The Final Hooray

The week and a half between safari and when we left Pietermaritzburg was such a weird time. All of the other students were at service sites all day (community service), and the nurses either had no class or just half days sometimes. This lead to a weird mix of no-homework-at-all days and homework-all-day days. In class, we had many different presentations about all sorts of different ethically debatable topics, had to plan and execute a community health project, and were assigned the task of picking and writing our senior seminar papers. While these things were time consuming, our time was not filled with these things and so we found other ways to spend our time. Very fun ways to spend our time. The first thing we did (as nurses) was encourage the other students. We set up a slip-n-slide for them one day when they got home from service sites, set up "service site olympics" (which actually went MUCH better than expected and everyone had so much fun), made welcome home signs for them on their last day of service and cheered them home, and made a final video of different pictures from the trip (as well as an extra bit of "what the nurses really do when everyone is gone all day"). It was so much fun to be able to encourage our brothers and sisters during this time when they were so emotionally involved and try to celebrate their time there.
One thing that continually surprises me about South Africans are their hospitality. I have been so blessed by the way that people are so open to welcoming us into their homes. I went with a group of us to a braai that we had been invited to where we just hung out and watched their beloved rugby and got a sense of what it would be like to be 20 something and living in PMB. We also were invited to the home of one of the doctors that we had worked with. Her and her husband were the sweetest and cutest couple ever and were more than generous to us during our time.
We did many more fun things this week and a half. I went to the airport to pick up the president of APU who blessed us so much by coming to South Africa to spend about a week with us just to hang out. He is loved by all of APU and it was such a treat to have him with us. We were also joined by many other APU faculty and staff who wanted to check out our campus and life in South Africa. It was nice to have a little bit of home so far away. We also filled our time with bonfires, trips to the tattoo parlor (don't worry - I didn't get any tattoos), cliff jumping, sushi and night hikes. Because we all knew that we were leaving so soon, it was like a mad rush to do anything and everything we could so we would not miss out on anything in PMB!
If there is anything that I will remember from this week and a half, it will be how much I bonded with so many people. Out of any of my time here, this week was the time when I built the closes relationships with people. I think it was a mixture of having more time because we weren't in class all day and realizing that I will never be in this same circumstance with these same people and therefore I need to make all I can of my present circumstance. That has hit hard and I think that it has impacted the way that I am living. So many serendipitous encounters and deep conversations that lead to deeper friendships and new bonds. My last few weeks in Pietermaritzburg were fantastic and I am looking forward to Cape Town!!
(I didn't take any pictures this week - sorry!! I was too busy having fun :) There will be some on the next blog, though!!)

Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!

This past week was our first week without clinicals. But I didn't like that, so I went to a clinic in a rural area on Thursday and went with the regular students to their service site on Tuesday. This put me behind school-wise, but hey, I'm only in Africa for 3.5 months. And it was totally worth it. I love being able to interact and serve with the people of South Africa! Although class time decreased this week, homework increased.

On Friday we went on Safari. I am not sure that I have the words to write about my experience, but I will try. We went to two combined parks called Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. We were out all day exploring in these cool Indiana Jones looking vehicles. We had awesome guides that knew so much about the animals there - it was like real life National Geographic. I really like facts, so this was idea. We spend Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning there. We saw impala (like deer), kudu (look like 1/2 deer, 1/2 camel), dung beetle (actually fascinating animals - ask me about them), baboons, warthogs, giraffe, rhino (white and black), buffalo, wildebeests, all types of animals, elephants, and seven lions.
There are animals called "The Big Five" which were originally named this because they were the five most dangerous animals to hunt and they are the elephant, buffalo, black rhino, lion, and leopard. We were very very fortunate to see four out of the five of "The Big Five"! Other than one black rhino and the seven lions (6 lionesses and one lion), the rest of the animals we saw innumerable times. Honestly, though, the trip would have been amazing if there were no animals. Just the experience was worth it. The cars were so cool, the guides were so knowledgable, and the accommodations incredible. We stayed on big tents that were on wood platforms. We slept under mosquito nets and the bathroom was made of bamboo.
Literally, beautiful, beautiful accommodations. We were dropped off and picked up from our tents because there was no barrier between the camp and the reserve, so animals could come and go as they pleased (except for elephants). We would frequently see hyenas and impala near our tents or running around while we were sleeping. We had a braai one night and many hyenas came to see what was cooking (terrifying animals - but I believe we only hate them because of The Lion King). At one point we were five feet away from an elephant bathing in the road. We then got word that there was a lion sighting, but we were far away. Our guide told us to buckle up and then proceeded to RACE to the lions. There was such an anticipation to get to the lions - the excitement was almost too much! And I was already stoked about the elephant that we were just close enough to touch (but we didn't - that would be bad). The lions were cool, but not my fave. My favorite moment of the trip was after we left the lions. Everyone in the car was ecstatic because of the lions, elephant, and everything else we had seen that day. We were driving back around sunset and the sky literally looked like the children's literature books when Jesus resurrected.
It was incredibly beautiful. And as far as the eye could see it was rolling grasslands. We were all praising God for his creation, thanking him, and eagerly anticipating his return. All of this emotion plus the fact that we all got up at 5AM made for an emotional car ride home. It was fantastic, though. I will never forget that moment, this place, or the creativity of God. He is good!

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!)

The Endless Summer

I've always wanted to find a way to keep summer going, and I've found it! You just have to switch hemispheres every 6 months :)

This week was again full of adventures! One day we went to the Victorian Market in Durban which was the biggest, cheapest, and most awesome market imaginable! It was full of vibrant colors, various languages, and anything you could ever want to buy. We were also introduced to another huge mammal when we went giraffe finding after church. This was quite the adventure and I have to admit that I am pretty good at sneaking up on large game. We also managed to watch both The Lion King and The Lion King 1 1/2 this week (it was viewed as a necessity as we are in Africa). I went star gazing one night and realized that I could not identify ANY of the constellations (the whole-nother hemisphere thing is throwing me off!). Tuesday we were more than happy to observe the public holiday of Heritage Day (although for everyone here it was Heritage Week) and therefore did not have any class or clinicals. I had my first clinical at a HIV/AIDS hospice center which is run by a fantastic missionary. This woman has improved the center tremendously and works hard to do all she can to improve quality of life and dignity for her patients. Let me know if you want more information about this ministry or would like to support her! On Friday we visited UBI (Union Bible Institute) for a day of sports, food, and fellowship. It was very fun to see where the students study and live and to just be able to worship and play games together. They had traditional food there for lunch and I tried tripe! I think it was my first and last tripe experience. Yesterday we also went on a lovely night hike (where we saw a snake) and had a bonfire with smores (they don't have graham crackers here, and their marshmallows are strawberry flavored-very interesting!). Of course this week was also full of school and homework (when we could fit it in), good talks with great friends, beautiful walks, lots of singing, and Insanity (a new workout video that I'm doing!).

"'Make a tree good and it's fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized y its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.'" -Matthew 12: 33-37

This week, the power of words has been a continuous theme. One word can make or break someone's day. We are an incredibly verbal culture and I think all too often words get thrown around without careful consideration of their impact. Just a thought. Have a great week!