You stole my heart, South Africa!

I miss South Africa!

Not like your “I miss the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” but a cosmic absence that leaves me feeling empty and lost. It’s as if my life force is desperately searching for that wholeness, that completeness that we can only have when everything is in place the way we have dreamed of or desired.

I was better off having never gone to South Africa. At least then it would have spared me this temperamental anguish.

Most of us have experienced the four seasons. I was born and bred in Bakersfield, Ca. It’s either really hot or cold and rarely is it the “ideal” temperature. We spend all winter getting acclimated to the cold. The cold weather might as well be freezing and we quickly go from wearing sweaters to multiple layers, gloves, and beanies. Just as we get used to that winter weather spring comes and with a few weeks of “cool” weather we get pushed to 95+ Fahrenheit (35+ Celsius). We are torn away from our winter weather and unwillingly forced into this hot temperature that causes us to sweat profusely, get sunburned, and puts us at risk of heat stroke.

In the same way I got acclimated to South Africa (my “winter weather”). It didn’t take long for me to assimilate into the culture (well, at least as far as my Americanism could take me). I got comfortable and I immediately felt like I was at home. The “home is where the heart is” kind of home. I didn’t get complacent or lazy, as can often happen when we get comfortable, but instead was active from sun up to sun down. From test proctoring at Kayamandi High School to ministry service involving grunt work, bathroom installations, basketball coaching to cell (small) groups with my amazing brilliant South African brothers to having amazing conversations with incredible women at the hostel we stayed at; we were always doing something.

I didn’t go to make a life there but through the ministry and service that eight others including myself had dreams of being involved with, the extravagant Western Cape made room for us.

The diverse (somewhat emerging integrated) cultures, rich and full of history and promising future made a lasting impression on me. A sensational experience singed into the retinas of my very being. The rugby, cricket, football (soccer that is), the weathered faces of those that experienced a South Africa only heard of in books and movie montages, the youthfulness of the population, 20 somethings (Blacks and Whites) with loads of potential to change and impact RSA after having experienced Apartheid, 18 and younger (fresh and unmolested) oblivious to the countries greatest tribulation , natural beauty on a scale unfathomable here in the U.S.

There are loads of feelings, emotions, and experiences that I had while in South Africa that have shaped my attitude toward the country and I can only share with you the most generalized of versions because it would be impossible to share with you the experience that went deeper into my core than my bone marrow.

To see photos and conversations between my friends in South Africa I long for the day to be reunited with them and the country. A healthy fanatic of South Africa I now am and hope to see non-damaging exploration by all of those that have never been or may consider going (to any country for that matter).

I love you South Africa. Thank you G-d for allowing such richness and gloriously unique cultures in South Africa and throughout every tribe, tongue, and nation. This human race that you have so wonderfully and beautifully created acts as a testament of the ages to your uniqueness and unabated magnificence. All the gods of the world, philosophies, and theories combined can never equate to your Majesty!