Now that we've had a little time to wind down from our return and gather at least some of our thoughts, I will be drawing this portion of the blog to a close with ending reflections on our trip.
The adjustment to being home has not been a smooth transition. One night I heard rustling in the bushes near me and my first thought was to quickly assess my surroundings for an escape route (a nearby tree was considered a viable option). Jamie hasn't had as many PTSD effects, but instead is having trouble being out of "hunting mode". He recently had to take care of a pesky rodent on the farm with the aid of his handgun. Afterward he had a curiously strong desire call me to come with camera in tow so that he could pose this poor rodent with him behind with his handgun. Yes, the transition to "regular life" has been a process.
Our group was completely amazed at everything we experienced. Immediately upon our arrival we knew we weren't in Kansas anymore. What still weighs on my mind is all of the work that needs to be done there. Yes, roads are in DESPERATE need of repair and many structures could use some work...but there is a greater work to be done. We didn't have to spend much time outdoors to understand the principle of "survival of the fittest". We saw how the weaker animals would be picked on at best or killed at worst. We witnessed a glimpse of nature in its most primal form- creatures doing what they need to in order to survive. What we were not prepared for was the extent we saw this throughout all of South Africa...how the people also did what they need to in order to survive. Walking along the path either in the wild or within a city could prove to be disastrous. The animosity among the whites and blacks was palpable. On both sides we experienced how each has fined tuned their survival instincts with the end result being distrust at best and hatred at worst as each side struggles to carve out a life for themselves. We experienced that South Africa is indeed a very "wild" country. Years of hardship and bitterness will take years to heal.
I do not want to leave the impression that there was not much goodness we experienced. Surprisingly the airport personnel was much friendlier in Jo-berg than in the states (the U.S. Customs' employee manual expressly states that it is forbidden to smile at perspective terrorists...i.e. travelers). We found most of the people we encountered throughout South Africa to be gracious, friendly and extremely hospitable. To them, however, we were outsiders and not a "threat" to anyone's way of life. We came into the scene with no history or strikes against us. It is also notable that we found the theory of the "have-nots" to be true- even the middle and upper class do not appear to have the wealth (of stuff) that we Americans have as lower or middle class...and yet people seem more content. We did, after all, live out of a suitcase for a few weeks and we didn't suffer (much) long term damage because of it. How can it be that 6 rooms of stuff just isn't enough at home? It is a slower pace life there, to be sure. But beyond that there isn't the never-ending wheel of discontent surrounding people's possessions. I think we really need to remove ourselves completely (certainly 2-3 weeks isn't ample enough) from "American standard" to see objectively the ridiculousness of trying to accumulate for the sake of accumulating.
Is South Africa the ideal? Certainly not. Is America? Certainly not. Ideally, maybe we can learn from each other. Americans could slow down a little and perhaps Africans could find a way to leave the past in the past. Americans could buy a few (make that many) less things and Africans could allow themselves to trust each other just a bit more and give each other a chance. What does anyone do if they know no differently how to live... if our minds are not exposed to another way of life? How different would any of us be if we lived there? South Africa will always have its thorns but my hope is for the day when the country will not be remembered by them but will instead be remembered for the primal beauty that God created it to be.
Would we return? In a heartbeat. We never did, after all, get confirmation that our plane seat cushions would indeed double as a flotation device. We also never clocked how fast elephants can run (though we know it is fast). Then we also never had a chance to test the crocodile escape plan either. (In case you want to write down this information for future reference the "plan" is that after the croc spots you and goes under water you move a few feet one way or the other so he misses when he comes up and has to try again. We heard it is a cool party trick.)
We also already miss our "family" over there. Now when I say family I don't mean the kind that you take sedatives for to endure holiday meals...I mean the kind of family that you take a vacation day off work to pick up at the airport. There is just something so very special about the country and the people there. So Johan, Ria, Gerda, Wimpie, Danie, Jaco, Mac, Johanas, Esther, Mina, France and the rest of the gang...if you are reading this: Ons mis julle almal en hoop om binnekort te sien!
Thanks for following us on this exciting journey! We have enjoyed sharing it with you! Until next time....
