I left my heart in Langa

This past week was one of the hardest weeks I think I've ever had to go through. On Sunday, I had to say goodbye to my beautiful, wonderful host family in Langa Township. It's so funny for me to think back to before I even arrived in Cape Town to when I was terrified of staying somewhere so different from home. I didn't really have any expectations going into my home stay. I didn't know anything about the family I would be staying with until a few days before I met them. I absolutely horrified to be staying with complete strangers.

But when I got off that bus in front of my new house in Langa, and an older woman came running out of the front door to hug me, I knew everything was going to be okay.

These past three weeks have shown me the true meaning of humility and love. Despite the fact that my family is not the richest on the block, they offered and gave me so much. I will be forever grateful to the Simelela's for showing me nothing but affection, warmth, and endless love.

In Langa, I didn't just find a community, I found myself and I found my family on the other side of an ocean. It's been rough, not waking up in Langa to the sounds of Mama's radio and food being prepared. I miss everything about Langa, actually. I never expected to fall so much in love with one place.

I don't have the time for a long post today, but I just thought I'd share my feelings with you, since it's been kind of hard for me today. Hope everyone is having a beautiful start to their weeks.

Enkosi, Mama.