Lions, Vultures, and Waterfalls Oh My!

Our first week of classes has come to a close. It went well, I really enjoy my professors and a lot. But I know I'm also going to be stressed in the next few weeks. So yesterday was crazy! We saw all different kinds of raptures at Birds of Prey. They were so beautiful and each rapture had its own distinct way of flying and catching it's prey. Right before we left, we watched the vultures eat. They are such crazy and evil-looking birds! They were fighting before the food even came but as soon as the food was tossed into their cage they went nuts! They were fighting for the food like they haven't eaten in weeks nor were they going to get any food in weeks!

After the Birds of Prey, we went to see some lions!! These were not tame lions but we were completely safe being on the other side of the fence. We had the opportunity to drive through the lion enclosure but our group was too large so we just stayed on the outside and looked in. We walked up to the fence to take pictures of the lions in the distance, but they saw us so they walked over to us. The fence was the only thing separating us from these huge lions!! It was crazy to be basically face to face with a lion! After the lions, we drove to the top of a mountain that over looked Pietermaritzburgso we were able to see the entire city! It was so crazy to see all ofPietermaritzburg from one location!

When we got back to campus, Eli and I went and talked on a bridge over the waterfall. As we were talking, I was watching the current, the rocks, the plants, and how they all flowed together. It was so incredible to see all the twists and turns of the water and the way it hits the rocks in certain areas. I was so blown away by how God's hand carved every rock that made the water flow in different directions forming an incredibly beautiful scene! I was once again in awe of God's creation and the way he has a specific design for every little thing! After dinner a bunch of us went on a walk in the game reserve next door looking for the zebra. We saw a group of Impalas and then we found some zebras! There are only four in the whole game reserve but they stay together. There are three zebras and one baby zebra! They were so cool and we were so close to them! My pictures weren't very good because it was night, but hopefully Ill see them again during the day.

Today a small group of us went to an Indian church called New Life. South Africa has the largest population of Indians outside of India. As we were getting close to the church, I took a deep breath and it smelt like India for a split second!! I was so amazed and caught off guard. It made my heart jump and also miss India so much! But I loved it!! Church was great! The people were so friendly and welcoming. Most everybody came up to shake our hands or give us a hug! It was so cool to see their passion for God and how focused they were on him! It was so refreshing and encouraging! We have the option of going to three different churches so I will visit the other two, and then maybe go back to New Life. After church we went over to our Professor's house for a swim and just to hang out for a little. Tonight there was a quick thunderstorm. After the rain stopped there was so much lightning! I have never seen anything like it! The lightning was nonstop and kept lighting up everything for a split second. It was another reminder of God's crazy imagination and creativity!!

finally!!

So after a 5 hour plane ride to DC, a 4 hour layover in DC, an 8 hour plane ride to Sengal, a 1 hour layover in Sengal, and an 8 hour plane ride to Johannesberg we checked into a nice hotel and slept!! The plane rides werent that bad, just long. But I did get to meet some cool people along the way. I sat next to this old man on the 16 hour flight. He had lots of stories to tell, was very loud, and very oppinionated. haha I also met this couple, Tom and Cindy, that moved to SA 4 years ago! It was really cool to talk to them and hear some things from the locals but also hear their perspective on what it was like picking up and leaving everything they knew behind!

After we had a full nights rest (which was amazing!) we went and saw some of Joberg (Johannesberg) and alot of Soweto. Soweto is a township just ourside Joberg. The name Soweto came from the question "So where to?" that the people asked when they were getting forced out of their homes in Joberg. We made many stops in Soweto. We were exposed to both the more developed parts and also the underdeveloped parts. We visited a Catholic church where some town meetings were held during the apartheid in their efforts to protest. We also visited a memorial of the apartheid, we drove by Nelson Mandella's house that was attacked, and also his wifes current house. We stopped at our tour guide's home/restaurant and had lunch. It was so fun so be in the neighborhood, watch some dancing put on by a group of teenagers, and play with the local kids!! I got to hold the cutest little boy that was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't figure out what he was trying to say. But it was still fun to just hold him and make him laugh! Then we went to the apartheid museum. It was really interesting to read about it bucause I did't know that much information going into this trip. We didnt get alot of time at the museum, but I still learned some intense things about that time and the way people were treated. I'm interested to learn more this semester about the apartheid and what it was like for the people who lived through it like my proffesor!

This morning, we hoped on a plane to Durban and then drove to Pietermaritzberg. With the flight and the drive, it only took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there! I was so excited to finally get to the campus! It is so gorgeous!!! I cant even begin to describe it!! There are waterfalls, a swimming whole, trails. We're right next to a game reserve. There's also a prayer chapel in the middle of a pond with the biggest coy fish I have ever seen!! They could litterally bite my hand off!! All the different colors and shades of green are incredible! I am just so blown away by God's creation! And also humbled by all this beauty around me! Just to be emersed in this new world is so incredible! I am so truly blessed to have this experience!!

See Ya Later America!

So today is my last day in the states. We fly out of LAX tomorrow morning at 6am! Its been weird saying bye to friends and family. Mostly just because it doesnt feel real to me yet. I'm excited to go, but it just does not feel like Ill be gone for three months. Im getting excited for the thrill of traveling and experiencing a new culture, but it just hasnt clicked that this is for a whole semester! Im so excited that Im going with Eli (the bf), Lauren (my roommate) and some other good friends! It will be so great to share this experience with them! I cant wait to see what God has in store for me! I know Im going to be stretched and challenged beyond belief! But Im ready! :)