Top 10 Things/Lessons I’m Taking Home with Me from Cape Town:

• The 3 F’s: faith, family, and friendship matter most in life.
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• When the hard times come, “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.”
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• When you fill others’ buckets, you also fill your own.
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• “If you can’t say Garrett, and you can’t say Graveson, then call me GG!”
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• The Old Biscuit Mill is the place to be on Saturdays.
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• You are always the “first customer of the day” to the vendors at the Green Market Square.
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• Justin Bieber never gets old.
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• A hug from a child in Sir Lowry’s pass is the best gift I could ever receive.
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• “Do I find joy in life, and do others find joy in me?”
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• “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

“God is too good to be unkind; He is too wise to be mistaken. When you can’t see His hand, you can trust His heart.”

Don’t just go…LEAD!

"Time Races By" by Doug Schwartz

As our month in Cape Town comes to a close, I feel as if it was merely a week that we have been here. This past month has raced by faster than I think anyone expected. In fact, I think the only people that wouldn’t agree with me are all of our parents who have probably been sitting, watching an hour glass over and over again awaiting our arrival back at home. As we return to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, New York or wherever, I know we all will return back to the states changed forever. Some of the things we have done here, whether it be serving the people in Sir Lowry’s Pass or hiking the steep paths of Table Mountain, have made me grow as a person as well as a leader. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that this trip has been one of the most significant months in my life and I can honestly say that I have learned more during this month in Cape Town than an entire semester of school.

“Learn to Listen” by Lauren Miller

My experience in Cape Town is almost indescribable. I feel like I have been living a dream and when I wake up back in the United States I am going to have to convince myself that it was real. Since my arrival in Cape Town, I have reached new heights (literally), by climbing Table Mountain, jumping off of the highest bungee in the world, and skydiving out of an airplane at 9,000 feet. I have built new friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I have learned to ask questions, stay curious, and keep my eyes and ears open for new opportunities.

I must say however, that although adventure got my adrenaline pumping and I got to share it with my new friends each step of the way, my experience inside the township filled my heart with happiness more than I could have ever imagined. My experiences there may be the closest I will ever come to being famous, because the members of the Sun City community and Sir Lowry’s Pass Township treated us like rock stars. They would cheer incessantly upon our arrival and without fail they would line the streets and wait outside of the bus to see familiar faces. It blew me away to know that I had impacted another person’s life, nonetheless multiple peoples’ lives. Not only was I able to see a part of reality that I had never experienced firsthand, but also I was able to immerse myself in a culture that I barely knew anything about before coming to South Africa.

We got the opportunity to live life in the shoes of the individuals living in the Township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Sir Lowry’s Pass is run by fifteen wonderful soup mother’s who provide food with love to as many children as they possibly can. Unlike many individuals, we were awarded the chance to get to enter their community as strangers, sit down with them in their homes, learn their culture, and ask questions, cook food, dance, play, laugh, and basically live life, as they know it. These families barely have anything, yet they were willing to open their hearts and homes to us so that we could experience life from a different view. I have never seen so many generous, fun-loving people in one place in my entire life. By the end of our stay, they were thanking us for sharing our love and calling us family. I only hope to continue my life being as generous and loving as the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass. I hope to return one day and see the warm, smiling faces of my new friends that I will always remember.

“Learn, Live, Love” by Sarah James

This trip has been so amazing in teaching me so many new things and opening my eyes to things that I was blind to before. Having learned so many new things about the world, I am inspired to live my life to the fullest with an unconditional love for the people around me. My experiences between today and yesterday could not have been more opposite. Yesterday, we spent our last day in the township and I couldn’t help but realize how much I had learned from the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass. They showed me more joy and gratitude than I have ever experienced and I hope I will take a piece of them with me and learn from them. Then today, I was lucky enough to have High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. I felt honored to be having tea in such a beautiful place with so many beautiful people. Although today was so different from yesterday, I learned to appreciate the many opportunities and experiences I have been given on this trip. I feel so blessed to have been given all these opportunities for learning and I hope I will continue to learn new things and live and love to the fullest!

