Today is my second full day in Africa. Flying in at night was so lovely- seeing the lights of the city and a few big black spots, which was the ocean. July 1/2 was such a long day for me, filled with motion and activity. In preparing for the trip, the thing I was most nervous about was meeting the other volunteers. I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed at meeting 18 new people who've already spent several weeks together.
Lying in bed Friday night, I finally had some quiet time to process all that had happened and was about to happen. Maybe it was the fatigue, but I had a sense of loneliness. I am in a new country, am going to be here for four weeks with 18 other people I don't know. I prayed but didn't know what to say. I just wanted God to be with me.
I remembered before I left one of my friends telling me he would pray for a knowledge of the Lord's presence. Honestly, when he told me that, it sounded a little mushy. But Friday night, it's really what I wanted. I knew it was what I needed then and would need the entire time I was here.
South Africa is a pretty amazing country. The people are very patriotic. Maybe it's the world cup, but there are flags everywhere! It's a beautiful country, sunny and warm this time of year. This afternoon it's clear and in the 70's. There is a crisp coolness in the mornings and evenings. We sleep with the windows open!
Cape Town is very modern and feels safe to me. With the World Cup here, it seems there are police officers everywhere, keeping the peace. The roads are well marked and nicely kept. The people are friendly, positive, and seem to be smiling all the time.
Tomorrow is my official orientation and I'm excited to meet the Living Hope staff and missionaries and learn more about my job.
So, that's pretty much it. But here are a few random notes I've taken so far:
* A vuvuzela will from now on mean to me: 'drunk soccer fans.' They're everywhere, and they're annoying
* My flight from Washington to Johannesburg was actually 16 or so hours long. We had a stopover in Senegal, where we picked up more passengers. I can't really complain though. Seats next to me were both vacant, so I got to spread out.
* Airplane food isn't that bad, in my opinion. Although I prefer the foreign carriers to American ones. It's so quaint getting tea or coffee after your meal.
* Volunteer staff here consists of 15 Americans and 2 British.
* I share a room with 2 other girls.
* Currency in SA is the Rand. There are 7.4 Rand in one US dollar.
* We are encouraged to drink the tap water. South Africa has the third best drinking water in the world. It actually tastes fine.
* South Africa's soccer team is nicknamed 'Bafana Bafana,' which means 'The Boys, The Boys.'
Friends and family, keep those prayers a comin'. I'm ready for the experience of a lifetime. Tomorrow is my first day on the job and I am ready to work! Oooh, and another exciting thing...the other volunteers have been leading 'Holiday Clubs' while the kids have been on break from school. Friday is their last day and they're having a huge soccer tournament for all the clubs from each community and for each age group. It sounds like a lot of fun and a good chance to interact with the kids and meet the people of the community.
Pictures to come...
Love you all!
