Saturday, September 18, 2010

"So, how was your trip?"

This is the question I keep getting asked since returning home. How do I begin to answer? Going to South Africa was so much more than a trip, it was a journey.

I have tired desperately to cling onto the feeling of peace, calm and euphoria Africa gifted me with upon landing home. It's hard to do in this hectic, fast-paced North American lifestyle we all lead.

I STILL can't quite get my head around the fact that my time in SA has come to a close. Did I ever enjoy my vacation at the end. Words will not be able to do justice to the beauty of nature I have seen and experienced and breathed in. South Africa is truly stunning. As are the people I met; their friendliness will never escape my heart.

I spent another 5 days in Cape Town - my new favourite city. In the whole world. It has everything. I hiked Table Mountain again to savour the view, went shark cage diving, visited Robben Island and went to Cape Point (where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet...another 'In Between' moment) and Boulders Beach where there are loads of penguins. SOOOOOOOO much fun!

Then, we set off on the Garden Route which is all beautiful - from start to finish. Instead of the dirty, hustle-bustle, big city life, I drove by coast after coast and did hike after hike from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route itself starts in Mossel Bay and ends at Storms River. Here is a map:


Since arriving back from this magical place and time, I have been full on with 'stuff'. I managed to finish my final academic presentation and give it to a panel of professors. I ended up passing and completing my Masters' as a result. I have also landed a new job with the City of Calgary for 6 mos. dealing with low-income recreational programming. I am also hoping to teach and keep working for Michelle's speaking business. I have so many ideas, visions and dreams to pursue. It's like I've been reborn.

I would also really like to take my writing and blogging further - with the hopes of writing a book one day. This particular blog has given me some insight into how I write and how others respond to my writing so I think all of you who fed back to me.

This is it for now regarding this expedition. Stay tuned.

Expanding with love,
Brianna

Saturday, August 14, 2010

That's All She Wrote.

I'm sitting here in my room in Pretoria for the last time writing today. It feels surreal to be saying that! It's been an emotional week full of relief, sadness, pride, happiness and both a sense of loss and gain. My final day of practicum was yesterday and I cried a lot! I couldn't help myself mid-presentation when speaking to the entire team about my time with the Department. It all just Hit Me. Hard!

Then I had my two supervisors write in my final evaluation. Carmen's comments in particular were so poignant and moving. Here is a snippet:
I believe attitude determines altitude. Life shrinks and expands in relation to one's courage. Brianna's can-do attitude combined with her courage to challenge herself and others shows a very strong internal locus of control. This not only makes her resilient; but also industrious, creative and brave. She will add value to development work and will change the world one step at a time.
I was so touched. She is a brave and amazing woman herself. Here is a picture of us at my going away dinner on Thursday night:



Now I can relax a bit! I am heading to Cape Town tomorrow to spend my remaining days on the coast. I am not sure how much I will blog next week, but I will certainly comment on my holiday once I get back to Canada.

Signing off from Pretoria one last time,
Brianna

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Learning

The past few days I have been working on my final evaluation for the University. This was a difficult and emotionally draining task. It was the first time I actually sat down and tried to articulate the growth that has occured within. Not easy. I believe I will continue to learn and grow beyond these four months inside the borders of South Africa and that I will be processing this experience for many years to come. Here is a snapshot of my response to the question below. (I must also give credit to my friend Leilani, who, without realizing it, helped shape a few of my sentances with her insights.)

STUDENT: Please provide a summary of your own perceptions of working in an international/cross-cultural setting and your personal growth experience. What have you learned through this experience?
I have been on a long journey since I started my Masters’ in September 2009. After initially turning down this practicum placement for personal reasons, I look back with gratitude and fondness on the path I have traveled and indeed embracing this opportunity. Despite the obstacles I’ve had to overcome prior to my arrival and during my time in Pretoria, I don’t regret a thing. I didn’t think it was possible for me to be stretched in THIS many new directions, having many independent foreign travel/work experiences already under my belt. The continent of Africa is unique, however, and I now better understand why I instinctively felt so strongly to make it my destination.
Moreover, I have not, until this practicum experience, been exposed to the highs and lows of humanity in such a short span of time, minute-by-minute. From the highs of the FIFA World Cup and the direct exposure to wildlife to the lows of encountering death regularly and seeing such extreme levels of poverty, I have witnessed this and all that lies in between. I have been made aware of the fragility of life itself and the delicate balance between living and dying we all walk with grace. There is a certain amount of surrender and faith that has therefore accompanied my process, building with each day that passes. I feel more certain of my own identity and how I want to live my life.
Working internationally/cross-culturally has been what I expected in many ways – full of baggage to overcome and work with by my difference and ‘foreignness’. I feel I adapted well here based on my preceding experiences and was able to not get ‘stuck’ as quickly as I have in the past. I only really felt suffocated and homesick near to the end of my time here and that shows confidence and stability. I was able to nurture myself in this time and still do the job to the best of my abilities. I believe I was able to honor my values and the community’s values during my time here and work in a collaborative way – each party learning from each other and working from a place of respect. This, I believe, is true international development.
Being in South Africa has been rewarding professionally as well. I feel I was truly able to contribute to the SACPSS (aka research study) and that my small voice was heard. I felt a sense of responsibility to the children of this country almost instantly, and fit into the structure of the department and project with ease. I have come to know policy as an evolving social benchmark, not a distant object. I believe I am a better project manager, researcher, writer, communicator, thinker and social worker as a result of being placed in the DSD and with Carmen specifically. She has taught me a lot in such a short span of time and really allowed me to fly with unchained wings. I will always be grateful to her.

With love,

Brianna

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

SA is Not for the Faint-Hearted

Brrrrr....it's cold here tonight!

I came back to Pretoria yesterday after spending 6 days in the Eastern Cape province. The views and countryside were breathtaking down there. The sun cooperated too which was a bonus; my very pale, white skin needed some sunshine. I stayed with Nicki, an old friend from London. It was so great to see her.

I feel that as my days are limited, I am absorbing more and taking longer breaths and deeper inhales. I think my body knows soon we are leaving this beautiful country and is responding accordingly. My eyes ares also seeing and noticing more detail than before.

I had a crazy week, however, leading up to the relaxing weekend. Last Wednesday morning (6 am) I left Pretoria for Jo'burg to catch a flight for Kimberley. We landed and immediately had to burn rubber for 250KM to a small village called Britstown for a research interview. Upon arrival, we realized our interviewees had not really arranged a place to meet. We were in RURAL Africa. Nothing for miles. Nada. So, me and my research team of 3 others quickly had to think on the spot. We found a local pub attached to a gas station and sat down at a small round table outside of it, like, in the yard. (The inside of the pub was too noisy with loud men and music. I guess they don't work.) The people in the pub didn't seem too bothered by our presence so we carried on with our questions. Suddenly, a cat appeared. Then, in the background, cows mooing and hens cock-a-doodle-do-ing. Oh my. Only in Africa would you conduct research near a farm, outside, under blowing trees! An hour later, we had to quickly drive back to Kimberley to catch a connecting flight through Jo'burg to Port Elizabeth.  By the time we landed in PE, it was 9 pm.

The next day (Thursday) we had another interview scheduled just outside of PE, in a town called Uitenhage. We drove there and back, getting lost quite a few times. Street signs don't really exist here. Nor do office numbers. The joys!

Friday: another early morning. We were on the highway by 630 am to get to East London by 900 am for yet another interview. We quickly discovered the road was in terrible condition and there were roadworks and accidents everywhere. Oh and cows grazing the pavement. We arrived at East London very late (11 am) to find a boardroom full of very disgruntled staff who were waiting there for 2 hours.  THAT interview  was a bit of a bomb, and I was very frazzled from the drive in. No, this day was far from over.

The district had arranged another site visit and interview in a town 2 hours away called Queenstown.  Meaning, we had to drive two hours in the opposite direction to PE (where we had to eventually end up by the end of the day). Meaning, a 5 hour drive back. Sigh. We were back on the road, frustrated and annoyed, and in Queenstown by 4. This interview, despite being out of the way, was more than worth it. I went from feeling hopeless to hopeful. This little office of social workers were doing wonderful work for children in the district, despite their many challenges and lack of resources. Check.

By 6 pm, it was dark and we had to drive all the way back to PE. What a stressful drive. Carmen did exceptionally well to keep us on the road and away from any farm animals. We were back in PE by 1030 pm. I slept like a baby, that night, thankful to be in one piece.

The end. Here is a map with our destinations marked:



Alas, I came to the conclusion that this country is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be determined. You have to be a finisher. You have to persevere to get things done when time and the odds are stacked against you. And you have to be OK with taking risks.

More soon,

B

Monday, August 2, 2010

Inspiring Each Other

Ola friends,

My horoscope this past week said, "Share what you’ve found inside your heart." Interesting, because I think I have been doing this. Writing this blog has become a very therapeutic experience for me. I feel like I'm talking to YOU....somewhere, out there! I'm getting a bit sick of myself so this outlet is crucial!

What I didn't realize, however, is that it has also become helpful for others. I got the most touching email from a dear friend this week. By sharing what I have found inside my heart, I have somehow encouraged her to let go of a bar she had been clinging to for quite some time. Amazing! She has given me permission to put her message in my blog. Here it is:

I'm so sorry that I've been so absent in contact in the time that you've been gone. I really wanted to stay in touch and hear all about it, but I feel like your blog has let me experience it all along with you!! I have been 'In Between' my own bars in the last few weeks and that has been holding most of my focus. Reading your experiences and fears and growth and fullness of what you've been doing has not only given me added strength at a time of some uncertainties in my life, but given me hope that we all have a place and a path, if we just listen to what our heart is telling us. I've let go of one 'bar' and quit my job!! I'm really not sure what's going to happen next, but I'm looking forward and open to the next path that opens up to me. It really is a scary place to be, but I know that I have to take that risk to really move forward. I am so proud of you and proud to call you my friend in all that you have done and experienced and all of the challenges that you have thrown yourself head first into! I can't wait to see you in person and 'see' how much you have grown, stretched and changed!!
With a full heart,
Dawn

After I initially read this, I started to cry. How beautiful. One of my friends is now flying through the air! I'm so proud of her. This got me thinking...how many of you, in addition to D, are in between? If you are, send me a note....let's inspire each other. We could form our own 'in between bars' support group! :) 

Whoosh....I'm really flying now too, there is very little foundation left underneath these feet. Soon my practicum will be over and I'll be looking to see what happens next. What will the new bar look like?

Spring is in the Pretoria (polluted) air,
Brianna   

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Why I Can't Sleep

Here is an overview of your average night in my room as I try to catch some zzzzz's:

10 pm: Crawl into bed. Panic button beside me? Check. Alarm on? Check. (And no, not the alarm clock per se, alarms for outside/inside the house.)

11 pm: Just as I have dozed off, police sirens one street below. It's a busy road. Maybe the odd gun shot to boot.

12 am: Neighbor's house alarm has gone off. Eventually it stops. But I stay put, despite their need for help.

2 am: Dogs barking up a storm. They have seen a bird they don't like. Or a cat. They carry on for quite awhile, causing a stir with all neighboring dogs as well. It's a big ol' dog party out there.

3 am: Landlady's son has eventually come home from a night out. He accidentally sets of the outside alarms. I make sure nothing else is wrong by peeking upstairs. Phone also rings as security company calls to check on us. At least they're prompt.

5 am: Housekeeper's husband goes to work. Dogs bark at him and sometimes he forgets to turn off the alarm. It goes again.

6 am: Sunrise. The birds start to chirp/squawk. They, too, are excessively loud.

6:30 am: The radio blares. Time to 'get up'.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Circle of Life

In true "Lion King" fashion, this song came to mind today.  And no, not because I'm in Africa. Because I have been personally confronted with the very delicate circle of life this month. Just within my little tight-knit group of girlfriends one dealt with the death of her mother and another has just given birth to a girl. We live in such a fragile state.

People in Africa balance between life and death...I don't know...with less balance. If you picture someone walking on a tightrope, they would be wobbly. They walk a finer line between life and death. The best example I can give of this is on the roads. People keep crossing at a 'crosswalk' (and I use this term loosely) even though you, as a driver, have a green light and the right of way. This makes for the dodging of cars by people and the dodging of people by cars. It's like the tempting of fate. They see you going, make eye contact as you rev up your clutch, but go anyway. Gingerly...like they are off for a Sunday stroll. The other day I saw a man literally strolling across a busy street...while pushing another man in a wheelchair. Oncoming traffic and all!!! Eish!

This fine line creates a certain 'aliveness' that is lacking in North America somewhat. People generally follow the rules where I come from. People do things on time. Get things done. Follow deadlines. Less maneuvering around the 'bending' of regulations. My type-A North American personality has slapped me in the face a few times in dealing with people and institutions here. I don't mean to sound better than, but it can get frustrating when you ask someone to sign a document and it takes 4 weeks....just for it to surface. Regardless, the way of life here is more relaxed, free, less bound, and more forgiving. It's less uptight which I can appreciate. It's made me more laid back. I thought I was laid back before, but not so much. I am grateful for this teaching. My heart is more open and soft.

