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
