Janiel's parting thoughts

Now that it’s time to face the reality that I’m leaving Cape Town, I’ve been trying to think positively. South Africa will always be the place that I had the best experience of my life. Ironically, while writing this Whitney Houston’s song “I Will Always Love You” is playing in my headphones. This is how I feel about Cape Town, my heart will always be there—this is why I must return.

Things I’ll miss about the Rainbow Nation

• The calmness—I learned that if things aren’t still important 10 minutes or even 10 years from now, then it wasn’t important to begin with. You loose the meaning of things if you’re always in rush.
• The mountains—throughout everything, those mountains have remained. It sounds silly, but I always felt like they were following me… like my own secret angel. I will miss soaking up the beauty and strength they radiated.
• The culture—the people are truly gracious… Braai’s are my new favorite thing… The music gets you twisted and lost!
• Vernon—I’ve never met a man such as him. He opened my eyes to the art of storytelling. I’ve seen that his warmth has touched those who don’t even know him, and engulfs those that do.     
•  My co-educators— everyone on this trip has such an amazing mind. I loved learning and seeing things from new perspectives because of them. I’ll miss having a roommate that has such a big voice and an even bigger heart.
• Red Cross Hospital—even though it took me some time, I found the perfect internship. I’ll miss those that worked there along side me who never got tired of my many questions.
• Africa Acts Outs—the children are so great! I loved being able to let loose and have fun with them
• South Africa—it’s silly to even make a list of things I’ll miss about S.A. I’m so happy I chose to spend my semester there. I will hold onto everything I’ve learned while being there… those that are mine, and those that I share with others.

 On the last day of Patrick’s dads visit, I remember him telling me that he never says goodbye, he only says farewell. I want to say Enkosi, Baie Dankie, and and Thank You Cape Town… Farewell, I’ll see ya later.

Janiel, Vernon, Brianna