Week 1: Think Again Denice Think Again Girl!

Whoa! Are my beginning thoughts of expressions.  It is so much to take in at once.

Diversity of People



First I will begin with the diversity of people living in Cape Town.  When people mention Africa the first thing that comes to mind is Black/African's.  Individuals who are my color and darker.  Yes, we discussed this before leaving America however it does not really hit you until you see it for yourself.  The guest speaker who got up to speak about diversity and culture using the 50 shades of gray as an analogy.   As a human race we are all different shades of color however we all come back to one race (Grey) or whatever color that means for individuals.




















One striking moment was when we gazed into the eyes of each other.  This was a powerful teaching exercise because it displayed how we are all apart of each other, one human race.  Which was easily described when we did the race exercise before leaving and how individuals identify with different races.



Next is the pure hustle!


Soooo many people are hustling to make a living for themselves and or families.  It the way of life for many people.  Everything is really fast paced in the city and you have to just keep up.  Before I thought things would be a little slower but it reminds me of the New York.  The area we are currently staying  is very modern and has a huge mall with similar stores in the US.  Something that really strikes is how so many "Whites" people live in this area and are mostly well off.  Yes, I know we read this before leaving but sometimes you will have a set mindset that can't sometimes change before experiencing it for yourself.

Be Safe!!!

I am not sure if during the orientation they were trying to scare the crap out of us.  Or just wanted to leave a lasting impression of how we need to be very cautious.  However one thing did remember is that stuck with me was that because we are American's, that makes us a target because it is like $$$ signs marked on our foreheads.  We were even advised to hand over our belongings in the case of being robed.  The violence of some people living here can be tied into the shocking unemployment rate of 40%(this was a collective number of different parts of South Africa clumped together).  I remember listening to one taxi driver and he mentioned how he moved from Zimbabwe to find work.  He has been living her for about 3 years now and he never has time to really do anything else but work.  Working is basically the way of life for many.    I think to myself will their hard work ever pay off?  What do they get from the satisfaction of working so hard just to keep a roof over their heads and food?  Is that really living out life to your fullest potential?



After attending bible study this morning I realized that yes.  Many people to have faith for more in life and purpose.  If that means to fellowships as one in the presence of God or smile and make someone's day.  Your purpose can be fulfilled each and everyday you are living.  This experience is teaching me to appreciate who I am as an individual and the moments I share with others.

-Denice Carpenter