*I've broken down and decided to start a blog of my own to keep those who are interested -- updated on my trip.  I'm in Cape Town, South Africa from May 11-June 21.  During this time I am working with the Global Lead Program - a UGA study/service abroad trip.  After this time I'm flying to Kenya where I will be living and working in a mission from June 21-July 11.  Life in Africa is incredible so I've decided to catch you up on my last 14 days and I will try to post as often as possible from here on out!  

Brittany and I in the security line in Atlanta before we begin our 40 hour journey!

*The journey to get here started May 11th and it took two full days to get to Cape Town.  I was sent off by my whole family from the airport.  We then hopped a plane to London and had a nine hour layover.  I was excited because I've never been to London so we left the airport and took a train to Buckingham palace and a few other places too.  Brittany, Kelly, Kristy and I stopped in a pub and had a few beers and burgers.  It was delicious and a nice break before our long flight.  Our flight from London to Cape Town was right at 12 hours.  I slept most of the way.  The airplane food, I thought, was pretty impressive.  We were welcomed to Cape Town by Courtney at the airport and came to our place and got settled in!  The place we are staying - Lagoon Beach Apartments - is situated right on the beach in Milnerton (for those of you who want to google).  We have a beautiful view of Table Mountain.  We also feel very safe here as there is a 24 hour security guard service always patrolling the grounds.  The wind surfers are always right out in front of our room in the water... they are so great to watch.  Our place is a about a mile and a half walk from a light house, restaurants and about a two mile walk from the "Pick-N-Pay" grocery store.  Let me tell you - if you purchase produce in Africa - you weight it before you get to the register.  I learned that after some weird looks from the cashier who couldn't find the price on my apples and tomatoes.  Also, if you don't like french fries (chips), you're out of luck.  Everything is served with chips.  I've gotten used to the weird looks from the servers when I ask for vegetables or a side salad instead.  Ha, they're OK with it though.  Also, you'll get weird looks if you ask to have your check split.  I think the more common form of payment in Cape Town is by using cash.... Americans are some of the only folks who swipe their credit cards.  Everywhere we go and ask to have our check split they think we're idiots, but we make sure to tip well.  Another thing I've noticed is that their cans (Coca Cola - light, Coca Cola, etc) - have a different type of weight in the bottom of the can.... when its empty, it feels like there is more in there and you'll try to keep drinking -- and nothing comes out.  Apparently, their cans weigh more here -- everyone has noticed.  All in all - we've settled into life here very easily.  It's a little difficult to have to rely on a cab service anytime you want to go somewhere but we're learning.  Our apartments have three restaurants in the complex as well as a gym - so if  you don't want to leave the complex but want to eat outside of your room - you definitely can.  I share a room with Brittany Cassell and our other roommate Kelly Rogers, has the room next to ours.  We have a nice kitchen where we can cook and we also have a washer and dryer in our room so that makes laundry pretty easy -- once we figured out how to follow the symbol directions.  I'll start the blog on Thursday May 14th - that's when everything got started here! 

Kelly, Brittany, Me, and Kristy at Buckingham palace during our layover in London!

Thursday May 14^th

This morning was our first Global Lead kickoff meeting.  We wrote letters to ourselves that we’ll receive at the end of the six weeks and I have to admit it was a bit emotional for me.  I came to South Africa expecting to gain so much and it was hard to put it all into words… Anyway, Cape Town seems a bit backwards as the proclaimed one of the number one tourist destinations in the world with millions and millions of people living in townships.  We had a township panel at 1 pm today followed by a township tour.  The panel consisted of leaders in the community and it was interesting because they were all different colors – white, colored and black.  These are three color classifications that apartheid recognized… For example, if you were to visit the doctor there would be three waiting rooms – one white waiting room, one colored waiting room, and one black waiting room.  What I gathered from the panel is that since 1994, since apartheid was ended, South Africa has been struggling with government, economics and social standings to incorporate all three races into equality.  The panel was interesting because it was leaders from each race classification who were speaking to us about how they work to improve the lives of those with HIV, TB, those living in poverty in the townships, and the children who live in the townships who need extra guidance in after school programs.   

