Kelsey experiencing the city and its inspirational people

Kelsey

We’ve now have been here for 2 weeks and it feels like we have been here for months. Orientation was extremely strenuous but taught us so much about the city and how to move about comfortably. This whole week we have been visiting our various internships and I’m so glad we all got the opportunity to do so. Not only are we able to see where each of us are working but also we have been formulating ideas and opportunities for future activists projects. Most importantly I’m ecstatic about my internship at the Tafaelsig clinic in Mitchell’s Plain. Mitchell’s Plain is a township, so I will be able to actually work in a place that still is feeling the pain from Apartheid. We are all excited that we get to wear scrubs and actually get to see and interact with patients. I was also very happy to hear that we would be working with as many children as adults. I love being able to talk and play with the kids here. 

Overall, I could not be more excited for my internship. I often find myself just thinking to myself how lucky I am to be given such an opportunity as this study abroad trip. I have already been so moved and touched by the people here. Last Sunday we went to a church service that brought many of us, including myself, to tears. I was so moved by how much soul the people of the church had. They were so welcoming and understanding. It was really a special experience to be in such a place surrounded with so much love and compassion, especially when many people in the church have seen many sad days. I remember one woman at the service in particular was teaching me how they dance and went out of her way to include me in their dancing hymn. She was so accepting. I found out later that her house had burned down earlier that month and was only living on donations. I was so moved by her positive attitude, which seemed to be radiating from her. Most people I meet let situations like hers turn them bitter. It is truly inspiring to see. 

This week we also had some free time to explore the city and do some other activities on our own. We took the train for the first time to a local beach, which was absolutely beautiful. On the way back from the beach, it was rush hour and we were all packed onto the train like sardines. There were people hanging off the side of the train doors and also people riding in between the cars. People on the train were very friendly but to get off we had to push through so many people and we ended up all falling out the train door. It was quite the experience but at least we made our stop. We definitely learned to leave the beach before rush hour. When I first arrived here, I was excited for the beaches, the hiking, and the nightlife. Although I am still very excited for that I am way more interested in volunteering and the different things we can do for the people of Cape Town. I just love learning about their lives and talking to people. One thing I hope to bring back to the states is the willingness and the active effort to make time to volunteer. After college started, I feel like I lost that ambition to volunteer as much. It was such a refreshing feeling to get back, a feeling that I haven’t felt in a while