last post from SA...

The goodbyes have already begun...I said my first one yesterday, and will continue to do so until we leave Joburg on Wednesday night. It's a strange time, because it's not real yet. And it will get harder and harder as Wednesday gets closer and closer. The hardest part is being asked when I will come back. All I can do is honestly answer, "When God tells me to," because I've learned not to plan out things on my own. It's a difficult answer to give, though...

Last weekend was quite fun, but exhausting! The hike on Saturday was around this meteorite crater, and it was perfect weather. Russell and I were the youngest in the group by at least 30 years, but it was nice. We also had a braai afterwards (braai = cookout)...but instead of hamburgers and hotdogs, think sausages, chicken, and lamb. And although it was fun, again I felt the unease of being around a different, "higher class" culture, and a few side comments about the "indigenous" made me cringe inwardly. I've really been brought into several different cultures at once, which is awkward at times, but has given me a better idea of the mix that is here in SA.

That evening we went to Thom and Ester's house for dinner. They work at the Joseph Project, which is a couple blocks away and does a daycare/afterschool program of it's own. They're a young, newly married couple, and it was really enjoyable to hang out with them and some of the other Joseph Project staff. (Yay, SA people closer to my age!) And we made our own pizzas with the best toppings ever...what more could you want! Then on Sunday, we had lunch at Cynthia and Sham's place with Nomalanga, Thabo, Oyisa, and Uncle Ivan. It was a TON of food, and we stayed there until late. The culture in their house was much more relaxed, especially regarding time. When I thought we would have been ready to leave, they brought out dessert and tea! It was so nice to have their hospitality.

This past week at the Centre, I've been doing a variety of things, especially since I'm not helping as directly with the teaching in the Puppy class. I still play with the kids quite a bit, but try to do other things to help out as well. Actually, on Thursday Faith had to take her son to a doctor's appointment, so Amber and I volunteered to help out in the kitchen...making the snacks and lunch. Yes, I helped cook lunch for 50 kids! (Don't get too excited...it was macaroni and cheese) ;o)

Tuesday evening we also went to see Amazing Grace (remember that movie this past winter?) with Cheryl's family. A very good movie, and it was nice to go out someplace new and hang out with them. (Have I mentioned that they're awesome?) And last night, I had a "girls night" with Carol and Amber, where we ate out and then went to see Shrek 3 (not as good as the original, but still cute). 2 movies in one week...crazy! I stayed over at Carol's last night, hence the early morning post. I'm gonna miss those two a LOT!

Well, I need to catch a shower before the day begins...between now and Wednesday evening, our schedule is pretty packed with things! It's helpful, though, to make sure that I say my goodbyes properly and get some closure on this experience. I've definitely changed, though in ways I can't fully express. So although I won't be posting from here anymore, stay tuned for wrap-up and reflection posts in the next few weeks...

And just so you know...I'll be landing in Richmond at 6 pm on Thursday. Then will begin the process of re-entry and re-programming...

See you soon!

(Thinking of and praying for Mary-Carolyn today as she starts her new life with Kyle!)