Picture Perfect...

There are a few more fun things and exciting events to share. Sunday, after an early church and another watch of High School Musical 3, we took about 20 kids on a hike. The hike was over 2 hours and we went through town, up a road and climbed a hill. The kids did really well! While some were scared of snakes popping out at them, and others were on crutches, they did an awesome job and we all got to enjoy the view from the top. This is a picture of Zimkhita and Nosipiwe at the top, aren't they cute?
This is Zimkhita and Tabisa and I at the park. It was sunny and a beautiful day!
Yesterday we went to the park with almost all of the kids. I must say it was the most successful park visit that I have been on since I have been here: minimal crying, kids got along, didn't wonder off into the fields. The girls absolutely love taking pictures of themselves. They grab my camera and then run off and take six different pictures of the same exact thing: one person just standing there. Not smiling and not close up, but just standing. So today I wanted to teach them a bit about how fun it is to take pictures as a group and all the different poses you could do. Well for twelve, thriteen and fourteen year olds, they got into this. And it was so much fun! We took pictures on stairs, bleachers, old signs, broken down walls, under trees, laying on the ground, etc. but it was so fun! When I got back from the park I went and photoshopped them a bit and I'm going to go to try and print some off for them today or tomorrow.
Two nights ago we had a talent show and I think I mentioned that in the last post? Either way, here are a few of the girls who were singing for the competition. I have some videos too. The talent is amazing!


Yikes, I leave tomorrow night. Running out of time! Mixed feelings, but as always extremely excited to go home! Can't believe it.. as the time gets closer, it seems as if the time slows down and speeds up all at once. See you before you know it!


With love.

This is here, this is now...

Oiy!
Here we are, the last week of being in South Africa. Where to begin? So many things to say and I don't know where to start. Should I tell about my journey, how since my last blog I went back to PE, took a test and finished a project, then 48 hours was back at the Children's home? In reality it wasn't that long that I was gone, but still things had changed. The new fence that the two guys are working on made some good progress, several of the kids had different hair styles and even the foundation was at a different stage. It's a stressful situation here with uncertainty ringing in the air all over and the reality is unavoidable. There are fewer and fewer funds each day and the fear approaching all that there won't be enough to make it through. Yet there is faith that they will be provided for. We have been asked by Dianne and Carol to do fundraising of our own but I am torn about it. Not many people know that I am here and it is hard to explain this situation in an email, to do it justice. I am praying and trusting in the Lord that he provides for these children but also for ideas of ways in which I can help. I know there is always something I have, and that is my pictures, so we will see where we can go with that.

Yesterday we did a Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt where we raced around town with different clues (rhyming clues, mom you'd be proud of me ;]) and took different pictures at each. This is a picture of the kids jumping off the tourist information being monsters. Ha, we split into two teams and unfortunately my team lost, but we all enjoyed pop and some chips as a prize! I was happy the kids got into it.
These are some of the boys. They are stinkin adorable. There are about 9 little guys and 2 younger girls and I love playing with them. They are always getting into mischief (my favorite was the chalk fight on the football (soccer) field that resulted with white chalk covering everyone and everything! Including me! They also like to play superman where the practice jumping off tables and chairs and the porch and I catch them. Sometimes they go one at a time, but it's usually two or three, occassionally four. I'm going to try and hold up five before I leave ;).
One night we had a Braai and made a fire in the braai pit, roasted hot dogs, potatoes and even had salad. It was quite the feast! Afterwards, Marlin (one of the volunteers) had a recipe for baking bread over the fire. We had found bamboo like poles earlier in the day and took some of the bread and wrapped it around the sticks. After 5 or so minutes of holding it over the fire, we had instant bread! It was yummy and provided several hours of entertainment. I'm hoping to use that bread recipe in the future! Since the official Dianne Lang Foundation is closing, last Monday we went to the community center where we took a lot of the clothes the kids didn't need (roughly 12-16 boxes) and we sold the clothes. We wanted to be fair and make good deals, and also wanted to raise money for the organization, but the clothes went for roughly 10-50 cents, some for a dollar (new winter jackets and even blankets we sold for barely over a dollar) but it was quite the experience to be on the other side of the market, selling the items. In this picture you can see some of the ladies who came that were looking through the clothes. They loved trying to make a good deal! This is a shot of some of the little guys in the back of the house in the yard. There isn't necessarily a play ground, but there are these monkey bar type things to climb on as well as an interesting tire swing.

