Raafi Bell
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From NYC to Joburg!!!

7/14/2012

5 Comments

 
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My flight leaving JFK airport yesterday @ 11:15am started out great as I had the opportunity to talk to my mother, my younger brother Rahman and my younger sister Rashida!

Yesterday morning also started off a bit rough as I made an effort to detach myself from the stress of last minute big decision making and free myself to carrying only my checked baggage. I was empowered to travel to Johannesburg with joy with the help of various wonderful things that I experienced while flying South African  Airways!

First of all, the flight attendants were all natives of South Africa and treated all the travelers with great grace and hospitality. I caught myself many times studying their every move with fascination and pride, knowing that we shared the same skin color.

Secondly, I met LeeAnn. LeeAnn is 11 years old and was returning home to South Africa after spending a week in NYC performing a song that led her to winning an international talent show! LeeAnn sat with Melissa, one of my fellow participants on this trip who has such an incredible personality! LeeAnn and Melissa became friends, or more like sisters, on the plane. I was able to meet LeeAnn and I enjoyed hearing her sing a song in Xhosa titled “Click Song.” LeeAnn’s bubbly and friendly personality reminded me of my baby sister Rakayla. She was such a joy, had such a bright smile and made me increasingly excited to meet other South African children!

Finally, the icing on the cake was waking up to the rising of the Sun as we quickly approached Johannesburg. I could not help but to Thank God for this opportunity and for all those who helped make this journey possible.


5 Comments
Adriana Morales
7/14/2012 03:19:46 am

Hey Raafi, thanks for sharing about your journey so far. It's as if I'm there as well. We will keep you in our prayers as you are away on your journey. Take lots of picture and keep us posted when you can.

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RB
7/15/2012 09:32:56 am

Adriana, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and comments! I will be posting new pictures and stuff up often.

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Andrea D'Aguiar
7/15/2012 12:41:43 am

Hi Raafi, thanks for letting us know that you arrived safely. Super excited for you...def soak up the culture so you can share wt us. Hope to hear some of the Xhosa dialect when you return. Be safe & enjoy!!

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RB
7/15/2012 09:34:44 am

Andrea, thanks for your comment! I look forward to sharing when I return =)

South Africa is beautiful, I will enjoy!

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rhonda
7/17/2012 11:29:26 pm

Beautiful!

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    Raafi Bell

    Middle School Science Teacher in San Bernardino, CA

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