Africa, Part II : My Solo Return to South Africa

The school that I work at, Nova Pioneer, follows the South African school schedule which runs from January - December. Therefore, to attend Maggie's graduation, I had to actually miss a month of school in June then return in July for the last month of term 2. Hans and Nate, on the other hand, follow the US schedule so they are home for the summer and will return mid-August. Hence, my solo return.

It was so hard to say good-bye to everyone at the airport in Detroit. I couldn't believe that I was voluntarily leaving all of my family to return, alone, to South Africa. In fact, there were real moments that I contemplated quitting and just throwing in the towel. I think the thing that got me on the plane was the thought of my co-workers at Nova Pioneer. I knew I couldn't just up and leave them, and I definitely couldn't do that to our head of school, a wonderful woman named Paula (also American). So, I got on the plane, in tears.

However, it has been a happy surprise being back. I realize that I do have a life here -- not as many friends (it was so so wonderful to visit with Ann Arbor friends and PA family!!) but I do have friends and routines, places I prefer to shop at and restaurants that I enjoy. And, people here are really nice and they were really happy to see me back at school. Which is good since I spend so much time there! As it is the end of term, it has been very busy -- with assessments, special parent events and just catching up from being gone. I haven't had too much time to be lonely during the day, though it is very quiet at the apartment at night.

It's also nice to return to our church here. The first weekend back, we did our Saturday ministry of serving in a poor neighborhood of Soweto. And it is poor. But it feels important to be doing something tangible to help and it is a nice way to get to know the people of our church a bit more. Also a very kind group of people.

I was thinking this morning -- what I am learning about myself, by being here alone? First, I really appreciate the company of my husband and, of course, family. We had so much fun together, though we were in very tight living conditions. I definitely will not take those moments for granted. But the other thing I realized is that it's actually pretty brave of me to be living half-way around the world, all by myself. I'm doing it....and it's OK. Not great, but OK. And that feels like a victory.

Here are a few pictures of happy times with the family: