New Years Eve
I always mean to write more, and really wanted some time to reflect about the past year over the holidays. Turns out finding time to sit on my own is even more complicated.
And then things get a bit hectic (I have adopted using the word hectic instead of crazy etc, people use it a lot here and they understand me better to use it. Also I find it rather fitting) For example today we were told we have to be out of our house by sat afternoon instead of Sunday morning, and as we are visiting and staying with Jen’s friends on the other side of Cape Town we haven’t been there to pack. In addition when we were originally planning to go back on Friday to sort everything- we were told we would be picked up Sat morning…. Logistics such as these come up and then I don’t get to share it all with you.
But really thinking about the past year is quite amazing. I am surprised with how okay I have been with uncertainty in the last year and with how far faith can get you. Last January all I totally knew was I had a little bit of savings, I didn’t have to start paying my loans for 6 months, and I had a piece of paper that is somewhat respected in our society that may or may not help me get a job. Also the La Plantes were getting rid of a car and so how the scheme to drive across the country came up. Then what I thought was a casual relationship in January turned into having a confidant for the entire year- and it looks like for a while longer.
And for the first time I got to make my own decisions. I mean I think I am opinionated and stubborn enough that I have made my own decisions my whole life. But I really got to say I want to drive across the country and visit people and to wake up every morning know it was my decision which direction I would set out on.
And lucky for me the one job I still was waiting to hear from while adventuring, invited me for a weekend long interview. It wasn’t easy- it was soul searching to know if the Mission Internship was the right step for me. I didn’t want just a job- but was this what I wanted to dedicate three years of my life to. And the clarity came that this was something I could do and that I could connect to.
While this was the first year of my life I can remember not in school, it’s been a lot of field education. Even more than that I had the opportunity to teach for 6 weeks this summer with the Higher Achievement program. And I was challenged everyday by my students and by pushing myself. Luckily it was the most supported teaching program I could have gone into especially with no formal training. And as a teacher you are making decisions for much more than yourself, I was fortunate to have amazing colleagues and the opportunity to get to know the struggles in my student’s lives.
And then I prepared for the Mission Internship program. Originally thinking I was going to Mongolia. And truthfully my communication channels have changed so much in the past year that some people dear to me, may even think that is where I am. Then in September to learn I may not only be going to South Africa and working in Africa in general, but also I was going to the DRC, I was going to Congo. The history of the country and causes for the unfathomable violence took me to deep frustration in college. But it always seemed so far away.
Things still seem far away, but if I have learned anything this year- things aren’t as far away as you think. More important than that: I have never thought I needed to be rich. And have always agreed it is greater to be rich with friends and people than money. But this year I have been more than humbled in how true that is.
I said before this year I got to decide what would make me happy and head for the horizon. But I had options and the ability to make decisions only because of the rich tapestry of people around me. The people who shared or prepared meals for me. Those of you that made sure I had a pillow or just someone to check in with. For the people from literally all over the world that have shared stories with me. I never knew how rich I would be at my age and thinking back over the past year the rich tapestry of people that have surrounded me is almost overwhelming.
People from my past have resurfaced and family and friend connections have been amazing. My relationships with close friends has had to change, and especially the change of living with friends in college- but that DC family remains. My own family has been incredibly supportive as have my church family. And I am sorting out my family here, especially the family created through the other 11 young adults serving around the US and the world- especially the Jen and Rachel. I wish I could send the time to name you all, but every e-mail and conversation is flowing back to me just thinking.
And in the next year I think it will much more be my Africa year. Shaped by South Africa and especially work in DRC, Kenya, and Lesotho. Maybe this past year has been my wandering year- but in some ways I feel closer to all the key players in my life. I think I feel closer to myself.
And I am about to leave to go to a concert in Kirstenbosch gardens here to celebrate New Years. You know that song about old and new friends we sing on New Years. Well this year Rachel, my new friend and roommate, and I are going to meet Katie and Alex who are dear friends from DC and American University. And so I am excited to connect with different worlds to bring in this next year and to reunite with friend I ahvent seen in a year and a half. (I'll miss the Arlington Crew and all the fireworks and shannanigans!)
You see when I have less time, I just ramble - so thank you for reading. Maybe in 2010 I should work on being concise.
Also here 2010 is synonymous with the World Cup. !!! but that is a whole other blog.
Love to you all! Thanks for sharing with me and I hope you have a great adventure in 2010.
Cheers,
Hannah
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