good day, good friends

Today was a day of firsts.

I had my first experience in a Cape township, first time seeing the southern Atlantic ocean, first time interacting with children in South Africa.
I volunteered with a group called Sisanda Fundaytion. They basically take under-privileged kids out for a day to do something fun. Today we went on a mini boat tour at the Waterfront. So, we went past Camps Bay, which is a beach where the beautiful lay out during the summer (which it is not here, in case you forgot). We then took the kids mini-putting and then to a playground not too far away. We were each assigned 2 or 3 kids, i had one girl and one boy. they were both very sweet, but both very sneaky. It was hard to keep track of them because they always wanted to do different things and go different ways all the time. Overall, it was very fun. I loved it so much , i signed up for another expedition in October :) So, The kids were super fun although sometimes difficult to understand. I met a lot of really neat people on the trip, including a couple women that i intend to meet up with sometime next week for more volunteer experiences.

On a more general trip note. I love it, besides the ridiculously cold weather (it's 50 right now). I mean, I realize it's winter here.. but come on! this isn't the Midwest, it's South Africa! I figured i'd at least be warm during the day... nope. I'm getting used to how it works already and i love that when i look outside my yard there is a mountain a mile away. Other than the beggars and mini-bus yellers, everyone is friendly. People have been warning me constantly about the crime, but no one i've met has had any trouble thus far. My roommates are cool, although most of them are leaving in a week, so hopefully i'll get some new cool ones. Other than that, i'm looking forward to starting work on Tuesday, today made me really appreciate being here and having what i have back home. I also realized how hard it is for me just to sit still and not have to something or think about doing something. Today, i was grateful to have something to do.

I miss home and I miss family and work, I almost miss school, at least the idea of knowing where to go and when. I miss knowing how to walk home in the dark and not worrying about anything. I'm sure the longer i'm here, the more fantastic it will be, but for now, i miss home quite a bit.

love you all,
Christy