“So often, we as humans
fear the change. It is fear that causes
one’s career to become stagnant. It is
fear that causes the abused to not speak out.
It is fear that ultimately leads us to remain in our metaphorical bubble
just like the type of fish that is born and doesn’t wander far outside the spot
of its birth. But why is it that we are
afraid of change? Perhaps it is simply
because we become accustomed to the known and fear venturing into the
unknown. Whatever the reason, most
people have values, views, beliefs, etc. that they are unwilling to change
regardless of if they are illogical.”
This is what I wrote in
my journal as I prepared to begin this new journey. So often we are crippled by our fear of
change. We fear failure. We fear the unknown. In the words of Vernon, “There is always
something to do, you just have to explore the opportunities.” As my fellow classmates and I journey into
this new land, I am excited at the opportunity of embracing change and learning
through observing some of the wise folks we will encounter.
Upon arriving in
Johannesburg, our group got split into two – one group that rechecked their
bags directly after customs and another that had to go out into the
terminal. As I went out into the
terminal, our group was immediately approached by guys offering to help. We initially declined, but they insisted,
with little room in the elevator, I went alone with two gentlemen while the
rest of the group went up the elevator.
As I began conversing with these two men called “porters”, they told me
that I would love South Africa and that they loved their country. I immediately sensed the pride they felt in
their nation, regardless of the issues it has had in the past. As I got to the gate, the guys asked me to
pay them for their services. Initially I
attempted to refrain. I had told the men
no at first when they asked to help, but they were persistent. Although frustrated with the fact that they
wanted me to pay them for helping me walk my bags 5 minutes upstairs, I came to
this realization. Their motives were not
too different of the motives of many of us.
They were conversing with me in an effort to gain my trust, and in
gaining my trust, hoping to be compensated for their services – in essence,
they were attempting to make a living.
And just in my sales job back home, I often attempted to converse or
“talk the talk” to gain someone’s trust enough to close the deal. And although initially I did not want to pay
them much, I realized that the money they earned here was their livelihood, and
rather than be bitter about paying, I have been fortunate to grow up in America
and have the opportunities I have had.
After a quick layover,
we arrived in Cape Town and began orientation.
After visiting the down town area of Cape Town, I jotted down these
notes in my journal on one of the first evenings in the beautiful country:
“Today I witnessed the
collision of two worlds. As we
transitioned and become tourists, the people we saw changed. While looking at some of the worlds’ most
beautiful sites (Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak, and Maiden’s Cave), I
couldn’t help but notice that everyone driving nice cars and riding road bikes
were white…I also saw a little boy begging who was controlled by an older man –
my heart breaks for disparity. I asked
Vernon, and he said many people who live in the Cape Flats never see what we
see today.”
One thing is clear, the
people I have met in South Africa so far are absolutely incredible – Vernon,
Parks, Joe, etc. are some of the humblest and most inspirational men I have
met. And whether you are a new
acquaintance or a life-long friend, they treat you with the kindness and
respect as if you were apart of their own family. I love the culture and I love the
people. At the same time though, I
recognize that there are still many issues within South African society along
the lines of poverty, inequality, politics, economy, etc. Although the perception is that these issues
are immensely magnified here in Cape Town (as referenced by many in terms of
crime, security briefings, etc.), the reality is, the issues Cape Town are
facing are not too far off from what we have back home. I look forward to the opportunity to continue
to learn and ask questions to people who have been impactful and played a role
in shaping this country.
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| Josh and friends at Maiden's Cove |
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