Ubuntu

"In Africa there is a concept known as 'ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." -Nelson Mandela

During my time in South Africa with the US Peace Corps I learned a way of life that has stayed with me and continues to guide my personal principles, my marriage, and my parenting. Ubuntu - I am because we are. Embracing values such as compassion, respect, justice, solidarity, and survival, Ubuntu espouses interconnectedness, empathy, and anti-egoism. My host aunt who didn't have beds for all her children would share bananas because she knew I loved making banana bread. My host neighbor who sometimes went without dinner would offer to buy me a cold drink because she could tell I was homesick. My host mother would make me tea even though sometimes there wasn't enough money for teabags. My host brothers would insist on helping me with my laundry even though it went against gender norms in the culture.

I haven't blogged since 2017, but after these two weeks of administrative change that have felt like years rather than days, I felt compelled to write about Ubuntu. I have no notions that 'he who must not be named' will read this or stumble upon this. Even if he were to, nothing would change for him. He is a lost cause and that has been more than proven these past two weeks. I can no longer not say anything. Maybe someone who voted for him will be enlightened. Maybe someone who is thinking about only his household (and not that of his neighbor) will find this. Maybe Ubuntu will find its way into a red state or a red county.

Since January 20th, you-know-who has turned our country on its head. There are more executive orders that have been enacted than I can wrap my head around, but many are glaring. Terrifying. We cannot stand idly by and not say anything. That would make us complicit. We as a people need to embrace Ubuntu and remind everyone that community, compassion, and caring will get us ahead in life. Not isolation, hatred, and indifference.

First, he is determined to get rid of any immigrants and even to redefine birthright citizenship. Ubuntu - I am because we are. Compassion. Many people come to America because their situation is so dire that they have no other choice. Mothers travel unthinkable distances in unsafe circumstances because the possibility, the hope of escape is better than what they are leaving. Can you imagine? Putting yourself and your child in danger just for the glimpse at a better life. We are privileged to be born into a safe country. Not everyone is so lucky. Why not offer this same safe haven to people in unimaginable environments? Why not open our arms and our borders if we can offer refuge? Why not help to relieve pain of others if we are able? Ubuntu - take trouble for others. Ubuntu - I am because we are. Many of these people, these humans do work that we depend upon. That our livelihoods depend upon. Agriculture, construction, business services, medicine, etc. The list goes on. They are not freeloaders. They are working. Where will we be without their work...work that sometimes people here do not want to do? And often for very little money.

He is also set on eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) which has existed to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, specifically people who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination. Ubuntu - respect and justice. People need to be treated fairly. Ubuntu supports the idea of relying on one another to exist despite differences among one another. Since when did different become wrong? Hasn't America always prided itself on being "the melting pot?" Continue to embrace differences. Continue celebrating Black History Month. Continue celebrating MLK Jr. Day. Continue celebrating Women's History Month. Show your PRIDE! I know in our household we will be observing the heck out of these celebrations. We will be educating our children on these special observances.

Transgender and nonbinary people are being targeted. Some of our closest friends, colleagues, and chosen family are transgender. And they are some of the kindest, warmest humans we have had the privilege of knowing. With Ubuntu, the care of each person in a community is paramount. Respect, dignity, and caring are pillars of Ubuntu. That means being accepting of differences. That means showing regard and valuing someone's feelings. This is not happening today. Rather, we are seeing contempt. Imagine how scary that must feel right now. Imagine how terrifying it must be to be totally disregarded. Reach out to your friends. Let them know you are there for them and that their identity matters. He cannot and will not take that away.

USAID is being taken away. Today I read a NY Times article that highlighted some of the key organizations being impacted which I'm sure is just the tip of the iceberg. This impacts starving populations, disease-stricken populations, and people in need of roofs over their heads. Soup kitchens have been shut down in Sudan where hundreds of thousands of people depend upon food. Residents in Ukraine won't have firewood in the winter. A lack of antiretroviral drugs will equate to roughly 40 newborns a day contracting HIV in Uganda. Thousands of jobs just gone instantly. One of these jobs we know and ache for personally - Nick's host mother lost her job as a nurse in rural South Africa focusing on HIV/TB outreach, due to funding stripped overnight. Ubuntu supports the philosophy of survival by relying on one another. Read the article if you have a chance. It's mind-boggling how many lives he is impacting, killing, with the removal of USAID. We live because of each other.

