My Trip Back to Ocean View

I recently went back to visit my homestay family, the Corker's in Ocean View with my friend Lauren. Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am to have them in my lives, opening their home and their hearts to complete strangers. It was a bit different going back on our own because there weren't a hundred other Americans with us, and we had to find our own way to get there which is actually very simple. Lauren and I woke up early and caught a train to Fischoek, and then we were going to take a taxi (minibus) directly to Ocean View. Immediatley after hopping off the train though Nonny, who we had actually met at Ocean View because he was one of Elrenzo's friends (Elrenzo was my host brother) was walking around looking spiffy from work. Although he didn't now we were coming back to Ocean View he didn't see surprised at all that we were heading back to Veronica and Cedric's. He waited for us to follow him, but because the ticket booth was closed this morning we had to find a place to pay for our ticket. Eventually though we made it to Ocean View where Cedric (Our host dad) came to pick us up from the taxi stop.

Cedric, has one of the warmest personalities I have ever encountered and from the second he greeted us with his big smile I felt right at home. We caught up on each others lives as he informed us that they were doing well, but had all just caught colds from the winter winds and rain that have been coming in. Veronica was walking down the street towards us and embraced us with an enormous hug. When we got to the house it for some reason felt like Christmas time. Partially because I wasn't sure if I was ever going to make it back to see this family again and now that I was back in the house I was beyond happy. It also felt like Christmas time because it was freezing outside so Veronica brought out a tray of biscuits (cookies) and made us hot vanilla custard. It was an amazing time to catch up just with Veronica as Cedric was outside doing some repairs on their home and Elrenzo was at work at the Pick N' Pay clothing shop. We talked about politics and the next elections. We talked about all of the issues that the ANC has brought upon South Africa and how Veronica would never vote for them again. Veronica wanted to know how our country works with elections and if we could explain to her the difference between the Democrats and the Republicans. She also asked if we could explain to her the beliefs of the Amish. We asked about the stereotypes that have been placed on Coloured people and we discussed how much racism still occurs to this day and it is just difficult to see from our perspective being international White American students. We also talked about Elrenzo and how he was doing as well as the rest of their family.

We watched a soccer match on television together as well as the show The Voice, and then we were brought to the Pastor's house in town to relax and meet two of the students that have been living with them for the past two weeks. One of the students knew my best friend Maddie from Azusa Pacific and it was at that moment that I realized the more people you meet the smaller this world gets. I mean come on, I am in a township in South Africa and I meet someone from the States who knows one of my closest friends, how crazy is that?! Afterwards we went back to the house and Lauren and Veronica helped to prepare appetizers for the family friends that were coming over for the braai we were going to be having that night. We made crackers with a liver spread, cheese, and mashed eggs and it was actually delicious! Skyler helped us make the food and boy oh boy was it fun to see her again, I have missed her playful adventurous spirit. Elrenzo came home and it was just so nice to see him again. He was kind enough to give up his room for us again as well as let us hang out with him that night and just catch up about life with his friend Nonny too. We talked music, Elrenzo whipped out a freestyle rap and then we talked about school, special education, and Lauren and Elrenzo's frustrations with their jobs.

We went back inside after eating a delicious meal with all of the family that was over and then we watch the show Monk before going to sleep. Lauren and I had to wake up very early because I had planned on going to Mzoli's (I'll explain later) the next day. Elrenzo woke up at 7 a.m to say goodbye to us, even though we didn't end up waking until 8. Veronica prayed over us for safety on the train before we went on our ways. I know I will be back again, and I know I will always have family in Ocean View.