Insanity!

Wow I am so terrible at blogging! I am so sorry!! Life has been so crazy with classes coming to an end this week! I had three major papers due with about four field trips all in the same week! Don't worry, I got it all done, it has just been a little insane around here. So going all the way back to Friday the 19th (wow that's so long ago! sorry, again! haha) We visited a Sangoma for my Life and Teaching of Jesus class. A Sangoma is also known as a witch doctor. This sangoma was more of an herbalist than most who work directly with spirits. He had all sorts of powders and mixtures that he kept in his hut. He even had a love potion that you put into a drink. He also had healing potions as well. HIs attire was very interesting. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of him. On his head he wore a head piece that was made up of long braids with colorful beads in it, his coat was cheetah print and hung down to his ankles, he held a wand that was made out of a stick with a fur at the end, and tied the tops of soda cans around his ankles that made a lot of noise when he walked. He had certain days when we was working or on duty. So people would make an appointment with him so they could receive healing or whatever they else needed. It was all very interesting to see, but looking back, all I can think about is how wrong these people are. This man and many others have devoted their entire lives to this. He honestly believes that what he was doing was right. Honestly, I don't really know what to think about the whole thing but I had a heavy heart reflecting on this field trip. In spite of these feelings, I am glad we made this trip because now I know and am aware of how this system works and what the people believe.

So the next day we drove two hours into the Drakensberg Mountains. The drive and hiking in the mountains was absolutely gorgeous! The way the mountains and the rocks were formed were simply incredible! And the contrast between the different shades of green and the blue sky were breathtaking! We went to see the Bushmen Caves for our History and Culture of SA class. The Bushmen were the original natives of Africa, but they do not exist in SA any longer. After our long drive, we got out and started hiking to the caves. The hike was beautiful! We reached the caves to see the paintings that have lasted over hundreds of years and the small exhibit they preservationists have set up. The paintings were not what I expected. There were not very many of them and they were very dull. I wasn't expecting crazy murals of anything, but i guess I was expecting a little more than what was there. It was cool to think that bushmen were standing in the exact same place as me hundreds of years ago. On our hike back to the vans we stopped at the river and just hung out for a little bit. It was so relaxing and just what I needed!! We also saw some baboons right before we left and they were pretty ugly! It was a great day to be out in God's creation experiencing is beauty!!

So the 24th was Eli's 2oth birthday! I didn't really plan much because we have had so much homework, so I told him we would celebrate after finals haha Just wanted to make his birthday last as long as possible haha But on Wednesday, we went back to Drakenberg to see the Drakensberg Boys Choir. They are known world wide for being the best boys choir. They are fourth grade to ninth grade boys who live on campus. Their studies are very musy with all their music courses and practices along with their normal studies and sports. The boys were so cute to watch and their voices were incredible! They sang Man in the Mirror and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. During some songs the boys danced and it was so funny to see because they are still
at the awkward stage where they don't all quite have their rhythm yet! haha It was really fun to see and enjoy!