I'm also being bombarded with other 'realizations'. "Home is where the heart is", primarily. No matter where I go and no matter for how many months, there is a longing for home. The same in reverse. When I am home, I long for travel and to see another part of this amazing world. This can create quite the confusion in my little head. There MUST be a way to satisfy both of these urges, no? 

I think, therefore, that creating a HOME, partly 'on the road', is what I need to try and manifest next. I must admit that being a solo traveller has had many perks in terms of my growth over the years, but, I don't enjoy it as much as I used to. I desire more for these experiences to be shared, and instead I often refer back to people in my life at home via phone, email, skype, etc. to share things with at a distance. This can feel hollow at times. It would be so much better if there was some of home, here, with me. Perhaps the creation of a life with someone(s) who have the same need to travel and the capacity to create a HOME wherever they may land. The worldly life. Yet the consistent life. (In between of course.) And no, this is not coming from a place of fear, this is coming from a place of contentment. Contentment with myself, and being able to love me and what my soul requires.

Let the countdowns begin! 17 days until David arrives; 28 days until I am back in YYC; 10 days left in my practicum!

B

PS-I have fallen in love with this South African band named Freshly Ground. Enjoy their new song: http://vimeo.com/12715405

Saturday, July 24, 2010

In Between Head and Heart

I think I have my voice back. Feels good. Somewhere in between my head and my heart the words were lost for awhile there. Mouth quiet. What happens in between that space?  Something goes awry.  The heart feels and the head thinks on it, often twisting, shifting and turning the feelings into something they are not.  Feelings get lost in thin air. Call me over-analytical. Wouldn't be the first time.

My heart is leading now. Chest out.

It is full moon tomorrow. The last full moon I will experience in South Africa. There are going to be a lot of first 'lasts' in the next few weeks. My time here is winding down. Here's what this full moon represents: "The container from which you operate your daily life is being stretched and worked, and you are being asked by spirit to step up to the plate. This is the time of giving birth to a new way of being, and as in real birth, there is no going back." (Agreed.)

My container is definitely being stretched and worked. Growth. I wish you could see growth in a person on the inside. When I arrive back in Canada in a month, I will likely look the same to everyone. My hair might have changed, my nails might have grown, my skin may have a few more wrinkles, etc. However, I will still be Brianna physically. People will recognize me as her. What is not evident, is the transformation, stretching, working, changes in spirit/soul/heart. These things you cannot see. This is disappointing. How do you prove expansion? In words? In eyes? In touch?

My friend David arrives in 3 weeks!!! I can't wait for company. We are planning to spend time in Cape Town and then drive up the coastline to Port Elizabeth before I fly home. It's supposed to be AMAZING scenery. It will be so nice to see a familiar face...I will be blown over with emotion. Lucky him.   

Finally, I had a big day yesterday in the life of my practicum. I had to present the conceptual framework, research questions and methodology for my reserach study to a group of 'child protection experts' during a closed board meeting. Suprisingly, I wasn't even nervous. I was sound in my work prior so felt that I could articulate myself clearly. It went well, and opened the doorway for me to enter into the final phase. I am very happy with what I have accomplished here. 

Blessings, 

Brianna

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Threads

Today I attended the National Child Care and Protection Forum in Johannesburg. These happen quarterly and involve provincial and national government staff from various departments as well as national NGO staff. As I sat there and looked around the hot and stuffy room, I couldn't believe that I recognized and KNEW about 50% of the faces in there. There were about 125 attendees so you do the math. In less than 3 months, I have managed to find myself in a 'team'. And amongst 'colleagues', who I consider friends, and who say "hi, how are you?" and all that. They know my role and where I fit in. Wow. That felt really, really good. Especially because I am a young foreigner who REALLY feels out of place most of the time.

All of these faces will be threads, weaving in and out of my mind, for the rest of my life. I don't forget faces.

As we drove home, yelling above the radio (Carmen and I do this when we get excited - I'll miss her), I realized that this purpose of mine, this motivating force, will be done and gone in about 3 weeks. I have worked so very hard for the last 11 months, on and through my Masters. This practicum is the accumulation of all the learning and final test. I have immersed myself in the job at hand, acting as if I was a full-time staff member, not a learner. It gives me life. And then, suddenly, poof! It will be over and I'll be home and onto the next challenge. This made my heart sad.

I have hence made a promise to myself, that I will not look behind me or ahead of me until the time comes to say good-bye.

Presently yours,
Brianna

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Commercial Break

Oh little blog + friends how I have been neglecting thee. I'm here, alive and 50% well. Just overwhelmed and can't seem to find the 'space between' to write and synthesize my thoughts.

I've definitely hit 'the wall' as I call it - the time when the excitement and adrenaline from being in a new place wears off and you're stuck with yourself.  I am reminded of the marathon I ran, and hitting the wall after going straight for 3 hours, then having to find the strength somewhere, somehow to continue. The soul-searching begins now. I guess I have practice.

I will be back soon, once I get clarity from digging deep.

Brianna xo

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Cutting Through the Clutter


Hi, 

I can't believe another week has come and gone. Time is going by here so incredibly fast. It was a tumultuous week full of highs and lows. The nature of being solitary and in a foreign land is like that. Lots of swinging up and down. Back and forth. Admittedly, I have had a hard time stilling my mind since arriving here. The school work is piling up now and I'm trying to cut through the clutter in my head and focus on the tasks at hand but it's often got it's own agenda and busy with thoughts. About what I'm seeing. Experiencing. Tasting. Doing. Feeling. Now. BUT I'm also preoccupied with what's next for me. In the closing of this chapter (which is merely weeks away!), another will be written. I just don't know the plot just yet....and that feels scary. The space in between can be an overwhelming, confusing, debilitating time.....despite the feeling of freedom and being airborne.


Lots to say. First, I wrote this update for the foundation which gave me a scholarship to support my work here. It's quite comprehensive if you would like to read it:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/md/PARHAD/studentships/student-2010-bstrumm.htm

The highs. Yesterday I attended this conference: http://www.kidsrightsmdgsconference.com/ 
It was incredible. Not only was the content extremely relevant to my work and long-term career goals, but the speakers panel was remarkable. Graca Machel (Mandela's wife and long-standing social activist), F.W. de Klerk (former president of South Africa and Nobel peace prize winner), and Desmond Tutu (no explanation required) were all there and spoke to open and close the conference. Wow. I was starstruck as well as deeply effected by their words. I left feeling uplifted and hopeful despite the disappointing facts regarding children's health, education and poverty around the world. The conference and time spent in the presence of Tutu will forever be a beacon of light in my life as I progress as a social worker. I went up to Tutu at the end of the day and spoke with him for a moment before someone snapped this:


Wow. GrateFULLness.

