Big Take Aways from JoBurg

Howdy Blog Followers,

I am finally settling back into the swing of things since our trip. I can hardly believe that we left for the adventure almost a month ago. As I reflect on our time in South African I am filled with joy thinking of all of the things we experienced. My first blog entry is from my journal describing my big big takeaways from our time in Joburg:

1. Think Big - As a person I would describe myself as a big thinker because many of my dreams pushed me far outside the norm of those from my community. However after touring the African Leadership Academy (http://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/), I realized how limiting my dreams had been. The Academy, composed of students representing over 30 countries in Africa was envisioned by one man. That man was committed to empowering Africans from throughout the continent to make changes in their communities. Now after years of spreading the message the founder has alumni from the program attending colleges and universities throughout the world. The thing that truly made an impact for me was the commitment that all alumni make to meet yearly to discuss their work in communities. During this gathering they recommit to the values of the program and together develop new goals/strategies to improve the entire continent of Africa. Speaking of thinking big, just imagine what would happen if we all dared to think big..... 
2. Community Building - Our visit to Kliptown Youth Program (http://www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za/) expanded my understanding of community building. As our guide (Thulani) walked us along the road to the building, we stopped at the local watering whole; where he explained that the youth program had recently helped to install water basins for people to wash their clothing. He further explained that the new basins helped to alleviate the wait time for people to access fresh water as well as provide another space for people to meet and learn more about one another. The small addition supported by the youth helped to encourage community building. Which reminded me that we don't have to spend a lot of money to build community; we just have to create spaces for people to come together. 
3. GBA - While talking to students throughout South Africa I was struck by their love and dedication to America and all things Western. Many talked about how they felt their perspective countries were overly reliant on foreign aid but many expressed fear of not having its support. This always makes me wonder, are the things that we are doing really helping communities? Of course the obvious response is yes, but  what is the cost? I saw and heard students talk about their parents fear of losing their cultures to the call from the global network. It truly makes me wonder what will South Africa look like in 20 years, will there still be 11 languages spoken? 
4. Mick - Now Mick was a guest at the first hostel where we stayed. He was a retired Fireman from Britain who traveled the world participating in community service projects. He told me a story about his recent travels to Tanzania where he worked with local farmers to build a chicken coop (with a machete, quite impressive, I saw the pics) for an orphan home. He spoke of the dire poverty that exist and the number of children that are denied education due to the cost. I learned that children couldn't enroll in the local schools without two uniforms. The even better schools I learned were the boarding schools which required students to live away from home, pay tuition or receive scholarship, purchase two uniforms and a mattress prior to their acceptance. This information sickened me and I was reminded of the injustice that often occurs to the most vunerable.Needless to say I was inspired by the tales of Mick and was encouraged to plan to continue to travel the world making a difference long into my old age. 

Officially Signing Out of My First Blog,

LB