After the panel we toured the townships and stopped at the Amy Biehl foundation – an after school program in the townships that provides music, dance, art and many more opportunities for these poverty-stricken children.  They were so gracious when we came to their school and performed many different numbers for us.  I was overcome when they began to sing and dance.  I was especially touched when they played Amazing Grace on their recorders.  To know that they have absolutely nothing and can do so much - it's breath taking.  They are so talented.  I took many photos and videos so that I can share their inspiring talents with my friends and family back home. 

Children in Amy Biehl foundation performing for our group.

Townships - they stretch for miles.  Miles and miles and miles.

Friday May 15^th

Today was very informal.  We met with the Cape Extreme guys who coordinated the adventure activities for our group.  They described all the options and said they were coming back tomorrow with sign ups.  Most people are signing up for sky diving, bungee jumping and what not.  I’m thinking I’ll go with the sunset cruise, horseback riding and perhaps abseiling off the side of Table Mountain.  Ha, I’m not quite ready for skydiving and bungee jumping.  The Cape Extreme guys were pretty impressive – young entrepreneurs, they didn’t seem much older than we are but they own a very successful outdoor adventure company.  They are definitely leaders… it was nice to meet them and hear their story.  I fell in love with the long-haired main owner, Gavin.  He is quite good-looking.  Thanks to my roommate Brittany, there is documentation on facebook  of me trying to learn just as much as I could about Cape Town, Ha!  They gave us a tour of Cape Town after the adventure orientation – it is absolutely beautiful here.  I love the group, too.  We stayed up talking last night and it was so very fun.  I went to Joana's room tonight to hang out with a big group and we all decided to go out.  We went to a very chill bar and sat outside and watched everyone outside on the street.  Then, some of the group went home and the rest of us went to Bang Bang where we danced the night away to Euro-techno music.  I was in heaven. 

Gavin!  The long haired tour guide everyone thought I fell in love with....  Thanks to Brit for documenting this.

Kristy and me on some rocks above water - in front of Camps Bay.

The group at Bang Bang!  I'm hanging on to Ishmail - our escort!  And the guy in the front left is Hardis - he's the other escort - they are awesome!

 

Saturday May 16^th and Sunday May 17^th

Saturday and Sunday both consisted of some great down time for the students to get to know Cape Town and each other.  On Saturday, I went with a crowd to the traditional Green Street Market.  It was a lot of fun despite the rainy weather.  The vendors call out to you and ask you to buy their items.  It’s a very neat experience because you are able to bargain for the best deals.  It was definitely interesting to see all of their goods.  I came back and had a workout and fixed a salad in the room and got talked into going out with a group to Hemisphere.  This club was neat because it was on the 31st floor of a building downtown and was completely glass so you could see all the lights of the town.  It was very pretty.  Then, after a few of us didn't get into Tiger Tiger - Ishmail - our trusty escort, drove us around for a bit and eventually brought us home.  It's really nice to have escorts because they stay with us the whole time... and definitely know what's up.  

On Sunday, I enjoyed a nice morning to sleep in and then I went with my friend Kristy for a long walk on the beach.  She is AWESOME!  I sat next to her on the plane on the way over and it was love at first sight.  But anyway -  After that, we made pimento cheese and after a trip to the hotel restaurant for some butter, enjoyed some grilled pimento cheese sandwiches.  We made a huge serving so many of the students in the program ate our sandwiches too.  Eric ate two and Andrew ate one.  It was a great success.  After our 9 pm check in with Courtney, a group of use went to a Cuban restaurant to go to salsa dancing.  This easily may be one of my favorite nights that I’ve spent in Cape Town.  It’s no secret that I absolutely love to dance but I’ve never felt so alive in my life.  The locals here can salsa so well and our group had a fabulous time.  The owner, an immigrant who has now been here for 12 years, welcomed our group with open arms and made us feel very comfortable.  Everyone here seems to be very gracious to our group. 

