Cinderella and the Frog Prince

This week has been filled with excitement over the Junior Prep's production of "Cinderella and the Frog Prince."  They have been working on this for months on end and it was finally here.  The students did amazingly well; I was absolutely blown away at how well such young children were able to act, sing, and dance on stage in front of so many people!

The mornings before the play were consumed with costumes, make-up, and hair - I think I did about 50 french braids in 3 days! Wednesday they performed for the Senior Prep boys as well as the DSG girls in Grades 4-7.  Thursday's performance was for some of the other schools in the area and Friday was the big day...they performed for all of their parents and had their "mini-feast" afterwards.  It was absolutely adorable!  I don't know who was more excited, the parents or the kids!

This is another one of the ways that I feel like the school really strives to make well-rounded students, participating in all sports, academics, as well as music and theater.  Although not every student is good at every activity, at least they are given the opportunity to find out what they enjoy and are good at.  Sometimes in the States I feel like students choose 1 or 2 things that they think they enjoy and forget about everything else.  What if there is something else they would like more or be better at and they never discover it?

My Grade 2 class in their costumes!

HUGE Highlight

My life lately has been extrememly intersting!  The short update: Wednesday Leah arrived...another COST student from Minnesota who will soon be my new roomate when Misty leaves.  Thursday I was so lucky to catch one of the stomach viruses that has been spreading through all of my kids at school.  Thankfully that was the first time I have been legitimately sick since being here and it wasn't too bad.  Friday Nichole and April arrived...more COST students both from Michigan.  All of the new girls are so sweet and it's nice to have a few American faces around who at least sort-of know what I'm talking about (although they're all Yankees!)

Saturday begins the excitement!  Leah and I woke up early and went to rent a car for the weekend.  You would not believe how much freedom I felt when driving a car for the first time in 3 months...it was a bit ridiculous!  We paid a little extra to get an automatic becuase we only wanted to change one variable at a time (they drive on the opposite side of the road here.)  Of course I was the one who was nominated to drive becuase I've been here the longest and am actually quite used to it now.  We came back to the house, picked everyone up and headed to Addo National Park for our version of a game drive. 

Seriously, how awesome is that!?

After being there for a few hours we hadn't had very much luck (the weather was drizzly and not very warm) We stopped for a bathroom break and happened to ask a random stranger if he had seen a lion...he had!  He told us where to go and low and behold...there were 5 lions laying about 35 feet from us!  It was absolutely INSANE!  If you didn't know, I have wanted to see a lion the entire time that I have been here but had somewhat lost hope.  There are people who have lived here their entire lives who have never seen one...but now I have!  It was amazing!

He looks so peaceful...

  

Sunday we woke up to rain yet again but decided to head to Port Elizabeth anyways with the hopes of the market being open...it wasn't!  Since it's an outdoor market, they didn't brave the rain.  We were able to find a few shops (where I bought some cool gifts) and meet up with Andile who gave us a tour of the surrounding townships which was really eye opening. It was really neat to be able to hear the perspective of a local who has grown up living there. 

Random event: We stopped at the gas station to get gas (imagine that!?)  In South Africa they pump your gas (petrol as they say) for you in order to provide the economy with more jobs.  After giving the attendant our money, he went in to the shop to get our change.  He came back with the money and a random, free Sprite!  We still have no idea why I got a Sprite or even if I somehow paid for it.  He handed it to me and we all just kind of looked at each other.  As we drove away we all busted out laughing, completely clueless...it was a nice refresher though! 

Here you can tell how close they really were - the car window is in the bottom right corner and I did not zoom in at all for this picture!  You can see 4 of them laying on the ground.

Tonight is Misty's last night in South Africa...she will be heading back to the States tomorrow!  We had a farewell dinner for her and it was really sad.  It also made me realize how little time I have left here as well.  Misty...I have had a wonderful experience herewith you and you will definitely be missed!  Thanks for everything!        


P.S. I do have lots of other cool pics from the weekend but none were as good as these!

Village Visit

Today I had an amazing opportunity! I got to visit the Nobumba village located about 45 minutes outside of Grahamstown with the local missionaries, the Morris family. It was one of the most interesting things I have experienced since being here. I felt like I was able to experience a small taste of true African life, something I haven’t been able to do at a private boarding school.


Every week Bob goes to a few of the surrounding villages and meets in a home for a Bible study and fellowship type thing. In each village there is a resident who is in charge of where and when to have the meeting, etc. with the idea being to eventually start a church that would be led by the locals.

Upon arrival we went into a one room hut where we successfully packed 8 adults and 16 children in to hear God’s word…it was awesome! There was even one teenage girl who came on her crutches and everyone was so excited to be there. Although I did not understand anything that was being said (they spoke in Xhosa) it was such an overwhelming feeling of awe. They were so welcoming with huge smiles on their faces the entire time, especially when Bob introduced me.