This is all just within his first two weeks back in office. And this doesn't cover everything he's damaged since coming back. This doesn't cover all the fear, hate, and heartache he's been spreading. For those of you who voted for him, take a long look in the mirror. Will his presidency really benefit you? Your family? Currently egg prices are sky high (USDA expects that they will continue to rise with further bird flu outbreaks even if he is trying to hide it by blocking health updates to our nation...oh and his recent imposed 25% tariffs won't help with grocery prices either!) If it does benefit you and your family, do you live as an island? If so, think about Ubuntu. Think about the world around you when the next election rolls around. Think about your neighbor who can't get healthcare for his or her child who is transgender. Think about your neighbors in rural Africa who live in a war zone and only get one meal a day from a soup kitchen that is currently without aid. Think about your neighbor in DC who helped protect the Capitol on January 6th who now must wake up knowing his attackers are free from prison because of his pardons. Think about the recent plane crashes and the victims' families - no outreach or compassion from our leader, but rather continued fear and rhetoric about how diversity is the cause. Think about your daughters and granddaughters who will have less rights than us as theirs are stripped away. Think about our environment and the effects of climate change after our recent exit from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Our current administration might not embrace Ubuntu, but we need to. Otherwise, it's going to be a very long four years with catastrophic outcomes I worry will take decades to recover from.

"One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity." -Desmond Tutu

Say "I Love You" Every Single Day

~Dedicated to Sylvia, Sesi wa Mina, my Dear Friend...

As a kid, my Mom instilled the belief that you should always say "I love you."  She never allowed my sister or I to go to bed in an argument.  Don't worry...we never were made to stay up until an ungodly hour, but we were always made to call truce before turning in.  Although sometimes begrudgingly, we always made up before we went to bed.  Even now I say "I love you" every time I talk to my family and friends...sometimes to the point of being annoying.

I never quite understood just how important this "rule" of my Mom's was when I was young.  As an adult, however, I count it among one of the most important life lessons my Mom has imparted onto me.

Now, when I say to say "I love you" every single day, I don't want you to go and tell your boss or your co-worker in the cube next to you how much you love him or her.  That would A. Create a rather awkward situation and B. Get you sent to HR fairly quickly.  What I mean is that it is so important to tell people how you feel about them.  Tell people in your life just how much you appreciate them...tell people in your life how much better your life is because of them...tell them what they mean to you.

Earlier this week, I received the devastating news that my counterpart and more importantly, my very good friend, Sylvia, had passed away.  I worked with Sylvia from day one at one of the primary schools I was assigned to during my time in South Africa.  Little did I know that my colleague would become my yoga partner, my confidante, my student, my teacher, and my best friend during my two years in Lekgwareng Village.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I would have been lost without her.  As much as I loved my village and the people in my village, Sylvia was one of the only people (aside from my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers) I truly felt comfortable being myself...American Meg with opinions.

Over the past couple of days, I have been comforted by a few things.  Aside from the support of Nick, my family, and Chibby, I have been comforted by the memories I have from my time with Sylvia.   The memories are countless...Sylvia trying her first peanut butter banana sandwich (that is all I ever ate for lunch and she was curious about the taste), Sylvia and Maggie practicing yoga with me in my rondavel, Sylvia finishing her first book in English (Tuesdays with Morrie), Sylvia trying to teach see to say majengaladende in Xitsonga (a type of masonja...worm...that I can't even spell), Sylvia and my cross-cultural conversations that went beyond weather, Sylvia and I creating a Scout's Troop in the village.  I could go on...More so than anything, I am comforted by the fact that Sylvia knew how much I valued her and our friendship.

Nick and I spent a few days in my village when we traveled to South Africa for our honeymoon.  One of those days were spent catching up with Sylvia, her daughter and her niece while eating pap and chicken.  She caught me up on the village gossip and we reminisced over projects we had worked on together during my time there.  She asked about America and we talked about her plans to build her home...she even showed us the bricks and the land she was going to use.  I reminded Sylvia how much she meant to me and I told her that she was my sister (sesi wa mina), no matter how far apart we were.  As we parted, I assured her that Nick and I would be back and she made me promise that next time it would be with kids (always a hot topic in South Africa).  We hugged good bye and went our separate ways...not thinking it would be the last time I saw her.