The conference also recognized Children's Peace Prize awards given out every year- there were 3 winners in attendance. The 2009 winner struck a chord with me, a young Congolese boy named Baruani Ndume who fled from the violence in DR Congo when he was seven years old. Both of his parents were killed during the conflict. Baruani has lived in the refugee camp in Tanzania for over nine years but converted his difficult life there into something powerful, including starting a radio show for refugee children. The radio show, called 'Sisi kwa Sisi' (Children for Children), airs on Radio Kwizera in Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. In his radio show, Baruani discusses the problems and challenges refugee children face in the camp and offers an ear and advice. Here I am with this magnificent boy:

 
The lows. An old and dear friend of mine's mother suddenly passed away this week from an unstoppable cancer. I'm in Pretoria and she's in Calgary. I'm torturing myself over not being there for her physically. I know that you can't plan these things, and that the universe has placed me here now, but I've been unable to calm down. I take pride in the fact that I'm the 'go to gal' and I enjoy giving support to others. I think I get this from my grandmother who was tirelessly helping other people. I'm a way better giver of support than receiver of it. This experience has exposed just how much I shape my identity by this trait and how in being far away from the people I love, it is stifled. This is one of the many things I am learning about myself here. The learning never ends.


I think I'll close there. Too much clutter.


Love from me,
B

 

Friday, July 2, 2010

Behind the Scenes


I thought it might be fun to share with you all what happens at a live World Cup match. There is quite a lot you don't see on TV. I took note the other night when I was at Japan vs. Paraguay. It was not a very high-scoring game, (0-0), but the penalty kicks were something else!! What a devastating way to lose for Japan. :( That was my second and final WC game. Now I sit at home and watch the elimination round with the rest of the world.There are also no more games in Pretoria. Phew!
  • Right before the game starts, Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley is played on the speakers. Awesome.
  • Warm-up happens about 40 min prior to game time. Each team is welcomed and their name announced separately as they run onto the field.
  • At half-time, cheerleaders come onto the field. Yes, there are cheerleaders in World Cup soccer.
  • The cheerleaders perform a routine to Waka Waka by Shakira. The entire crowd gets up and dances!
  • Right before the players march out onto the field from the tunnel, photographers are allowed to run up beside the tunnel in a clump. It's hilarious to watch them all battle for position within this roped off area.
  • The only beer served is Budweiser. Terrible!
  • An entire side of the stands is taken up by the press and media. They sit at white tables.
  • The vuvuzelas are actually louder than you think.
  • The players who sit on the bench go on the field at half-time and run around and stretch in case they play in the second half.
  • The wave is usually conducted!
  • Finally, people are VERY creative with regards to their costuming and there are face painters on site ready to give everyone a flag of their choice on cheeks!
Here is a video of the noise I took from my camera at Ellis Park Stadium during the USA vs.Slovenia match:


GHANA all the way now!

Brianna



Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Victoria Falls and Brianna Falls


 Hello!

This past weekend I explored Victoria Falls with a new friend, Romy. What a wonderful place. However, this was an expensive expedition as I was charged $50 USD both to go in and to go out of Zambia. I would have saved myself 50% by presenting a World Cup ticket – who knew immigration departments had sales?? Zimbabwe then charged me $75 for a Visitor Visa. My South African counterpart was charged nothing. What did Canada ever do? Regardless, it was worth the cost. Victoria Falls are magnificent. They are more rugged and raw than Niagara. They remind you who is boss: Mother Nature. As a visitor, you can get very close…almost dangerously so but this is Africa. The Falls run along a deep canyon for many kms. I loved the noise (roar) of the Falls and the mist that came up from the trenches below. Bright rainbows shone in the water.  In many sections, it was impossible to even see the Falls as the spray was so intense. I wore a rain coat, and even then, got soaked.


We went to the Falls twice, in the daytime and again at night to witness the ‘lunar rainbow’. This is the only place in the world where you can see this due to the brightness of the full moon. (You used to be able to see this phenomenon at Niagara Falls but not anymore due to commercial development in the area.) What an amazing sight this was! Spiritual. We were guided through the park by a Ranger with a dull lantern and at one point he says, “Turn around”. Voila! A rainbow in the mist! It was so dark you couldn’t even see the Falls (however, you could sure feel them as water battered our clothes). The universe felt HUGE in that time and space.

Going into the weekend, I also wanted to experience the ‘adventure’ offered at Victoria Falls. The Bridge over the Falls is known for its bungee jump.  I have been talking about doing the bungee for a few months. Yet, when I got there, I wasn’t excited, rather, I felt sick to my stomach just looking at the ropes. I was quickly reminded how much I dislike the feeling of going upside down (even as a child on the playground) and thought, “I don’t know that I want to do this anymore”! It felt very stressful and as I stood on the ledge, looking down, bungee cord wrapped around my feet, a war was raging inside of me:
EGO: “Bungee you silly moron. You can do this. Everyone else does it. You are lame. It’s only a few seconds of your life. See? Others come back alive and smiling.”
SOUL: “You don’t need to bungee. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You are centered and pure. You don’t have to go through this agony to show that you are brave.”
EGO: “What will everyone think if you don’t do it? Oh, man, you are so stupid. Just do it.”
SOUL: “Breathe. If it does not feel right, there will be other opportunities when you can come back to this spot. You are already strong. You face your fears daily.”   

I stepped back and never felt braver.              

SOUL  1                 EGO  0

Since this defining moment, I have been looking for an explanation or further understanding as to what I was experienced there, on the bridge. This passage comes close:  
“The ego wants us to do things to be accepted. It will never happen. The ego is coming from the premise that we are essentially incomplete. Actions that stem from the acceptance of my Being are totally different from actions that arise from the doing of my ego, even though the actions may look identical. One is done in the full Consciousness of Soul and Love of Self. The other is done from a sense of incompleteness, inferiority, and fear of not being enough. It is our choice. It merely takes a shift in perception from ego to Soul-Centered Awareness."

Now, don't be fooled. I still jumped. But on MY terms and with a shift in my perception of jumping. I did what was called the Gorge Swing. I fell in a swinging motion, rather than just straight down. In fact, the speed of the fall is faster than bungeeing because of the momentum. I LOVED IT! I was in control, and able to embrace the fall, without fear, and felt fully in my heart as I stepped off the edge. Who knew you could feel so GROUNDED flying through the air?


I am fortunate to have had this 'soul vs. ego' debate arrive, unexpectedly, and as a result, am more in touch with  myself than ever before. 

