Blogs in Many Languages

Adam's Blog:

Howzit summertime people??!! Greetings from Johannesburg, and the beginning of the end of this beautiful, beautiful experience. We are all in SUPER high spirits after a unique Johannesburg night which included a divine taste of India and a twisty-and-turny evening activity. The group was convinced that we were off to see a cutting edge 3 hour opera in Afrikaans, and we surprised them with a journey to the Magical World of Hogwarts!!! Sooooooo, I could certainly talk for hours and hours about our experiences in majestic Southern Africa, snowcapped peaks, mindblowing hikes, soulfire cross-cultural exchange with villagers in rural Lesotho and the culinary phenomenon of Fat Cakes-in-a-bag, BUT, the clock is ticking and we have a huge day coming up tomorrow that will be highlighted by our students running a Friendship Camp at SKY, a cultural center for youth in the informal settlement (could also be called a slum) of Kliptown in Soweto Township...so for the meantime, we humbly present verbal glimpses of the absolutely indescribable straight from our students...

Sharp Sharp, Mohale (aka Adam)

PS. The students were prompted to write their blogs in as much Southern African as they could (and to add a bit of Pirate-slang if they felt the need...)

Aly's Blog:

Howzit? Dumela from SA! This trip has been amazing. Since our last blog, we have finished our work at SOS, went on a crazy hike and repaired roads with Malealea Trust. Every experience was amazing and rewarding in their own ways. I don't want to leave! The locals are so welcoming and thankful for everything we do. I want to donate money and come back to help everyone again. We will be returning home on Sunday. I'll miss this place!

See you all soon!

Love Sneakin' Aly thru the Sally

Jacob's Blog:

Wow, this experience has been truly epic; I wish I had more space to write... But, alas, I will have to make do. Anyway, I've spent two amazing weeks in Southern Africa thus far, I've worked at an underfunded art school in Soweto, an HIV/AIDS hospice in Klerksdorp, a poor community center in the slums of Kliptown, an isolated SOS Children's Village in Mbabane (Swaziland), and with the gritty Malealea Development Trust in Malealea (Lesotho). I know I won't be able to fit the words in here pertaining to how I feel, but I will say this has been a truly powerful experience.

I feel I can speak for the group when I say this has been an emotional time for all, but I will also say that the happiness on the faces of all the wonderful people I've met when they see us willingly helping them is something I will never be able to forget. And that, above all, the hilarious moments with this awesome troupe truly makes this trip worth doing.

Sincerely, Professor Kebab

Satchel's Bangin' Blog =) hehe:

Dumela, dumela, dumela! Ke Satchel! Southern Africa is amazing. After leaving Soweto, we went to Kestell and hiked the Drakensburg Mountains. Then we went to Swaziland and taught/ran camps at an SOS school. I taught 5th and 2nd grade! After leaving there, we all went to Lesotho and we helped to build a road which was in very poor condition. We also went on another hike to a freezing cold rock pool! It was awesome and I'm looking forward to going back to Soweto tomorrow. I wish the trip wasn't ending so soon =(

Sturztenegger

Libby's Blog:

So far, life has been amazing in Southern Africa. But that's kind of a given. Anyways - howzit! Lowelaung (pronounced dumelang)! All of that. So much has happened. We visited rural Swaziland and were treated by the wonderful Fiki to dinner. Since there was little electricity, we got to see the Milky Way. Amazing. The Drakensburg Mountain hike was also pretty awesome. The views made me pause and take in the sights constantly. Lesotho introduced the group to fat cakes (which are delicious) and a wonderful community. Despite the hardships, these people can still sing. They can still joke around. They can still accept us warmly. I was given the name Lerato, which means "to laugh". Since I don't know how to say goodbye, I'll just say hi. Lumelaung, lumelaung, lumelaung!

-Lerato (my Sisotho name which means Laughter!!)