I am deeply saddened by the fact that I have lost Sylvia.  I am saddened by the fact that Sylvia's daughter no longer has her mother and that Lekgwareng Village has lost one of the hardest working and kindest individuals I have ever had the privilege of meeting.  I am saddened that Sylvia's life really was just only starting and ended too quickly.  My comfort lies in my memories and in the fact that I saw her so recently and told her, again, how much she meant to me.

My Mom texted me the day I learned of Sylvia's passing, saying "just remember that Sylvia was fortunate to know you."  I responded saying, "I was the lucky one to know her."  She left a mark on my heart and will never be forgotten.

I ask that you think of Sylvia and her family, especially her daughter and her niece during this difficult time.  I also ask that you let the people in your life know what they mean to you.  Tell your family and friends you love them...tell your co-workers you appreciate them...tell people thank you.  Let people in your life know that you value them.  Don't wait for special occasions, because everyday with those you love is a special occasion.

I know I haven't written about our trip quite yet, but just know how grateful I am we chose to travel back to South Africa and spend time with those we love across the world...spend time with Sylvia.

I love you all...I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Meg

Full Circle

A lot of the greatest things in life come in circles…donuts, tracks (okay, it’s more of an oval, but still a type of circle), pizza pies.  All of those things are great, but the BEST thing in my life is also about to come full circle…my relationship with my HUSBAND!  That is still so strange to say.  I have been practicing saying it to strangers just to get used to it.  I say it at coffee shops to the barista…”This coffee is for my husband,” at CVS to get my flu shot…”I told my husband he needs to get his flu shot,” at catering events to the guests…”Oh, congratulations…I just got married to my husband.”  People probably think I’m crazy!  Why does this girl keep talking about her husband?  The other week I worked a wedding and I even told the florist how much my husband loves air plants…emphasis on husband and loves (that’s an entire other story).  Well score!…he gave me a handful of small air plants and a really huge air plant as well.  Best wife ever!  Side note – if you want to learn about air plants or really any plant for that matter, ask Nick…our apartment is like a small horticulture center.  I give you permission to take a few of our plants.  Anyway, back to the full circle…in ONE MONTH Nick and I will go full circle as we take our honeymoon where it all started for us…South Africa.  Waka waka eh eh (cue sexy voice and vibrating hips)!

That’s right, Nick and I fly out of D.C. to Johannesburg on November 12^th.  Strangely enough, we will fly out where it all started just over 5 years ago; Nick and I flew out of D.C. as strangers in July of 2011.  After 18 hours of watching movies in sync, talking about beets, and sleeping/drooling on one another’s shoulder, we became inseparable and now this time we get to fly out of D.C. as a married couple.  It’s truly wonderful and crazy how things change.  When we started thinking of honeymoon destinations during wedding planning, we threw dozens of ideas out: pub-hopping in Ireland, an all-inclusive resort on an Island, backpacking through Europe…these were just a few of our ideas.  Each time we talked about our honeymoon though, we kept going back to Africa.  We thought about how neat it would be to go back to where it all started.  While we were lucky enough to have some of Nick’s host family and friends come out (thanks again for traveling so far!!), no one from my village was able to come and not everyone from Nick’s was able to make it.  Eventually we decided there was no other place to celebrate our recent marriage.  Despite the rather long flight, it couldn’t be a better choice and we couldn’t be more excited…we get to see everyone from our time in South Africa again, we get to explore some new parts of Africa, and we get to experience summer as it begins getting cold here...hellooooo tan!

During our African honeymoon (check out pictures on Instagram with #DipDownToAfrica and look for a blog post afterwards) we will spend our first week in South Africa.  We are going to spend a few days jika-jikaing in my village, a few days catching up in Nick’s village, and a day or two in Joburg/Pretoria to visit with our third host family – Sue and Eddie Beddy and family.  We cannot wait to reconnect with our host families, our villages, and our schools.  I personally cannot wait to reconnect with magwinya (fat cakes) and South African Coca Cola!  Nick cannot wait to reconnect with cool time and mayo in the taxi rank.  Following our week in South Africa, we are spending a week in Madagascar…figured we had to spoil ourselves a little bit for our honeymoon.  Nick and I had always wanted to travel to Madagascar while we were in South Africa, but on the Peace Corps stipend, couldn’t quite swing it (heck, I couldn't swing buying chocolate!).  We will be taking a week’s guided tour which includes checking out different species of lemurs, frogs, chameleons, and birds; hiking; and enjoying the delicacies (specifically vanilla!) the country has to offer.  We are beyond excited!

