So, I guess I’ve been a bit of a downer as far as portraying the ills of South African poverty– but just one more, and then I promise to make the next one more uplifting!So, yesterday we had the pleasure Continue reading I sleep with my dogs by choice→

View from a mountain lookout This trip has begun to fall into a groove with placement at our volunteer sites.  This morning we met our new mentor, teacher, and guide, Fred, at the train station (9 a.m. sharp- not like Continue reading Secondhand Trauma→

I just spent an amazing day at ARESTA working as part of my volunteer placement while I’m here.  These are the same people who took us to the Home Affairs office I described a few days back.  Today was a Continue reading Decisions Decisions…→

Just wanted to write a bit about a small business owner my professor introduced us to the other day.  Mama Tope runs a bed and breakfast inside the townships that has been featured in many magazines across the globe.  Just Continue reading Hope in unlikely places→

So, it was windy and cold, but we managed to make our way to a great organic market where I spent way too much in the fair trade store.  After a lunch with the American University students who are getting Continue reading Waddle Waddle→

I don’t have much time at the internet cafe today, so I can’t catch up on my picture posting, but let me paint a picture for you of yesterday before I forget. One hour late for our appointment with the Continue reading Thursday at Home Affairs→

View of the townships around Cape Town This morning began with a site visit to the refugee resettlement organization, ARESTA, where I will be volunteering for the next three weeks.  I’ve been nervous for days leading up to this because Continue reading Day 2: Site Visit→

An unuusal two-story house in the township We all arrived safely and without incident in Cape Town last night around midnight (here time) after about 30 hours of travel.  The guest house is beautiful and right in the center of Continue reading Cape Town Arrival→

Kigali by night from our host mother’s house It’s time to leave Rwanda for now.  A mixture of red earth and children’s snot cake my jeans in the shape of little hands.  Bed bug bites mark my bum in neat Continue reading Dirt is my accessory→

Saturday was our one and only slack day in the trip and we ventured into the Congolese market in town in order to stock up on last minute souvenirs.  It’s was interesting dynamic because the rainy season has begun here Continue reading Holiday where?→