A looong day in Durban but a great weekend of sport in Joburg made up for it.

I was originally supposed to make a quick trip to Durban on Friday for work. But due to unforeseen mess-ups in our Joburg office, rather than return at noon, I didn't get home until 9:30pm. Ugh. Well, my colleague in Durban was nice enough to show me around to kill some time as it was only the second trip for me to this city in the south. The hospital I visited was in Umghlanga Rocks. I had only heard of this town from people saying they are going on holiday to Umghlanga so I wanted to see what it was all about. Actually, just a short strip of beach with timeshares but with a stunning view.

Beverly Hills Hotel (in Durban?!)

I also managed to catch a look at the new world class soccer stadium they are building for the 2010 World Cup. Quite amazing.

Once I finally got home for the weekend, I spent most the time watching rugby and soccer.

Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions with a last minute kick. Woo hoo!

And both USA and RSA put on a good show in the Confed Cup final games but unfortunately both lost. Brasil def. USA in the finals and Spain def. RSA in the 3rd place match. Bummer. Wish it had been USA vs RSA in the finals! All in all, I think South Africa did a great job hosting the Confed Cup. Now, time for 2010.

Confed Cup semi-finals

USA vs Spain
RSA vs Brazil
We shall see what happens...

Way to go Barry!

My friends Chris (from Canada) and Barry (from South Africa) got engaged in Italy a couple weeks ago. Finally and Congrats! And way to go Barry for flying all the way there to surprise Chris on her Italian holiday. I'm very happy for the both of you. Now, I need to find a way to come back to South Africa for your wedding later this year!

The happy couple.

This past weekend at Tasha's restaurant for their engagement brunch.

FIFA Conderations Cup 2009

Alright, I must admit, I know very little about football aka American soccer. Well, I do know more about soccer than cricket, but that is beside the point. The 2009 Confed Cup started here in South Africa on Sunday. Apparently it's the thing that takes place the year before the World Cup in the same host country. 8 teams (including USA) are playing throughout the country. USA lost against Italy on Monday 3-1 (no surprise although I received an SMS at half time they were ahead 1-0). Last night Bafana Bafana won (RSA's team known to be not so good). I am currently stuck at the Bloemfontein airport along with half the reporters who covered the match here last night RSA vs New Zealand. Interesting seeing them all on their computers, from different countries, carrying huge video cameras...Now, if only I can get the courage to actually start a conversation.

It's really really cold here! But, the sun has finally come out!

OK, so the lowest temperature got last week was 8degC. I know, I'm a wimp. Just because I grew up in Minnesota doesn't mean that toughness stays with you. Plus, the houses here are not insulated well at all. But combine the cold temp with clouds and rain, it makes for a miserable week. Thank goodness for 2 things: fitted mattress covers that have heat controls and the natural heat of the sun finally broke through last Friday! But, we are still in winter and that means soup weather.

I went to the Chinese food store (yes, those exist here) to see if they carried napa vegetable (helps to make a good base for soup). I really wish I remembered the Chinese name for it b/c these people did not understand very much English. Anyway, what I saw there were these gigormous napa vegetables. They must be on steroids. Very big, very heavy. Too much for my soup. The guy showed me some other vegetable which I thought looked like boy choy and I said no thank you. Well, he heard "bok choy" from my mouth and immediately realized I was cantonese speaking and went ahead and showed me some "bai cai" which I think is the same as boy choy but in mandarin. I was so confused. Anyway, I'm currently making the soup. We'll see how it turns out!

Romans 8:28

And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

What a great passage and very timely as my company goes through layoffs. In fact, many long-time colleagues received bad news last week. And for me, continued uncertainty as to where and when I will return to the States. But, I am actually ok most of the time. Thank God for the peace I have as I wait and hope for a great opportunity.

The little joys of life keep me uplifted through the difficulties and really cold winter. Here's a picture of Maurice and Daisy with their new little one, Liam.

Lending a helping hand...

Thank goodness my brother decided to take my mom's car to use in New York. We put it to good use to help move around some donated toys and clothes with the goal to get all of it back to RSA. Chris flew into New York from South Africa for 24 hours so we could together bring back at least half of the 300 lbs of toys, clothes, and crayons. A log of the toy's journey: Ontario Cananda, Michigan, put on a Greyhound bus headed to Port Authority in Manhattan, via taxi to Brooklyn, 1/2 on to RSA and 1/2 stored in New Jersey. A crazy ride for this stuff all for the good to bless lots of little ones in Alexandra (the township that the church I attend works with extensively).

The Greyhound station and mid-town Manhattan outside of Port Authority.

I want to say thanks to Judy for entertaining me and helping me with the Manhattan portion of the leg! This is her lifting the bins out of the taxi in Brooklyn (where my brother lives).

Chris digging through the stuff.


All 6 bins, 300 lbs of stuff outside Jeff's apartment.