Last night we had a talent show. These kids are great once they get going. Between singing and dancing they were all over the place. The older girls; Kholiwe, Aya and Nomhle wouldn't stop dancing. Then the middle aged girls, Beverly, Joyce, Tabisa and Ntomoboxolo sang these pretty songs. Even Michael and American busted some moves that I hadn't seen them do before! I'm sad that for some reason not all the photos I wanted got transfered to my usb, but hopefully this gives you a tiny picture and glimpse. Hope things are going well for all! Looking forward to seeing you, and sharing more about the past 5 months.

With love always <3.

Embrace the joy of the moment

"The miracle is this:: the more we share, the more we have" --Leonard Nimoy

Sure, time flies, but to watch the landscapes, the atmosphere, the people and the places change so rapidly and so fast... well, it's kind of exhilarating, but also a lot to take in. From a month ago, at the beginning of May to here, the beginning of June, to next month being home in the States at the beginning of July... As always trying to make the most of every moment, staying motivated and energized is essential. I am currently at the Dianne Lang Foundation, volunteering with around 30 children and becoming more aware of the day to day events of this aspect of South Africa. The thing is, the home is in a time of transition and uncertainty. The foundation is not a NPO, it has been ran off of private donations and funds from other people, but now it looks as if the funding is no longer there which leaves a lot of questions and changes in the very near future. There is a wonderful lady who has put in an application to become a Non-profit Organization and is still waiting to be approved by the government, but the outlook seems hopeful. Until then I get to play with kids all day, help paint buildings, maybe assist in building a fence (I guess it's a guy's project? Oh well, we put up 3 last summer =]), and knit scarves for all of the girls here. Can you believe that it gets below freezing in Middelburg? As I sit and type in the office, it's actually a tease that I can see the sun shining out the doors next to me as my hands are icy and my feet cold! But there is no heat here and the kids are always wearing their jackets and wrapped in blankets in the home. They always want to borrow my scarves and sweaters so that's when I decided they needed scarves of their own! And I was pointed in the right direction of a yarn/wool/fabric shop where I got new knitting needles and some wool!

Still, I cannot believe that I am here finally- getting onto the bus I nearly had to pinch myself, and the ride went by fast. It was a double decker bus and I sat on the top and got to reflect a bit about this adventure the past 5 months have had to offer. My first impression of this town and of this experience was that it brought me back to last summer and reminded me of Cass Lake, for a few reasons. Maybe it's because they are the only two small towns I have ever been in for an extended amount of time, but I sort of like the walk everywhere, empty streets, deserted town kind of feel. Or the fact that there is one other girl and two boys, kind of similar to a YW staff? And we play cards at night and share just a tiny space and yada yada, it's fun.