Afterwards one of the ladies told Bob about the death of one of the village members yesterday. It is custom for people to go to the house where the person died to visit the family, say prayers, read scripture, and sing some choruses; that is exactly what we did! Upon entering the house, there were 4 ladies seated around the room and we walked around to each one and did the traditional handshake (which I quickly learned) and a kiss on the cheek. We began by singing while one lady used a chair as a drum followed by everyone kneeling on the floor to pray. Bob read some scripture and said a few words to the family as well. The “service” lasted for about 30 minutes and then we left.

This experience definitely opened my eyes to the reality of life as a missionary. Of course we are all called to be missionaries every day but this was different for me. Although I have been on mission trips and things before I had never experienced anything as raw as this before and I really enjoyed it. The love and the excitement that those people possessed was compelling as well as contagious!

Road Trip to Cape Town

I got to go back to Cape Town this weekend and it was amazing...I could totally live there!  The weather was spectacular and I could not have asked for more beautiful days; it was perfect the entire time we were there.  Because it was half-term, we had Friday and Monday off of school and we spontaneously decided to go!  I was in Cape Town for like 1 day before we left to go on our safari but I did not get my fill.  Zane had some friends to visit plus I wanted to go back = awesome last minute rode trip!

Our gorgeous view of Table Mountain overlooking the horse racing practice track

Friday morning we got up early to make the 9 hour drive across the country (well actually Zane made the drive and I just rode because I can't drive a manual.)   We stopped at a few cool places along the way and had an amazing view the entire time.  Because of the awesome landscape and beautiful scenery, that part of the road is known as the Garden Route.  We arrived in the city about 5 pm and went to a braai that some of Zane's friends were having.

2 of the lovely ladies who took care of us (Julia and Danielle) at Sports Day

Saturday morning we went to a local prep school's Sports Day: soccer, net ball, and ping pong!  Julia (one of our wonderful hosts) is a first year teacher so we went to watch a little bit.  It was really cool to see her classroom and the school as well as all of the students at a government school.  That afternoon we went to Hout Bay for some authentic "fish and chips" and a wonderful view!  We visited the beach, did some sight-seeing, and of course a little shopping as well.  That night the girls invited some friends over for dinner because we were there and then we went out for a night on the town!

Zane and I in Hout Bay (isn't it beautiful!?)

Sunday we went up to Table Mountain!  We rode the cable car up to the top of the mountain (much like Stone Mountain) and spent a few hours walking on the trails and taking in the fantastic views.  Because the weather was so clear, you could see for miles and miles...it was absolutely stunning!  I could have stayed up there for the rest of my life.  That afternoon we went for sushi with some of Zane's friends and a little more shopping.  We went to one of the shopping centers that night and then out to dinner.

The view of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain

Monday morning when we woke up, there was a complete change in the weather...you couldn't even see the mountain because of all the clouds!  The weather had been perfect just for our trip (that's my mindset anyway!)  We then headed back to Grahamstown the Great after an absolutely awesome weekend!

The food court inside the shopping center (notice the McDonald's and Subway)

Last night after returning from Cape Town, I called my Daddy to let him know I was still alive! The first thing he said to me was, "Guess what...you will be home in 21 days." I was speechless! Time has absolutely flown by since I have been here and if I have to be honest, I'm not ready to leave. Although I will be ecstatic to see people from home, I really do love it here and this weekend made me love it even more!

Half Term Break

Today begins Half Term!  This is the break in the middle of the term (hence the name) so the boarders can go home and so everyone can have a break.  School got out at 12pm today and we don't have to go back until Tuesday! 

And...I'm going to Cape Town!  And...I'm SO incredibly excited!

More details to come when I get back!

Trip to the beach!

On Saturday morning Misty and I headed to Port Alfred (a coastal town about 45 mins away) with Misty's mentor teacher!  Her sister owns a Bed & Breakfast there and generously gave us a discount on a great room.  It was amazing!  We were able to lay on the beach (without a sweatshirt) for the first time since I have been here.  Although it wasn't super hot, it was definitely warm enough to lay in a bathing suit and it felt glorious!

Sunday we went horseback riding on the beach!  I had never done this before and it was absolutely wonderful!  We rode about 15 minutes outside of town to a horse farm to meet a group of 3 other people and 2 guides.  We rode through the hills and then on to the beach.  Although it was extrememly windy, it was absolutely lovely! I have always wanted to do this and never expected to have this opportunity in South Africa!  This weekend was like a mini (much needed) vacation and it was awesome!

Sports Day

Today was Sports Day at Prep!  This was a lot like field day in the States but only with activities that related to athletics (track & field).  Each student competes within their houses of Tigers, Griffin, and Lions and earns points depending on their placement.  The competetion was extrememly close this year so it defintiely made it interesting when they got to the final relay race. 

Speaking of which, I had to run in one as well.  Towards the end of the day there was a 4 x 100 race betweeen the male teachers, dads, mom, Grade 7's, guy stooges, and girl stooges/teachers.  The girl's team needed another member and somehow I got talked into it.  Of course I did horribly in my jeans and bare feet but it was really fun!  And we didn't come last!