Now, as many of you know, Nick and I both worked with the schools in our villages.  We are both eager to see how are projects are progressing and to talk to the teachers and students there.  In addition, we are looking forward to bringing them some much needed school supplies.  On our honeymoon, we will be taking two large suitcases with us…one full of clothes and other necessities for our trip (mainly bug spray and sunscreen), the other jam packed with items for our families, friends, and schools.  If you happen to have any school supplies lying around or anything else you’d like to get rid of, we would be more than happy to take those items off of your hands.  As my blogs showed during my time in the Peace Corps, both of our schools and our villages were in need of many things.  While we can’t very well pack desks or computers in our luggage, we can bring some smaller items.  Please feel free to let either Nick or me know if you would like us to take something over, and maybe in our empty suitcase back, we will have something for you from our travels! :)

Okay, that’s all for now…better go brush up on my Sepedi and Xitsonga…it’s a bit rusty.  I should probably tell my husband to practice as well!

Le rata,

Meg

Na mi tsundzuka

Na mi tsundzuka eAfrika Dzonga...I miss you South Africa...

It has been just over a year since my return to the states from the experience of a lifetime...the Peace Corps in South Africa.    I figured this was a fitting time to write a blog post, commemorating my year back home.  I must admit, my writing feels a bit rusty, so bear with me dear readers.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my two years in South Africa.  I have been thinking of my time there more recently, in disbelief that it has already been a year since I landed in Philly, greeted by my family and friends.  

A year later and there are so many things that I miss about South Africa...the people, my host families, my friends, my fellow PCVs (now RPCVs), the learners, my counterparts, the culture, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the joy in a short conversation about the weather, the community where everyone knows your name, the crazy long road races, the diversity, even the goats and the cows passing by on my way to school.  The list goes on and on.  I am lucky that I have Nick as well as other RPCVs to look back and discuss our time and memories with.  We laugh when we think back to our different pit toilets, we sweat just thinking about how hot it would become in the months of December and January, and we become quite nostalgic when we talk about our host families and counterparts.  Our conversations and our reminiscing keeps everything more alive rather than making it all feel like a wonderful, distant dream.  Still, I wish that the time hadn't gone so quickly.  I wish I had known how short two years truly is.  In addition to these conversations, I am also quite fortunate for technology.  Apps like "Whatsapp," Skype, and Facebook allow me to communicate with my South African family and friends on a regular basis.  I am able to keep up with them and see how they are doing.  While it is not the same as sharing a meal of pap, gravy, and cold drink, it is something and for that, I am grateful.  

So, what have I been up to this past year?  How is life in America different?

For one thing, I love that I can see my family fairly often.  Although I am in a different state than they are, it doesn't take a day in an airplane to see them.  Rather, it's a short trip.  I get to enjoy holidays and family gatherings with them, which is amazing.  I get to be present for new additions to the family and I am able to have phone conversations with them without worrying about when my airtime is going to run out.  

Some family highlights this year...This May my older sister Kim got married.  It was so nice to be a part of her and Jim's special day.  In July, my older sister Jeannine welcomed Caroline to the family, making Ben an older brother.  She decided to join us right before Nick and I hit the road, which we appreciated.  Nothing like an early morning hospital visit and breaking visiting hours!  Now that I'm home, I get to get my butt kicked by Erny on runs and I was able to run the Broadstreet Run with both her and Pammycakes.    

I also love the fact that I can look nice and don't have to wear moo-moos.  While I believe Nick when he says he doesn't care if I wear makeup or not, it is still a good feeling to look pretty, which is much easier here with showers, hairdryers, and other current day amenities.  In addition, I don't have to worry about a 6+ hour taxi ride to see him where I have been sweating profusely and drooling on my backpack.  Rather, I have a much shorter, air-conditioned commute.  

Food shopping is now enjoyable.  I don't have to worry about the number of bags that I come out with, since they all fit comfortably into my car rather than stacked upon my lap and scattered throughout the taxi.  I can now buy one of my favorite foods and fit it in my freezer...ice cream!  My grocery store is a walk away rather than a 45 minute taxi ride away.  Despite the proximity, I still drive...

