Hello to all once again. I have been out of commission for a while and thought I would bring you another update from here in South Africa. Before I go into all of the updates with the projects, I thought I would first tell you a bit about my week-long holiday a few weeks ago. My sister-in-law Joy and her friend Helen decided to come pay me a visit here in Cape Town. I could not have been more excited to have family and friends from home here. It was like my two worlds met for the first time! I was so excited! The girls had been planning this for a while, and they finally made it. I picked Joy and Helen up on Friday, and little did I know that I would then become a contestant on the Amazing Race. I am just kidding, but that is seriously what our week felt like, and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. From the moment I picked the girls up at the airport, they were ready to see Africa. Instead of me trying to describe their first contact with the mystically beautiful Africa, I thought I would let you see it through their eyes. Here is what they had to say:
Joy-I just returned to the US after what I might consider the best trip ever to Cape Town, South Africa. As soon as I got off the plane, I was amazed by how gorgeous Cape Town was. That first night we were in South Africa, we went out to dinner and again I could not believe how friendly everyone was and how good the food was. Some of the things we did while we were in South Africa you could never do back home. We went on a safari and we saw elephants, lions, giraffees, rhinos, buffalo, and hippos in there natural habitat. We went to a beautiful wine estate, Spier, and had some of the best wine and food I have ever tasted. I must say, I wish we had Spring Bok in the US. We also went on a Shark Diving Expedition to Seal Island. This was the WORST part of my South African Adventure. I wish I could explain to you how horrible 60,000 seals SMELL. Whenever I think of this smell, I get sick all over again, hahahahahaha. On this trip, we also spent some time in the townships and talked to some of the local people. This experience was much different than I had expected. People were very friendly and easy to talk to. I was also amazed at how hard the people in the townships work and what little amount of money they are able to make. I think it is important to point out that poverty is still a significant concern, even though many of the people that live in poverty consistently attempt to better themselves. All in all, I would definitely visit Cape Town again. On my next trip, I look forward to going up to Table Mountain, going whale watching, and visiting Robben Island. I also REALLY HOPE to see a baboon. I was soooooooooo disappointed that I did not see any baboons while in South Africa.
Helen-
This trip in summation was educational, adventurous, and warm, all at the same time. I felt peaceful living in a less complicated world, where problems are not banished, actually really exposed, yet life wasn’t moving so fast and wasn’t overshadowed by fast-paced nonsense. I had the opportunity to meet exceptional people in an intimate way, and was able to really self-reflect in the meantime. One truly can’t grasp a culture and a way of being without physically being exposed to it. Getting a first-hand perspective and feeling the spirit in somebody else’s culture is priceless and very rewarding. I learned that “Ubuntu” expresses an African philosophy of life that one may perhaps describe as brotherliness, solidarity, and togetherness. The individual is the harmonious part of the society, but society is nothing without the individual. Where I come from our society is achievement and competitive based which helps us grow in capitalism, but starves of us real human connection with our neighbors and family. I appreciate learning about the South African culture and being a part of its culture for the short time I was there. I am blessed to be able to have this experience be a part of my life. I have gained self-awareness, and have spiritually grown in my own way. It was truly a rich experience for me.
Well, there you have it. I am convinced that anyone who steps foot on African soil will somehow be changed forever. Living in Africa can truly be indescribable at times. I was overjoyed to be able to share a portion of my life here with the girls. I know each of them learned different life lessons, and I am sure it will bring an unspoken understanding of sorts when I am home next.
Well, I was going to update you on all the work that is being done, but I think you have enough to chew on for the day. Maybe later this week I will give you a real update. I just thought it would be nice for you to hear and learn about Africa from a fresh pair of eyes and hearts.
One last thing, for those of you who were praying and wondering about my housing situation, I recently decided to live in a house with a couple other people. This had been an option for awhile, but I wasn't keen on the idea of sharing a bedroom. I decided to do the cheapest thing (check facebook status; I mean it literally), and just suck it up. But Sunday morning I sent up a quick prayer to God that He would somehow make a way for one of the rooms in the house to open up, so I wouldn't have to share a room. I honestly didn't even take my own prayer seriously. It was more of a wish at the time. Well, a half an hour a later I get a call telling me that one of the rooms opened up for me if I want it! I was so relieved! Shame on me for being so faithless! I thank God He remains faithful when we are faithless. Anyway, I move in on Thursday. I might not have internet for a while, so please don't be alarmed or offended if I don't respond to your emails right away.
I will write again very soon! Love you all!
Christina Rose Bacino
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