Since My Last Post

There has been sooo many things that have happened since my last update. The more I get into school the more I realize how much work it is actually going to be. The semester only spans from the end of july til the end of october. I have 3 papers due around september 3rd, all around 10 pages a piece.

The major thing that I have been working on since my last update has been the Intervarsity Ballroom Dance Competition. At first glance, I didn't think the dance society would be something I was going to take part of while I was here. Feeling like I hadn't given it the chance it deserved I went back. I am glad I did, because all the thoughts that I had from the first meeting were completely washed away with good ones. In one week I managed to get a partner, go through dance bootcamp, and then two practices for the competition. The following Sunday I got to take part in South Africa's National Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition. My partner and I did quite well for our circumstances. For the division we were in we ended up getting 3rd for ballroom, 5th for latin and then a 6th for open mambo. The placement failed in comparison to the overall experience though. I felt I became a true Matie (that is the people that go to stellenbosch). We sang chants and cheered and just bonded on so many levels. I am very blessed to have the partner that I did. He was very excited and we actually had a connection and fun dancing with each other, which is something I have not had since my very first dance partner. Our team ended up taking home the spirit cup and placed 2nd in overall scoring. There was a moment that melted my heart when one of the handicapped dancers came to me and said she liked me and made a friendship with me. For a 1/2 hour we just sat on the sidelines laughing and watching the dancers and then sometimes dancing on the sidelines together. She was sooo loving and couldnt get enough hugs and giggles. The excitement in her face when the jive music came on was very inspirational. It reminded me that dance is not just how technically correct you can move your feet, but how the music makes you move inside. Until that moment I think that is a truth I had lost somewhere along my way.

On a not so high note, I had to confront a far too real stereotype of South Africa this week. While practicing for the competition my Ipod was taken out of the bottom of my bag. It was tucked away and set along the safest wall of the room, but somehow managed to get gone. When I was coming over here that is all people would say to me. South Africa=crime. I would always fight against it and say that it is probably just as bad as Charlotte or New York. I feel that this experience has given those people validation that they were correct. I don't believe that to be so. I must realize there is some truth, but that for the most part, the ideas people have of South Africa are still quite exaggerated.

The more time I spend here the more I feel myself growing. I am still continuing to cook and broaden my horizons of healthy food and drink alternatives. I actually had a request for my teriyaki chicken stir fry!!! That has to be the first time someone has actually wanted a particular food I have made. Felt sorta cool.

Today was day 2 at Kayamandi Primary. The task still proves to be a challenge, but most definitely a learning experience for both parties. The learners english skills are not very good so sometimes trying to get interaction or help with homework can become quite the obstacle. Then again, working with kids who come from your own background still poses lots of challenges.

The next few weeks I am cutting down the social life and hitting the books. Hopefully I will get everything done before the sunshine comes in and takes all my work ethic away. That is all I have for now, so goodnight to all those who actually read all the way through this :)