Days Go By

It's been two months since I returned to the United States from South Africa. In those two months several things have happened. There have been moments when I forget about South Africa and I fall back into my American routine. I've sat in front of the TV and lusted after items I do not need and can't afford. I've watched the clock and have wished the hands to move faster as it fails to keep up with my fast-paced demands. I have even decided I am full halfway through a meal and thrown away the rest of its contents without thinking twice about the waste I am making.

There have also been moments when I remember South Africa and I can still smell the Rooibos tea and hear the monkeys outside my window. I've caught myself complaining about meaningless things and remembered how truly blessed I am. I walked into the voting polls and voted with honor thinking about the thousands that live in oppression and are far away from democracy. I watched the world cup games and remembered all the beautiful stadiums that cast a shadow on the townships and pull tourists away from the sights they should see and the real Africa that they should experience.

Some nights I dream about the children I met in Haniville and I wake up wanting to hold them in my arms. Some mornings the bay area fog couldn't look any more beautiful and I feel so blessed to call this my home.