Meg's left questioning

This past weekend we embarked on our “Human Rights Weekend” which ended up leaving me slightly confused, covered in bug bites, 10 pounds heavier because good food, and friends with people from all over Africa. The olive farm venue was absolutely stunning and the accommodations where lovely. All of us raved over how nice their pillows were; apparently we are missing our luxurious American lives in some small ways. The group was composed of the 30 of us from the trip and then about 30 people ranging in age from all around southern Africa. They were all so enthusiastic and friendly, it was also obviously by the end of the weekend that they got a lot out of it. I wish I could say the same but I left feeling very underwhelmed. I loved the conversations I had with people outside of the workshops, I learned so much from them about their countries view on human rights and their very own views on topics like gun control, homosexuality, female genital mutilation, etc. However these conversations and the workshop activities left me feeling more confused about the topic of human rights than ever before. If there is this list of human rights  that supposedly everyone that is human has and should have because they are the “right thing”, why is it that so many people disagree with them? I would love to think that human rights are inherent, and that all the things I believe to be true, fair, good, etc. are, but who am I to say that my beliefs are the right ones over someone who thinks opposite? For example, the UDHR says that everyone has the right to get married. This however is very rejected by many people as not being a human right but instead, in the case of homosexuality, demonic. Now I understand that this document is very westernized, but if human rights are that, HUMAN rights, don’t you think every human should agree? Once again, I am left questioning more than before.

We arrived back from the human rights weekend on Valentines Day and the amazing boys on this trip decided they were going to cook all of us girls! They made salad, pasta, and chicken parmesan that was SO delicious, and they even dressed up, served us, and did the dishes! Cherry on top, they got us all a rose. I mean I am so thankful for that night but sorry for the next man in my life because now I have even higher standards thanks to them. Renee also organized an activity where we all write each other affirmations. It is always nice to get some kind words written about you! This week at work was also incredible, no surprise after how well it start off. We started out one on one meetings with the girls from the school. Pauline and I are both responsible for talking to 20 girls each week. We started off with a simple exercise writing down five goals, five positive words to describe themselves, and then make a collage. I was happily surprised to see how many girls opened up so much so quickly! I have a feeling most of them don’t have someone to talk to or someone they can trust, so it feels really good to be able to be that for a girl. I can already foresee myself getting really attached to some of these girls and the students and staff in general though. One of the German interns left today and at her goodbye lunch I imagined myself in her seat three months from now, and I already felt like choking up. I just hope I can give to these people half of what I know they will give to me while I am here.