Finally, I must also comment on how beautiful Zimbabweans are, on the inside and out. We were greeted with such warmth, generosity and kindness. Thank you.

Until next time, 
Brianna

PS-I can't help but laugh at my own ability to take this "In Between Bars" theme to a whole new level now. I literally did hurl myself through the air!

Monday, June 28, 2010

5 slogans

Excellent timing (as always) that this video by Pema Chodron (love her) came across my path today.

I needed this teaching as I lean back, look up and throw my arms around what I've experienced and learned in the past 7 weeks. I'm halfway through.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIeetlSjwvg

The five slogans of Machig Labdron teach us how to work with fear, aversion, and suffering in the context of the great motivation to benefit others:

1. Confess your hidden faults.
2. Approach what you find repulsive.
3. Help those you think you cannot help. Or, help those you do not want to help.
4. Anything you are attached to, give that.
5. Go to the places that scare you.
 
Brianna
 

Sunday, June 20, 2010

South Africa...


South Africa...a country where running a red light is safer than stopping at it (at night).

South Africa...a country where there are two different types of electrical plugs. You never know which one you're going to get.

South Africa...a country where driving through thick smoke on the highway is common as grass fires burn rampant.

South Africa...a country where every, single radio station is heard nationally.

South Africa...a country where there are more metal bars per sq. km. than plants or trees.

South Africa...a country where men in neon vests direct traffic for parking spots, even on the street. They are not formally employed by anyone.

South Africa...a country where taxis look like buses.

South Africa...a country where in 20 degrees, beanies, coats and boots are worn by most.

South Africa...a country without filtered coffee. Back to instant I go.


South Africa...a country where honking a car horn means "Do you want a ride?" rather than "Get out of my way!"

South Africa...a country where in every bathroom, there's plenty of soap, paper towel, cold water and...condoms.

South Africa...a country where to enter a banking institution, one must go through a medal-detector doorway.

South Africa...a country where 'indoor' slippers are not only worn indoors.

South Africa...where there are posted MAX and MIN speeds on highways.
To be continued...

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Cold Hands, Warm Heart


World Cup Fever is heating up, but boy oh boy, is it cold. Have you seen people on TV in the stands at the games all bundled up for winter? Well, they are not being wimps, it's definitely chilly around here. The night is especially cool as it frequently falls to 0 degrees. I didn't bring proper clothes for this weather! Whoops. Having to stock up on sweaters and buy some boots. Any excuse for more shoes...right?

I went to my first ever World Cup match last night! I saw USA vs. Slovenia at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. It was truly spectacular. I have seen quite a few amazing sporting events in my lifetime (Wimbledon, Stanley Cup playoffs, The Olympic Games, PGA Golf, etc.) but yesterday's experience tops the list. The intensity, the level of play, the noise, the large number of spectators, and the stadium itself will not soon be forgotten. I was surprised at how many American fans were in the crowd, and they were quite down on their team in the first half, cursing and yelling. BUT, the second half rally by their team was superb and made for an exciting finish. I am definitely becoming a huge soccer fan. 


Further, I'm observing some interesting day-to-day cultural phenomena here and wanted to capture it in writing. I am noticing these things especially when I walk the streets downtown during my lunch break. I have been venturing out much more, now that I have my bearings downtown. I recently found a pedestrianized street full of market-type goods and cheap shops, which I am loving. On Tuesday while cruising this street, I watched as people walked around with blankets on. Fleece blankets! Forget coats, people just put on blankets and go out. How clever! Why invest in a coat when you can just put on a blanket?

Also, there are many men with old-fashioned cameras asking if I need my photo taken at almost every street corner for a good 3 blocks up the road. I was puzzled by this until I saw that the Dept. of Home Affairs was nearby. Ahhhh, forget passport photo labs, you can just get your photo ID taken on the sidewalk. I watched this happen - these 'photographers' just tape a white sheet onto a building and then snap away.

There is also some very creative entrepreneurship going on in this city. The little tables that are set up everywhere sell quite a diverse range of products such as individual candies. Some people buy a whole bag of wrapped hard candies or mints and then sell each piece separately to make a small profit. You'll find these being sold often with a mixture of nuts and fruit.There are also lots of men walking up and down the middle of road lanes selling newspapers, flags, sunglasses and now, ear plugs. On the way to the stadium yesterday, we did indulge one of these sellers and each got a set of plugs for the game. They came in handy, let me tell you!

What is also striking is how everyone I encounter is very warm and genuinely friendly. I am either: 'madam', 'miss', 'dear', 'darling' or 'my love'. My name is often pronounced Biryani, like the Indian dish. It could be worse. I like Indian food. :)

Work again has been a bit slow this week due to World Cup mania, but hopefully the initial hype has died down and people can get back to business. I am entering my sixth week of being here...time if flying by!!! Lots to be done still in terms of my own learning objectives, but I won't panic yet!

Lots of love,
Brianna

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The World Cup. And The World.

Hello all,

I think I totally underestimated the impact the World Cup would have on this country. And on me! I’m overwhelmed by the magnitude the event. It's everywhere I look! At work, the media, the streets, the shops, etc. I have seen visitors from all over the globe as well, right on my doorstep. This whole week has been a green and yellow blur. All I can hear is the vuvuzela amidst the backdrop of the city. (When helicopters and jets aren’t flying overhead or sirens are wailing….security is at an ALL TIME high.)

(FYI: Vuvuzela definition: A vuvuzela or a stadium horn is a blowing horn approximately 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length. It is commonly blown by fans at football matches in South Africa. The instrument requires some lip and lung strength to blow.)

I’m actually relieved that the big event is now underway, as perhaps things can go back to normal...nothing was in order...from about Wednesday onwards. Everyone was in high spirits and not focused on their regular day-to-day routines. And who can blame them? The World Cup has never happened in Africa and people here LOVE their soccer. It's an important time in South African history and I'm so lucky to witness it.

Wednesday at noon there was a scheduled ‘Vuvuzela Moment’. Everyone in the whole of South Africa was instructed to blow their vuvuzela for 5 minutes at noon. Well, 5 minutes in Pretoria turned into 2 hours and a large parade. Pretorius Street, where my office is located, came to a stand still and people funneled through to Church Square which is in the centre of the city. Here is a picture from that very square at about 12:30 in the afternoon.



