Africa

Africa
One year and a bit ago, I was heading to Africa. I haven't found the words to express how this makes me feel. Its a really big mixture of sadness, reflection, and gratefulness.I met a family that changed my life. The Binghams opened their hearts and home to me. I laughed, and shared memories with each of them. Dinner time was spent laughing and making silly jokes about Susan ( my 2nd mother). They took me to school, where I learned more than I can ever express. I learned about the world around me, and how little I really knew about anything other than my own little world. The Binghams were the peole who introduced me to the ocean. They introdued me to a new perception, realizing how small and insignificant I am in the reality of the universe.I went on vacation. It was much more of a journey than I realized at the time. It is something I carry with me, and will tell lengthy stories on demand.I went to school in South Africa. I met some of the people I hope to know the rest of my life. I had talks with friends there, that really pushed me to find myself, to have an opinion, and to really believe in myself. I learned about aparteid and how devistating that time really was. I met teachers who really cared about the world, and about each student. I wore a uniform, that really made my life a hundred times easier. I saw the very wealthy live, and how priveledged these people were. Then I saw the complete opposite.I learned about poverty. A township is full of extreme poverty, sickness, and yet, the most amazing people I have ever met. I worked at this preschool, and I was touched so deeply by the kids I met. I fell in love with the teachers, the school, and the beautiful children. They taught me the language, their songs, their way of life.I met young ones who really just needed someone to love them. These kids have so little, but really they have more power, and joy than I could have dreamed of having. Their smiles, and their dancing, the spirits of these people, spoke to me so much. I was called "Canada Kati" for the longest time, until we taught them about Canada, and that yes, it was somewhere you could go. "Kati is to Canada as Elam is to South Africa." I met a girl who changed my life. Who makes me want to be a better person. I feel so much love for this young one, Elam. I met a man who has more faith in God, and in the good of life than I thought was posible. I learned how little I really knew about myself, and about the God that I knew. I had a fire lit inside me to strive to learn more, and to do better, and be better.I look back on Africa, and the things that happened there that changed my life forever. I miss it almost every. I get bummed sometimes about spending time in Edmonton, where things are so different, and my heart yearns for something more. I am so amazed at everything that happened to me, what a blessing this trip was for me. I just wish I could express how thankful I am to all the people who made this opportunity what it was to me.