Do as the Africans

This week was jam packed with trips to various places. On Tuesday we drove out to Guguletu a township in Cape Town where we had some wonderful food at a restaurant called Mzoli's. We then drove out to Langa (another township in Cape Town) where we had our first experience with the townships. The people were all very welcoming and it was one of the more powerful experiences I've had here so far. It is fascinating the divide between rich and poor and the size of the townships. These townships house millions of people! In Langa I was fortunate to try African Beer which is definitely an acquired taste.

The following day was also extremely powerful. We visited Robben Island. I was super shocked at how touristy it was. I mean I shouldn't have been, but still, lots of tourists. However, it was the clincher to what I have been learner about the human will that lies within the people of South Africa. Nelson Mandela's cell that he was imprisoned in for 18 years was maybe the size of my bathroom minus my shower. Small. Our tour guide, Jama, was imprisoned there for five years for orchestrating the Soweto uprising. When we got back to the port, we were surrounded by tourists. It wasn't what I thoroughly enjoyed. I found myself claiming the country as my own thinking all these people were ignorant and just there on Holiday. Not realizing that some people were probably thinking the same about me. Anyway, tourists are annoying.

That evening the boys, Shauna and I had a ping pong tournament which, I am proud to report, Jason and I won twice. After that it was, naturally, dance party time at the Alexander household. Epic. Yesterday we went to visit Stellenbosch, the first seminary in South Africa. And then wandered over to a Cheetah farm where I got to pet a Cheetah. Although, half the time I was worried about the 2 year old child in my group who didn't even want to pet the Cheetah and was more intrigued with the rocks. I thought for sure that kid was going to get eaten. Tomorrow we're planning on spending the entire day at the beach and celebrating Jill's birthday.

When In Africa. . .

Okay so life is super busy around here and Internet is tricky. So bare with me :]. Something I've learned about South Africa is that it is beautiful, yes, but it is also rich with amazing people and cultures that, I personally believe, make South Africa the amazing country it is. It is also rich with history, a history that isn't so different from America's. We visited the slave lodge where we learned a bit about the slave that were brought into South Africa. It was quite powerful stuff and really makes you think about the value of humanity. Shauna and I have also gotten quite acquainted with the public transportation here. We even took a taxi! There taxis here are like vans where they pack as many people possible into them. Quite an adventure. Honor, Aaron, Shauna and I also had our first train experience where we had to figure out stops and such on our own. A little tricky and somewhat scary, but we're still here. I actually LOVE taking the train. Sometimes while riding the train the locals laugh at us because we're so loud and have no idea whats going on. This past Friday Shauna and I went out with Lavona (our host mom) and some of her friends to celebrate Pete (our host dad)'s sister moving back to Cape Town. We went to this place called Star Dust where our waiters and waitresses sing and perform for us. We had a blast. The next morning we were up bright and early to climb Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Needless to say, a lot of stops were taken to take some beautiful photos of the landscape around us (and to breathe). Yesterday we chilled with the fam. We went with Jason and Aaron to watch them practice for cricket (a very popular sport here), took a walk and relaxed with Lavona, played 30 seconds (which the boys taught us how to play and we won :]), and I taught them BUNCO! Shauna and I also did some laundry and hung it up on the line over night to dry and wouldn't you know it, it rained. Wooo. Today we're visiting District 6 which I'm really excited for. Honestly I could get used to living in a place like this! Such a beautiful place!

The Storm Has Arrived

The past couple days have just flown by! We arrived late Thursday night and were greeted by the beautiful faces of Caleb, Shannan and Allysa from George Fox and Marlyn, Jill and Janita from Cornerstone. After introductions we went to bed. The next morning I woke up and stumbled into the bathroom only to hear the sound of the ocean! I flipped out. I ran outside and saw mountains on one side and the Indian ocean on the other! We spent the day doing ortientation and then walked to the beach. Yeah. My life rocks. The next day we drove all around Cape Town. We climbed around Cape Point. Then we stopped at a beach to have lunch where we became acquainted with many baboons. One of which stole out lunch. After swimming for a bit we visted the famous African Penguins and had some gelato :]. Yesterday We went to Jubilee Church where us females found many a beautiful South African Christian boys to gush over and then met our host families!!! My family is the Alexanders. I have a mother, Lavona, a father, Pete, and three little brothers, Josh, Jason and Aaron. I love them! They are wonderful and I'm sure I'll be writing more and more about them! Today we had our interim class and went and walked around Cavendish (sp?) Mall. South Africa has to be the most beautiful place I've ever scene in my life! Honestly when I look out over the ocean or stop and stare at the mountains or when I'm hanging out with the ever so amazing people of South Africa I truly think this is Eden. I would be jealous if I were you, just saying.

One week and counting!

Gaw! One week! With all my shots, payments, and doctors appointments behind me I believe it is just smoothe sailing with a bit of packing and last minute shopping left until the big day! For those wondering the type of weather conditions I will be entering in, my computer says it is currently 75 degrees and sunny. Rough. :]

2 Weeks and 2 Days until departure

Greetings! In two weeks and two days I will officially be on my way to Cape Town, South Africa. I am so excited! My flight will be taking off on the 11th of January from Minnesota at 3:30. We will arrive in Amsterdam at 6:30am on the 12th where we have a three hour layover before departing on an 11hr flight to Cape Town where we will arrive around 10:30pm. The next two weeks leading up to the trip I will be packing, working, and counting down the days!