1/20/11

HOORAY! I am in Johannesburg! Internet is completely limited… it has been a battle!

Yesterday morning, I was dropped off at the APU Trolley stop by Mom, Dad, Tommy, and Mocha. It was sincerely depressing! I know if I hadn’t already spent a semester living somewhat independently of them, I never would have been able to get on the bus!

The flights were safe and successful! I had a lovely time. Traveling for 27 hours was honestly not bad at all!

The only slight negatives about the flights were the flight attendants. So SCARY! They seemed to be paranoid about the dangers of just about everything, including blankets.

Thanks to a beautiful note from my brothers Tommy and Clinty (haha), and the amazing journal crafted by my soul sisters Francesca and Danielle (sorry Mom & Dad… Couldn’t handle reading your notes yet!) I had a mini freak out on the plane. I realized I was actually GONE, past the point of no return…. And wouldn’t see my family or friends for a good 3 ½ months… The moment passed as I thought of the exciting adventures that were sure to come! It’s good to miss family and friends. That means you love them.

I have never been quite so excited to get off of a plane before!

Weather here is hot and muggy. We were blessed enough to experience some rain! There seems to be quite a lack of air conditioning…. I am staying at a hotel near the airport for the next 2 nights with Olivia Parish.

Our evening concluded with talking to Reg. He is a man after God’s own heart! He told us how he started the South Africa study abroad program. It reminded me that my life is a tapestry. Sometimes I do not understand what picture is being woven; but God does. Every moment is a moment that has been planned before time and has the potential to glorify God. I am so blessed to be here!

Some observations so far: People drive on the LEFT side of the road. Many people speak French. All signs are in English. This hotel does NOT have an elevator (YAAAY! [I’m claustrophobic])

I know almost everyone’s name. Yaaaaay! I have found some great souls and look forward to finding more. I am still somewhat alone, but not lonely.

I am so excited to be on African soil! This is going to be a very big adventure!

Already, I have learned some great lessons!

1)    Rely on God for strength and comfort.

2)    Take LIGHT carry-ons.

3)    Do NOT sleep the night before a big trip. I couldn’t sleep until the long flight.

4)     

Tomorrow is sure to be a big day! Off to sleep now.