I was able to help with high jump during the day and although I just recorded what heights the students succeeded at, it was fun!  I enjoyed being able to see some of the top prep boys again too!  All of the students seemed to really enjoy themselves for sure.  I was even able to get a little sun on my cheeks; the weather was perfect!  It is slowly but surely getting warmer here and I am loving every second of the sunshine!

Grade 2 has girls!

I forgot how much I missed having girls in my class!  Today was the first day for me in Grade 2 and it was wonderful!  I am going to be working with Mrs. Fowlds in Grade 2 for the next 5 weeks...with girls!  Since the kids are so young, they haven't split them up yet and I'm really glad.  Although I absolutely loved being with the Grade 4 boys, I really enjoyed having some cuteness and sass today!  All of the students as well as the staff were extremely nice and welcoming!  Since I had at least met all of them it was a much smoother transition too.

Junior Prep is putting on their annual end of the year play and they are having rehersals every morning.  I somehow got talked into helping the dancers but it has actually been really fun!  They are so adorable trying so hard to get all of their moves right, especially the boys.  It will definitely be interesting to see when they actually do their performance and luckily I will still be here to witness it!

Although I was sad to leave Grade 4, today was an excellent start to Grade 2 and I am looking forward to everything that is to come!

Last Day in Grade 4

Today was my last official day in Grade 4!  Although I will still be working at the same school, I am going down to the Junior School of St. Andrews Prep (Grades 1-3).  It still has the same headmaster, etc but is in a building down the hill with different teachers, different students and is just a different atmosphere in general.  I am sad to leave Mrs. Hobson, the boys, and all of the staff but it's not too bad because I know I am able to come back.

Grade 4's in class

The boys made me a book of their drawings to bring back with me to the States and it was so incredibly sweet!  They each painted something that would remind me of them.  Some of them drew a self-portrait, others drew themselves playing sports or something about sports and I even had one boy draw an American flag.  They each had a message on it as well.  I got a section of the Irish blessing, lots of "Remember us forever" and my favorite was, "When you look at the moon, we will be together!"  They gave this to me during Big Classroom along with a "125th Anniversary" coffee mug.  Mrs. Hobson also got me a book about Grahamstown that all of the boys signed as well. 

To finish off our air transport unit, the boys made paper airplanes and we had a competetion to see whose could fly the furthest!

The last part of the day we went out to the field for a party!  We had donuts and Coke followed by a game of "Open the Gates" that was kind of like "Sharks and Minnows."  It was definitely a great last day!

Our class

(Horrible picture of me but the best one overall)

Camp Out and Sponsored Walk

This weekend was the annual Camp out and Sponsored Walk at Prep. If you haven’t noticed there is always something going on…but I like it that way! I guess with it being a boarding school they have to keep those boys busy doing something or they would just get into trouble!

Some of my Grade 4's at their tents!

Friday night started the camp out. This was a mandatory outing where all of the boys as well as the male teachers left after school to head out to a farm about 20 minutes outside of town. They pitched their tents and bonded over a camp fire!  A few of the teachers and I went out for the braai (cookout) and to see what all they were getting into.  The boys seemed to be having a wonderful time just being boys!

Me with some of the boys!

Saturday morning was the Sponsored Walk. This is a 15 kilometer (9.4 mile) walk from the camp site through fields all the way back to the school. This is done every year as a fundraiser where the students raise money for participating in the walk. Families, staff, and other people in the community participate in the walk as well so of course I did too! 

The path of the Sponsored Walk

I actually really enjoyed participating in the walk! Although it was pretty long, it was very entertaining especially walking for over 2 hours with a group of boys.  I heard some crazy stories and got asked some crazy questions as well, especially about life in America!  After getting back to the school there was another braai and time to hang out with all of the boys and staff.  It was a really nice weekend!

The last picture is espeically for my little brother!  We walked passed this sign and I made my boys stop just so we could take a picture!  It reminded me of you!  Just for you baby brother...

Stretched but still the same

Every day before break, all of the boys in the entire school (all 126 of them) gather in the courtyard for "Big Classroom."  This is a time where one of the teachers share a little word of encouragement/devotion type thing and all of staff give announcements, etc.  It was totally random how it happened but, today I led it!

I happened to have enough of the "USA" Silly Bandz that I brought to share with the whole school so I thought that would be an excellent illustration.  I talked about how God puts us in situations to stretch us like rubber bands and make us better people but we always keep our same shape.  Of course I talked about my expereince in coming to a new country and how it has been really difficult at times, getting made fun of for the way I say "water" and stuff. But just because something is difficult, you mustn't just give up!  God only allows us to go through things that we can handle with his help.

"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13  Love this!

Of course, all of the boys absolutely loved the Silly Bandz and they all fought over who got the peace sign as well as the dollar sign.  It was so cute!  It was a really good opportunity to tell everyone how much I appreciate all of their hospitality because I will be moving down to Grade 2 at Junior Prep next week.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and I was really glad that I was able to share with them!