Alright, so I am new in South Africa and I was looking for things to do this weekend. I met a gentelmen two weeks ago and he messaged me about a Stake dance they were having. Now for all of you who are single or who have ever been single you know what I am talking about when I say the words "Stake Dance" and you automatically feel that awkward, panicky feeling. Atleast if you are like me. I am not usually shy by nature, but there is something about these things that brings back memories of highschool and college of standing along the side of the wall, drinking punch and looking around like you are totally fine with not being asked to dance when you really wish that you would be so that you didn't have to look and feel so awkward. But then, there is also that uh oh feeling that if the wrong guy asks you how will you get out of it and in order not to be rude you will have to give him one dance atleast and then if he keeps asking you then you will have to make lame excuses like going to the bathroom or that you are tired. Does this strike any memories for anyone?
Back to my story, I said yes to go to the dance because well...I needed something to do on Saturday night rather than sit home. We went to the dance which was first a talent show so I sat with another girl that I knew and just chatted. Then, the music started. I didn't know what to expect, the guy I was with was just a friend (I think) so I didn't expect him to even dance at all. When he asked me for a dance I stood up, took his hand and then...off we went with the Afrikaans Sokkie. As our feet moved quickly and in a series of turns, I couldn't help but notice I was smiling. I didn't care about anything right then. I would even go as far to say that I really enjoyed it. It's nice to dance with someone that knows what they are doing and sometimes it's such a freeing feeling. As he spun me around til I was dizzy, I felt a sense of livelihood and it was really quite nice.
So my point to all of this is that sometimes we expect the worst and then someone comes along and changes your perspective. This has happened to me a few times in the past couple of weeks. I am grateful for these lessons and it's taught me to look for the good in everything because we just might end up with something great! And I am grateful to have learned something new about the Afrikaans culture and about South Africa. It's all going to be uphill from here!
To all my readers, if life is getting a bit awkward and difficult to deal with...Dance!
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3 comments:
So glad that you had a great time at the dance. And I liked your quote from President Hinckley. Hope to hear from you soon! And of course, the rest of the story, if there is one!
WOW Holly- you have an incredible blog. I've never been here before but I thought I would check it out & it looks great. You have been to so many great places. I thought about you today because I ran into Scott Grow at lunch. Of course as soon as I remembered who he was your name popped into my mind, and I remembered that I needed to check out your site. The things you have done are awesome & it appears things are really working out for you! Anyway- thought I would say Hi & write to you later!
I cannot believe you live in South Africa! What an amazing experience. I hope you don't mind I link your blog to mine because I want to hear your stories!
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