As I sit on my deck overlooking the ocean on the coast of Africa, I think back and wonder “how did I get here?” The answer, as my mind floats away and into the events and decisions that led me here, sends tingles of joy down my spine as I reflect. Yet I struggle to find words that can do justice to my wonderful experiences. Wow. EDventure you’ve done it again. Changed my life in the most positive of ways.
To explain to someone else what you actually gain personally from coming to Africa and building a kindergarten in a remote village is almost impossible. To see tears of joy in Dada Wellington’s eyes as we completed his classroom was overwhelming as he couldn’t express in words what our help meant. And to see the smiles on the kids faces as we danced or played sport 
with them is something so wonderful it cannot be replicated.
To stay one night in the village of Mama Tofu and have the women cry genuine tears when we left was unforgettable. The people are so amazing they genuinely opened their hearts to us, complete strangers, and taught us to do the same. To open up and talk with the people can be so rewarding, there really are some fascinating people around with wonderful stories and experiences to share, any number of people ready to amaze you.
I have a new hero. His name is Nelson Mandela. Being here in South Africa and learning about Mandela and the apartheid was huge. To understand more of what the people have been through and how far they have come is truly inspiring. Has the world seen a wiser, stronger or more inspirational leader? “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” His wisdom lives on as we are here with this wonderful volunteer group, helping to teach, mending one backyard at a time until eventually one day everyone’s village will be the same.
Spending time here in the villages has taught me a lot. The people don’t necessarily have a lot when it comes to possessions but there is nothing they lack. Their lives are rich from sharing with others and being happy with what they do have and not wanting for things they don’t.
My thoughts bring me back to my deck. I too now have little in the way of possessions but I am happy. To stay here in South Africa and take with me the experiences and lessons from EDventure and continue to grow with them is an opportunity too good to let slip. To the 10 life long friends I have made I say thank you for sharing these great experiences with me and making me a richer man. The time spent with everyone in the group is what made this place so special and although I am loving my life and what I have accomplished thus far, I feel a slight sadness in my joy as a part of my Africa left when you did.
Todd Prentice
0
