As all of you who are reading this probably know I am studying abroad in Port Elizabeth, South Africa with other CSB/SJU students this semester! I will be leaving on January 27th and return May 22. We will be studying at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and volunteering at Pendla Primary School and The House of Resurrection, an AIDS haven. Along with the studying, we will travel to Cape Town, Durban, and we will be taking a trip out to rural South Africa to spend some time with white South African farmers.
I have been asked countless times "Why South Africa?" Well, I will tell you why. I have already been to Europe, I don't speak Spanish, and Japan is too crowded for my liking. That left China and South Africa. My decision was made when I heard about the volunteering that is a huge part of the South African program. When talking to people that have gone on the South Africa trip in the past they say the volunteering was the best part. The children love you and the adults and teachers are so thankful. I couldn't say no to that.
So, next time I update this I will be in sunny, warm (sorry I had to put that there) South Africa. I will update as often as I can about my experiences and what I have been learning. If you want to contact me just leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail at mbgearman@csbsju.edu.
Peace.
Sounds like it is going to be a fun time. I am definitely jealous of the warm weather you'll be having there. Have fun and I look forward to reading about your adventures.
ReplyDelete-Kyle G
have fun, melissa. you've got an incredible opportunity to see the world in a way 99.9% of americans never will.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa! Watching the clock..you should be in Amsterdam soon and then connect to the next leg of your long journey. I'll be waiting to hear of your adventures and experiences..enjoy and soak it all up!!!! Love you:)
ReplyDeleteHey!! Great to hear from you. Thanks for the blog - very intereting. You should feel bad for us back here - it's freezing, again. This is an experience you will have for life - keep enjoying yourself and learn a lot.
ReplyDeleteYour dad sends his best and is wondering where your fridge is (your St. Ben's fridge). Take care and keep on writing! Love, Nette