I fell in love with South Africa during my internship in 2012.
The animals are free, the views are magnificent & the people are beautiful. I didn’t want to leave in 2012, but had to as I had two more years of college to finish. I graduated in December 2014 and I hopped on a plane to South Africa January 2015. 3 years I lived abroad and quickly learned vacationing in South Africa is different to living in South Africa. I had hopes to make a difference, helping where I can. However, South Africa would not grant me a work visa. So I started to look for volunteer opportunities. Unfortunately, non profits and such are not ran like they are in USA, that I found.I volunteered at the only children’s hospital in South Africa for a while. However, there was so many volunteers from all over the world and they didn’t seem to care about who helped and who didn’t. A lot of the time was just walking around the hospital waiting for the doctors to get out so you can read or play with a child. I eventually left without notifying them and never got a call regarding why I didn’t show up. It was too busy and too unorganized.I then got an opportunity to be a play therapist for a non-profit. I went for an hour long interview and made clear I do not speak Afrikaans. I was so excited. The excitement ended fast when I was paired with children who only understand Afrikaans. How was I suppose to help them? These children were spilling out their hearts to me and all I could say was “okay.” A year after calling and emailing and visiting places, I started to feel useless. I had a social work degree, I had experience with hospice, started my own non-profit in America and yet I was useless in a country that needed help. I started to get depressed, but luckily I was in a position where I didn’t need to bring in any income. A year after trying, I decided let me enjoy the beauty of South Africa without a job or internship. And I thank God everyday for allowing me to do that. The pups and I lived a spoiled life. But I developed anxiety. In South Africa crime is inevitable. I didn’t like driving as I heard stories of hijackings & smash and grabs. Most homes in South Africa have alarm system, burglar bars, electric fences and high walls. I’m not used to that and just going to friends houses I would feel not at ease. I felt like I was in jail. Luckily, we lived on a high security estate so we didn’t need any of these precautions. I realized normally I am an independent, go-anywhere type of person but in South Africa I wasn’t. I was slowly becoming unhappy and decided it’s time to move back. I planned to live in South Africa for 5 years, but I only made it to three. By living abroad I challenged myself in more ways than one everyday. I have become a stronger person and an even more grateful person. South Africa is beautiful. I will be continuing to visit there and will forever have love for the country. <3
2 Comments
Colleen Syvret
12/23/2017 03:55:20 pm
I was always wondering about that. I have heard various stories and was concerned for your safety. I am so glad all is well and you are back. Your Dad must be very happy too. Have a Very Merry Christmas. Hugs and kisses for York and Ro. 🎄❤️🐶🐶❤️🎄
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Divan du Plessis
12/24/2017 03:31:52 am
It is so sad to read this, however, I understand 100%, and only wish you well. We (me and my bulldog) will forever keep following your posts of your dogs. We stay in Cape Town and enjoy very much the same as what you experienced. If only there was a way circumstances could be different and more safe for everyone. It is a shame as there are other people from around the world who also go through this.
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