How precisely do you write something to draw a close to so much?
I have been back a week now and naturally when people ask me how it went it's very hard to know what to say. But one tactic I like and sees to work is when people ask me for my highlights. So I figured that is what I'd do here. This will however mean I may repeat some of the things I've written about before but this time you'll know are the things that have survived the sift of time and remain strong in my mind and heart.
So first, 'what was the most fun time?'
'Um, I think I did have huge amount of fun out there and many of you have noted from the photos that get posted by myself and my friends. The only bad thing about that is that from the outside world it looks like it was a big grand holiday and was your typical student travelling venture! But for sure among the hard work was a lot of fun, and the pinacle of that was the skydive. I never thought it would happen but when it finally did it was incredible. I don't think I'll feel an adrenaline buzz that strong for a very long while!'
Second, 'what was the most challenging time?'
'I think the hardest part was living with six other people in such an intense and oftentimes tiring environment. My team were fantastic but I know more than a few of us will agree that some of the greatest challenges came from that environment. But for sure it taught me a lot about patience, about having mercies anew each morning, about putting other ahead of yourself, and for me, about what it means to truly lead. Leading is not a part-time job but rather gives a new perspective on each choice you make. The balance between team well-being and personal well-being is not one I found easy at all.'
Third, 'what was the most inspiring time?'
'I don't think anyone who has read this journal will be suprised at this answer; Robben Island. I am wearing my Robben Island t-shirt now and I cannot stress enough how challenged, focussed and inspired I was by seeing in the physical quite what many men, but one in particular, were willing to do to fight, endure and perservere for what they believed in. I cannot stress enough how obvious it is to me that if each person in the world picked one value, ethic or virtue, and gave it their all, on whatever scale or in whatever setting, the world would be transformed in an instant.'
Fourth, 'what do you miss the most?'
'Another easy answer but probably one I've not spoken about much here. While I was in SA there was a family I stayed with from time to time. They consist of Rob, Debbie, Marcel, Georgia-Mai, Ellie-Jo and Caleb. Being at their house was so much fun, all the kids are young and just had so much joy and energy. It was a God-send in terms of a getaway from the stresses of working at Gateway. There was only one goodbye that got me close to tears and that was saying goodnight to the kids for the last time I was going to see them. I don't miss anything about South Africa really, and they are the only people who perhaps qualify into that bracket!'
Fifth, 'will you be going back?'
'For sure I have the Africa bug and want to go back one day. I hope to go back and visit people within a couple of years, 2010 is looking hopeful, I hear there's some football tournament going on then...
But I think the best thing about my time there was the crystallisation of what I want to do in the future. Before I went out I was still torn between aid work and pursuing my study and work in the Psychology of work and well-being. However I never realised the two could go hand in hand. Gateway was such a large and ambitious project, focussed on serving and empowering the poor but in a intelligent and sustainable way. I would love to go back to Africa one day and help to run and organise such a project. So yeh, I think it's safe to say I'll be back there one day!'
As I finish I'm watching some BBC program searching for the UK's best choir. They are all singing 'Never Forget' by Take That. The chorus goes:
'never forget where you've come here from'
That won't happen for a good while.
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