I have now been home for two and a half weeks but I still find myself thinking about my experiences in Cape Town all the time.

My last few days in Cape Town were absolutely amazing. On my second to last day of work, everyone at Empilweni surprised me with a going away party. They dressed me up in traditional African clothing; we ate traditional African food, and danced to traditional music. There is no other way to describe it besides beautiful. The party was at Mrs. Duma's house. She got up at 5am that day to prepare the party for me! I miss Mrs. Duma dearly. She is one of the main reasons my experience at Empilweni was so special. She was so kind and welcoming and even in my most challenging moments, she made me feel comfortable and was always there to listen.

During my going away party everyone went around in a circle and said kind things and gave me their best wishes. They also showered me with gifts! It was so amazing it brought me to tears. I am truly so thankful that I was able to work with such amazing people. This experience was not only educational but it also helped me grow an immense amount as an individual. I see the world in a different light now and that is all thanks to my experience in South Africa and my internship at Empilweni.

Despite all of the challenges I faced in South Africa, I truly believe that travel is the only thing you buy that can make you richer. I am looking forward to my next adventure and my next opportunity to learn more about this beautiful world around me.