Well internet is expensive and I shouldn't be on for two long... so I will give you some highlights of the past 5 days...
I read bed time stories to kids every night. It was the first time I have done that in a long time, and I love it. And I love that they are interested in reading and I want to do all I can to see that they read more!
The first night I was here we took a walk around the neighborhood at night with the older kids. I got to dance and sing in the street with some of the girls and it was a great way to welcome in the first day of being here.
Some of the girls are singing all the time and one afternoon I was sitting in the girl's bedroom and they asked me to sing (which you are all aware that I am no good), but I did anyway, only after having them sing first. Now it's almost daily. I think I am going to start a 'silly songs with Stephanie' series after the "Go Bananas" song went over like a hit last night =).
These kids are truly kind of like a family, looking out for one another, taking care of eachother, picking on each other, sharing with one another. The older girls looking out for the little boys... the number of smiles here are unbelievable.
One afternoon I got to cuddle with some kids and watch Toy Story 2 (one of my FAVORITES) and then that night I even went to a dance at a church in a township with middleaged people and danced the night away! Entertaining way to spend a Friday.
In the kitchen the older boys like to listen to music, and one night I heard the Titanic song come on, you know the one, so I went in and taught one of the boys,Luke, how to dance. Then I taught him the Fox Trot and Waltz (Dawn, you would be proud!). I think I am going to download music for the Cha Cha Slide and Electric Slide, and maybe a square dance if possible! One of the volunteers said that he could get music off my iPod onto the computer, so then we can get some good ol honkeytonk country music and I can teach them a line dance! If I remember, I hope I remember.
I don't know what it is about being here, or the similarities to a mission trip but it just feels like there are a collection of things in my life that have lead up to and prepared me for this time and this moment and it just brings me such joy. I love spending the mornings in the office and thinking of ideas, it's just that the future of the organization, and more importantly the kids, is still so uncertain. But man, these kids are great.

Greyhound bound...

What a great day! I can’t even explain the feeling that I have right now, pure euphoria? Close enough either way! Amazing seeing as I woke up this morning at 5:30 to finish/start a presentation that I gave at 8:30, okay, 9h00, seeing as it if African time. Surprisingly I actually woke up and even more surprisingly, the presentation went swimmingly! It was on self-esteem and seemed to be a combination of millions of things I have learned in the past, so it rolled off the tongue like a well-known story. My new friends, Natalie, Bonnie and Moji were hard to say goodbye to after spending so much time stressed and worried and always laughing in our youth work classes. Bonnie wants to stay in touch so that she can visit the U.S., Moji has the calm and composure that many well lived 45 year olds would, and Natalie became a good friend in which we could share in daily stresses and always find laughter. She gave me a tour of the Res (dormitories) after class and we walked around, it was lovely! The morning was quite chilly, I even wore long sleeves and a sweatshirt! But by the walk back it was pretty hot. I picked up some last minute presents for the familia and arrived home!
So much to do, so little time::: as always! I cannot believe that in a matter of HOURS I will be in a completely different part of the country and in 24 hours be fully immersed at the Diane Lang Orphanage in Middelburg, South Africa. All this time it has felt as if it were too good to be true, that something was going to happen and the joy and experience would just slip through my fingers, but seeing as the bus tickets are within my reach, I have the cell number of the one who is picking me up and my bags are … ok my bags are not packed, but my list of what to pack is out and ready! I am enjoying one of the most uniquely delicious meals, the last of my milk with the box of Frosted Flakes, which I have been saving for a special occasion that my church sent me in a care package! Yummy!! The only down side to those little boxes is they are single serving and I don’t get to enjoy seconds! Today is going to be my first bus trip ever, and fittingly Miranda Lambert’s song came on my iPod this morning, “I’m on a greyhound bound for nowhere…” Couldn’t help but smile. I’ve heard from a few people that it’s chilly in Middelburg, so I’m glad I was warned so I can pack accordingly. I learned today that there are 2 million orphans in South Africa… wonder how that statistic will come to life over the next few weeks as that name is given a face, a story and names… and that will only be 40-50 children...

Well I'm off! I will update you if I have internet while I'm there, if not, mom and dad I will call you when I arrive, and Jessica I hope you have a safe trip home and a good last few days! Love you three, my trusty readers =)

And I've had that song in my head all day...