"This is Africa" by Andrew Hurwitz

When the Term T.I.A. (This is Africa) Becomes Applicable

When you eat breakfast at the same bar you were at the night before

When your cab driver chooses what you’re going to do that night

When a traffic light is called a “robot”

When all gates are electric and high voltage signs are the most common sign around

When you actually hear a person tell you to take a left at the next robot

When a taxi holds over 16 people

When your T.A. helps you the most when you’re playing slots

When a restaurant’s menu has warthog, kudu, crocodile, and springbok

When penguins become aggressive

When elephants are obedient and listen well

When the locals think you’re insane for climbing Table Mountain

Move jackal, we don’t want to see you we want to see liiiiions

When winery tours are free

When baboons are attracted to the girls on our trip

When docking a boat requires hitting a beach at top speed. Everyone, hold on…

When you always find yourself waking up to Johnny Clegg on adventure week

When everyone calls you “my friend” and “cheers” means goodbye

When goodbye celebrations at the township turn into raging dance parties

When you miss a call from one of your parents

When you’re late to class

"Do it All" by Branden Bosler

As I look back on my last 4 weeks in Africa, I realize that this trip, without a doubt the greatest I’ve ever taken, has been a culmination of some of the most amazing and memorable times of my life. I did things I never imagined doing when I swam with great white sharks. I conquered fears I once thought unconquerable when I jumped off the world’s highest bungee bridge. I met people I had only ever read about in books when Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s cellmate and political confidant, gave us a tour of Robben Island. I interacted with animals only before ever seen on my television when I got to hold the trunk of an African elephant and then the next day go on a safari. I met and befriended people with whom I never thought I’d cross paths when I spent time in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. I slept in places I never imagined sleeping when I in turn, slept with my new friends in their homes. I experienced love from complete strangers in this same place. I drank more wine than I ever imagined drinking when I toured vineyard after vineyard in the towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch. I ate food I never thought I’d eat when I ordered ostrich steak and then the next night ordered kudu. I climbed mountains I once thought impossible when we hiked Table Mountain. I saw sights that took my breath away when I watched the sun rise over the city from the top of Lion’s Head. I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life when that same sun that I watched rise, set over the Atlantic Ocean as I looked on from the shores of Clifton Beach. I was immersed in sporting events only ever seen on TV with World Cup mania. I rode in more taxis than I ever want to again as I zipped all over the city on a daily basis. I partied later than I’ve ever partied, dancing in the clubs of Long Street until 5am. And above all, I shared all of this with once complete strangers, who have since become incredible friends.

"We are One" by Rebecca Lindner

Ironically, after filling out evaluations in class today, a friend from home asked me what “grade” I would give this program. I told him an A, hands down. This isn’t a normal study abroad program at all. I know we always mock the “service is sexy” motto, but it’s true. Somehow Global LEAD has combined every aspect of why students go abroad into one program, but it’s not like it’s a boring combination of school, service, and touristy things.. this program makes every aspect equally as amazing. I’m walking away from one of the best programs I’ve ever heard of having made some awesome friends, met some really cool people, and lived in one of the most gorgeous countries I have ever been to. The coolest people I’ve met so far are definitely the people in the township. I’m embarrassed by how much they changed my outlook on life in general. Putting faces to poverty is one thing, but Global LEAD takes it one step further and actually gives a personality to the face. You get to know these people, how many students get to say that?

After our final show on Wednesday, as everyone was saying goodbye to their families, I got Miss Thelma’s address. I didn’t do it because there was an awkward moment and I was trying to fill the space. I actually intend on writing them. In fact, I already have a letter written out, ready to mail once I print a bunch of pictures to send back. I want to keep in touch with these people, continue the conversation with them as long as possible. I am not one who is the first to sign up for doing community service in the States, and never have been, but the relationship we formed during service here truly was that special.

"Top 10" by Lina Desloge

Top ten things to do while in Cape Town:

10. Ride an elephant

9. Paraglide off of Lion’s Head

8. Hike to the top of Table Mountain

7. Barter at the Green Market

6. Spend a night on Long Street

5. Go to an Ostrich Farm

4. Go to Cubana’s for salsa night

3. Live off a Dollar a Day

2. Spend a Day in the Botanical Gardens

1. Skydive

"Here Comes Goodbye" by: Jessica Ragsdale

To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Today was very bittersweet for me. We all visited Sir Lowry’s Pass as a group to celebrate our time with the township families, but it was also a sad occasion because we knew it would be the last time we would be seeing them.

