I'm thinking about South Africa. Last Friday was the 9 year anniversary of when I first set foot in the country to spend 7 months in Port Shepstone. 9 years...
I remember the feeling as the plane touched down after a l o n g, emotional journey. I was 18 and had never been away from home for more than a few weeks. All I knew about South Africa was what I'd seen on the news - crime, unrest, hostility. I lived so much of my life full of fear of the worst, to the extent that, to this day, I'm amazed I got on that plane. But I did.
I clearly remember the fear dissolving as I looked out the plane window and I can't logically explain why ...God... but instantly, abundantly, overwhelmingly, all I could think was, "I LOVE IT!"
After my first stint there, I went back another 3 times, each at different stages of my life and different stages in the life of Port Shepstone. Each visit brought a flood of emotions at periods in my life when I was fighting to feel. South Africa and the people I loved there were my easy breath of air when I was being choked by apathy.
joy
doubt sadness
confidence
heartache
hope
frustration wonder
love
relief grief happiness
compassion
purpose
I love South Africa: the country, the food, the people. Northern Ireland will always be my home. New Zealand is the place I choose to live.
South Africa is my splash of colour
Hey! Am enjoying reading! 9 years since you went to SA - that is crazy! Hope the Wednesdays are working out well so far. lots of love xx
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