I'm in a little bit of a reminiscing mood today... Perhaps it's because today I am going to try and sell my computer so I've been taking off all of my old pictures and putting them on CD's and same with deleting old papers and other random things. Never thought I'd be sad to see my sony go...? Guess it just reminds me of the first few years of college... and all those memories that are irreplaceable. So long ago, but really, not that long ago. Can't believe that when I go home from here I will be entering my last year of college. Seems like so many people are going places and doing things, it is so encouraging! It's kind of cool that at right now I have friends on every continent (unless my friend who was in Australia is home by now), but still, it's so exciting that so many people are going and traveling and seeing and experiencing! It is amazing, and while you want to enjoy each moment of where you are and what you're doing, a part of you (me) can't help but think about the future and weighing the options, after all, I'll be a college graduate a year from now.... (knock on wood).

But I do believe I owe you all a tiny bit of an update, seeing as it has been about two weeks. School is winding down, but as always, that just means more work. I have two final exams out of the way and am looking at two more exams, one big presentation, and one monster project that is kind of scary to think about. In a week I am going to be leaving for almost two weeks to go to a town called Middelburg and volunteer in an orphanage that they have there. Not sure if I have blogged about this yet or not, but I found the organization somehow online and got in contact with them and they said they have room for a volunteer in the beginning of June. The organization is run completely off of private donations, meaning no help from the government/country and they rely heavily on volunteers and can have up to six at a time. I was told to be prepared for a quick orientation upon arrival and then be given a schedule with a 40 hour work week. Now, months ago, I wouldn't think anything of a 40 hour work week, but since I have been here my work habits and my involvement has somehow slacked... seems like I took on the 'African time' and well, easiest way to say it: I became lazy. Now the laziness has brought with it guilt because as a Westerner I have the inner belief that we must work before play and essentially that play and enjoyment to the extent of what my time here has given me should have been worked for or earned, but seeing as though all areas that I attempted to busy myself with fell through... (getting in touch with a photographer, a youth group, a job? etc.) I have become accustomed to a few classes a week, few hours of work, then lots of walking and sunning and beaching and reading, which has been nice, but back to the point... I am very anxious and excited that there is real work on the future! I have a feeling that I will be thankful that I've spent 4 months prior in this environment and the culture and have seen things around South Africa that help with understanding the position at which the people in the Orphanage are in. Not to mention that I will have time to come back and process (nearly ten days after I return from the orphanage I fly home) because I think it will help with all the culture shocking and readjustment, again. All pretty exciting, eh? Encouraging to see things come together. Whoa, my stomach just did kind of a flip on itself when I realized a month from today I am flying out of South Africa... what? A month... mixed feelings.

So over the past few years I have developed this love for cities. And last summer I experienced a different kind of love and appreciation for small towns, in particular a Reservation for me, but needless to say I have grown fond of looking at communities and cultures, and who knows, that might direct me somewhere in the future, or a multitude of other things might... but if I could stay on track for two seconds I might be able to get out that, as in any town, Port Elizabeth is filled with different areas of town and different suburbs alike, and just like any semi-major city, has a down town area (small towns have more of a 'main street' down town type of feel, even Mankato). I live in Summerstrand (you might know this if you wrote me letters) and it is close to the university and also the ocean. It is kind of seen as a more upscale, compared to other areas. We volunteer in Walmer, in particular the Walmer Township, the mall is in Greenacres, There is another area called Humewood, you get the point. But there is also a downtown part too, known as Central. Upon arrival we heard different stories, sure you can go; but go in a big group, or only go during the day, typical warnings to tourists. But am I considered a tourist if I have lived here for four months? We go to school for four-five month periods in different cities, often times different states, sure it might be a different area code or region of the states, but it is your home, and you wouldn't question that. So, Port Elizabeth has become my home. I know where to get the freshest produce, the best bread, even the cutest shoes and definitely the best dresses at the mall. I know my way around through transportation systems or driving on the roads. So I think essentially it is kind of silly that we were so scared or timid to go into Central, not to be naive, we are young women and are aware of our surroundings... Everyone talked about how it was dangerous, but as soon as I got there, all I could think about was how beautiful it was.. I loved it.