The group at Salsa - it was Danielle's 21st birthday!

Salsa is SO MUCH FUN.  The locals really knew how to dance.  Thanks to Danielle for this photo!

 

Monday May 18^th

Today was the first day of the Global Lead curriculum and the first day of the Leadership week. The Dooley’s arrived and it was very nice to see them here – it was a much-needed touch of home.  Kevin Scott, the program director who is leading Leadership week – started it off in an unconventional way.  He had us split into our community groups and gave us three different pieces of paper.  On the first piece of paper we had to write down a list of adjectives that described how we wanted to be known to our friends, family, etc.  On the second sheet we had to write down a list of actions that we wanted to accomplish in our lifetime.  On the third sheet, we had to combine the most important items from both list into a unique mission statement. After much thought this is the mission statement I created for myself:

“I am a person who wants to be driven to be different, to pursue the hearts of others, to make my parent’s proud, to be educated, to educate, to be a confidant, to be a support system, to be an ideal mom and wife, to dance, to travel, to love, to advocate for equality, to accept, to succeed, to persevere, to drop everything for someone else, to laugh, and to always, always live like I will never see another day.”

I plan on keeping this around and checking myself about once a month to make sure I’m sticking to my mission statement.  Mrs. Dooley said she thought it was very important to keep it around so that you don’t wake up in 15, 20, 40 years and realize you haven’t done the things you’ve intended to do.  I’m very excited about my time here.  After our programming, Mark, Kristy, Eric and I went to the slave museum.  It was incredible.  It took us through the beginning of slavery -- to the end and the now progressive movements in South Africa.  The museum is in the slave quarters from the 17 and 1800s.  It was very moving.  After we got out we walked around the area near parliament, found a huge garden and also wandered into a cathedral.  We were warned by a local to watch our cameras j and what not since the street kids run through the garden and cause trouble... but we didn't encounter any of that.  I can’t wait for tomorrow – Dr. Betty Siegel is coming to speak to us.  She is the first female collegiate president in the US and has held that position at several different colleges.  Her speech is going to be incredible. 

Kristy and me at a mural of Nelson Madella in the city... and this was right after we visited the slave museum.  

 

Tuesday May 19^th

Dr. Betty Siegel spoke to us today.  She is one of the most provoking speakers I have ever encountered.  I had the priveledge of sitting next to her before and after her speech.  I must add that she wore the most incredible red-framed glasses to match her bright red lipstick.  I found myself so intrigued by her initially because I’m very interested in a career similar to the one she has pioneered.  She talked to us about working on our hyphen… meaning that our birth date does not matter… our death date does not matter – but really, what matters is the – in between those dates.  I liked her style.  She then went on to discuss the four assumptions of ethical leadership, from her co-authored book “Educating an Invitational Leader”.  The first assumption is trust as she said that trust is the basic element of our moral imagination. Followers must be able to trust a leader and it is a collaborative effort.  The second assumption is respect – leaders will treat all people with respect and in turn will receive the respect of others.  The third assumption is optimism.  Someone who is optimistic has a great reserve of untapped potential and is able to provide others with hope.  The forth assumption is intentionality.  She then included the five “P’s” of intentionality.  Leaders must have intention with people, places, programs, policies and processes.  She told many beautiful stories that were great visual representations of her points.  My favorite story was one that she told of a man on September 11^th, 2001.  Apparently, this man was the first to emerge from the twin towers after the first plane had hit.  He look flustered and was carrying his briefcase… a policeman met him and said “Sir, you are in shock – can I please help you and get you some assistance?” the man answered him in a very brisk tone, “No, thank you.  I’m not in shock at all, for the first time in my life, I’m fully aware.”  I loved this story because I thought it brought everyone back to the idea that we should be focusing on what is really important in our lives versus what we sometimes perceive to be important on a daily basis.  She then encouraged us to stick to our Rock Solid Values… she used the imagery of Robben Island, the place where Mandella spent 27 years as a prisoner chipping away at rocks.  She said if we stick to those values we should ask constantly ask ourselves these questions, “Who am I?  Where do I come from?  Where am I going?  What is the meaning?  Whose am I – to whom do I belong?  What is my legacy?  How do I matter?  To what do I testify?”  She was incredible and closed with this simple phrase, “We make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give.”  She certainly had a significant impact on me.  After the morning program was over, I tapped her shoulder and told her of my hopes for my future.  She insisted that I get her email address and write to her for advice about schools and programs that could aid me in my career path.  I felt very encouraged by our conversation.  I will certainly take many points from her lecture and apply them to my outlook and leadership style.  After her talk, the group loaded on the bus and road to the Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens.  They were incredible.  The views were breathtaking.  Tomorrow, Coach is talking to us about leadership and teamwork.