Our celebration in the township was an amazing show of song and dance. “Global LEAD’s Got Talent” was headlined by groups performing Justin Bieber, Wicked, “Lean on Me”, and a special majorette performance. As always, the kids from the township left us amazed by their passion and talent for dance (especially when Michael Jackson is playing). My housemother got on stage at one point and was dancing with the other housemothers. She has impacted me so much and I felt honored when she got on stage and thanked us all by name for coming to her home, spending time with her, and making a difference in her family’s life.

Once it was time to leave, she ordered us all on the bus before she started to cry. We have all been greatly impacted by our time in Sir Lowry’s Pass and hopefully our experience there will continue to stay in the forefront of our minds and shape us for the better. One of the songs performed tonight was “For Good”, which talks about how knowing certain people in your life will change you forever. I certainly believe that knowing these families in Sir Lowry’s Pass has changed me for good. Our time spent there has allowed us to have a different outlook on life and allows us to analyze situations differently with critical reasoning and a more open mind. I never expected that the families there would be impacted by us to the extent that they were and I never expected to be impacted that much either.

Another bittersweet aspect of today was that students and professors started to depart, so we also had to say goodbye to new friends. We are all very excited to spend our last week in Cape Town and cross all of the remaining trips and experiences off of our lists, but we are now getting constant reminders that our time remaining here is short and that people are already starting to leave. I look forward to my remaining time here, but know that it is going to be bittersweet when I have to say goodbye to everyone and ultimately goodbye to Cape Town as well.

"Learn, Grow, Love" by Meredith Irwin

15 things I've learned while in South Africa:

-Jumping out of planes and off bridges is completely worth it

-Elephant skin is really rough and great white sharks are incredibly big

-Paying a bill will most likely take 30-45 minutes

-Baboons will sabotage a car for food, even if there is a person in it

-When climbing a 3000 ft mountain you should not wear long sleeves

-Ostrich tastes way better than cow

-You can sleep when you're dead- or at least when you're not in South Africa

-Nelson Mandela is the epitome of sacrificing for what you believe in

-Happiness is not defined by a dollar amount

-The children at the townships are probably the most unconditionally loving people on this planet

-Change starts today and it starts with me

-Count your blessings daily and never forget to be thankful

-When you give you get so much more in return

-Always be open to new experiences- no matter how frightening they might seem

-Love is the best gift anyone can give

I had a friend tell me that I wasn't the same person I was three weeks ago and I couldn't agree more. This trip has been an incredible learning and growing experience. I think/hope I'm coming back from this adventure a better person. The friendships I've made with the children in the townships and those I've made in our group will last forever in my heart. I am so blessed that I've had the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing program.

"Thank You Parents!" by Sara Mount

I thought being one of the last people to write my blog was going to be so much easier because I would have experienced everything. I was definitely wrong. So much has happened and I can’t even think of where to begin so I’m just going to bullet about what my most memorable experiences have been so far:

Bungee jumping. Who gets to say they have jumped off the highest bridge in the world while studying abroad?

Robben Island Tour with Ahmad Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s prison mate for 20 years. I was lucky enough to record his entire speech so I can take it home to share with my family!

Skydiving. ‘Nuff said.

Spending time with the families in the townships has been humbling and inspiring for me. Before I didn’t realize how much of an impact service learning has on someone’s heart, but I encourage any person of any age to go and experience it just once, but disclaimer: it’s kind of addicting.

Listening to every guest speaker we have been fortunate to spend time with while we’re here. I’ve learned more about myself and what I am capable of as a human being in the past month, than I’ve dreamed about my entire life. This world has no limit and I want to just take every dream and opportunity I have been given and give it back in a bigger and better way than before.

