5:4:09

Well another chapter is done with the South Africa semester. I’m sitting at the school waiting for people to arrive so we can leave for our last 2 days in South Africa and things are too surreal right now. Our home stay ended up being sensational. Dave and I feel as if we gained two new grandparents in Maureen and Brian. We were sad to see them go, and they likewise. It’s tough, but in order to see my family, I’ve got to leave this one haha. Anyway, the idea that we will be gone soon is really lingering, but I don’t think it’s actually hit anyone yet. It’s weird when you spend 4 months in a country with 33 students who become you friends and your family and then you leave and that’s it. Obviously we’ve established friendships that will last, but it’s summer break now and we’re headed to our opposite ends of the country, too weird. When I begin to see how tough it is going to be to leave it only reminds me how blessed I really am to have experienced this. Nonetheless, I’m ready to see my friends, I’m ready to see my family, and I’m ready to be back in the state I love.
This weekend we had our last trip to Cape Town. Nothing too special happened except us seeing a historical building burning…super weird. I was reading in the paper it was built in the late 1800’s, and just like that it’s gone. We were able to have a dinner with our mentors from the school we are studying at, it was super fun…and that was Saturday. Sunday was even more uneventful, as Dave and I spent the entire day at home with our host parents for our last day. A lot of relaxation, some Darts with Brian (oh if I haven’t mentioned yet, Darts is my new favorite hobby…so much fun), and some TV. Now, here we are, getting ready to head off to some conference center for the next two days to debrief the semester and then head to the states. We arrive at LAX at 11:00 on Thursday. I get to stay at APU for two days and soak up all the time I can with my friends, I’m super pumped. I leave once again Sunday morning, Mother’s Day, and head home! Woo! Anyway, this is it, my last blog (as far as I’m concerned). I feel blessed to have heard of so many people checking in on my life through this blog…I’m loved. Thanks to everyone, and I’ll see you all soon!