Teaching is also quite different.  I am starting my second year at Northern soon, and I feel blessed to be teaching where I am.  Not only does the school have qualified, dedicated, and friendly teachers and staff, but it also has everything available to be an effective teacher.  I have working technology and air-conditioning, I have books and paper, I have pencils and pens.  I have time to collaborate with the other teachers and we have professional development on a regular basis.  If I need anything, all I need to do is ask, and I have it the next day.  This is much easier than requesting it from the states and having it show up weeks later in the mail if I'm lucky it wasn't "lost" in transit (thank you Marcy for all you did for us and our kids while we were away).  Northern is a well run school where my students and I can be successful.  Sometimes I wish my current students could see the village schools in South Africa so that they could realize just how fortunate they are.  Since they can't, I share tidbits of my experience so they can be more globally aware.  While in South Africa I primarily taught grades 6, 7, and adults in the village, I teach senior English at Northern.

Running is a lot different as well.  Don't get me wrong, I still put one foot in front of the other.  Form hasn't changed drastically.  However, I feel much more comfortable going out for a run.  It isn't looked at as strange.  There is no real fear for my safety and there are tons of other runners in the area.  

Some running highlights for the year: This year I ran the Greensboro Half Marathon in October, the Philadelphia Marathon in November and the Boston Marathon in April.  All are amazing races and I'm so glad to have participated in them.  It was nice to be back in Boston, my home for four years.  I was able to catch up with a lot of friends from college as well as friends from the Peace Corps and participate in one of the most emotional races I've ever ran.  In addition to my own running, I am coaching both Cross Country and Track, so running is now a part of my job...not too shabby.  

Unlike South Africa, sadly, I don't know my neighbors.  It is not the tight-knit village community I lived in for two years, which I miss immensely.  I haven't been given a dozen bananas at the end of the day or a handful of grapefruits just because (one other thing I miss...the abundance of good and cheap fruit).  The local kids don't yell "Naledi!" when I come home.  I'll have a friendly conversation in passing when I see my neighbor, but that's about it.

Sometimes I find myself drifting back into my pre-Peace Corps mentality.  Just a few months ago, my faithful Volkswagen beetle died on my way to a catering event.  You would have thought the world had ended with my reaction.  I'm so thankful with what my Mom said.  "Meghan, you have lived in the middle of nowhere, in a South African village.  You can handle this."  She was so right and she brought me back to reality.  No one was hurt, it was just a car, and I could handle it.  I had spent two years riding in questionable khombis with hangers for doors and getting to places in the back of a pick-up truck.  I did end up having to get a new car which worked out a'ok.  I guess everything is situational.  When you are without, you learn to be without so many things: running water, air-conditioning, reliable transportation.  When you are in a place where you learn to depend on these things, however, you find that you "can't" live without.  I try my hardest to remind myself just how lucky I am and how I have more "with's" than "withouts."

Not many people are given the experience that I was.  The experience to travel halfway across the world, immerse themselves into a different culture and live, and (hopefully) make a difference for two years.  When I become nostalgic or sad that my time in South Africa is over, I remind myself that at least I had the time.  I was able to be a PCV, which changed my life forever.  Not only did I meet Nick, the love of my life, but I met countless other people who will stay with me forever.  I was able to accomplish quite a few things during my time in Lekgwareng Village and I am quite proud of that. I still believe that South Africa did more for me than I did for it, which I think is true for a lot of PCVs.  South Africa made me into a stronger individual and my experience there has helped me in my transition back to America.  The transition back wasn't always easy, but I am very glad to be back in the states.

Nick and I have already started saving so that we can visit in the next few years.  As much as I miss South Africa and all of the people I met there, I know that I will see them soon enough, which makes me happy.  

Thanks for taking the time to read about my experiences in and out of South Africa over the past few years.  I hope you've enjoyed reading about them as much as I enjoyed my time as a PCV.

Until next time,
Meg

Mi famba kahle Tata Madiba

What is a hero?  

This is the question I have asked my students to condsider and reflect on over the past few weeks.  Courageous, brave, selfless, helpful, and strong were just a few of the responses I received as we began reading literature across time, looking at different heroes throughout our readings.  Beowulf, a knight in shining armor,  Sir Gawain and the green knight, and King Arthur are a few of the characters we have been and will be reviewing to determine whether or not they fit the definition of a hero.  Are these men glorified?  Are they on some type of a quest or a journey?  Are they ethical?  Are they strong? 

