I have been home for a few weeks now and Cape Town could not feel more far away. It was difficult for me to be home which I had expected already. Readjusting to American culture took awhile and I felt that I needed to get away so I drove for six hours to my family's cottage on the lake. Watching the sunset go down painting the sky all sorts of colors and the water orange I realized again how truly blessed I am. Do you ever have that feeling where you know your loved but that knowledge actually sinks into your whole being. I have the best parents in the whole world who have taught me what unconditional love really means. They have taught me that love means sacrifice as they have given it all so my siblings and I could have the best lives imaginable. I recently got to talk to my mom about my decision to possibly change my major as i have never been completely fulfilled with Special Education. That was one of the moments I actually realized how much my loves me, so much so that my heart ached to want to give back the same. Having her as my mother makes me the luckiest girl in the world and whenever I am complemented I really owe it all to the woman who has taught me to be humble, and compassionate, grateful, caring, and genuine, patient, and understanding and lastly loyal. My mom lives out all of those qualities and so much more that i can only hope to someday have. I realized how much my dad loves me and he has shown my that by letting me chase all of the crazy dreams I've had, the most recent one being my journey to Cape Town for six months. I know every night my parents worried about me, and they have always been right by my side whenever I've needed it, and even when I haven't...so shout out to Nancy Johnson and Earl Townsend...for being more then a girl could ask for.
I also recognized that the journeys I have had both near and far have allowed me to walk with and become friends and family with some of the greatest people that God has graced me with, all of whom I consider family. First I would like to start with Sarah, Nicole, Katie, Maddie, and Megan. We've stuck it out through thick and thin, been at each others sides laughed and cried together, and realized even when we are miles apart at different schools or different countries we will always be friends. Being home hasn't been easy but I've had the most amazing friends who have put up with my anti America comments as well as complaining of how I don't want to be home. You guys have been so understanding and I would expect nothing less from how amazing you all are.
This one goes out to Sim along with a few others, but Sim I need to start with. Sim you are one of the most wonderful, intriguing, caring, passionate, and genuine people I have ever met. When I first met you I thought you were crazy funny...turns out I was right. I have also learned along the way how caring you are. You graciously welcomed me into your already full flat and managed to keep me fed and take me on crazy fun adventures along the way. You are more than a sister to me and you know even miles away I've got your back and I know you have mine. And along with you comes Farai. Once again with all the people I've mentioned I feel greatly loved by each and every one, and this is one of my ways of showing love in return. Farai along with Sim, you have taken great care of me in every way possible. It's in your nature to look out for the people you care about and I have never noticed it in a person more then I've noticed it in you. You have treated me with so much respect and kept me safe in many instances where things could have gone poorly. Oceans apart, I think about you all the time, I am unbelievably happy to have met you and to get to remain so close to you now. You know my heart better then so many people in my life. I've got your back boo boo haha I mean that in all seriousness. Along with you guys comes Mandi,Talu,Nat,Nqo and Sima who made my last 2 and a half weeks in Cape Town the best I could have asked for. You guys know I love you and the Skins reunion is going to happen..it is necessary. And for all of you..know I carry your hearts with me everywhere I go...in a non creepy way haha.
And lastly to all of my faithful and amazing friends from Hope. You know who I am talking about :) I was so nervous you all would have thought I've changed so much when I was gone that I thought coming back was going to be a challenge..but you guys have shown me that you've got my back no matter what. I love that we can goof off and be serious at the same time and I am honored to be living with such amazing people this coming semester. You guys have already made coming back to Hope feel a little more like home. I love you guys :)
There are many more who I have failed to mention and I apologize for that, there are many more posts to come though :) For now I love you all...
"i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go"
I love you all with all I have. Thank you for making me a better person by being yourselves.
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