Lizzie's reflections afterward

Lizzie’s reflection after SA

When I first applied for the pilgrimage to South Africa I imagined a trip filled with hard labor, rural communities, and lots and lots of elephants. The trip, however, did not contain any of these images. We did not build houses, we were not living in huts, and no, sadly we did not trade in our van for an elephant. Instead, this pilgrimage was filled with fun people, harsh realities, and lasting memories. Many of my experiences were not what I expected, but to be honest none of us could have anticipated what we were about to see and feel.
My very first experience in Cape Town was not what I imagined at all. It began when the group finally arrived at St. Claire’s church after traveling for 48 hours. We were standing outside of the church when we kept hearing people screaming and cheering. As we got ready to walk in, no one wanted to enter first into the room of unfamiliar voices, but lucky for me I got pushed into the room first. In the room there was a group of about 20 kids standing, clapping their hands and cheering as loudly as they could. It was louder than any concert I have ever been to. I felt like I was a celebrity walking on the red carpet getting followed by 1000 screaming fans. It was probably the most awkward yet most memorable part of the trip for me. I didn’t know whom to look at or if I should wave or if I should go around introducing myself. All of us walked in the same way with our faces beaming red from stage fright and smiling as big as we could. Thankfully, once we all got into the room, we were introduced and began playing games that allowed for us to mingle and get to know one and other. The awkward stage of my journey was over. From the moment that we stepped into the church we were welcomed with hugs and kindness and that continued throughout the whole two weeks we were in South Africa.
Shortly after our welcoming, we were grouped into hostess families for our first night in Cape Town. Emily and I stayed with Barry and Heather Stevens. We got to know the Stevens very well, well at least we got to know Barry because Heather could not get a word in. Barry was energetic, funny, and by the end of the first hour he was calling Emily and me “his girls” or “his daughters”. We ate and laughed for hours that night. Barry asked us what we had expected of South Africa that was not true so far and without thinking I blurted out “well there are no elephants here”. I immediately regretted saying that because for the rest of the trip when Barry would introduce us to his friends he would kindly tell them the apparently hilarious story of me expecting to see elephants. I had expected this night with the host families to be uncomfortable and weird. As you can see, however, none of this was true. I felt more at home than I have ever felt before. The Stevens offered us anything that we would like and they served Emily and me the best pie ever. If you ever go to Cape Town, go to Barry’s house for some pie- trust me. I was not expecting Barry to be so open and honest with us. We spent most of the night talking about Apartheid and the issues of Cape Town. I had learned about Apartheid in 9th grade but to hear the story first hand from an actual witness of it was a completely different experience. It amazed me that the Stevens could be so welcoming and open to complete strangers after having been treated so inhumanely for their whole lives. Emily and I had created a great friendship with the Stevens and enjoyed every second of our stay at their house.
The last thing that I had not expected to experience in South Africa was the reality of the living conditions for millions of people. I had read about the harsh conditions of the poor and seen many pictures of the townships that were a result of Apartheid. However, one can never really understand the reality of life in South Africa until one sees it in person, but I know that not everyone has the opportunity to do so. The first time I saw a township I was in complete shock. It was mile after mile of shacks built within a meter of one and other. When we rounded a turn going up the mountain there was a clear view of the whole town. I honestly don’t have a word to describe what I saw but to put it in perspective it was about 20 by 20 miles of shacks housing approximately 2 million people. I was so nervous when Sam and Kate told us that we would be going to that township later that week. When the day finally arrived, we were greeted with stares at first but then welcomed by everyone we walked past. All the kids would wave and sometimes follow the group. It amazed me that even though these people were sleeping on the dirt floor and could hardly afford a meal; they were still able to smile. They held their heads high and treated us with the greatest kindness anyone could offer.
I had many experiences that were unexpected throughout the whole trip. I couldn’t have asked for more, though. Every person I met, every place I ventured, and every friendship I made allowed me to realize how lucky I was to be there. I know that it is cliché to say, but it gave me a whole new perspective on life. Every day I think about my experiences in South Africa and how great the country is. Nothing that I had anticipated in the beginning held true, and I am so glad that it didn’t. I wouldn’t trade anything for the memories I have and the friendships I made.