Augusta's Blog:

All of our mates have voyaged to three new lands since we last used the magic of the internet. We climbed a mountain and land ho-ed" at the top. This was all in the Kingdom of Swaziland. We also donated our time to 600 little bumps at the SOS Children's Village. After that adventure, we travelled in our magical 4-wheeled vehicle to a house owned by a man who goes by the name of Fiki. It was nice to finally see the stars so we could navigate where we were. After our lovely sojourn and braii at Fiki's we re-entered the vehicle and travelled to jam-maker Vera Ann's lovely "Karma Backpackers" in South Africa. We climbed to the top of Sentinel Mountain and saw the flowing waters of Tugella Falls (the water reminded me of home). Eventually we voyaged to Lesotho. We helped reconstruct their roads (where magical vehicles travel). Our shipmates trekked to a hidden waterfall. Adam and I went swimming... SHIVER ME TIMBERS! Today there was some frozen water falling from then sky. It is apparently strange occurrence here in South Africa. We are having a great time and I am not looking forward to our upcoming departure date. Eye patch, peg leg, ARG.

~BANK

(Happy birthday Mom and Wille, hope yall had a blast!)

Soo's Blog:

One thing we did since the last blog entry was going on a hike up the Drakensburg Mountains. The top was not a point - it was more like a plain, a level up from the earth. It was an enjoyable & be-a-utiful climb up - not steep but challenging enough. We came back and took care of the sanitary issues of the program, such as shower-taking and doing laundry. Vera-Ann's place was the loveliest home I have ever lived in. Hopefully there will be pictures of the place uploaded onto the blog. Fiki's place, which we stayed at before, was in rural Swaziland, and I loved it. We had tents set up for us to sleep in, and it was quite lovely. I accidentally fell asleep outside - under the stars, and woke up soaked in dew. Fiki's home made me really realize how amazingly blessed I am to have all that I have. Fiki and Armstrong, another friend I met in Swaziland, taught me a lot about how life is not always easy - but that that's no excuse to give up or live without hope. As soon as I get home, I want to just make money so I can help these stuck people get their lives rolling again. I am also driven again to become a teacher. Everyone should come on one of these trips during their teenage years. Sharp?

OH. And the Cuddle Puddle. The perfect balance between serious work and enjoyment & leisure for the soul. It was such a weird, unique experience. Loved it. Shaarp.

My favorite so far was Lesotho. Because of two reasons: the people with endless pockets of love, and fat cakes. Also, I met a very good friend, Hotazo.

=) Hi mom! Dumela me! See you soon - I love you more than anything. I yell your name on the peaks of every mountain we climb.

Soo DDal-le-me

Ari's Blog:

Sawubona! Dumela! Howzit! We've been switching between communities so often in the recent weeks that I can't quite keep all of the languages straight. Should I greet you in Siswati? Sisotho? Zulu? Maybe I'll stick with English for now.

After finishing our hiking and service projects in Swaziland, we drove to Fiki's house and stayed outside in tents. Now, this may sound like a nice time to anyone reading this in the northern hemisphere, but I must remind you that it is winter here. Luckily, we were armed with sleeping bags, preventing us from freezing completely, and we had a great time meeting some new people and eating a delicious dinner.

The following day, we completed the drive back to South Africa, ending up in Kestell at Vera Ann's awesome Karma Backpackers, where we enjoy the luxury of constant electricity, hot water, and a wood-burning stove that helps to warm up the common area. While staying in Kestell, we did an intense hike in the Drakensburg Mountains. I had some doubts as to whether or not I would make it up and down the daunting pair of ladders, but in the end, we all had an extremely rewarding experience.

After leaving Kestell, we ventured into a new country: Lesotho, pronounced Lesutu. We stayed at Malealea Lodge, in nice little huts that protected us from some of the outside weather (though no heat, of course). We also enjoyed nightly campfires and electricity between the hours of 6 and 9:30.

In Lesotho, our main project was to work with some of the community of the local villages on their roads. Due to erosion, some of the road had seriously deteriorated, and it was hurting the locals' efforts at starting businesses. In addition to helping with road construction, we also had some awesome and powerful cross-cultural exchanges, which are hard to describe considering I've already written way too much.

That night, it suddenly began hailing, and later changed to snow. It was pretty wild to see snow in the middle of July, but it was even more notable once we saw the locals' reactions - in most areas, they had not received snow that stuck to the ground in years. After leaving Lesotho (which involved a breathtaking drive through snow-capped mountains, inhabited by zebras among other creatures - it has something to do with science), we returned to Kestell, and we're all excited to make our way back to Soweto/Johannesburg tomorrow.

