Final Entry: Airplane
Sawubona.

I am so terribly sad that I am returning to the states but I am also anxious to see my family. I think that since I've been away from my family for so long that each member may have grown a beard.

I will miss Venessa and Dave (the B&B hosts) and I hope to keep in contact with them. I am so pleased with all the changes that have occurred over the past two weeks. I am so happy that I got a chance to bond with Dezroy, Barry, and Michele.

I am also happy at the internal changes that have resulted because of this trip. I think that I became more opinionated on this trip. That's not to say that I always speak my mind when I should or when I have something to say, but at least I realize that I do have opinions. I do have things to say and they are important!! I find that my best way of expressing myself is through writing. I love writing!

I am developing not only as a person but as a Global Kids leader. My leadership skills improved in South Africa. Believe me, I can't get any worse. I was not nervous when I stood in front of the many people of Umtapo. I was articulate and self-confident. I spoke with such clarity that I shocked myself (there weren't even any tremors in my voice).

I saw myself interacting with other youth, which was very exciting. I made a goal for myself to meet at least one person a day. I beat that! I met at least ten people a day (many, Michele told me, were actually flirting with me - she told me that because we were having a difficult time telling flirting from just those interested in friendship). I saw the beginning of many beautiful friendships.

I saw the processes and the backbreaking work needed to create a draft of what could become Human Rights law. But the World Conference, to me, was not organized well. It is unbelievable that the World Conference was attended by politicians and world leaders. Such terrible organizing could make me not want to attend another event of major importance. The Youth Summit and the NGO Forum were okay. I attended them with enthusiasm but I found that at the youth meetings there was a lot of disagreement, which was acceptable under the circumstances. We were neglected by the people who claimed to be listening to our needs. We had no translators (there were Spanish and French speakers there, as well as some other languages). We had no microphones and a terrible tent. But we worked through our problems.

So many accomplishments have been made during this trip. I don't know yet if we have established a relationship with Umtapo but if we have then I helped. I admit though that these doings are not done and over with. They are part of a long process that will continue for days, months, even years to come.

I was very comfortable with the fact that I was an American in South Africa. I've never recognized myself as being American. I recognized myself as an individual and so did the people of South Africa. I find that many people, though, figured I was Nigerian or a native of South Africa. The only thing that surprised me about South Africa were the stars (we can't see many in New York). South Africa and its people welcomed me with open arms.

I will miss South Africa and the late night insomniac attacks of my roommate Michele.

Anyway, I was granted an opportunity that was so grand that no matter how many times I say Thank You and no matter what gratitude I express I will never express the illuminated joy that I feel. Thank you once again.

Signing off
Queen Annie

Annie's Journal Traveling Day Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 - 8 Day 9 Traveling Day

Dezroy's Journal Traveling Day Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 & 5 Day 6 Day 7 - 8 Day 9 Day 10 Traveling Day