These are just a few of the things from a huge list that we’ve been able to experience in Cape Town, and I wouldn’t hesitate to come back here in (their) summer. It has so much rich history, scenery, and culture that you can’t help but be sucked into. So to my Mom and Dad, and every other parent out there on behalf of your children: Thanks. It was money well spent. ;) I love you!

“Cunning, Crafty, Quick.” by Sam McChesney

The students of Global LEAD have undergone many transformations during our time here in Cape Town, South Africa. Misconceived notions of poverty, wealth, family, and happiness have been altered and overcome through our coursework and time spent in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Some of the most important lessons, however, are the ones that we have learned from our fellow classmates. The only Michael Phelps that most of us had heard of before this trip was the gold medal hoarding swimmer from the United States. Almost like a metaphor for the syllabus itself, my roommate, the REAL Michael Phelps, has represented a change in ideology of what it really means to bear that name.

Born from the rolling hills of Suwannee, Phelps is the epitome of man. He currently holds the record for largest Red Stag ever killed by bow and arrow in New Zealand (honestly). As a room, the gentlemen of room 136 have overcome adversity, grown in leadership, and jumped out of airplanes. I know this trip is about South Africa, but the life lessons that I have learned from Phelps, specifically from time spent hearing about his ARCA circuit racing career, will stay with me. Phelps once said, “rubbin is racing and loose is fast”. These words really resonate. They carry a deeper meaning after his 200 mph crash at Daytona back in 2008. In the middle of the 70^th lap, Phelps passed out due to carbon monoxide poisoning and hit the wall. Two weeks later he was back in the driver’s seat sitting at the first pole at Kentucky. Much like how we have been pushed to do on this trip, he overcame his fear and conquered it.

"The Five Senses" by Francie Fisher

SEE: Boys chasing our bus. Over 1000 houses no more than five feet apart. Cigarette butts covering the ground. Children in school uniforms, others in dirty clothing. Bare feet. Grimy fingernails. Blank faces. Stares. Clotheslines. A drunk father. Powerful women working. A man with dreadlocks down to the ground. Chipped paint. Bones protruding from bodies. Pink gums. Rotting teeth. Wounds. Gravel. Smiles. Waving. Glassy eyes. Brown. Pigtails.

HEAR: Dogs barking. Roosters cockle-doodle-dooing. Children laughing. Children crying. Silence. Pleads to be hugged and picked up. Afrikaans. Attempts at speaking English. Yells. Sniffles from a runny nose. Singing. Hand games. Hitting. Wheels of a bike. Grumbling stomachs. Whispering.

SMELL: Mildew. Marijuana. Alcohol. Stale breath. Grass. A dirty stench. Body odor. Outhouse. Gasoline.

FEEL: Strong wind. Rough skin. Dirt. Unwashed hair. A slap on the back. A little girls hands embraced with mine. Tension. Cold. Love. Hate. Excitement.

TASTE: Dirt particles in the back of my throat. Home-cooked pasta by my host mother. Dry, dirty air.

"Family Comes First" by Thomas Wamsley

Sir Lowry’s Pass has made me reflect on many facets of my life, but the most dominant area is with regards to family. Every visit I have left with an altered view of family. To them there is nothing more important than relationships. The relationship they most visibly show as most important is their family. However, the most disturbing part of their family life is that most families appear not to have their fathers living with them anymore. This is also the greatest irony since if the men took family as seriously as is portrayed to us during our visits; they would obviously stay with the family and care for them. Therefore, it seems that this view of family as the most important aspect of life seems to apply primarily if not exclusively to the women at Sir Lowry’s Pass.

What I want to stress in this blog is the changes and aspects of my family that Sir Lowry’s Pass has induced. First of all when I go back to Atlanta I want to make spending time with my family a priority. Additionally, when I get into the next stage of my life and start having a wife and kids of my own I want to create an atmosphere centered on relationships and family rather than material goods. In America, a lot of people lose sight of this. In particular, a lot of men will spend countless hours at work in order to make more money so they can buy more things. On the other hand, I want to balance my life between work and my family in a healthier way. The last area is that I want to make sure to take every possible step to stay with my family and not divorce my wife. Seeing all of these kids fatherless has been a tough thing to swallow because it is apparent that when things got tough they decided to split instead of help. This is especially difficult considering they were directly responsible for the kids, which are the major source for the drain on money. Therefore, witnessing all of this has refocused me to committing and dedicating myself to staying with my wife, and if I get divorced for some reason supporting my family no matter what.