Speaking of which, I should probably go to bed - if I go now, I'll get 9 hours of sleep, which will be a record for me on this trip! I'm really enjoying southern Africa, and I don't want it to end!

Machutu (my new Sisotho name meaning active boy!)

Anna's Blog:

DUMELA!DUMELA!

howzit y'all?!we have been to so many places! Recently we have gone hiking quite a bit, and have some amazing photos from them! (: We left Lesotho yesterday and are currently at Karma Backpackers with Vera Anne. Today we are driving to Shoestrings: the first hostel we stayed at in Jo'Burg. It has been amazing here, so much to take in! While in Lesotho we helped re-build parts of a road that had been damaged. It was intense. BIG NEWS: Yesterday and the night before it hailed and snowed! but, the snow stuck! that hasn't happened in 7 years! We are very lucky to have been able to experience that, and also got to see zebra's in the snow! South Africa is amazing, and so beautiful! Back to JFK soon! wow hard to believe we have been here for pretty much a month! See you guys soon!!!

xoxo. Ecky!!

Molly's Blog:

Well, How about all that?! It has been incredible laughing, experiencing rural and urban African life, cooking for, holding hands with, challenging, sharing road-trip music with and loving your kids over the last month or so. I can't believe this experience is almost coming to a close. While at the movies tonight, the kids were COMPLETELY ridiculous-- performing Harry Potter skits before the preview started in front of the movie screen (for all to see)-- it made Adam and I realize how much this group has meshed into one silly, accepting, lively, off-the-grid group. The rest of our week looks like a jam-packed finale; service work at Umbuyisa Art School and in an informal settlement, craft markets, braais, and a well deserved final banquet. Can't wait to meet everyone at the airport on Sunday!

Until then, warm wishes from a chilly South Africa, Molly

Student-Student Blurbs

Libby (written by Anna):

Libby really enjoyed our last night in Soweto, the braii we had at Lebo’s Backpackers was really fun. She was very good with the kids at the SOS Camp, she tolerated a lot of energized kids there. She is very kind to everyone in the group, and never shows annoyance and has a lot of patience with each and everyone she meets. Her hugs get me through my tough days when I may be feeling upset or down. She held one of our team member’s hand the entire way down a very steep mountain to help our group member feel more stable and comfortable, I thought that was very brave of her, it shows how thoughtful of others she is.

Soo (written by Jacob):

Well, it looks like I’ve gotten Soo, and I can honestly say I couldn’t be happier. She is by far one of the awesomest people on this trip. Her ability to find the good in everyone is unmatched and she is one of the kindest, most virtuous people it has ever been my pleasure to know. This does nothing to disparage her hilarious sense of humor epitomized by the statement “I’ve always wanted to eat an owl, because I used to have mice, and since owls eat mice, it would sorta be like revenge.” Good stuff. Hilarious. In all seriousness though, it has truly been my pleasure to meet her, and having the opportunity to write this review has been tanfasmic. Shout out to her family, who must have raised her well. J

Cheers, Jacob

Jacob (written by Ari):

Jacob has truly enjoyed everything that we have experienced on our journey in the past few days, from hiking up Sheba’s Breast to spending a day teaching in a classroom full of Swazi elementary school kids. He has a tremendous ability to invent games and activities out of thin air, keeping the kids on their feet and entertained at all times. Jacob is always the first to help out when something needs doing, and often steps up as a leader when we need it. I’m really glad to have Jacob on this trip and I hope to get to know him even better before the trip ends.

Ari

Anna (written by Libby):

Yay! I got Anna! Anyways, Anna Banana is super awesome. I mean it! She has an incredible amount of patience that could make anyone envious. While teaching at the art school in Soweto, Anna dazzled the kids with her smiles, kind words and ability to enjoy every single picture and card thrust her way. No matter what happened, she was able to deal with it calmly. Not many people can do something like that! In our last night in Soweto at the braii (a barbecue party), Anna spent it not only cleaning the dishes – and there were a lot of dishes – but bonding with the friends we made in the township. It was a beautiful sight to see! Never will I forget the feelings of warmth and friendship from that night. Anna also deserves INSANE mad props for her endurance. While driving through the game park in search of some last rhinos and giraffes, Anna’s head bumped into the window. Not only did she stick it out, she didn’t complain. If I were hit in the head, I would have definitely voiced my pain all the way home. I also appreciate that Anna gives really good hugs all throughout the day and always with a smile. She’s really open and helps the chefs or the sparklers clean up. Anna challenges herself by teaching the kids at the SOS camp . Even though she has to deal with rowdy kids that like to tackle people in hugs, Anna somehow manages to create enough space around her but still shower the kids with attention. Great job, Anna! There’s so much more to say, but this isn’t the Anna Blog. However, it has been an absolute joy to review her. Go Anna! We love you!

