So far being here for a little over a week has
already given me a different view on the African culture. It is really nothing
like what I expected or heard from others. I've learned so many things that I
was just never aware of and I’m glad to have been given this opportunity to
learn about and experience a whole new culture. One of the first things I
noticed was how diverse and kind the people in Cape Town are. I have
felt very welcomed and comfortable even on the first day after I arrived. Then
after speaking to Marita about what her tattoo said and meant it gave me a new
perspective on life. The word she has tattooed is Ubuntu, which means “I am,
because we are,” it is said to be Africa’s “worldview” or philosophy. I thought
that was such a powerful phrase especially because being in Cape Town for the
past week I've noticed how friendly people are and how accepting and
welcoming they are. For example on the second day we were all invited to
Vernon’s house for a Braai, which is a South African BBQ. And right before dinner
we all held hands and prayed together as Vernon and his family/friends welcomed
us into his home and invited us to be a part of his family. This showed me how
important community is and shows how much the people care for one another. I
noticed how their sense of community shapes a person one way or another.
Also while I have been here I have learned was that
while Nelson Mandela was in prison on Robben’s Island they had him working in
the lime quarry and because he was a prisoner they didn't provide him
with any protective gear since it wasn't part of their uniform. As a
result, the sun reflecting off the lime stones as he worked hurt his eyes so to
this day if Mandela wanted to cry he can’t because his tear ducts were so badly
affected that he had to have them removed. I think this is important to know
because it shows the harsh conditions that prisoners dealt with, however
Mandela overcame it. Although he cannot express his sadness through tears he
has showed great accomplishment and is a hero for fighting for the end of the
apartheid.
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