I Gotta Feeling

I arrived safely back in Jo'burg Tuesday night. I spent the first night in a hotel right by the airport where I got my first reminder I was back in Africa. A question, that I would have gotten an answer for on the first shot in the States, I had to reword about three times before getting the answer that I was searching for reminding me that even in English there is often a language barrier. I definately modify words I use, structure of sentances and sometimes even my intonation when I talk here. The next morning I took the early flight to Swaziland where Steph and Tini met me at the airport. The plan was to head to Swazi Candles for a nice brunch. When we arrived, we were told by the waitress that we could only get a few things on the menu because they had no electricity. Ahhh, to be back in Africa.


On a serious note, though, I am actually very glad to be back in Africa, particularly Swaziland. While there are the occasional inconveniences, overall I believe the life I lead here is much healthier both physically and mentally. I have a great group of friends. It is a beautiful country and the pace of life allows us to enjoy it. Today a group of us hiked Sibebe then had a leisurely brunch on the porch of our friends, Fiona and Jason. I love my work and enjoy my colleagues. But most importantly, I am reminded multiple times during the day how lucky I am and what really matters in life. I truly feel that being here my priorities are more in line with what I believe they should be. Life in the United States is so fast and pressured that you forget that a lot of the things you get wrapped up in or upset about are really not important. I am lucky to get to have the perspective of living and working in Africa. It scares me though how quickly I forgot that when I came home. Don't worry, Mom, this does not mean I am going to stay in Africa forever (although I probably would if we could just figure out how to move it closer). I just realize that when I do come back, I am going to have to work extra hard to enjoy the perks of being in the US without losing the perspective that I have gained here.

I am currently listening to "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. I long ago accepted that I am a sucker for American pop music, but honestly was quite disappointed with the music on the radio when I was home. This song was the one exception. It makes me happy every time I hear it...and that has been quite a lot as I am doing my best to play it as much as the stations at home would.