Pre-departure

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Well, I'm not in Cape Town yet, but I thought I'd keep myself and all of you on track.

Today I got my International Student Identification Card in the mail along with some three really cool bumper stickers that say "Study Abroad in South Africa" as well as "ZA." Since I don't have a car, maybe I can stick one of these fancy stickers on a makeshift bumper on my bike. 😊

I've been frustrated lately because I still do not know who or how many others are participating in this program with me. I'm also nervous I will not have the option to run and exercise as I wish while abroad, but I try to keep myself occupied with more optimistic thoughts (I can handle a treadmill, though it is not my top choice!) until I get there and find out what I can and can't do.

Yesterday I went to the Pamlico County Library and checked out a plethora (I like this word) of books dealing with South Africa, including one with lots of pictures (a necessity!) and Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. I doubt I will have time to read all of these books I want to read in 10 days, but I am excited to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into for six weeks.

Keep reading, dear friend!

I have some good friends I need to thank for giving me advice and for connecting me with people who might know more about Cape Town and South Africa than what I might read. Special thanks to Harvey and Nancy for teaching me beginning phrases in Xhosa - the basic things like, "Hello" "How are you" "I'm doing well" "Thank you," etc, and for giving me bits of advice on how to accept food, how to act in social situations, and ideas for what to wear. Also, thanks to Harvey, Nancy, and Ben for telling me stories of their adventures in South Africa. Thank you to Kristina for suggesting I might be accepted better in SA with a bald head than with dreadlocks, even though it did not convince me to shave my head again yet. Thank you to Amanda, Kevin, Miranda, Rick, Carrie, HB and the rest of those at Meredith that helped me on my way. A BIG thank you to those of you who have given money for my trip (you know who you are)! Without all this help I've gotten, this trip would not be happening - so thank YOU! And I know I cannot possibly list all those I want to thank, as there have been so many helping me along the way it would be impossible to do so; simply know that I am thankful for what you have done for my life.

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Comments

[ps]

xo
ps i love you!

[Charis]

PS!
PS I love you!