Nuts.
Thursday night I went to the Opening Celebration Concert in Johannesburg. It was at Orlando Stadium (the same place I saw the rugby a few weeks back). It was an absolute blast! Two of my favourite things…no wait three….were all significant factors of the night: Sport, Music and Charity. Not only were there amazing artists in attendance (Amadou & Mariam, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Shakira, etc.) but the vibe was amazingly cohesive and beautiful. The World Cup is truly bringing all sorts of people together in a historically divided nation. Some of my favourite parts of the night were:
-Random clumps of people breaking out into choreographed routines.
-Flags and patriotism, regardless of skin colour.
-A DJ in between sets played anti-apartheid songs and ALL audience members singing along. I was with some coloured people who grew up here during the last 20 years, and they cried with emotion.
-When the Black Eyed Peas busted into “Tonight’s gonna be a good night”…and I got my groove on.

Then my phone was stolen from my coat pocket in mass exodus from the stadium…I didn’t even notice until a bit later. Oh well. TIA. (This is also case and point as to why I bought the cheapest phone available when I got here.)

Friday I didn't go to work. Nor did anyone else. I sorted out a new phone and watched the opening game....South Africa against Mexico. The whole nation exploded when Bafana scored the first goal of the tournament. The storyline could not have been contrived any better than that!!

Today was host city Pretoria's first game and the stadium is just minutes away from my house. Here is a picture of just how close it is from the rooftop:



Other than the big WC, not much else to report. Like I said, one big blur. Although, I have begun to feel more grounded and like I belong at work, as many co-workers continue to stop in the hallway and poke their head into my office to say hi, welcoming me to the department and country. I am joyous when this occurs. The human spirit is wonderful and when we connect across borders, it makes me smile inside. We shall see what this week brings....will ANYONE be at work tomorrow??! :)

Hugs,
Brianna

PS-The 'space between' theme was in my face again this week...on a brown sugar packet no less. The quote written on the back of it was: "Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so". ~Belva Davis

Monday, June 7, 2010

Quote

I flipped the page in my Pema Chodron agenda and the quote for this week is appropriately this:

"When we are willing to stay even a moment with uncomfortable energy, we gradually learn not to fear it."

An excellent mantra for me to bear in mind as I enter into the next stage of residing here.

B

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fear: Myth or Truth?


“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.” - Ambrose Redmoon

Amidst the noise and behind the bars, today I sit with my soul and am reflecting upon the first month of physically being in South Africa. I have struggled to get clarity through the chaos that I experience on a daily basis. More often than not, I’m riddled with questions and alerts regarding my whereabouts in Pretoria and who is nearby, and further who could possibly invade my personal space. I’ve never been so aware of my colour and gender in my life. Externally, the sounds and sights are distracting my every move.

I desperately needed a “Bri” day today which managed to include: a walk to the shops, a run, my favourite songs (ahhhh), a good book/newspaper, sports on TV and delicious food. This morning, the sun shone through the windows as I drank my daily morning coffee. (I couldn’t help but think about the irony of the blaring sun as it tries to compensate for the ‘criminal’ aspect of this place. The sun argues against darkness every day.)

One emotion dominates and permeates my psyche when thinking about my first month. That emotion being fear. Honestly, I was worried about living here before I left Canada; that hasn’t changed...yet it didn’t halt me in my tracks. I was concerned mostly for my own personal safety in South Africa, the country with the most reported violent crime in the world. Typically, I am not a fearful person, in fact, one might argue I was brave for coming to South Africa, alone as a young, vibrant female. I never encounter new situations with fear, I usually embrace them with openness, love, curiosity and acceptance for what is. In South Africa those aforementioned emotions have also been present...with the accompaniment of fear mind you. I’ve sat in between the bars trying to overcome the fear.

What I find myself battling with is whether or not this fear is mythically placed or based in some some sort of reality? What would happen if those security bars were removed from around people’s homes? Anything worthy of the bars being there? I don’t know if they make me feel more or less secure. I also am an amateur on South Africa, so, can’t necessary proclaim to be an expert. However, I do know what the media says (it’s full of terrible stories). I see the concern in people’s eyes and hear the worry in their words when I say I’m here alone. I’m beginning to explore what locals say (I had a long discussion the other night with a young Afrikaans girl who is planning to migrate to Australia with her partner – all they want to do is leave.)

Bearing all of this in mind, I do think I need to make a mental shift and be cautious, not fearful in the months to come. Fear is causing me to stay up at night as I am thinking too much about the “What ifs?" I believe I can get on with things here with a more calmed heart. I trust what people are telling me regarding how to remain safe and am feeling more like my feet are on the ground as each day passes. The earth is solid beneath my shoes as I wander with eyes wider than before.

I am so grateFULL for my practicum. I go to work everyday knowing what my purpose for being here is as well as believing in the purpose! I am getting exactly the kind of experience I wanted....and more. I have already sat and contributed in meetings with banks and development agencies. I have been in training that is relevant and adds to my pre-existing knowledge base including mainstreaming gender in research and project management. I am dealing with children’s rights. Yes!! AND I get to be creative and come up with a research methodology and travel to provinces to interview social workers. Hello? It's social work + management + children + project creativity. All in a day's work. 

I miss you all at home...and am sending lots of love.

