Films, Food, and Finesse

Sunday church was so good. It was one of those services that everything that is said you feel like came straight from the Lord to you. So good. Then we went zip lining! It was so fun to go with a group of friends! Many of the people that went said that it was the highlight of the trip so far. I have been ziplining before, so it wasn't as epic as it was for other people, but it was still SO fun and especially to be with people who were LOVING it.
Monday all of the campus was together for community engagement class all day. We learned how to facilitate change in communities focusing on self-percieved needs of the community and using local resources (materials and people) so that the change will continue once the facilitator is gone. It was really interesting - and when else do you get to make a fire during class? Tuesday I went back to do home visits with two women that I really love. We visited the home where I was proposed to, and they said that the lobola (the cows) still stands :) Thursday was our last day of clinicals and the rest of the groups first day of service sites. I had the opportunity to do home visits with some amazing social workers. There is something so special about healthcare in one's own environment - it seems that the healthcare worker gets a better grasp on the holistic view of health for the patient. That night a few friends and I went to a quiet Thai dinner (with back pillows, candles, and pink napkins folded into roses) which was just what the doctor ordered. The big event on Friday was an adorable Christmas sale at our favorite coffee shop/DIY mecca. There were individual vendors selling everything handmade. I really enjoyed talking with these people, explaining what we

are doing here, and learning about them and their businesses. Saturday the nurses went to a HIV/AIDS support/educational group in a nearby town.
We played with the kids while the gogos (grandmothers) were at the meeting. It was nice to be able to just play. Sunday we went to church and then to Howick (another nearby town). We went shopping and saw the Howick Falls (much bigger than I imagined). This is a picture of me and one of my nurse friends. The theme of this week was procrastination of homework and time filled with chick-flicks, deep talks, soccer, pranking, and celebrating with food. Another great week in Africa!!

"All Creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing, oh praise Him, Alleluia" -David Crowder Band

This week was a week full of traveling! We went to the Drakensberg Mountains twice this week! The first time was on a Saturday excursion and we did a guided tour at the Sans (Bushmen) cave paintings which is were these people (from many moons ago) lived.
It is always interesting to learn about another people with another cultural standard and way of doing things. They sure did pick a beautiful location to live in, though. The second time we went to the Drakensberg was on Wednesday.
We went to see the Drakensberg Boys Choir which is a boys choir boarding school that is world known. We watched one of their performances which was ABSOLUTELY amazing. This week was finals week for the other students on campus, so things were a little less crazy than usual. Although we still did manage a homecoming dance, another epic dance, late night slip-n-slide in the rain, many coffee dates, movies, late nights, early mornings, tons of ice cream, and lots and lots of animals. We watched an amazing film called Cry Freedom which tells the real story of the apartheid era in South Africa and I recommend it to all. Clinicals were so fun (as usual) this week and I was able to work in an HIV/AIDS clinic.
The people here are so genuine and care so much about the patients. Today I started my day wonderfully with a Skype with my family followed by a cram study sesh, then coffee and a walk to see the animals, and finished off the night with pizza, a movie, and a dance party. As friendships continue to grow, so does the fun. And I have to tell you, the slip-n-slide was just about the most fun ever. So many laughs this week.

"There was never a good war, or a bad peace." -Benjamin Franklin

This past weekend, we went on an excursion! With our history and culture class, we went to visit some of the battlefields of South Africa. Over the weekend, we went to three battlefield: The Battle of Isandlwana, The Battle of Rorke's Drift, and Battle of Blood River. The Battle of Isandlwana (1879-the pictures of the big hill and the picture of the white rock piles) was when 1,300 English soldiers invaded Zulu land and was defeated by 22,000 Zulu warriors.
The English did not return to collect the bodies for a few months after the defeat due to fear, and therefore the bodies were left. The piles of white rocks are where many people died.
The Battle of Rorke's Drift (immediately following The Battle of Isandlwana) was where 3-4 thousand Zulu warriors attacked a hospital with about 150 British in it. No one really knows what happened exactly during this battle, but the English were attributed a victory. In 1838, 10-15 thousand Zulu attacked an unexpecting 470 Voortrekkers at the Battle of Blood River. The Voortrekkers put all of their wagons in a circle and defeated the Zulu without any losses to the Voortrekkers. We stayed at this cute little bed and breakfast which some of the officers of these battles stayed at back in the 1900s. This was a very relaxing weekend without internet or homework, but rich in good talks, great food, and fun times.
I had my last clinical at the hospice center and Thursday I began at another site where we do home visits to people in the community. It is such a blessing to be able to serve these people and share the Lord with them!
Wednesday was probably one of the most fun days so far on this trip. We went to the Indian Ocean! It was so warm and beautiful and, of course, I LOVE the ocean, so this was just a fantastic day. It could not have been a more perfect beach day!
I have not talked much about it, but obviously I am in school too! Many of my hours are spent participating in discussions about ethical decisions that need to be made regarding nursing and medicine in general. And lots of homework - but I am learning a lot!!
This was definitely a week of deepening relationships and my eyes were opened to new ways that I can love on and support this community! Excited for next week!!

What's a Pirates Favorite Letter? Arg, but What about his Love for the Sea?

This past Saturday was termed "Study Day" which meant that we were supposed to stay on campus and "study" on that day. We have some very intelligent men who brought up that on-campus, "Study Day" officially ends at 4pm. Which left us with plenty of time for us to go to the soccer championships in Durban at 8:15. With some charm and persuasion from the men on campus, the leadership agreed that we could go. And did we go. The game was at one of the World Cup stadiums called Moses Mabhida in Durban. It was the most beautiful stadium I've ever been in. Sorry for the blurry picture from the outside, but I could not tell it was blurry at that time. This game was insane. 

The Pirates played the Stars. As soon as we got there, we were surrounded by people. As we were taking pictures, people were taking pictures of us. Everyone wanted a picture with us, everyone wanted to talk to us. It was overwhelming, but really funny at the same time. At the game, other than our group, I saw maybe 5 other white people. The stadium was nearly full. Our boys showed their Pirate spirit by taking off their shirts (culturally not ok, but, hey, we're Americans), painting their chests with a letter that spelled out "Pirates," buying flags, horns, jerseys, everything. We were on the mega-tron SO MANY TIMES. One thing I loved about this game was the energy. 

People were singing, dancing, and cheering (oh did they cheer). We had field-side seats at about midfield for R80 (about $8). The game ended in penalty kicks with the Stars beating the Pirates. But, man, was it exciting. It also rained the entire game, but although completely drenched, I thought it just added to the experience :) This is one of those experiences that I know I will never forget. 

I also continued my clinicals at the HIV/AIDS hospice site this week. This gives me so much joy!! Just being able to sit down and talk with people who are used to being all alone is such a blessing. I find so much joy by being able to bring a little warmth, kindness, and joy to others! We also had the amazing opportunity to do home visits where we actually delivered food to homes of HIV/AIDS patients and were able to see their homes, families, and provide spiritual care through reading the Bible and praying together. When I got to do that yesterday, it was probably the happiest I've been here! I also am learning a little more Zulu each week which makes it that much more enjoyable! Communication is such a gift. 

I also hosted a game night with my D-Group this week and it was so much fun! I am so blessed to have that wonderful group in my life!

This week was full of laughter and joy as well as heart-break and confrontation. It was difficult for me because I do not like confrontation, but was shown that I am a leader here and need to do what the Spirit puts on my heart. The Lord is good and his glory is displayed through all of it!

This last picture is of some beautiful yellow birds that I saw at sunrise this morning by our chapel (it is in the center of a little pond!)