Every time someone mentions our departure from
Kaapstad, I have to walk away. I don't want to think about how I wont be having
taco nights or inhaling sushi or jumping out of planes or just hanging out with
all my newfound friends. Whenever parents came to visit, I was sad that people
were with their parents and not around. I don't know how I'm going to say
goodbye to my Maitland babies. Last week, a couple of the girls at Maitland
argued over whose mommy I was. It's scary to think that I've interacted with them
more than their own mothers in my short time here.
Last week, I finally got to experience First
Thursday. I was happily surprised to see some of my favorite Old Biscuit
regulars making pallella and veggie rotie. What's better than eating tacos while
enjoying art?
On Friday, Isabel, Emily, Paige, Kayla and I
journeyed to Heaven's Nest for a little paint party. On the way, we gathered
supplies at Buildit where everyone was so kind and helpful. We spent our
afternoon jamming and painting away. Somehow I managed to paint my entire body
by accident. I still have red paint on my foot from accidentally stepping on
the paint can lid.
Around noon, helped put the tiny humans down for
nap time. Naturally, I ended up with a baby in either arm. Each week, I find
myself entranced by this little seven month old nugget who won't let me put her
down. While one shoulder nursed a fever ridden running nose ten month old, the
other was sporting other my baby nugget. Each week, I try to get the babies to
crawl, stand and walk. However, due to neglect, abuse and other unimaginable
horrors they've experienced, their development has been delayed. They still
have stolen my heart though.
On Saturday, I tested my balance with sandboarding. I
was pleasantly surprised to discover my balance is significantly better in the
Southern Hemisphere. Dozing off mid sand angels made for a very zen afternoon.
On Sunday, I finally crossed skydiving off my bucket list. I was completely
terrified on the whole plane ride, praying for twenty straight minutes.
However, my fear disappeared immediately upon free falling from twice the
height of Table Mountain. I spent the entire ride giggling, laughing and
smiling. I can't wait to sky dive again, further feeding my newfound adrenaline
addiction. Immediately after skydiving, i enrolled myself in a scuba diving
course.
Today, I had the privilege of holding a nine month
old baby who has been at Maitland since my start. Missing his mom, he would go
immediately cry if I put him down. Each week, I struggle with wanting the tiny
humans to get better but not wanting them to leave. Regardless, they get better
and leave. This week, many of the kiddies who've been at MCH longer than I have
are been discharged. It's hard to accept but I know it's for the best. I'm
unfortunately reminded again how my terribly short time is coming to an
end. I once told the head of physio that my dream job would be holding
babies and playing with puppies all day. I love that she remembers, never shy
to hand me a baby.
Before Maitland and Heaven's Nest, I was afraid of
babies. They definitely sensed my fear. While I loved them, I didn't know what
to do. However, I've found myself changing diapers, wiping boogers and
embracing my maternal instincts. I can't even count how many times people have
made jokes about me adopting a baby while I'm here. Funny thing is I know I'll
be adopting a few in my future.
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