When we started our unit, I asked my students to write a journal on their own hero.  They could write about someone in their lives or choose to write about a current superhero.  What makes him or her a hero?  What qualities does this person embody that fits the definition of a hero?  If the person is real, how has he or she impacted you?  Some chose to write about Martin Luther King.  Others chose to write about Superman.  Still, others wrote about their parents, their aunts and uncles, or their grandparents.  

It struck me as coincidental that as we began our new unit on heroes one of the greatest men of all time passed away.  On December 5th, 2013, the world lost a wonderful person, an incredible inspiration, the father to a nation, Nelson Mandela.  Tata Madiba, Father to South Africa, had been sick for some time.  I am surprised he lasted as long as he did, and we are all blessed to have had him around for 95 years.          

Here, I write my own journal.  Nelson Mandela is a hero.  There is no doubt in my mind on that.  I won't go into too many details on Mandela's past.  If you have read his "A Long Walk to Freedom," you know that Nelson Mandela served 27 years in prison on Robben Island for trying to fight against the Apartheid.  The Apartheid, the system of racial segregation in South Africa, led to racism, poverty, and racial inequality across the country.  Due to Mandela's opposition to the Apartheid and his attempts to sabotage the Apartheid government, he was arrested.  He spent much of his life in a single cell, adorned only with the bare minimum: a place to sleep.

In 1990, Mandela was freed and in 1994, became South Africa's first black president.  His efforts focused on reconciliation of the nation.  Through sports and collaboration with other powerful individuals, Nelson Mandela was able to succeed in many of his efforts, such as gaining back land for those who had lost theirs during the Apartheid.  He was able to bring the country closer together after such an onerous time.  He gave hope to a country and to people after such a dark time in South Africa's history.

Does South Africa still have a long way to go?  Yes.  During my time in South Africa, I was often shocked by the racism I witnessed.  I was constantly singled out because of the color of my skin, assumed to have money because I was a "mulungu," a "lekgoa."  I was sometimes sickened by the courtesies I received and others didn't because of my white color.  I was often saddened by the extreme poverty, the extreme hunger I saw.  Young children with distended stomachs because of malnutrition. Pap eaten day after day, meal after meal because of necessity.  Families forced to sleep on blankets because there was not enough money for beds.  I was often discouraged by the racial inequality in the country.  Mansions and RDP houses within mere kilometers of each other.  

Despite all of this, it could be much, much worse.  Without men like Mandela, South Africa could be years behind where it is today.  South Africa has hope because of Mandela.  Places like Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban make it apparent that South Africa is headed in the right direction.  There is first world in South Africa.  Sure, South Africa has a way to go.  There is still great economic disparity.  But, if it weren't for what Nelson Mandela started in 1994, South Africa would be in a much different, and much worse place than it is today.  Thanks to Mandela, South Africa is en route to a place without racism, without poverty, without racial inequality.  

This will not happen without hard work.  The country owes it to Tata Madiba to continue to work towards his vision of a better and reconciled country.  The country needs to embrace differences and embrace the beauty that exists in the truly rainbow nation it is.  The country needs to embrace the 11 national languages and cultures rather than let such differences continue to be a divider.  The country owes it to Nelson Mandela to let him rest in peace with the knowledge that his children will continue to make South Africa the beautiful country it is.

Is Mandela glorified?  Yes.  Not only do the people of South Africa love and worship Mandela, but people all around the world recognize his greatness and all he has done.  Every year, on his birthday, on July 18th, South Africa celebrates "Mandela Day."  My schools always celebrated Mandela Day by doing good deeds for others and teaching what Mandela did for the country.  Songs were sung, dances were performed, and plays were created all in honor of Tata Madiba.  Mandela was honored for all he did with recognition up to and including the Nobel Peace Prize.  Is Mandela or was Mandela on a quest, a journey?  Yes.  Mandela wanted reconciliation and an end to the Apartheid Regime.  He accomplished this and his dream still continues today.  Is Mandela ethical?  Without a doubt.  Mandela could have come out of his time on Robben Island angry and with revenge.  He didn't.  He was moral and kind.  He did all he could for the good of the country.  Not just for a certain group of people, but for everyone.  For ALL of his children.  Is Mandela strong?  Mandela proved his strength through a long life full of good deeds and mental strength throughout his 27 years on Robben Island.

