I left New York with a million tiny little cracks in my spirit that I didn’t know how to fix, and boarded my flight to South Africa with no clue if it would help. I figured a little time away during my sabbatical could be good, but had few expectations for the 4 weeks I was supposed to be there.
Little did I know Johannesburg would heal me in places I didn’t know were broken. I stepped off the plane, and before I could put my luggage down I was wrapped up in the arms of a community that hugged me like a grandma, picked me up, dusted me off, and carried me back to sunshine.
As a writer I almost wish I had some film-worthy experience to attribute to my joy. But alas, no National Geographic moments here, guys. I didn’t have some spiritual transformation on a mountaintop in Cape Town. Or participate in a ritual with the elders of a remote tribe in KwaZulu-Natal. As much as the tourist companies push that aspect of African culture, I skipped most tourist experiences, and chose to simply live. And be. And take in whatever life sent me in my stillness.
In slowing down and embracing each day, I met a lot of people. Beautiful, loving, joyful, compassionate, and hilarious people who held a mirror up to me and reminded me of the best parts of myself that I had forgotten. People who went FAR above and beyond what I’d ever expected to make me feel welcome, supported, comfortable, and at home. Little people who showed me there aren’t enough dollars in the world I can give to their school or center that will ever match what they give me back with a smile or a hug. And grown people who reminded me that adulting doesn’t have to be so serious. (I barely know where anyone works. Because it doesn’t matter. You aren’t your job.)
I lived among both the “haves” and the “have nots,” and learned the biggest difference is perspective. You can be poor or rich in either situation. I went to the doctor and saw what it felt like to be treated like a person, not a paycheck. I ate more than I should have, and embraced the curves that came along with every bite. And learned that beautiful moments can happen when we lose power (electrical or otherwise.)
Most importantly, I learned what joy looks like on me again. I didn’t post a ton on Instagram, but so many times people (often privately) commented on how happy I look (Thanks guys! I am!). From my skin to my smile, the glow is unedited and genuine. I now understand how important it is to seek and maintain joy by any means necessary. To pursue happiness like it stole something, and never let life keep you in the dark, even if you end up there briefly.
And lastly, I learned to trust that even if you don’t understand why you’re going somewhere, if it’s in His will, you’ll get what you need when you get there.
I ate. I prayed. I loved. And I’m back (for now 😉). Literally and figuratively.
See below for a few photos of moments I mentioned above, plus some extras from my time in South Africa. For more photos and the stories behind them, follow me on Instagram at @bktraveladdict. I’ll start sharing more pictures and videos over the next few weeks!
More photos and stories to come! I’ll also be writing a post on how to plan a trip to South Africa, and where to eat. If you have questions in the meantime, drop a comment below, or email me directly at bktraveladdict@gmail.com.
And a HUGE thank you to each and every person who made this trip unforgettable. There are too many people to name, from both the states and Joburg. But if I met you and had so much as a conversation with you, please know I appreciate our time together whether it was brief or frequent. THANK YOU! And you know I’ll be back. Hope to see you then!
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