Brianna


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Safari


First off, thanks to everyone for their kind words regarding my blog. You are my motivation for continuing to write. I know it’s been a few days but there is a lot to say and I have struggled to find the time to sit down and focus on the task of describing my weekend.
I must say that raindrops are following us around the country! First in Cape Town, and now in Kruger National Park. Shame. (But, I guess it is winter here so I need to stop complaining.)
We ended up on a 3 day safari in very chilly conditions, making the open air game drives somewhat uncomfortable, shivering under our blankets. However, the weather was easily won over by the beauty that is the African bush and the wonder of the spectacle of animals in their natural habitat. Emma and I stayed in a very rustic camp with little huts without any electricity. Awesome. The only thing lighting the way at night was our lanterns and the open campfire in the main lodge. We were on the Klaserie Game Reserve in particular and this is where we stayed: http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/africaonfoot/
Saturday afternoon we went out on the 4x4 and saw lots of impala, a warthog, kudu and a female lion walking by herself down the road ahead of us. She was beautiful and the guides said she had cubs based on her appearance (she was visibly lactating). We turned off the engine to hear the lions roaring under the stars. They were surprisingly loud, those Kings of the savanna! We took in the Southern Cross and Scorpio constellations above our heads. The moon was also red and full in true African style. 
After a delicious dinner around the campfire on Saturday night, we were told to silently move towards the swimming pool. And voila! There was a herd of elephants drinking from it...about 6 of them including a baby! We shone the flashlights on them and finally they got a bit stressed and so proceeded to move on, but we did get a great look. Amazing to know that animals just rock up to the camp like that!! I slept like a baby to the soothing sounds of the winds and owls hoo hooing.
The second day we saw another herd of elephants and more kudu. We went on a nature walk and saw lots of different plants and trees and kinds of dung (I’m now an expert on animal poo...and saw proof that giraffes and hyenas were also in the area.) Later that night we went on another drive and saw dozens of zebras and a few rhinos. They were so quick on their feet and jetted away from our obtrusive headlights!
The final morning (Monday) we set off on a long morning walk and it was spectacular to watch the sunrise (we set off at 6 am) and to relish in being so connected to nature. I just couldn’t quite get my head around where I was...AFRICA. The one animal I didn’t get to see by the end of the 3 days that I desparately wanted to was a giraffe. However, the guide pointed out a bone we came across that morning, it was huge. He told me it belonged to a giraffe leg and that a lion had clearly killed it to eat. I was sad to see this but realize it is the true nature of the food chain. (Then, ironically, as we were exiting the park, I was driving and Emma spotted 4 giraffes by the side of the road! So...........my safari experience was complete indeed!)
After this experience I was thinking about how humans and animals in this particular community (and many others for that matter across the world) live in harmony. Humans here respect the animal’s space and vice verse. There is an innate courtesy for how each species live. Yet, humans and other humans can’t seem to get it together and respect each other in the same fashion.  I heard on the news about the Israeli attack on the Palestinian boat, how blacks and whites continue to fight for position and resources in this country, the war raging in Afghanistan, etc. How can we not live in peace given all of our so-called 'advances' and ‘global’ view we claim to have? If animals and humans got it figured out, so should we really. 
Possibly the biggest shock I’ve had since arriving on the 8th of May occurred on the way home from Kruger National Park. I should say as a disclaimer that the drivers and the roads here are quite unlike anything I’ve seen before. You have to be completely aware at all time and on the lookout for potholes, road kill, animals grazing, school kids walking, people flagging taxis, cars driving at break neck speed, etc. PLUS we are dealing with being on the other side of the road. Concentration is mandatory. Emma and I were about 1 hour out of Pretoria on a fairly decent double-laned highway and we came upon a very bad car accident. It must have just happened a few minutes before because there was not yet emergency help on the scene. As we approached, I realized that bodies were on road. There were likely two dead and others injured, but I couldn’t bring myself to look closely. Talk about traumatizing. I have never seen anything like this in my life and felt ill.
I have come to the realization that this is the reality of Africa. Death and encounters with life and death are very normal and prevalent....way more so than what we as North Americans see. We are quite sheltered. Diseases, violence, accidents, are far more in-your-face. I would safely say that Africans are desensitized to these things and just seem to get on with life. I have not been able to stop thinking about it and find myself wondering, was the man I saw on the road a father, a brother, a son? What was he on his way to do when he crashed? Who would be impacted most by his passing? What was he thinking in his final moments? 
Often we don’t take the time to really live and be present in the moments we have. Seeing this really made me critically look at being alive and embracing everything life has to offer. It also made me think twice about driving on South African highways!
Anyway, this is getting long (see, I told you I had a lot to say!) and I will go for now and report back on the weekend about my practicum. There are very exciting things happening there too.
I keep on swinging,
Brianna

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hometowns

I've just been listening to Hometown Glory by Adele and relating to the lyrics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL49yZNE4yk

It's amazing how quickly someplace can become 'home'. Ive been in Pretoria almost two weeks only, and already I'm creating patterns of living. Worlds have also collided through people who know my people. The world becomes so small through travel. City living here is very much like city living in Calgary, with a few different twists and turns. I have a commute to downtown. I listen to the local radio station in the morning. The cofffee counter boy has memorized my order. I found my nearest supermarket and hairdresser.  I watch the news at night.

Why do we gravitate towards the familiar? When in our regular, normative settings, we don't critically think about our daily routines. Here, I'm facing many unknowns, and in order to try to mitigate fear and uncertainty, I'm doing things similar to what I always do. I guess we are creatures of habit.

This week's focus has mainly been work. I've put in a couple 10 hour days at the office. We are preparing for the official project launch happening next week Tuesday. I'm becoming quickly familiar with the ins and outs of government protocol and how to appropriately deal with officials, politicians and community stakeholders. Going through the 'right' channels is MEGA important, often more so than WHAT is being done. It's a bit of an eye opener as to why things seem to take a long time, procedure is emphasized over product.

I'm not used to these long days...the life of a student is more determined by paper due dates and not so much the daily office grind. Yet I am loving every minute and am jumping right into the work - I have no time to waste given the short period of time I am here. There is definitely a staffing gap as well and the role I'm carving out for myself is clearly needed. Interestingly, if you work past 530 pm in my building, the lights go out. The office goes completely black. I'm not entirely sure why this happens, but I agree with the maneuver, for environmental reasons as well as personal. Turning the lights out on workers is one way to ensure they go home and have a proper work life balance.

Today, around 11 am, there was a staff announcement over the loudspeakers inside. (It felt a bit like being in school, when the principal would make their announcements.) A man stated that there was a water shortage in the building and therefore we had to evacuate. We were to leave immediately and return to work the following morning. People were yelping and dancing in the hallways. Colleagues said to me that this doesn't happen often, but all I could do was laugh and smile and think to myself: TIA (This is Africa).

There are few comical sayings I've picked up that I would like to document. I love how the English language gets used in different ways depending on where you are in the world!

"I'll be with you just now." = "I'll be with you later." (Translation: Just now means later.)
"I"ll be with you now now" = "I'll be with you now." (Translation: Now now means NOW. ) :)
"Howzit?" = "How are you?"
"It's not a train smash." = "It's not the end of the world."

I'll continue to add to this list I'm sure.

Finally, today I drove for the first time in Pretoria. It was actually fine, although I kept hitting the windshield wipers instead of signalling. And, I tended to gravitate toward the curb instead of the middle line. I also once started driving on the wrong side, but only briefly, as headlights were directly flashing at me! It will take some getting used to. People and taxis are definitely hazards here as they are unpredictable and often in your way.  I drove us to the Canadian Pub Night at the High Commission. They have this event once a month and I found out about the event from another Canadian guy here. I had a nice time - met a few other people who just moved here too. Fun to compare stories!! The first question is always: "Where are you from?" I always struggle with this - I don't have a 'hometown'. It is the globe. Although, usually, I say Calgary. :)

Time for bed and am looking forward to the weekend as we are off to Kruger National Park this weekend for a 3 day safari. I can't wait!

Brianna xo

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Soweto


On Saturday I spent the entire day in Soweto and Johannesburg. Emma and I left leafy Pretoria and headed south on the NI motorway. The drive itself is quite short (about one hour) amidst the roadworks occurring at a frenzied pace due to the World Cup approaching in 20 days. They are expanding the highway to accommodate the flow of traffic between the two cities - Pretoria visitors rely on Jo'burg's airport as their point of entry.

