Jillian still processing all is is learning

My parents came to visit this past week which was a lot of fun and also sparked some interesting conversations. I’ve talked to my parents over the phone about the townships and the experiences I’ve had, but they were never able to quite understand it because they had yet to experience it for themselves. Once they came to visit and after going on the township tour with Vernon, they were able to have a better understanding of it all. It was helpful to discuss it with them and be able to process it more, because I still haven’t finished processing everything that I’ve seen so far and I know I will continue to process it throughout my life. It was also interesting to see my parent’s initial reactions to everything after I’ve been here for so long and had time to take it in. They were shocked at the amount of gang violence that occurs in the townships, such as Manenburg. I never realized how much I’ve actually learned until I was the one educating and teaching my parents. 

Jillian enjoying time with her parents during their recent visit.

Having my parents visit at the end of the trip also made me realize how little time I have left in South Africa. With less than two weeks to go, I feel like I need so much more time here. At the same time, I’m ready to go back home and apply what I’ve learned here and educate my friends. I’ve grown and learned so much and I want to start using everything I’ve learned to educate others and further my education as well. I’m just trying to appreciate my last two weeks and soak it all in so I can have even more amazing stories and memories for when I return home