Be the change

It's almost time to leave this amazing country which has been my home for the past 13 months. I have had an fantastic time; learned so much about my self and about these communities, met so many wonderful people which have touched my heart in so many ways.

Host families have opened their homes to me and made me part of families , their generosity and kindness have meant so much to me. They have given me insight and knowledge about different cultures and ways of life which I could not have received anywhere else.

Communities and their members have accepted this Umlungu as one of them. When my coach from Mt. Frere told me that they wanted to give me their traditional costume to show their appreciation for everything I had done for them, I almost cried. They do not have much, but what they have they always share!

With new friends I have shared culture shock, laughter, tears, experiences and challenges over the last year. Without them and their support I am not sure I could have survived. The support from everyone at home has also been priceless. I guess it has not always been easy to understand or grasp the context of what I'm talking about and experiencing, but knowing that people at home are interested and care about me has meant a lot. Enkosi:)

I am looking forward to going home, but at the same time scared.. Am i ready for Norway?

For now I'll finish of with some inspiring words by a guy called Gandhi:

Be the change you want to see in the world! Good Friends
My soccer team in Tiyani. These boys were amazing!
Good times with my team in Mt. Frere
My inspiring little sister in Mt. Frere Cwete.

xxxx

Tyjani 5th and last SOM Community

With my hostbrother Lonene
B and I. Transport was always a challenge
Up at sunrise for the funeral where I fainted
Changing lives through Sport:)
Soccer training with my Team!

This one is getting old

Good start to the day. Jeger always helps:)
Birthday girl!
Lunch inMakhado with the SOM team
Birthday song and cake for the birthday girl:) Enkosi B!!!

Buffelshoek and Rabali

Buffelshoek; Just recovered from food poisening
Si Siblings in Buffelshoek
Soccer tournament in Buffelshoek
Rabali, our 4th community
Laundery time

Enjoying Africa!

QHA!! We finished SCORE on the Move about 2 weeks ago, and it was a bitter sweet feeling. In one way very good to be done, it has been a very stressful last 5 months with lots of challenges and problems with the group, but on the other hand this last year has been truly amazing and it was a bit sad to be finished. But I am still in Africa so in one way I don't feel finished just jet. Going back til Mt. Frere to say propa goodbye to my host family and friends there, and then to Cape Town where my good friends and colleagues in SCORE are doing GO for the new volunteers. But for now I am traveling, and it has been great!
Zanzibar for a week with Jan Morten, another SCORE volunteer. white beaches and clear blue ocean. Mix of Indian, African and Arabic culture there. very interesting and beautiful place!
And now I am in Mozambique with Tonje and some of her friends. Arrived in Tofo last night and staying for a week. house (or hut) on the beach, 30 degrees and cold beers:) This one she loves Africa:) then is back to South Africa before home n the 25 th of July!!

hope all is well, miss you all and starting to looking forward to going home now. That is a good feeling:)

lots of love!!