A Home in Muizenberg

My time in Cape Town, South Africa was among the greatest couple weeks of my young life. Going in, I knew no one and did not truly know what I was jumping head first into. I was eager to meet those who shared similar passions for helping others, but was unsure how I would personally be perceived by both my fellow volunteers and the children I was volunteering with. Would I be looked at as a "dumb American"?

From the moment I landed and reached my new home all of my fears were washed away. Not only was the group of people greeting me kinder than I could have imagined, but we seamlessly jelled from the very beginning. Each day was a blessing to wake up to. The children were a joy to work with and learning about the lesser known cultural knowledge first hand was something I will never forget.

Exploring the country itself was something out of a cinematic masterpiece. To have the resources, aid, and push from others on the program to try new experiences that were once in a lifetime was exactly what I wanted. Shark cage diving, sky diving, and a safari included just some of my treasured memories. Muizenberg became a home away from home.

Once I returned home I knew this would not be my last volunteer experience. My desire to travel and help others only strengthened through this adventure and I cannot thank IVHQ and Outreach 2 Enrich enough for my time in Cape Town.