Ish’s phone rings off the hook all day long with people asking for rides around Cape Town. Yesterday, he fell asleep in his van for an hour or two. All of us went into panic mode and thinking the worst, because we couldn’t get in touch with him. The whole experience made his day without a doubt.



Random fact: Cereal is served with hot milk here.