Mountains behind Kirstenbosh.  These pictures don't do the gardens justice.

A walkway at Kirstenbosh.

A bird - Kristy and me chased the herd to get these pictures!

 

Wednesday May 20^th

 Coach Dooley spoke to us today.  He is certainly an incredible speaker.  It’s so humbling to sit in a room with a person who has accomplished so much… especially to know he was born in Mobile, AL to two parents who were not able to even graduate high school.  He lived the depression and knew what it meant to put cardboard in the holes of the soles of his shoes.  He spoke on the importance of self-discipline and motivation.  Once he finished time in the marines, played football and graduated from Auburn university, married Ms. Barbara and started a family he was already well into his coaching career.  He first started at Auburn, he then was offered a promotion at UGA and after a few years and at the age of 31 he was offered the head-coaching job.  He admits that he was not qualified and certainly should not have been given the job!  He said at the time he was given the job the team was desperately separated. The previous coach had been struggling with a poor record but Coach believed it was mainly because he didn’t have a good approach during the rough times of integration.  Coach Dooley attributes his coaching success to his head-on approach to the racial divide of the team.  His stories of bringing the boys together during such a turbulent time was very inspiring.  He said that the main component of a successful team is unity.  He said once they started getting together off the field their performance on the field was exponentially better.  It’s easy to apply this to teams other than sports teams.  An owner of a business must a unified staff just like the principal of a school must have a unified staff – anyone who is a member of a workforce that is successful is the member of a team who is unified.   After Coach Dooley’s talk I went for a horseback ride on the beach with a group of the students.  It was absolutely beautiful.   I was in awe the entire time.  However, my horse, Nutmeg, was feisty.  She definitely tried to throw me off a couple times.  We got to know each other pretty well before it was all over.  We had champagne "sundowners" after our ride... It was beautiful.  After that, we came back to hang in the rooms for a bit and then a group of girls went with Mark to the Rugby players' houses.  They had a get together for us and we all went to Bang Bang together.  I met my future husband.  His name is Mike.  Mom and Dad - when I find out his last name, I'll let you know.  Ha, the group of guys is soooo fun though.  We had a great time!  

Nutmeg and me on the beach.  It was beautiful.

Nutmeg and me behind the group with the mountains in the background.

The beautiful sunset that we enjoyed after our horseback ride... 

