It has been two weeks since arriving back in the states. I have naturally experienced some mixed emotions. I am enjoying my freedom back by being able to drive, not having a set “plan” for everyday, and of course the Georgia summer sun. However, none of these freedoms can compare to how much my heart is longing to be back in SA. I have been watching the World Cup on TV and seeing the commercials with the SA flag wrapping around Table Mountain makes me so happy. Hearing the vuvuzelas, seeing the camaraderie of the locals and tourists, and knowing I was just there in that direct spot all these people are standing is unbelievable. I have not grasped how much I loved SA until I have spent time over here in the states. God has been working on my heart and how ironic to find out one of my friends from the trip is looking to go back next semester. We have found some cheap flights, places to stay, and if all goes as planned: I will be spending Christmas with the women who changed my life in the township in the warm SA weather. I would love to hike Table Mountain or go surfing that morning…HoW KeWl DuDEEE haha I am starting to save as of today.
I will now share two other lessons from I learned from SA about SACRIFICE and COMMITMENT
For so long I complained I had a job. I always thought “All my friends do not have jobs in college..so why do I have to sacrifice my time working as a waitress at Longhorn?” I missed out on many Friday and Saturday night memories, July 4th, Valentines Day, 2 home UGA football games, Christmas Eve with my family, Fathers Days, or time when I could have been doing other things I enjoyed. After being in Africa and seeing how different their definition is of sacrifice is compared to mine has made me humble. I now appreciate everything I have built for myself at Longhorn and actually take pride in my work. In reality, I am sacrificing my time but gaining a work ethic and appreciation for what I have that no one will ever be able to take away from me. I have worked my butt off for everything I have and this will take me so far in life.
On a little bit of a lighter note…I have recharged my commitment to others that has been lacking for the past few months. I sort of got sucked into this “college social group hole”. I was so concerned about what others thought of me, who I was hanging out with, and being accepted in the social scene. I am seriously laughing typing this because that I see the lifestyle I was living was so unbelievably fake and unfulfilling. A fulfilling lifestyle comes from investing time and committing yourself to others.
So now I am all about challenging myself right…I decided to challenge myself this summer and beyond by being committed to something other than human beings and pets
I bet you are thinking….What the heck could she honestly commit herself to then?
dun dun dun.....The answer:
-Sunflower plant (my favorite flower): I am going tomorrow morning to Lowes and buying a sunflower seed packet and painting a pretty pot. I am going to water the plant every morning and it is going to be b-e-a-utiful
-Fish. Goldfish to be exact. I was never a huge Goldfish person whenever I was younger. I always had a Betta fish..or two…or three..maybe even four. I did not mean for them to die, okay? Gosh…I know what you are thinking. Haha. This time is different though. I am getting two Goldfish tomorrow in honor of my favorite South African band, ironically named Goldfish. These are going to be the fattest and happiest Goldfish anyone will ever meet.
Love life people. We only get one shot at it. Sacrifice. Commit.
