DAY 15, SATURDAY, 15 APRIL 2017 – Farewell

TARRYN JOOSTE

An emotional day.  Who would have thought we would have grown so close.  We were dreading saying good bye.  We definitely did not want to go home.  We waited for this camp so long and here it was already over. My, how time flies when you’re in good company.

Saying good bye was difficult.  All barriers between us disappeared.  We shared so much together, worked so hard together, laughed, cried.  For two weeks, we shared a dorm together, a bathroom, ate together, did kitchen duty together.  We became a big family and now it was time to say good bye.

Good bye my friends.  Thank you for two weeks I will never forget.  Thank you for allowing me into your lives and I hope I see you again next year.

 

KAYLIYAH STEVENS

There are many ways to describe the camp but the best word that comes to mind is unforgettable.  I made new friends so easily which was a shock to me as I usually find it difficult to reach out to people.  I discovered a new language of expression – not words, no but generosity, sincerity and honesty.

I never felt so safe and secure before in the company of strangers.  Doing simple tasks like doing dishes became such a pleasure as the company was always pleasant. Thinking of it makes me smile.

I never bonded with people easily but they unknowingly encouraged me to open up.  It got me writing poetry again.  I feel invigorated by these two weeks and it wants to make me to put in more of an effort into my schoolwork, my relationships at home.  I miss them and want to see them again. Oh, how I wish they lived just down the road and we can meet over week ends.

The rehearsing, class work was excellent and I have learnt so much.  It is so refreshing to be amongst people who want to work, who are positive and want to make things work.  How they just bring the best out of me.

 

Thank you, friends. We will see you in 2018.

 

PHILASANDE MAJIKELA

Words cannot express how wonderful and amazing it was to be on this camp.  Being able to share the same passion with people who are not from my country, who are from a different country is just unbelievable.  I was never in a place where I was loved in this way and it is hard for me to open up to people but for some reason I did.  Not once have I thought that we are on an exchange camp.  For me it was like a family camp.  My new friends, both on the South African and German side were like your favourite piece of clothing – that familiar, comfortable fit.  Yes, we were a perfect fit and I can’t wait to see them again next year.