hey hey, it's the south african girl over here!!
how are my favourite Canadians doing? man, i've definitely missed home a lot lately.... so here i am blogging to let you know the latest on my summer life!
this week we're staying in the homes of Coloured people in Strandfontein (just up the coast from Simons town, last week's spot). We're about 30min from downtown Capetown city. It's quite an interesting experience living with these families! Most homes are one floor houses, quite simple... and there's always people coming and going... like friends/family just randomly come by the house, the front door is always open... but yet securely locked up when no one's home... high burglary rates apparently!
i'm staying with a family together with my friend Tami.... they have three kids, the youngest girl Abegail is 16, the middle daughter Renee is 23, and the eldest son Brendon is 24.
Good food, late nights, interesting people and social life, alcohol is a huge thing for these families... and movies/music... the tv is always on. constant noise!! and even at 6am!!
they're night owls and early risers! weeeiiird.
as a site, we're doing like a drug-awareness road show through 3 highschools in the Strandfontein area... so we've whipped up a few dramas/skits/songs/personal stories to give kids the "don't do drugs" message. today we had a presentaion first thing at Steenberg High, and were given the rest of the day off... so we're at the beach! I bought flipflops :) and now i'm at this internet cafe, and will head to the beach when i'm done!
this thursday night a local soccer team (some guys from the church we're based out of) has challenged our site to a game at the Stadium on Main... downtown-ish. and there's lots other stuff to do tehre, like pool, bowling, rockclimbing, bowling, arcade, and a mall! PERFECT. i'm looking forward to that! then friday night my host family has invited everyone to come voer for karaoke and a "bring 'n braai" (braai in S.A. in like a BBQ) so everyone brings their own meat, and we have a party! i'm excited for that too!
OH! and we went to Capetown market yesterday and i bought some exciting goodies!
much luck, and a really enjoyable day :)
hmm what else. OH today we ran into a guy from Alberta who's been living here for one year with his wife working for Operation Mobilization. really cool, and kind of comforting to hear someone with a "Canadian accent"! a touch of home!
alright, this is getting to be a novel... and i could go on for hours.
all is well, i'm not sick, and my knees are healing up nicely! a few scabs remain, and it's incredibly tempting to pick them... but i'm resisting! i DO NOT want huge scars :)
ah yes, and next week we're going to Stellenbosch, wine country, and staying in a retreat center... not sure any other details, so stay tuned!
i miss you all too much for words! and wish i could send everyone personal emails.
just know i'm thinking/praying for you, and you can always update me on home life! i'd love to hear!
lots of love from the coast <3