Thanks for all you did Tata Madiba.  Now, go well.  Rest well.  Mi famba kahle Tata Madiba.

Le rata,
Meg 

Back on your Feet

6:30 am.  Freezing cold.  Coffees in hand.  About to open the door.  Then the phone rings.  "Mom, I'll call you right back."  "Honey, everything is okay."  How that phrase still exists, I'll never understand. It only causes us alarm, immediate worry.  If everything was truly okay, why would someone say that?  "What is it?"  "Erin...she's been hit by a car."  Tears fall.  Throat closes.  Stomach clenches.  Panic.  My sister, my best friend.  But...everything is okay.  It had to be.  It was.  Thank God.

Runners seem to have this idea that they are unstoppable.  I know I do.  Ask one of my best friends, my running buddy, Katie.  I used to dodge cars in Boston like it was my job.  Nothing can be wrong on a crisp morning.  Just you, your sneakers, and maybe a running companion.  Nothing can ruin that.  Or, so I used to think.  Following Erin's accident, I've been more aware.  More aware that there are other things out there.  Cars to watch out for.  Deer to share the path with.  Bikers to dodge.  Enjoy the sound of your breath, enjoy the pounding of your heart, enjoy the crunch of the leaves as your feet make contact.  At the same time, be aware of your surroundings.  Be aware that, unfortunately, you aren't invincible.  

Life could have changed in an instant.  Luckily, it didn't.  I still have my red-headed, stubborn right hand lady.  My sister, my best friend from childhood.  The girl who I sang lullabies to, poor kid.  No wonder she was always crying.  The girl I shared clothes with through high school whether she knew it or not.  The young woman I share all of my secrets and hopes with.  One of my favorite people to share runs with.  My person.  I thank God everyday she's okay.  That we're okay.  

I've always been somewhat stubborn.  I don't think I'm terribly stubborn, but I know I can be sometimes.  I'd like to think this isn't a terrible trait, and that I passed this characteristic onto my sister.  When she told me she had the goal of running by December 1st, I stifled my disbelief.  No way! I thought.  When I saw her in mid-October she could barely walk from one store to the next.  Nick and I had to laugh when she hobbled into Panera for lunch.  Then, one day she calls and tells me she walked for 45 minutes.  Great progress.  Nothing in comparison to the 3 miles she ran two days later.  Incredible.  No one would stop her.  No one would take her off of her feet, or take away from her, our, greatest passion.  Running.  

Erin's accident occurred when she was training for the Philadelphia Marathon.  As our training progressed and times, miles, and mile splits were compared, I was sure she'd cream me when the day came.  While it was unfortunate we didn't have that chance, she blew everyone's minds as well as the half marathon field finishing in an impressive time.  I have no doubt she would have kicked my butt had she run the full.  Who has a terrible accident and can still do a half faster than most people who have trained without interruption for 8+ weeks?  In addition to doing her half, Erin found me at mile 25 and ran into the finish with me.  I'm pretty certain I resembled her hobble into Panera just a month earlier towards the end.  While my grumpiness and fatigue may have come across otherwise, I couldn't have been happier having her run in with me.  As the crowd cheered, "Go, Erin!" towards the finish line, I realized she was the true winner, the true champion.  I can't wait to run a full with her, giving her the chance to beat me.  I'm hopeful my own stubbornness and competitive nature won't allow her to beat me, but we'll see.  We'll see come April as we run Boston, side by side, step by step, stride by stride.

When life knocks you down, you can't stay down.  You've got to get back on your feet.  You've got to prove to yourself that you can do it, if you truly set your mind to it.  No one can tell you no except for yourself.  Never say never.  Stay stubborn.  Get back on your feet, no matter how bad it may seem.  

Meg :)

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Meghan K. Downey
B.S. English Education, Boston University

Northern Guilford High School:

English Teacher

Assistant Cross Country Coach

Was it all just a Dream?

