Irrestibly Irreversible

Irresistibly Irreversible

Mark Twain once said, “Timing is everything,” and I agree. Arriving on the heels of the World Cup has provided great insight into my Cape Town experience.

In preparing to host the world, South Africa spent much time, effort, emotion, energy and money into moving onto the world stage. Their performance, they hoped, would bring accolades and not criticism. And such was the case. As a result of their efforts, people all over the world have a new awareness about this nation, its pride, and its history. And the people here have a great since of accomplishment and a renewed sense of hope and unity.

Prior to and during the World Cup the Nation faced challenges—construction projects, security and ticket sales to name a few. Some brought triumph and others headaches, but in the end, the month long tournament brought energy to people that has not ceased now that it is over. The lessons and momentum created have established a collective memory that cannot be destroyed and that have propelled the nation forward both internally and externally. The risk of failing on this stage did not deter the people but inspired them to rise to their best.

On a much (much) smaller scale, I can apply this as a model to my time here in Cape Town. Leading up to the departure there was much investment financially, physically and emotionally and a sense of risk in leaving a job I enjoyed, saying good-bye to family and friends, and going on my own to a new place not known for safety. Now that I am here, that sense of risk has subsided, but as in any profound experience, there are small challenges to overcome and when there is a small victory the success lays a foundation for another step forward and headaches cease with time and determination.

After only a week, I can already feel the ball rolling in the right direction and an increasing sense of excitement and energy. By the end of this experience, I hope that I leave with the same sense energy for which I was welcomed into this country and that it propels me forward professionally and personally. For now, I am working on being my best and taking every opportunity to grow.