The End of the Road

So my time at Bethany Home has come to an end.  I can’t quite believe it; these last 12 months have flown by!  But without a shadow of doubt, this year has been the most incredible, humbling and best year of my life!  I’ve learnt more about myself and grown in so many ways.  It hasn’t always been easy, I had to face some huge challenges, which really tested my strength; but then again I've made some of the best memories that will stay with me forever!  Each and every child I have met this year has touched my heart in such a positive way; their strength, courage and beauty never ceases to amaze me.  They show me unconditional love and trust even though they have been let down by adults in their past.  I can’t begin to describe how much I will miss all my umhle abantwana (beautiful children)! Watching them grow and develop everyday is a once in a lifetime.  I’m proud to say that I spent a year of my life in Africa and I can safely say, everyone at Bethany have given me more than I could have ever given them.  Bethany Home Place of Safely will always have a very special place in my heart and there is no doubt that I will be back again!!
Even though it’s incredibly sad to leave and I would give an arm and a leg to stay, I know that my time is finished and I have to let the next volunteers have the same incredible experiences.  I wish them all the best of luck and please look after all my children.  They deserve all the love in the world and more!!

I was reading a poem the other day and this verse really describes my feelings for Africa:

I am an African,
Not because I live on its soil,
But because my soul is at home in Africa
I am an African,
For her blue skies take my breath away,
And my hope for the future is bright,
I am an African,
For her people greet me as family,
And teach me the meaning of community,
I am an African,
For her wilderness quenches my spirit,
And brings me closer to the source of life.