What a way to end the day

The second half of V-day was spent water skiing. Yes, I'm going to rub it in to all of you in the northern hemisphere- it was an awesome afternoon of sun! Chris, Barry, Ralph and I went out on the boat again at Bronkhorstspruit Dam. I'm officially convinced now that 2 skis are easy for me so, next time, 1 ski. I'm determined to do it especially now that Chris got up so easy after only 2 attempts! Way to go Chris!

Which love language do you favor?

I had a great Valentine's Day. Went to tutor kids at Rose Act in the morning and then headed to a brunch with a bunch of single ladies. The guest speaker talked about the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. What I learned is that more than knowing which love language I tend towards, it's more important to know what others like and giving that love to them. So, what kind of person are you?
1. Quality Time
2. Physical Touch
3. Words of Affection
4. Gifts
5. Acts of Service

15 months

So I have been in South Africa for just over 15 months now, just celebrated my 9 year anniversary with Medtronic, am turing 32 in 18 days, and it's been 8 months since I've been back to the States (Although, I am looking forward to seeing many of you during my visit in 2 weeks!). Life has been a bit tough for me lately ever since 2009 started. Thankful for many things but going through a rough patch now. Please pray for me.

Joburg thunderstorms, YIKES!

We had a LOUD thunderstorm tonight! The rain poured down so hard we could hear through the roof and practically feel it. Joburg summer storms are actually really magical. Quite frightening if you aren't used to it at all. Tonight, the lightening and thunder happened at the same time. I bet someone's car was the victim of a bolt. Even the locals I was with were scared by some of the thunder. Crazy! Glad I was inside and we waited the storm out over coffee.

Rose-Act

I decided to finally get involved in a ministry I've had my eye on for about 6 months now. With the new school year, I thought it a perfect opportunity to just do it. Rose-Act is a Saturday school tutoring program run by the church I go to that reaches out to kids throughout Joburg but mainly in Alexandra, the township closest to where I live. We had orientation with the kids last Saturday and I am very excited to help with the 12th grade math(s) literacy class. (Yes, they pronounce math with an 's'.) Rather than being considered seniors, in South Africa, they are matrics. Wish I could be here the entire year to see these kids through their last year. But, I'm going to devote my time as long as I'm here...

Year of the Ox

Chinese new year has come and gone. Life has been so busy for me, primarily with work, that I was just too tired to arrange an evening out for Chinese food this year. We may still have a delayed celebration. Although, I could not let Monday pass without having some ethnic food so I went and got myself some chicken fried rice. Sad, very sad, I know...

Oba"ma"

I went to an unofficial Obama inauguration party last Tuesday. Quite interesting being surrounded by South Africans (and some Americans) and seeing people's reactions. There was a poster in the room with MLK, Obama, and Mandela. Later in the week, I went to a workshop where the speaker was talking about how kids in the townships are so excited about Obama. In fact, they are all saying that anyone whose name ends in "m-a" is someone special...Oh boy.