So far this program has been an amazing, eye opening and a life changing experience! One night that stood out the most so far was when we went to visit Mama Tofu in a local
Xhosa village. I remember being in the van, pulling up to the huts and as soon as we stepped out of the van the children started running towards the entrance singing and dancing.
I walked up to the entrance of the dancing and singing and felt goose bumps all over my body! I instantly felt welcome and so special that the people were so welcoming and happy. After the welcoming ceremony when we sat with Mama Tofu by the warm, smokey fire, I was so intrigued by the history and the way of the traditional Xhosa people. Even though I may disagree with some of the gender inequality I still kept an open mind and understood that this was their way of life and was interested. It was a magical evening and night with delicious food and inspirational people especially with Mama Tofu.
Another event that really reached out to my heart was when we finished our work at the crèche and left the village! I was so sad to say good-bye to Wellington, Zoro, his wife, LUCKY and his babies, the piggies and chickens! I felt comfortable and like it was a home to me and we’d developed such a sense of accomplishment from what we had started with and what we had achieved!
The last day was the hardest weather conditions to work with but the feeling of accomplishing what we did and with those we share it with was an amazing feeling! When I first heard about EDventure and such an opportunity like this at a lecture at University I immediately felt a sense of need to come on this program! As weird as it sounds I actually felt like it was a calling
and this is something I was meant to do.
Now I realise why this is what I was meant to do and feel like I have grown as a person for the better and every single person on this trip are wonderful, fun and interesting people that have influenced me all in different ways for the better and I really don’t want to leave! This is an experience I will never forget and that impacted my life for the best.
Bianca Hookens
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