Hello all!
Sorry I haven't updated! Since I last posted, the group flew from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Landing in Walvis Bay was probably the most surreal moment yet because all we could see was sand. Everywhere. We stayed in Swakopmund, on the beach for about a week, climbed Dune 7 (a really big sand dune), and went sandboarding- which means we dove down large dunes on plywood wearing helmets and elbow pads. SO AWESOME. From Swakop, we drove to Windhoek, the capitol city, which is where I am now. Penduka, the first place we stayed which is in the township of Katatura, runs a TB treatment program and has an awesome work program for women with physical disabilities. Now, we are staying at a Lutheran guest house in the middle of the city so we're right in the middle of everything.
Since we've been in Namibia, I've gone on two homestays, one in Windhoek and one in the north, in the rural area around Khorixas. The first was much like the homestay in Soweto. They had two kids, Benny and El Shaddai, and I basically became part of their family for the week. I got to go to church with them twice! The worship service was FAR different than worshipping at Heritage and Downtown Pres back home, but I treasured it so much. I felt so at home stomping my feet and dancing in the aisles.
My second homestay was a totally unique experience from the others, and I know I'm not going to be able to fully convey what I got from it. I know you're all dying to hear how I fared making food over a fire and using a pit latrine (situated ever so conveniently next to the main road), but I was FINE! I milked a cow, road a donkey cart, and sat around in the dirt. But really the most valuable part of the weekend was being a part of the family and getting to know them. Our "Ouma" (grandmother) reminded me so much of my own grandmother, even though she didn't speak English... I think it was the way she wasn't exactly warm, but just wanted to take care of us (Rastos know what I mean...).
I haven't heard from RUF yet, and I don't think I'll be able to get on internet again anytime soon. I really wanted to be able to tell everyone before I went off the charts in Botswana, but you'll just have to be patient!
Sorry for being so out of contact, friends. So many of you have sent emails and had birthdays and I haven't been able to email or call and I'm SO sorry. I miss everyone SOO SO SO much and I'm counting down the days (18!).
LOVE YOU!
