Brenna moved to tears

If you are reading this blog, you’re choosing to share in the experience each of us is having here. That being so, there’s something you need to know about me – I cry… a lot. Not necessarily because I think everything in the world is sad, it’s quite the opposite, actually – most of my tears come after seeing or experiencing something beautiful that makes me feel such a deep sense of happiness and appreciation that the only way I can express myself is to cry. I have come to terms with this quirk, which is why I am not surprised that I’ve cried at least eight times since being in Cape Town- that’s just how powerful the spirit of this city is.  

Although so new to me, Cape Town comforts me. First, through its landscape. Even with the hectic schedule we’ve been on in the past two weeks, it is impossible to avoid taking time to stop and appreciate the surroundings. Any description I could offer would not do justice to what I see everyday, all I know is that when I stop to take it all in, the combination of mountains, ocean breeze and sunshine moves me.

The true beauty of this area, however, manifests in its people. Each Capetonian exposes me to a new perspective and understanding of this city, all of which share a similar passion for the their home. I am constantly being warmed and inspired by the compassion Capetonians have for not just their fellow community members, but their fellow humans. I first felt the connectednes at Esme and Vernon’s Braai; the whole crew held hands around the meal as Vernon welcomed us into his family and the Cape Town community. I was overwhelmed with how much love and security I felt in a circle of strangers and by the time they sang “Happy Birthday” to me, that was  the breaking point… the tears inevitably came. Since then, I’ve seen how freely children run around the streets and how willing people are to help us with directions or advice about the city; I’ve seen people unjustly sequestered into townships smile and give a thumbs up at us as we drive by them in huge, expensive bus. The most emotional experience so far, however, was the service at the Baptist Church in Guguletu. The empowerment of these people and their willingness to share their passion with us strangers immediately melted my heart - by the time they sang Happy Birthday to Susie, Teddy and me, my eyes were already slightly swollen from the sobfest I didn’t even try to stop. The power of extensive community in this city is unlike any I’ve felt before.

I know Cape Town isn’t perfect, that is why we’re all here. However, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the loving and inspiring community of individuals I have met thus far from coming on this trip.  The students, staff and Capetonians I have encountered have become such a part of who I am already, I can’t believe it’s only been two weeks! But then again, I should know not to expect any less in the land of Ubuntu ☺