Researching for Islamic Law

South Africa:

I am making my way through an exchange, of ideas and culture and education. I am well adjusted but I feel like it wasn't difficult to do. I want this place and the people I meet to change me. I want to be better, I want to know more and I want this experience to help me. Everyone says that you can't help but change when you go abroad but where is that feeling of difference that I should see in myself? I'm afraid it won't be enough. I'm afraid I won't take advantage of it all. I'm just afraid...

People here are nice. I enjoy their company. I am grateful to have friends. But I miss the true connection that I feel with people at home. It isn't homesickness per say, it is almost a longing. Not painful, just there. I'm enjoying my time here but I was still happy when a month had passed, lessening the time I have left. I feel connected to Joburg in some way and I like it, a lot.
It is strange to see Indians here though. Those of my generation have been here for decades and they have no connection to India. It's an odd concept for me. But I suppose the older generations may not want to connect to their motherland anymore. Maybe they fled, maybe they were taken, but either way I guess they don't want to look back at what they left behind.

I'm going to India after IHRE ends and I can't wait. I have never been there during november/december and I'm looking forward to sweet chai and warm Utappas with sambar. This is the first year that I will be in India for my birthday. I'm going to be in Delhi.

I have to admit though, I'm pretty happy here. I'm busy and the time is flying by. I'm going to Zambia for Spring Break and I'm excited to see more of the continent. But first I have to write essays...