Stronger than Words

Since day when I stepped foot into my beautiful new apartment for five weeks, to this closing fun filled busy packed week, my journey here in Cape Town has been an experience of a lifetime, to say the least. From taking a leap of faith off the worlds highest bungy jump, to building awesome new friendships, this trip has shown me who I am as a person. The fact that I am abroad, in a new surrounding, and out of my comfort zone, I have had the opportunity to question myself about what makes me, Chris Kasuya, exactly who I am. Without my parents, core friends, or distractions from the fast paced environment back at home, I wanted to see what truly identifies me. As I seek to learn more about my identity, and myself, I couldn’t help but to giggle upon comprehending my identity. I have always heard, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” but I thought I would be that odd apple that rolled down the hill. However, that old saying contains some truth in it. Whether I was cooking spaghetti and tested the noodles if they were ready by the throwing them on the wall like my mom taught me, to introducing myself as “I am hungry, what is your name?” when someone complains about being hungry which my dad always does, I have clearly matured to be an interwoven creation of my parents. They have raised me and developed me, to who I am, instilling their values. Those values which generated my personal core values, and ultimately my identity.

Today, June 16th is national youth day. How blessed am I, to have the opportunity to blog on my transition from a youth to adult, which is only feasible due to my parents unconditional love and nurture. I am truly blessed and lucky to have such wonderful leaders and role models for parents. I thank God everyday for both of them, seeing that not everyone in this world is fortunate as I am. Going to the townships has exposed the heartbreaking reality that not every child is as lucky as I am. And for that reason, I dedicate this blog to thank Keishi and Andrea Kasuya for being the greatest impact in my life and the utmost parents I don’t appreciate enough. Words will never describe my gratitude and love for ya’ll. I love you mom and dad!

-Chris Kasuya