Not many folks can say they’ve had the opportunity to go out and see the world at 18. So I’d like to share a little bit about my journey so far, the decisions I’ve made, and why I do what I do. I’ve been here in South Africa for almost a month now, and coming here by myself, lacking any sort of “safety net” has been one of the most freeing and empowering experiences I’ve ever had. There’s just something about a 15 hour flight by yourself, I guess:)

Since arriving, I’ve had the chance to do so many things that I’ve dreamt of for the longest time. I’ve seen wild penguins on a beach, seen whales from a boardwalk, seals, I’ve gone shark cage diving and looked great whites in the eye, I’ve hiked Table Mountain, and woke up at 4 to hike Lions Head Mountain in the dark to see sunrise over Cape Town. I got my nose pierced. I went on a safari, and I’ve walked an elephant! I’ve jumped off the highest bungy jump bridge in THE WORLD.

But none of these things compare to the kind of people that I’ve met here.

Each volunteer that I share a home with has their own vault of stories and travels and memories. Everyone comes here for different reasons, from different origins and it’s so beautiful to be able to share in such an amazing experience and grow as people together, simply by learning and listening to what each other has to say.

Each stranger that I’ve had a conversation with has left me with new perspectives. I’ve spoken to vendors at markets who have told me that it’s their dream to see New York City and what they believe it to be, or uber drivers even. The other day a few of the volunteers visited a local mall after hiking, so of course we were hungry, and more or less broke, so the only reasonable option was McDonalds (obviously). However, none of us realized that the fast food joint was not in the mall, but a short walk away instead. A local woman standing in line at a store noticed us fumbling with the mall directory trying to type in “McDonalds” but getting no search results, so she walked over to us, and offered us directions. We thanked her and then stood outside for a few minutes, still not knowing where exactly to go. We see the woman again, this time walking with her family of 7, carrying groceries. Instead of ignoring us (as most would do), she and her entire family WALKED us nearly a half mile TO MCDONALDS. On that walk we learned all about her family and stories from Cape Town and they were so interested to hear of all of the places we had come from to end up in South Africa. It was really one of those crazy moments that I couldnt believe was happening but at the same time the encounter felt so real and genuine.

Of course all of these experiences are little extra gemstones littered into my days here. But the real reason I’m here is to work with the kids in the surf outreach program. We have a group of about 13 students who are able to come to muizenberg every afternoon to do something they absolutely adore-which is totalllyyy ripping in the back line. No joke, these kids are GOOOOD, crazy amazing at surfing. The volunteers help the younger ones learn how to surf and push them when the waves are smaller, and ensure the safety of all the kids while in the water. We also clean up our “surf room”, take care of all of the equipment, and make food for all of our kids. While technically I’m the volunteer, these guys have done WAYYY more for me than I will ever be able to do for them. They’ve taught me resilience, respect, and kindness despite their own personal circumstances.

Some of our students, and many of the other kids that volunteers work with are from Capricorn, a township outside of Capetown. Here, most people live in shacks made out metal sheets and wooden pallets which provide little shelter from the elements, and many of the kids don’t eat at home. Gang violence is present throughout capricorn, and rape, molestation, physical mental and emotional abuse is far from uncommon. While this is a reality for many of those who live in Capricorn, the light from our kids still shines the brightest. Despite all they see and all they know, they’re still able to come to program every day. They joke around with everyone, they dance and SURF LIKE HELL. and they’re still kids!!!! They’re all still kids with amazing hearts and warm smiles that can light up an entire room.

I’ve only known most of them for about a month now, but I still can’t imagine having to ever say goodbye.

I cannot thank everyone enough who has contributed to this trip and has given me the privilege to be here. God is good♥️♥️
More updates to come:)