My time at Sir Lowry’s Pass has been an invaluable experience. Among many other things it has reprioritized my view and dedication to my family. Throughout the rest of my life I plan to make it a point to spend more time with my family rather than on myself, do whatever I can to stay with my future wife, and to support my family no matter what happens. Therefore, my three words are family comes first.

“THE 2010 SENSES” by Mackenzie Lee

They told us to simply listen to their stories. This was the only piece of advice, we, the Bafana Bafana’s were given before our surprise trip to Sir Lowry’s Pass to spend the night. It may have seemed lacking at the time, but nothing could have prepared us for our encounter. Anything gained had no doubt been truly experienced; it had been soaked in from all angles. I’ve come to realize the heart of this trip has been a beautiful combination of observation and analysis.

We started out blindly by listening to the voices and stories of the people, our new families. We saw the bare feet, the cinderblock houses. Nobody missed the mangy dogs or the trash lining the road. We could smell the amazing meals wafting out of the windows of the houses, and they tasted even better. We smelled the soap the people used, since many don’t have showers. Nobody will forget how little legs feel wrapped tight around our waists, and the feeling of little hands running themselves through our foreign hair. Or the way the wind sounded as it blew straight through the cracks of the little houses.

All these feelings, sights, smells - they all contribute to something bigger. Because that extra long hug I got from one of the little girls wasn’t just another ordinary hug. After soaking everything about Sir Lowry’s Pass, I knew we were giving the people there something they could hold onto long after we are gone.

"This is the Day" by Hayden Rome

“This is the Day that the Lord has made;

I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

As a result of my time spent with the families of Sir Lowry’s Pass, I believe that the power of giving is a trait that can only be enriched through personal experience and growth. The selfless act of giving does not derive from a particular holiday or event, but simply from the heart. One should not give with the hopes of receiving anything in return but rather because one wants to share what they have to give. Often times the response can be a bit overwhelming because we are conformed to such a materialistic society but with time, the gift of giving will reap its benefits.

Deeds such as cooking, washing the dishes, and merely playing with the kids seem so minor to us but in context, the people of these townships spend all of their time, energy, and money making sure these major deeds get done in a day’s work. Thus, a response such as a simple “thank you” lets us know that we have made a difference in someone’s life. My experience at the townships has provided me with the ability to realize that too often we get caught up in our own problems that we fail to see the bigger picture in life-- it puts any suffering we may feel into a more proper perspective.

"Living the Life" by Meredith Vaughan

Yesterday we went to the Sir Lowry’s Pass to make them lunch. Ms. Shirley asked us to make her tacos because they don’t ever eat them. Before heading over there we went to the grocery store and got all the ingredients for her and her four grandchildren. When were walking up to the house more and more children starting following us. As we starting cooking, the kitchen was packed! All the kids wanted to help cooking, so much so that we didn’t have to cook anything ourselves. I started getting nervous we wouldn’t have enough food for everyone to have one taco and one rice krispie treat. We made small tacos in the beginning to make sure everybody got some because it ended up being fifteen people to feed. Thankfully there were enough even for us to eat one and some kids to get seconds! They all loved the tacos like they were something hard to make or a fancy food. After lunch we cleaned up the mess we had made in the kitchen but there was no running water let alone a dishwasher so that made it difficult. Dish washing was interrupted quickly by children trying to be held and wanting to be played with. So I did just that. When we had to leave I got so many hugs and “I’ll miss yous.” This was so far my favorite day since we’ve been in South Africa.

