I’ve wondered for the past few days what I would write about in this first journal—before I step foot in South Africa. Unlike the others, in many ways I am only returning to the motherland, although I have never been to South Africa. Many will have observations about south Africa for the first time that will probably represent their perspective on the African continent.

My role as a part of this group is to provide comparisons and to provide different perspectives. How does South Africa’s health system compare to Mali? Gabon? Burkina Faso? Why is it that the South African health system is more advanced? Or not?

My biggest fear is not noticing things. Because I will feel like I am just in another African country. What I see as normal is not what everyone else sees as normal. There is so much power in noticing. Noticing the details that most people would miss out on. Noticing the interracial relationship in South Africa between whites and blacks and within different ethnicities.

Although it seems like we are going to a different country, I am sure that both the US and South Africa could learn a lot from each other. It reminds me of the Trevor Noah, host of “The Daily Show” constantly sharing his experience as a South African during Apartheid and what he is observing in American society.

A powerful observer plans ahead. On this trip, I hope to journal every night before heading to bed. That will allow me to not only go through the day but also reflect on what happened. This will be an exciting trip filled with adventures.