FASHOOM!

Libby

Ari (written by Satchel):

Ari enjoyed hiking up Sheba’s Breast on the first full day we had in Swaziland and he has been a great team player the entire trip. He was great with the children at the Umbuyisa Art School and he ran some really good activities there. On our last night in Soweto after the barbeque, he did dishes for a solid hour and a half! He’s been a huge help to the group. I appreciate that Ari always speaks his mind and that his sense of humor always seems to help the group out when we’re all tired or frustrated. Also, Ari has challenged himself just by coming on the trip as he is not getting much sleep and I know it’s incredibly difficult for him to operate on little sleep. Ari has been doing fantastically on this trip.

Augusta (written by Aly):

Agoustes Gloup is an awesome person. She is living up every moment of this trip with a smile on her face and amazing attitude. She acted like the crazy camp counsolour in Soweto and the kids absoloutly loved her. She is showing her crazy and goofy side which is something she is doing so well at mixing with the group and all the locals. Which she deserves mad props for!!!!(: We are having a great time and I appreciate how unique she is. Unique in a good way because with her I never stop laughing. Augusta is shining and becoming a real super star on this program. She stepped out of her comfort zone and taught a class with me today. She is a great role model and someone for everyone around her to admire. She loves and talks about her family all the time. Even though we are having such busy packed days she still talks about you guys. So if she was writing this she would want me to say hi! I am going to miss Augusta when this is over and I know she will have some wonderful stories when she gets back!!

Love Aly.

Satchel (written by Augusta):

Satchelito Sturtzenager has enjoyed every moment so far on this trip. He really likes to take advantage of all the time he spends with kids. At one point Satchelito was sitting for nearly an hour with the same little boy in his lap looking so serene and peaceful. It was amazing to see him sitting there so calmly for so long looking so natural. Since our last night in Soweto, Satchelito has had fun watching rhinos. We went on a safari and that is all he wanted to see! He even joked about getting out of the car and riding one… BARE-BACK!!! Satchelito definitely deserves mad props for being so enthusiastic. He never mutters a bad word about any of the activities we have done. He also is a very good person to have random conversations with. He listens very intently and has really interesting responses to even the strangest of questions. Mr. Sturtzinager has challenged himself by being open with the whole group about everything. He is very real and “human-like”. Mr. Sturtzenager has acquired multiple nick-names from this trip: Sturtzenager, Satchelito, Sancho, Satchsquach, Statch Match, Giggle Pig, and The Twitch.

-AK47

Aly (written by Soo):

So Aly. Surpriseeee

So the first question asks me to write something that you really enjoyed since our last night in Soweto, which was already 4 days ago. Time flies.. Well, you’re always happy so I guess it’s hard for me to choose a certain instance in time when you were enjoying yourself. Something you did really well so far is that you are really comfortable around children and keep them laughing. Especially the wee little ones. You’d be a great mother in the future. I think half of the time, you’ll be having more fun than your kid.

Something awesome about you (and also something that I appreciate) isssssssssssssssssss that you are super honest, headstrong and humanlike, which are things that I can relate to because I am somewhat like that myself. And although I only recently (Yesterday) realized those things in a strong manner, I really found myself smiling because I think those qualities adorn you with the beauty that you possess.

