Sawubona

Before I get into recording this week's activities I just want to clarify the last paragraph of my post from last week because I am not happy with the way it sounded. You see, what is so difficult or strange about being back in PMB is that when you are out in public you often made to feel like you are in one of those what doesn't belong children's books. People stare at you constantly and sometimes you are treated second class when you are in a public place, particularly at fast food places and other like venues. This is something you get used to and don't normally notice but I was spoiled on vacation and it was kind of a shock to come back too. But I don't want to give a poor impression because its not always the case and service is far better at places where I am recognized like here at the internet cafe or at the store by our house. But South Africa still has a long way to go when it comes to race relations and integration.

Also there was a question this last week about whether or not L'Abri has any wild animals or not. There are indeed some animals out there in the bush such as the bush buck, snakes, and monkies, but there is nothing dangerous living their or in the most of the non reserve areas of SA. There are still leopards in some rural areas down in the central coastal mountains but even their they are seldom seen.

So with that all said let me dig in to last week. I spent most of last week just catching up on rest from traveling and being at L'Abri. Wednesday was Anne's birthday and we spent the afternoon and evening celebrating that with those of us in the house as well as some collegues. Thursday Aerin had off from work and so we went out to a movie and that evening we went out to dinner with everyone again for Anne's birthday.

With the week wrapped up it was time for me to head out to L'Abri again for another camp of prefects, this time, an all girls school. So friday at 10 we left for the bush. This camp was a little less active on account of our clientel but I also got to have a bit more of a role. Nevertheless I am still kind of in my training phase. We only did a short hike down to the swing fall but I enjoy that place alot because it is great fun on the rope swing, a truely gorgeous area to be in, and I am most active there helping one of the guys (siyabonga who looks like an African pirate and who gave me my new nick name Bazumba) with the swing and those on it. Anyway, in the coming camps I will get to do more and more but for now most of my job is either observing activities or hosting our guests. I am still very happy with my new work though.

This weekend Thirza and myself will be facilitating our own YDC camp for the volunteers here in PMB as well as those in Durban. I think we are going to put together a couple activities for them and take them on a couple hikes so that they can have something of a L'Abri experience. It is not a true L'Abri experience though because they will not be waking up at 6 or being made to heat thier own water for a shower.

Well that is all for this week I think. I hear its quite chilly back home but here it is sweltering. Hope everyone is doing well though and enjoying the new president.

Peace