Now, it wasn't a booming downtown Metropolis by any eans, but it held a unique beauty that was captivating all on it's own. There was a misty glow radiating from the faces and the shops, one that only an outsider like myself would see and appreciate- because that's the type of community my heart looks for and wishes to see. Sure, construction in the streets was loud, the congestion on the streets were tight and it wasn't picturesque by any means, but it held it's own kind of mystery. Friends were uniting all around and making deals at small stands selling cheap knock offs and small candies. Walking around we definitely stood out, but it was then that I came to a fun realization: I am not a tourist. No, right now I live here.. not quite a local, but a regular. Somewhere along the way I've slowly 'learned the ropes' or the 'lay of the land,' and the thought was empowering. I thought to myself: I can handle this. And I couldn't help to think I can't wait to do this again... in another community, another place and location, possibly another country. Why travel to just be a tourist when you can live to become a regular? Don't get me wrong, I'm not so naive to thinkthat I can walk into anywhere and pitch a tent, set up camp and label it home... but the past three years of my life I have had 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 month homes... in a sense this is the longest I have lived in the same place since high school, because I have been here longer than both fall and spring semesters by the time I leave... Now we may be more confused, or is it more clarity... because it's all so simple? Ah, simple, beautiful, peaceful... Mind boggling eh?

As always, I wrote too long. Still want to leave you with another thought...

I have even found through the past year an a half of my life that if I tell people what my goals are, they can help hold me accountable and make sure that it happens (and I would love to do the same for you, just throw me a list and I'll call ya every day =]) So here is a random list of things I've been thinking of that I cannot wait to do when I get home...
I want to...
1. Retake up scrapbooking when I come home.
2. Make my own curtains for my bedroom in my apartment (and might need an aunts help in the process).
3. Make my own dress and a purse (at least one of each).
4. Read a book a week.
5. Take a picture a day
6. Write more letters
7. Find an internship in the spring (Urban Studies..?)

Sometimes we rock and sometimes we roll

I just wanted to dance on the beach for you =)


So I kind of took today as a personal day so to speak. I just sort of walked around, without an agenda, heading wherever I felt lead. It was nice, relaxing, and in a way inspirational. I felt lighter hearted and more joy than I have in awhile. It was like flowers that had been beautiful before were multiplied and everywhere I looked I could just soak in the sun, feel the warmth and breathe in beauty coming from all directions.
My journey lead me to the ocean, of course, a place that is beautiful in any place, any climate, and wonderous any time of day. It is only right that as I'm writing this blog My Wish (Rascal Flatts) is playing in the background. Ah, may all your dreams stay big...

In all reality, living in a place that is surrounded by natural beauty, such as this, it's amazing I could ever go a day without that feeling.

Now this is a stretch... but in some way, I don't think I would have come to South Africa if I hadn't been in Cass Lake this past summer. Now there are numerous of other places I was looking at, and going to Africa didn't seriously cross my mind until a certain conversation (Preeti), but regardless, the more I think about it the more I believe it's true. I could just say it gave me confidence, but really I believe it gave me new eyes. It made me a bit more aware of my surroundings. And even if it is my desire to always be happy go lucky, always see the bright side and just focus on the positives, my summer made me aware of conflict and tension and that there is a division and people don't always see things in the same light that you do. You see the looks people give one another... you see who is on what side of the street. You cant help but notice who goes to what cook out, what church and who goes where. You hear it in the tone- and right or wrong no longer becomes the question, but the tables are turned and the weight is on the response. Intense, but so real. It becomes aware which side is more welcoming, in our case which side of the school likes you more than the other, but still that doesn't stop you from showing and expressing the same love and same care across the board.
....Some how, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be..



This is Odwa and I dancing at Learn for Life. Since it was Cinco de Mayo, we thought it would be the perfect chance to introduce some spanish, some chips and dip, and of course Salsa dancing. Shocker:: they actually LOVED dancing! It was a really fun night.

