Amazing Journey

Just new at this! Be patient! My husband, Courtney and I are presently in Queenstown, South Africa volunteering in a school providing special education support as well as professional development for teachesr.  First we landed in Johannesburg in mid January.  Great bonus for us, after meeting a woman from Joburg on our plane from Amsterdam was taht she took us everywhere and introduced us to many of her educator friends.  Wewere able to get not only a good snapshot of Joburg but also of education in South Africa as she had previously been an educator and now she works for the municipal government in Gauteng.
Amazing to stand in the house where Nelson Mandela lived.  To see where and to learn about the struggles he and his peers endured.  To be standing where he hid when the police would come looking for him,  Very powerful!  Very moving! 
Once in East London and taking our ride to Queenstown, two hours north to our destination for the next six months we could begin to get a sense of this gorgeous, mountainous terrain.
Arriving at ourlocation, an amazing B& B, Heritage House, was incredible.  All of the people we have met so far have been extraordinarily outgoing, friendly and most accommodating.  We must be in Heaven for real! 
We had two days to get settled, two more days to meet all the teachers and then school opened.  Meeting the students was a highlight.  All fresh and excited about beginning a new school year all in their beautiful red and blue uniforms.  Connections with teachers were quickly made and we were off on an incredible journey into the lives of people halfway acound the world, feeling as if we have been here forever. 
It always amazes me,no matter where we have travelled, of the many similarities in the midst of many diiferences that exist. Imagine discussing the "toothfairy" with grade twos here, as at home! Amazing!