My close friends FaceTimed me last week while I was in Ghana for an educational trip. They were at Olive Garden eating dinner after church (something we usually do together when I’m in town). They called me because they wanted to tell me that they missed me. I missed them before the call, but when they called and told me that…I really started to miss them; I started to miss them hard. Two of them were on spring break, and it felt a little weird because usually when they’re on spring break, I’m on spring break as well. But this time, it was different. I was still in school, while they had a week to relax and enjoy each other. That’s when I realized…I think I’m a little homesick.
Yup. You read that right. I’ve been in South Africa for a little over two months, but I am missing my home like CRAZY! I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss American food, although I’m 1,000% sure it’s not as real (or healthy, in other words) as African food. I miss my school. I miss my church. I miss my daily routine. For instance, I miss getting Starbucks every morning, specifically my iced green tea latte with caramel drizzle in the cup (try it, you’ll be blessed). I miss being able to leave ten minutes before class started versus leaving at least thirty minutes early to make it to the Jammie, the shuttle for the University of Cape Town. I also miss Chicago food, such as Harold’s Chicken and Home Run Inn Pizza.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being in South Africa. I love the people, and how hospitable and caring they are. I love the weather and how consistent it is. I love how the cost of living is just a fraction of the cost of living in Chicago or Washington, D.C. I also love going to the #1 school in Africa. But at the end of the day, I do love and miss my home, the beautiful Windy City.