Thursday May 21^st

Mrs. Barbara Dooley spoke to us today.  She was hilarious!  She spoke about how overcoming obstacles is important to leadership and the most important aspect of overcoming difficult situations if a person’s ability to make decisions.  She said that sticking to your integrity is the best way to make a successful decision.  To illustrate this point, she spoke about the difficult life/death situation that she had to make when she faced cancer.  She also emphasized the importance of keeping a positive attitude when facing adverse situations.  She made a list of the top ten best things about cancer, which seems odd since cancer is such a difficult disease to deal with.  On her list she included things such as not having to cook for weeks on end, getting to pick her hair color by the day, and getting to share her experience with those who are fighting the disease after her.  She definitely showed the group how to get through any situation that seems too hard to handle.  I loved her talk – she included many funny stories that gave us insight in to her personal life with Coach Dooley.  After our day with Barbara, our group loaded up on a bus and went to a school in the townships.  They had a classroom that was dilapidated that needed to be de-trashed, swept, mopped, painted and have the windows replaced.  Our group worked together very well to accomplish all of this in just a few hours.  Not only were we able to restore this classroom to working order but we also were able to spend the afternoon with the children who attended the after school program at the school.  They were incredible – most of them just wanted to hug you and get piggyback rides others played soccer, snapped photos with our cameras or talked to us about their interests.  Today was a very great day.  I was worn out after today so I watched "Knocked Up" in Eric and Andrew's room with Kristy and a few other people.  I fell asleep in there and finally made it back into my room later.

A crusty-nosed toddler that I was playing with at the after school program.

Kristy and me with a group of girls who had been braiding our hair.

The group mopping and scrubbing after we cleaned the trash out of the room.

 Our group playing with the kids after cleaning up.

All the trash we had to clean out before we were able to mop and paint.

Friday May 22^nd

Today the group woke up at 4:45 this morning to load the busses at 5:30 to be taken shark-cage diving.  We conquered a 2.5 hour bus ride to the docks, ate breakfast and loaded up on the boat.  After a while and several groups of divers had seen sharks we started to encounter adverse weather conditions and the captain said it was unsafe to be out so we headed back in. The trip back into the harbor was really scary and we were all so glad to be back in the port and on land.  About 60% of our group was very, very sick for most of the trip.  When the boat broke down and we were facing waves that were 20-25 ft tall I had to call mom and dad, hahaha.  I was so scared!  The crew got out life jackets and started telling us how to put them on and tread water.  YEAH RIGHT.  Treat water?  After we'd been chumming and baiting whole tuna bodies for the Great Whites?  I knew I was going to die.  Ha, aside from the crazy storm - I saw a 5 meter long Great White... the captain said it was the biggest one they see.  It was discovery channel jumping on the tuna.  I didn't get to get in the cage before they brought the group back but the company offered to let all of us go back for free - so I might do that!  I tried to help the folks who were sick and get them water and crisps as much as I could walk around without being knocked over by waves or the rocking of the boat.  I was very happy I had woken up and taken a Dramamine first thing in the morning.  After a long day on the water, I worked out with Coach Dooley and then met the Dooleys for dinner at the hotel restaurant with a few other students.  We had a great time talking to them – we’re so lucky to have them be a part of our trip. 

These are before the crazy weather began!

Coach and me during the boat ride.  

Saturday May 23^rd and Sunday May 24^th

Today is DAD'S BIRTHDAY! Saturday was awesome because our whole group went on a wine vineyard tour and visited a pretty village.  We all ate lunch and enjoyed each other’s company.  I had a great video chat with Mom and Dad to catch up on life.  It was awesome!  

The group at the wine vineyard!

The Dooleys and me at the vineyard.

On Sunday most of the members slept in and enjoyed a beach day – reading and listening to music.  Apparently, we are going Salsa dancing again tonight.  I’m a part of a group that is going on the five-day garden route tomorrow.  We are leaving at 7:30 in the morning.  It should be a lot of fun!  I can’t wait!   

*I leave for the 5-day Garden Route tomorrow and won't have computer access or phone access either.  I'm going to journal and catch you up on Friday when I get back.  I can't wait - we are going to bungee jump, zipline, ride ostriches, sea kayak with whales, check out the coastline - it's going to be great.  I will update everyone when I get back.  So far, we've completed Leadership week, we start off week tomorrow, we start education week the Monday we return, Adventure Week after that with a safari to Kruger and then Diplomacy week where we go into the community and work!  We will be working with the AIDS organization and Amy Biehl foundation during Education week too.  

Love you all.