The next question asks: “In what way did you challenge yourself?” Well, I give respect to all people alive, just because I think that being alive itself is a huge accomplishment. I believe every single day is a challenge for everyone, so just the fact that you are still trooping through with us here in South Africa is a challenge worth appreciating. J Smile Ali. You’ll be great. You are great.

```````````````````````J

Student Blog: Swaziland (July 15~17)

Our time in Swaziland started with a six-hour drive in rural South Africa, from dawn to noon. During the trip, we stopped for bunny chow, Indian food and mini pizzas. The hostel that we came to was a nice, simple place with many bathrooms and many huge wooden giraffe statues. The dinner that night was amazing, not only was the food of curry chicken and cooked vegetables delicious, but the conversation we had over dinner was excellent. That night was the first time we actually had the chance to digest and reflect on our last day in Soweto when we visited Kliptown and the Soweto Kliptown Youth group (SKY), we had been so busy previously. Our experience on that last day was rather raw and emotional - seeing how the poorest of Africans live in metal shacks made from leftover metal plates, without proper plumbing. Recollecting our memories of that intense day was hard, but successful beyond any of our expectations. We talked about why Kliptown was the way it was, why poverty existed, what we felt and what we should do with that feeling. With the guidance of our leaders, and free communication of our individual experiences, we turned a sad and potentially depressing experience into one that would fuel future actions to help solve poverty and the various problems we saw that day in Kliptown.

Early the next morning, we left at six AM again to climb Swaziland’s Shibas Breast, a mountain near our hostel. It was an enjoyable 1 ½ hours up, and an even more enjoyable time once we got to the top. We took silly pictures, shared our packed lunch, and read an excerpt from the book The Impossible Will Take a Little While. A lot of us overcame our fear of windy steep mountains on that morning. After making our way back down, we stopped at the local crafts shop where many of us bought African crafts at a very low price and practiced our bargaining skills. For dinner we had a cooking challenge to make four traditional Swazi dishes. With luck and the help of friendly natives, we succeeded in enjoying a great dinner of porridge, chicken, veggies and chocolate pudding.

The next day we relaxed and saw the wildlife of Africa on a game drive. We excitedly took hundreds of pictures of the animals we saw. We even got a treat and saw two lions mate within a two feet distance :)

Kliptown Youth Choir

And thanks to our more technologically advanced travelers, here is a little snippet of the performance the group participated in in Kliptown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9sBjWjkQq0

Umbuyisa Wrap Up: Blogging Madness!!

Trip Leader Adam Aronovitz

Hello World!!! Greetings from the motherland! It’s been a beautiful and intense experience thus far in our Southern African Escapades. At the moment, we are celebrating the end of our Soweto experience with a fireside poetry jam with members of the art community and reflecting on a mindblowing week in the world’s largest township. The group moved another inch towards human unity by leading an incredible camp experience for children at the Umbuyisa Art School, culminating in a screen-printing collaboration to celebrate Mandela Day!!! As the clock tick tocks and morning creeps closer, we are preparing for our cross country drive and border crossing into the Kingdom of Swaziland to begin a week of service work with the SOS Children’s Village!!!

So be prepared to feast on the blogging madness!!

Adam

Check out the first week of Windsor Mountain Bridge South Africa 2011 through the eyes of our students. Each student has a bit to say including someone they have met, someone to send a shooting star (a special pat on the internet-back to) and a shout out. Enjoy…

Augusta AK Klein

GREETINGS from South Africa!

This is such a lovely country. Although the weather is rather chilly (it IS winter), I feel warm due to everyone’s kind and open hearts. Everyone is so nice and talkative here. I have had so many interesting conversations with local South Africans. One person that has certainly made a huge impression on me is a young man named Eli. He is so intellectual and knows so many facts about South Africa, America, and other countries around the world. He is also a very good conversationalist, which makes up for my lack of talent in conversations. Also someone who has really inspired me are all of the little kids we have been working with throughout our first week here. So to commend them I would like to send “Shooting Stars” to every kid I have met so far. I would also like to send a shout-out to my brothers (who probably haven’t even noticed I’m gone), my parents (who allowed me to come on this fabulous trip), and my dogs (who like to eat things).

~Peace, Love, and Chow~

Aly Centrella

