As my six weeks in Cape Town come to an end, I could not help but feel a strong connection to Bo-Kaap. For all this time, I could not explain why. The colorful houses, the call to prayer, the corner stores, and the value of community. It was not until today that I opened my camera roll on a study break and I saw an image of my Grandparents’ house in Sudan. A vibrant pink house that looks like it could be in Bo-Kaap.
This sent me down a thinking rabbit hole: What other connections in South Africa have I found that mirror Sudan?
Smells: Oftentimes there are just moments where I smell something, and I am just reminded of Sudan. Some of the smells I notice are the smells of motorcycles and trucks. One smell I find really comforting is the smell of the breeze every morning, and I truly believe that is a refreshing smell that can only be found on the African continent.
Health Habits: In this class, I started to see more and more of my health experiences in Sudan reflected within the healthcare system of Sudan. During Sindiswa’s pre-interview, she described how it is going to the clinic in her township to receive medication, and I was immediately met with harsh flashbacks of when I had Malaria in Sudan at age 5 and relapsed it at age 14. Crowded spaces. Limited treatment. Treatment being ineffective. Hearing her story reminded me of why I chose this program and what I hope to accomplish in my life. Truly, to give a voice to those who do not have access to what I believe is a human right: adequate healthcare
Cohort Cousins: In Sudan, houses do not include just immediate family. So many people live and connect under one roof. As I have spent these six weeks, the other students in my cohort have started to feel like my actual cousins. We all eat together, argue with each other over silly things, and laugh with each other. Like Sudan, there is not one day on this trip where I have not shared a belly laugh with at least one other person.
As this program nears its end, I feel myself feeling homesick yet finding parallels of home at the same time.