As I sip on my steaming pumpkin spice latte, taking in the smell of the crisp fall weather on an October morning, I think to myself, “Was it all just a dream?”  As I drive to school in my beloved Babs, a short commute of just 15 minutes away, stopping for busses and stoplights, I think to myself, “Was it all just a dream?”  As I key into my own classroom filled with bright color, decorations and technology, and prepare for the day ahead, I think to myself, “Was it all just a dream?”  Then, it all comes back.  The longing for a South African sunset at the end of a long day.  The dread of dusting my rondavel yet again.  The sweaty, cramped, and seemingly endless taxi rides to see Nick.  It was not all a dream.  I am so thankful that it was not just a dream.  

After being stopped by airport security to inspect my grass broom and my mat, both gifts from Maggie, my host mother in South Africa, the man at Agriculture asked if I had been in contact with any cattle during my time in South Africa.  I stifled my laughter as well as my tears, thinking of all of the cows I passed on my way to school on a daily basis, and told the man I had never been in “direct” contact with any cattle.  Sure there were a few close calls, but my neighbors always saved me.  I never stopped and pet the cows, that's for sure.  My family was just a few minutes away, right through the doors after customs, and I couldn’t wait much longer to see them.  I really did not want to discuss cattle.  After all, it had been over two years and then about 20 hours.  It had been a long trip home, and I was ready to see everyone who made home home.  

The milkshakes at Nifty’s were sweet; the hello’s even sweeter.  It was like I never left, like I had just been there.  I’ll never forget passing through the doors at the airport, being welcomed by my loved ones.  Tears were shed, pictures were taken, grass brooms and mats questioned.  As I chowed down on my first American meal, sipping the extra-thick chocolate shake and savoring the spicy cheese chicken nuggets, I couldn’t help but reflect on how lucky I was.  My family as well as Chibby, my best friend, had all come to welcome me home.  This may have been the best day ever.  All of these people were so happy I was home.  I was so happy to be home.  

Since arriving back to the states, I’ve been asked a few times about how the transition back has been.  “Has it been difficult?”  I always respond that clean water from a tap, a Dunks AND a Starbucks down the street, and hot showers aren’t hard commodities to return to.  Add family, friends, and running trails, and I’m on Cloud 9.  However, there are days that are difficult, that I really miss my life in South Africa.  While I can’t say I miss the constant stares, the blazing temperatures, or the cramped kombi rides, the aspects of life as a PCV in South Africa that I do miss are numerous.  I miss the people: my host family, my friends, and my colleagues.  I miss the craziness that eventually became normalcy: the dancing Gogo’s, the roosters on my roof, and the kids petting Nick’s arm hair.  I miss the simplicity: taking the time to talk to people and really getting to know them, enjoying the small celebrations in life, and eating with your hands.  I miss all of the small stuff that I never really appreciated while I was there.  I miss my stoven.  I miss my bucket bath.  I miss my broken wardrobe.  Most of all, I miss the sound of my kids’ laughter as they played games with rocks in the street.  I miss the shouts of “sesi Naledi!!” as I would run past them.

Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely happy to be back in the states.  I love being able to pick up the phone and call my family and friends whenever the mood strikes.  My parents and siblings might get annoyed with my 2+ phone calls a day, but deep down, I think they really enjoy it.  I love being able to spend more time with Nick and not having to see him after a 6+ hour sweaty taxi ride.  I love the conveniences we are blessed to have.  All of these things I appreciate so much more.

Sometimes I worry that my time in South Africa will become a dream, a distant memory.  I’m hopeful that this will not happen.  Nick and I have each other to talk about our time in South Africa.  We also have our other fellow RPCV’s.  With the wonders of whatsapp, Facebook, and Skype, I’m able to speak to my family and friends back in South Africa.  More than anything, South Africa will not become a dream because I came back a different person than when I left for South Africa.  While I may have left South Africa, South Africa will never leave me.

As far as how I’m doing, I’m loving life.  I love my teaching job as well as my coaching job.  Both my students and my colleagues make my 12+ hour days go quickly.  I'm running and shopping at JCrew - life is good.  I feel blessed to be where I am and to have the opportunities I have.  I feel so lucky to have had the chance to go to South Africa, and I can’t wait to return again.

For the meantime, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the blog.  I’ll keep writing, I promise.  I’ll leave you with a short story that made me realize South Africa will never just be a dream.  I asked a colleague of mine how she was doing.  Her response took me aback when she said, “I’m here.”  In South Africa, you never say, “I’m great” or “I’m okay.”  The literal translation of “re hona” is “I’m here.”  

Readers, I’m here.

Lots of love,
Still and Always Naledi