Sawubona,

I left you off about a week and a half ago and let me say that it has been quite a busy time for me...

Tuesday of last week Marten and I went up to L'Abri to join a camp for 7th grade boys going to Skaba. This was my first time actually staying at Skaba as well as my first camp with this age group. The hike to the camp was long and trying for many of the boys; some even breaking down and crying at some of the more difficult points. I found myself coaching the guys on at several points and I cannot say I had an easy time of it. Over all the hike was a positive experience for all though and the boys really got to see some nature. We even passed a Puff Ader on the trail which is one of South Africa's most poisonous snakes.

The camp itself was quite challenging and the hike was only a taste of the battles that I would face. I was finally thrust into the role of a facilitator at that camp and I believe that I had one of the more difficult groups. I am also quite inexperienced in facilitating discussions and such though I do have some experience leading children so as far as facilitating the actual activities I think I did pretty well. But getting the boys into discussion and getting them to focus was quite a challenge for me. I had a couple boys who were particularly testy but I think I managed to finally get through to them by the end of the camp. It was just what I needed though and I was really able to draw on everything I have learned. By the end of the camp, we could see a lot of growth in the group and that was the greatest reward for me.

Thursday afternoon Marten and I arrived home and found out that the Irish would be arriving around dinner time. So I quickly finished moving rooms and prepared myself for our new house mates. Steph, Richy and Inez arrived later than we expected and immediatly immersed themselves into our household dynamics. It has been quite fun living with them, especially Richy. Someone last night mentioned that it is really nice to see the developing "guy love" amongst us four males. I know I really do enjoy having other guys around and being not so outnumbered by the females.

This week I have been helping Aerin to paint two murals at the mission she works at. Marten helped us on monday and tuesday and we have been quite a good team. Infact we are making plans to continue to paint murals at various locations in the coming weeks. Now the first mural is finished and if I may brag it looks quite fantastic. It is a scene of a handful of African animals including an Elephant, lion, wildebeast, impala, zebra and more. Now Aerin and I are working on a magical sort of tree with lots of faces in it which we plan to finish tomorrow.

So now you are up to date. I will be in touch again soon.

bye for now