Grown In South Africa...
My heart is so full. In the last couple weeks, I’ve been
diligent to tune in to the growth I’ve experienced in South Africa. It is part
of the promise to myself to not take such a wonderful experience for granted. As
I sit on the balcony facing lush trees that are a shade of green which is yet
to be found in Cincinnati, I reflect. I
turn 27 in two days. I slowly sip
the strong and pure coffee and nuzzle myself even deeper into my knitted
sweater. So, this is the adventure
that I was meant to live out during my 26th year?
I recall the weeks leading to our departure from American
soil at the beginning of the year, thinking about all the goals I wanted to
accomplish—strengthen and tone my body, make friends, draw/paint more, journal every day, cook as much African food as
possible, grow in my faith, read more, and travel… a lot.
We leave South Africa this Friday and I am constantly
comparing expat-Christina to Cincinnati native-Christina. Besides the fact that
I’ve adopted a few South African phrases, and can (in my opinion) imitate the
British accent at the drop of a hat, I’m the same.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve grown. But it’s still me. I haven’t
morphed into a person who can run a half-marathon, or name a dish from every
African country. In all honesty, out of all the dishes I’ve cooked here, only
three have been from Africa (Ethiopia and Kenya). In addition, I broke my ankle halfway through
our stay which reduced me to sit on my backside for a good 1.5 months. I was
hiking the Drakensburg Mont Aux Sources Mountain. The worst part? I had already
completed most of the hike and was just shy of 1k away from then car. Tangent—you
won’t believe how many random people, after asking what happened, told me I
need to make up a new story. First, that’s rude. Second, no thank you, I like
my story just fine.
Corkboard map-- DIY Christmas gift for Brian |
So here is what I’ve learned about me. I love to read. Prior
to embarking on this journey, I did not read much. Five months ago, if someone
asked me what type of books I enjoy reading, I’d give a generic answer—novels.
I now understand why I wasn’t enthusiastic to read, because I don’t prefer novels! My favorite types
of books are memoirs and those written by foodies—jackpot if it’s a memoir
written by a foodie! If you knew me growing up, you’d know that the last place
you’d find me is on a couch curled up with a book. Now, I’m always looking for
the next read.
I enjoy staying fit but not in the let’s go to the gym and run on a treadmill kind of fit. I enjoy
activities such as bike riding, walking, tennis, and yoga. Since I’ve been able
to stand again, yoga has become a routine. I’ve decided it’s the way I will find
strength in my body again.
I have made friends in far places. I realize that there are
a handful of women whom I will miss dearly when I leave South Africa. Thank
goodness for WhatsApp and Facebook!
Sketch with Knsna, SA on my mind. |
I’ve grown in my faith. You’ll be surprised how much more
you prioritize quiet time when you have, well, a lot of quiet time. It’s been a
time to reflect and grow not only on my relationship with the Lord, but to also
see life and the people in it differently.
I have to thank my dear friend Stephanie for doing the Brave Journey and
skyping weekly with me. Every week, a part of home and familiarity is displayed
on my computer screen and provides me with comfort.
As wonderful as this experience has been, I think I’m ready
to return home. Cincinnati will always be home.
Cheers!
Christina
Hey Christina! We nominated you for the Liebster Award, if you're up for a fun little project/blog prompt! Details are in our latest post :) http://nomadic-newlyweds.com/2015/05/liebster-award-2/
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