In 28 days I'll graduate--In 30 I'll be in Chicago for orientation--In 47 I'll be on a plane to South Africa (well London, then Cape Town)! Pretty exciting stuff coming up and time is just flying by. I have been trying to get more acquainted with Cape Town and I just read Sea Mountain Fire City by Mike Nicol, a South African writer. It's been an interesting perspective on the city and gave me some idea about the culture there. I also began reading No Future without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu, South African activist and Nobel Peace Prize Winner for his actions against apartheid. Surprisingly enough, he is the keynote speaker for the undergraduate convocation in May. I wasn't planning on attending that AND my college's graduation ceremony but once I found out that he would be there, I'll definitely go. How awesome that I get to listen to one of South Africa's most influential leaders speak and then travel there shortly after. :)

Preparations for the trip are progressing along just fine. I haven't received any more financial assistance but it's okay. I had anticipated using my credit card and though I didn't really WANT to, it's perfectly fine. I did receive a lot of of help from family and friends, and I am so thankful for that!! Every little bit honestly helps. I found out that I'm receiving a few scholarships for student teaching in Chicago next year, which is awesome. They will be a great help to me since I'm losing money this summer, not making it! I'm getting my vaccinations next Thursday and figuring out any other health precautions that I need to take before/while I'm in Cape Town.
While I'm there I will be updating this blog as often as possible and keeping a handwritten journal so that I can just make quick notes about things will I'm working or traveling without internet access right away. I guess there isn't much else to say--I'm just super excited!! :)


"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." Desmond Tutu