Right now I am organizing my photos from my old computer.. I'm just worried that I didn't do my back up hard drive right and I'm worried I might lose some. I'm not sure where my addiction to pictures comes from, but I just can't help it. I love it. I absolutely ridiculously love pictres. Many and all forms. Of people and of places. Ones that spell everything out, are captivationg, tell a story.. all the way to those that creat feelings inside you didn't know you had, or forgot you had. From walking down the street and snapping a shot to going to an exhibit or opening a book. From huge billboards to old photo albums.. the stories and the memories are countless, timeless, endless. Can be more powerfuland cause more change than anyone could imagine.


I think this is the photo from our hike that I wanted to print last time, but for some reason it didn't work.

I think I've used up all my words for today.
Peace and Love!

Well Hello Stranger!
Let's talk about culture.
There are three main languages that you will most likely hear here in Port Elizabeth:: Xhosa (the clicking language ..pronounced something like 'clickhosa' -ask me when I get home, I'll do my best), Afrikaans (that is very closely related to Dutch, due to the Dutch who settled in South Africa a few hundred years ago), and English, from the English settlers that came just in the past 150 odd years.
This past weekend 4 of my good friends and I ventured up to Coffee Bay, about an hours drive away from a developed town (8 hours from PE), in the remote areas of SA, along the coast. We entered a new terrain that I hadn't experienced yet since being here. Coffee Bay is known for its peaceful nature, small tribes and just a few backpackers set up along the ocean to attract travelers to their peaceful quarters. Upon arrival we saw huts painted brightly pinks and greens, clothes hanging on the line and children running about, waving to each passing cars. While swerving between huge pot holes the last 70 kms we were able to enjoy the Wild Coast's top five animals: Cows, horses, goats, sheep and chickens, everywhere!
Excited to reach our destination we headed to the beach. Then, after soaking up a few rays we headed up to the showers and got ready for our adventure for the night. A few highlights were eating in the Xhosa village, which entailed trying the traditional homemade Xhosa beer... had a bit of a corn taste and was quite bitter to the taste. We were served it from a big 5 gallon jug and passed around big pitchers that we drank out of. We had a rice type of food with cabbage and a sauce that I thought was delicious. Then we had another type of pea/corn meal (there were two vegetarians in our group) and watched a few of the women from the village dance. We had an interesting almost hour of conversation, question/answer time period that was extremely informative. A few that stuck out to me was that I asked if anyone ever left the village.. you know, went to college or moved away to get another job or anything, and the reaction was almost surprise at such a question. Another fact that caught me off guard was that their number one job or means of employment and income there was tourism... Now there were 4/5 ladies who had their beaded jewelry hanging out right outside our backpackers, came up to us along the beach and followed us a bit, as well as children... there were kids who we were advised not to give money or sweets to (no dentist) unless they did something, like sing a song or a dance then we could give them a tip or take some of the travelers on a guided tour. Coffee Bay is a decently small place: 4 shops including a small convenient store that I don't really have a comparison for, a place to buy drums, a tshirt and jewelry place, then a craft post that was just about the same as the beads the ladies sold. Then there was also a pizza place we ate at Saturday night (delicious!), two backpackers, and maybe two other hotels... the farming that was done around there was done just for themselves... different, but beautiful. Their homes were built out of clay and after the bricks are put together and the straw for the roof is ready it only takes about a week to construct. They use manure on the ground and just have one room to be the living room, bedroom and kitchen. Something else that is interesting is that there isn't electricity. Not that the area isn't developed enough, because it is. But about 5 or 8 years ago there was someone who was really pushing for that area to get electricity, but those stubborn elders in the community, they decided to say no. Surprisingly, there was cell phone reception!
The next day we had an awesome tour guide who just loved us and about 30 others! and we went on a four hour hike to the 'hole in the wall' ...a natural hole that was created in the wall from the ocean!
Well, that took about an hour and a half to upload, hopefully it will all get uploaded and you can see an enjoy!
Possibly more later, depends how productive I am =)