HIII FROM SOUTH AFRICA! This is Aly speaking. We arrived in this beautiful country on Thursday the 7<sup>th</sup>. We were very surprised how cold it really was. The moment we got here we were warmly greeted by all the locals. Everyone we have met has been nothing but welcoming. The most inspiring experience was visiting the informal settlement in Kliptown. They are little shack or shanty town communities that were very shocking to walk through. We were welcomed with a beautiful traditional dance performed by the local kids. They were so amazing I almost cried. I loved how they were full of life and to think that they have so little but love so much amazed me. The kids were the most inspiring people I have met thus far and I would like to give all of the kids shooting stars. I would like to say hi to all my family and friends I miss you all very much!! Mommy and Dad I cant wait to talk to you on the 21<sup>st</sup>!

Love, Aly Cat.

Libby Cohen

Hello Hello Hellooooo! South Africa has been incredible so far with its warm people and traffic lights that are called robots (how cool is that?!). It is super easy to talk to anyone on the street and get to know their family with just a smile. While on a taxi in Soweto, I met a charming man who talked of his experience of the apartheid. We talked about the differences in our cultures until it was his stop. The biggest experience so far has been working with the children. Even with poor living conditions and limited water, these kids never stop smiling or having a good time. Even in Kliptown, half of which is an informal settlement, the kids showered us with hugs and kisses and put on a moving performance that nearly made me cry. In the group, I would like to send shooting stars to Molly for totally being more awesome than anyone ever imagined and lending me her camera when mine broke. Thank you, Molly! I’d also like to shout-out to my family – thanks for all your love and good wishes! – and my friends Sam and Evan – thanks for being so supportive! I’ll go teach baby seals Shakespeare now. That’s about it….

Libbles’n’Bits, signing out!

Satchel Sturtz

Hiiiiiii! South Africa has been absolutely incredible so far. When I got here I was very surprised as Jo-burg looked nothing like I expected. It was very built up and pretty modern. Early on in the trip we went and visited Constitution Hill where Mandela was kept for a short period of time. I learned about how horrible the conditions were for prisoners there and a ton of them did not even deserve to be there. Conditions for political prisoners there were even worse as they were kept in solitary confinement for their whole stay. The culture in South Africa is amazing. We recently went and visited an informal settlement in Kliptown. The spirit of all of the people there was so inspiring because they had almost nothing. They planned an amazing performance for us. I’d never seen anything like it. I’ll also never forget about a man I met named Tshepo. He founded a non-profit children’s art school and he’s there every day with the children. He quite honestly may be the nicest man I have ever met. He’s highly respected in Soweto because of all of the amazing things he’s done purely for the benefit of others.

- Sturtzenegger

Anna Wickenden

Wow where to begin? A lot has been going on here in South Africa. The first day here had such an impact on me, we met with children suffering from HIV/AIDS, along with that some were orphans or in bad living conditions. It really affected me when I encountered this. We have visited many sites like the Mandela House, South Africa’s version of the Bill of Rights, we passed by Winnie Mandela’s House, an informal settlement (such an amazing experience). We have met many amazing people while being here, and such wonderful children at the camps we help run. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming! It is very important that we see the more difficult side of South Africa as well, so when we return to the U.S we can share the information with others and help make a difference.

-Anna Ecky Wickenden

Ari Weinstein

Hey everyone! If I had to write this whole blog post in one sentence, it would be this one: South Africa is pretty amazing. Over the past week, we have had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the rich culture, history, and politics of South Africa. I say “hands-on” because we went beyond the tourist experience of visiting museums from the comfort of a plushy hotel; we dove in head first, visiting an intense “informal settlement” called Kliptown where we experienced firsthand the extreme poverty caused primarily by the Apartheid (and I now know what that is). On the lighter side, we’re also having a great time bonding within our group, and running camp has been extremely fun and successful. It’s hard to explain in writing what I feel about this country and this experience, so I think I’m going to leave it at this.

Ari Weinstime

Soo Joo

Everyday at night, the team shares things called ‘high points’. Cooking dinner with the crew everyday was a great high for the whole trip because making food was fun, and eating was gooooood, and feeding people feels great. Another high was the evening activities that we have every day after dinner, which was when we got to know each other deeply and share experiences together- each one of us mustering up the bravery of exposing ourselves to possibly uncomfortable situations. And we do have silliness and plenty of goofiness, which is just so beautiful and arguably the best part of the trip. I really am enjoying seeing us each grow through our experiences together in South Africa, in many tiny ways.

