A few days ago we visited a handful of schools and had the opportunity to speak with students and faculty at Midrand High School and Eqinisweni Secondary School. I was shocked and sobered by their response in regards to the AIDS epidemic and rape prevalence. I am still working to digest the harsh reality--perhaps this blog entry will help me do so.

At Midrand High School we stat in Ms. Sinah Komane's life orientation (L.O.) class. The high school itself has 1023 learners. It was established in 1993 (post-apartheid) and has 40 highly qualified teachers.

Africa has continued to amaze me. The scenery is amazing, the people are hospitable and warm, the sun is BLAZING! We travelled a couple days ago in 105 degree heat without air conditioning for six hours. I was in the back and felt a bout of nausea but tried my best not to complain because I AM IN FLIPP'N AFRICA!

I was warned me about lions, elephants, zebra, and hippo, but never warned me about the baboons. The baboons are the worst! We have been warned extensively about them. Yesterday, a baboon came into our camp, found the refrigerator, and stole bread from it. He proceeded to eat the loaf from the rooftop as we all watched. Two others were on the beach. One of them slapped a three-year-old girl in the hand to get her food out of it. They are CRAZY!

Hello all, just a brief update:

South Africa is far from what I had envisioned. It is a very developed country and has challenged traditional views of "Africa." It is a land of contrast. The rich are RICH and the poor are poor. Although the apartheid government ended nearly twenty years ago, personal prejudice and economic disparities still exist.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has come to a close and TOMORROW is the big day! After immersing myself in South African studies over the past couple of days, I feel as prepared as I could possibly be. I do not have many expectations, but trust that the month will challenge, inspire, and teach me in ways that I cannot begin to fathom.