Driving through and around Johannesburg was a nice surprise. The downtown core is very built up and looking at it, you might just think you were in Boston, Detroit, or some other North American city. It looked lush as well with lots of beautiful trees and gardens. I was struck by how nice the cars were driving by us (Land Rovers, Mercedes, BMW, etc.); there is definitely some money to be made in that town. It looked nothing like the 'Gangster's Paradise' image people had told me about. (To relate the city back to Canada....it's like the Toronto, Pretoria is the Ottawa and Cape Town is the Vancouver of South Africa.)

The mountains surrounding Johannesburg were mined and are very flat and rugged looking. The mining began there in the late 1800s and only now are they revisiting some of the deposits for more gold due to advances in technology. We arrived in Soweto (South Western Township) after driving through the city and could immediately see the difference in architecture. 

The township itself has been in existence since the 1930s. It became significant after the Apartheid movement forced blacks in Johannesburg out of the city and into the area now known as Soweto. It's currently it's own thriving suburb with both rich and poor areas...it's not all what you see and hear about on the news. The total population of Soweto is approximately 1/3 of the total population of Johannesburg. 

Our first stop was in a slum.  I was admittedly initially hesitant and awkward walking around people's homes/lives and I felt a bit like a voyeur. However, we were welcomed and shown around by a local who lives in the slum, and he put my mind at rest with his kind eyes. He said we were welcome and the community was curious about us as much as we were curious about them. Everyone we met said 'good morning'.
 
The slum had no running water (just communal taps), shared porta-toilets, no electricity and each resident had a tiny shack which housed families inside each. My car is about the same size as your average shack. The kids in the gravel street were staring up at us and wanting a picture (for a fee). They were very, very sweet and innocent. I couldn't help but wonder how these kids would survive and what their chances were at leaving Soweto or even the slums. They didn't look sickly though. Just dirty.

We carried on and saw where Winnie Mandela currently lives, the church were Desmond Tutu would give his public addresses and where police would eventually violently enter (there were bullet holes in the ceiling), Nelson Mandela's house (which is now a Museum), and the Hector Pieterson Museum which is located in the spot where that same young boy was killed in 1976 during the Soweto uprising. So much history in such a small little geographical area.

I was moved by how communal Soweto was. Everyone knew everyone else. They were all in it together and for each other...versus the gated off and separate rows of mansions in the 'whiter' areas. But it also struck me that despite Apartheid ending, the divisions are still very, very clear. Whites live here and blacks over there. The effects of Apartheid are going to take generations to overcome, where people truly mix and skin colour is not a dividing factor.
   
Then, in the evening, we went to a rugby match. No, this was not your ordinary rugby match. This was a semi-final, sudden death game between the Bulls (Pretoria) and the Crusaders (not sure but somewhere in New Zealand). The Bulls normally play at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria but they were not able to due World Cup preparations happening there. Therefore, this semi final was played in Soweto, at Orlando Stadium. And, since rugby is a 'white man's game', the historical significance of this event meant that 45 000 white people had to go to Soweto to watch their beloved team. I bet you that over half of that crowd never thought they would purposefully visit Soweto. It was quite the sight and an interesting social experiment if you will. It seemed to go just fine with this mix of boundaries. The organization of the event it self left much to be desired (TIA: This is Africa) but I am really glad I got to experience the event - for the sport and for the historical significance of the location. And, the Bulls won!!!

So, there you have the weekend update.
Brianna xo


 

Saturday, May 22, 2010

The President, is it?

Hello all,
 

What a week it has been!! In some ways I feel like I've been in Pretoria forever, as the transition has been so incredibly smooth settling in here. This is mainly to do with the wonderful people I've met who have helped me out over the past 7 days and also having my friend, Emma, still with me. In other ways, however, my mind is being expanded tremendously and so every, single moment feels unique and new. I guess this one of the many blessings of travel.
 

I survived my first week of practicum! You'll find me most days on the 6th floor of a large, curvy, pink and green office tower in downtown Pretoria - where taxis honk (or 'hoot' as they say here), people bustle and drivers whistle out their windows on the busy streets below. The core  is definitely dirtier and more chaotic than my neighborhood. I have spent this week getting used to my new set up (slooooooooow internet and LOTS of security as I enter the building) and attending meetings in order to be 'briefed' on things happening in the Department. It's a bit overwhelming right now but I'm sure things will improve as time goes on. I am slowly getting a picture painted for me as to what my specific role will be and it sounds like I will be conducting some baseline research with child protection social workers in all of the 9 provinces. This means travel throughout South Africa and I couldn't be more chuffed about this. 

Aside: I can't quite get used to the noises here. During both the days and the nights.  At night time it is more obvious, when the world is quiet and loud car engines, gun shots (according to Emma), alarms, sirens, dogs, and crickets (I think) keep me wide awake. Even when I walk out of my house in the morning and take a pause, the sounds are so very intruding.
 

There was a big event in our Department yesterday and it's quite comical that I was a part of it. It was the Official Launch of Child Protection Week and the proclamation of the Children's Act which was done in an address by the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma (or Jay-Z as the locals call him). I attended a planning meeting for it during the week and my mind was cataloguing all of the different preparations necessary to pull such a thing off. There were also many, many departments involved in pulling this together. Talk about cross-sectoral collaboration. The event itself was held in a township community hall just outside of Pretoria, with 1500 children and carers present along with the necessary dignitaries. It was pretty cool to see the President and hear him speak. However, I was more moved by the children who were there, all in their South African Fifa jerseys and waving their South African flags. When the national anthem was being played the children were, in unison, singing at the top of their lungs, I was really emotional and had to really take a moment to think and notice where I was standing. (I also learned that the Sesame Street characters in this country have HIV. Very interesting.) Read the story here: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=105&art_id=nw20100521163308251C377799

It was also "Football Friday" whereby all government staff wear their Bafana Bafana (Boys, Boys) jerseys. Bafana Bafana is the name of the South African football team. They are in the World Cup and obviously the local favourite. Apparently it's like this for all Fridays from now on leading up to the kick off. It's kinda like causal Fridays' at home I guess, with a twist. My colleague, Carmen, was kind enough to get me a jersey so I won't stick out like a sore thumb (although, regardless of that, I sorta already do!) I also found out the country's winter school holidays are being extended because of the World Cup.  If only Canada had given us all a vacation during the Olympics! :)





Anyway, that's all I'll say for right this moment. I was in Soweto today and at a Rugby match but that deserves another blog altogether. Thanks for reading.
 

Brianna