Shooting stars (tokens of appreciation) to everyone who made me laugh. Something I earned from the experience was a chance and an environment to go back to my natural, people loving and goofy self. The chillness and openness of South Africans is really something to treasure greatly and strive to achieve all over the world.

MA! Don’t know if you will be reading this blog at all, but I miss you. J I wrote you a letter, so watch out for it. I’ll send it soon >>!! Do not worry about meJ I’m surrounded constantly with people who love and care about me as much as you do. Thanks for letting me come here. Thanks for supporting my craziness. Love you <3

-Soo Chef Joo Chef

Jacob Senghas

Well, it has come down to me, which isn’t really surprising, being the procrastinator I am. This is being written the night it’s due. In fact it’s about 15 minutes late. So sue me.

But I digress. In short, this trip has been completely mind-blowing. I echo the sentiments of all my good friends in noting the positive spirit that seems to suffuse the entire country. This same energy serves to make this trip truly wonderful, in the amazing people we have met. I could ramble all night about all my new friends, but I will only list the people I’ve spent the most time with: Tshepo (who seems to know everybody- even the Black Eyed Peas), Xolilo (who has an unpronounceable click in his name), Linda (who hates having his name made fun of), T.K. (who has the best facial hair ever), and Eli (who is the smartest guy I have ever met and is insanely worldly). They have made this trip truly amazing.

But by far my favorite part was the visit to Kliptown- it truly put the world into perspective. Think those ramshackle shacks you see in National Geographic during their “poverty special” or something. Then imagine the smell. Yeah.

But I really am having tons of fun, and I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Well, maybe that’s a hyperbole, but you get my drift. And yes, I realize that I started pretty much every paragraph with the word “but”, but whatever.

Anyway, I’d like to send a shout-out to my parents, my brother, and my friends, all of whom do not know this blog exists. So… if anyone I know is miraculously reading this, please notify them. That would be great.

Truly yours, Jake the Jam

Trip Leader Molly Ryan

Hello Windsor Mountain Friends and Family! I am so happy you’re reading our first team blog entry. The kids have done a great job explaining the highlights of our trip thus far, so I won’t spend time rehashing. Instead, I will share a few photos with you. Posted on the blog, you’ll find photos of your silly kids at the Constitution Hill Museum posing on cement posts, a photo of the group hanging out in some grass, a shot of Augusta contemplating her 16<sup>th</sup> birthday wish, a photo of the lunches we have been eating (Jacob and Adam have been eating the veggie options, I promise), and multiple images of our kids with the children of Umbuyisa School of Art and Culture and the children of the Matlosana HIV/AIDS Hospice Crèche playing, loving, and screen printing. The man back to back with me is Tshepo, the founder of Umbuyisa and our Sowetan BFF.

The Windsor Mountain Students have been inspiring to work with; they are curious, kind, and enthusiastic. I feel insanely lucky to be watching these kids transform as their hearts and minds expand. And for all the mothers and fathers reading along, I made them wash their socks and undies this morning and have been feeding them greens and whole grains as much as I can!

Until next time,

Mollywood

First Update: Exploring Jozi

"Hello! Bridge South Africa has officially begun. The group is acclimating to community living, South African Ubuntu, and the Southern Hemisphere's winter extremely well. Since arrival we have been touring Jozi (slang for Johannesburg) and filling our brains with information about the South African Struggle against Apartheid, AIDS, and poverty as well as filling our stomachs with Bunny Chow, Koti, and Pap-- African Specialties.

The students have been eager to learn as much as they can about the injustices this country has faced and the struggle South Africans are undergoing today. The context provided for the students within the last few days has prepared them for their work at the Umbuyisa Art school in Soweto, South Africa's largest Township.

The students are truly impressive. I (Molly) have been blown away by their compassion, silliness, and ability to absorb and reflect on South Africa's recent history. We are just now beginning our work with the children of Umbuyisa and look forward to a full week of cultural immersion, exchange, and FUN!

Look forward to our next blog on Thursday-- the students will be posting photos and possibly a video!"

Good Afternoon Bridge Southern Africa families,

The students have arrived safely in Johannesburg! The flight was long but the kids spirits remained high. They are all eager to begin orientation and to start exploring their new home for the next month.