"Africa, WHAT UP" by Meghan Deere

Having been here for almost THREE weeks already, how can I truly put my experiences into one entry? I tried coming up with clever ways to make my blog stand out (including a failed attempt today on the bus to think of a rap… I guess I’m just not reppin’ my ATL roots) but there is no other way for me to even begin to express my time here without a simple list. But hey, at least I’m trying, neh? (‘neh’ is my attempt to fit in with the locals…) So here are some trip highlights so far…

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• BEING STUCK IN AMSTERDAM. Yes, it’s as crazy as they say it is. After being delayed in Atlanta for 3 hours, a small group of us quickly realized we would be stuck in Amsterdam for the night. (Team Amsterdam for life!) Naturally, we explored for the day and saw the, ahem, interesting sights, sounds, and smells of the city. It was a good time considering that we were delayed getting to Cape Town!
• ADVENTURE WEEK. How I miss staying in amazing hostels, meeting amazing people, never really knowing when we were going to get out of that van, and driving through the beautiful Garden Route of S.A. to new adventures! I loved being able to see more of S.A. outside of Cape Town and do things- like BUNGEE JUMPING- that I probably will never get to do again! I only wish it had lasted longer!
• SIR LOWRY’S PASS. How can I put this place into words? I cannot get over how generous and happy these people were to welcome us into their homes. I have had so much fun going back this week and getting to know my host family better and being able to play with the most badass kids around! Just be sure to know all the words to Justin Bieber songs or you will be shown up by a 2 year old…
• TABLE MOUNTAIN. Curse you Table Mountain!! You were a beast to climb, but once I made it to the top (see Dad I’m exercising!) it turned out to be the best view in all of Cape Town! Definitely worth it!
• ROBBEN ISLAND: Learning about the history of this country is so important to my being here. I cannot understand anything about South Africa without knowing its history, and I am so glad we got to go to Robben Island to see it first hand! And having Mandela’s cellmate give us a first-hand tour wasn’t too shabby either.
• MAMA AFRICA. Deliciousness wrapped up in great food, great atmosphere, and a band that likes to pull as many girls up on stage at once as possible! It’s quite an experience being able to taste all the different food like Ostrich and Warthog. Feel free to try everything, just make sure to stay away from the flaming shots!!
• FRANSCHHOEK: Napa Valley, Smapa Valley. These vineyards are set in the most beautiful mountains I’ve ever seen! I loved getting able to taste the different types of wines (and possibly have purchased some different types as well…) and walk around the quaint town of Franschhoek!

Just being here soaking up the amazing culture and scenery was all I wanted out of this trip, and all of these things have just added to my experience. I’m never going home!

PS- HEY MOM AND DAD. IGNORE THAT LAST SENTENCE. XOXO

"What A Ride" by Laura Mason

After three weeks in Cape Town I can describe my trip literally as a wild ride. It began with Adventure Week and a seven-hour van ride on the first day. I could not imagine a better way to become incredibly close with thirteen new friends. The van rides continued for the next four days and were filled with such immense laughter that my stomach was sore days after we returned. At the elephant reserve, we were given the opportunity to ride on the back of three different elephants. I could not recommend this enough. Yes, you may be able to find an elephant ride at a zoo in the U.S, but nothing beats a bareback elephant ride in Africa. The next ride of a lifetime came at the Ostrich farm we visited on the last day of adventure week. I never thought I would have the opportunity to brag that I have ridden the world’s largest bird. However, the most important ride we have been on leads us to Sir Lowry’s Pass, a South African township. Each trip begins with anxiousness as to what we will experience that day and ends with an exciting ride back full of stories of giving and service. I can only hope that the rest of my trip will be as wild a ride!

"God is Here" by Kristen Stamps

South Africa has been absolutely incredible so far! Every aspect of this experience has resonated with me and formed a precious memory that I will cherish forever. All of us have been pulled out of our comfort zones, faced fear as we’ve tried new and adventurous activities, and learned so much about leadership and how to truly serve others. One of my favorite parts of this experience has been how my faith has grown and how clearly God has shown himself to me over the past few weeks! Whether through a peace that surrounds me when facing terrifying situations such as bungee jumping or skydiving, a sweet gesture and conversation I have with a local around Cape Town, a smile and warm hug from a child in the township, or a majestic sunset painted in the sky as the day comes to an end, the Lord has surprised me each and every day with something that fills me with complete happiness and lets me know He is here. He is here and visible for all to witness if eyes are opened to see the beauty around us and ears are listening to hear loving whispers… .