The Flip Side

This week has been a rough one. Monday I learned about a death back home that hit me really hard. That evening also started the influx of challenging emails that would frustrate me the next 48 hours. I definitely had my fair share of pathetic, absolute hot-mess moments. I remember going to ladies prayer on Tuesday, and small group on Wednesday, and having the sense that I was barely keeping myself afloat. That I could have been overtaken by my emotions at any moment. Insert a couple incidents of me basically melting into the couch in the Village lounge. Like I said, hot mess. Anyhoo...

Things are looking up. Today I have only gotten two emails, from people that actually have something beneficial to say. My head is definitely on straight today. Last night we played this slightly awkward game with a cereal box, but it was really fun. It was really awkward...but really fun. I laughed a lot, which is always a bonus. And then we had a brief discussion about our community stay. I'll be staying with Mel, and it's going to be a once in a lifetime experience. And this morning I found this gem on pinterest:

Success!

This post is late, but on Monday Alicia, Mariah and myself successfully got our cartilage pierced at the local pharmacy here in White River! Excellent!

ps - I totally want to go back and get a second piercing after we have our community stays this weekend!

Shattered Dreams

Went with Alicia and Mariah to get our ears pierced today. The piercing clinic is apparently not open on Sundays. I've wanted to get part of my cartilage pierced for years, and I thought it was finally going to happen. Sad, sad day...

Africa Update

So Africa is amazing. I am getting into tons of shenanigans. So far I have flown across the world by myself, and not knowing anyone beforehand. I have swam in natural African water, and jumped off of a waterfall at said water. And I broke up with my boyfriend. Tomorrow I am going to Kruger National Park, and next weekend I am spending four days in the community with a African household. I'll update more later, but you have at least an idea of what I've been up to the last two weeks.

Quotes from Africa

Everyone here is hilarious. I am constantly laughing at someone. The quote of the day is brought to you by one of my favorite Brits, Joe, discussing the term table runners and marriage.

"Well, whenever I get married, I'm not going to choose a bride who wants bloody table runners."

Now, you just have to imagine this being said in a quick, (north) British accent. pure genius I tell you!

Better Off

And I'm always, always, always late
And my hair's a mess,
Even when it's straight

But so what,
I'm better off everyday
When I'm standing in the pouring rain, I don't mind
I think of you and everything's alright
I used to think I had it good
But now I know that I misunderstood



"Better Off" lyrics by Ashlee Simpson

Whisper

"Running the race
 Like a mouse in a cage
Getting nowhere but I'm trying
Forging ahead
But I'm stuck in the bed
That I made so I'm lying

But if you keep real close
Yeah, you stay real close
I will reach you

I'm down to a whisper
In a daydream on a hill
Shut down to a whisper
Can you hear me still

Eager to please,
Trying to be what they need
But I'm so very tired
I've stopped trying to find
Any peace in my mind
Because it tangles the wires"



"Whisper" lyrics by A Fine Frenzy

Morning Song

the time stamp lies, it's nearly 5:30am here in beautiful South Africa



Muted and gray are all the words that you say
I’m not listening anymore anyway
Perfectly shaded everything seemed at first
But that was just well rehearsed
“this will be the last time” I say
But always, it’s all the same
Six or seven times before today
Things have ended up in the same way

But the lightness in your tone
And the brightness of your eyes
Keep me coming back for another time
It’s the flashing of your love
And it’s the breaking of your heart
That make me hope that this could be the start

Africa!!!

Hey Everyone, I'm officially in South Africa!!!

This page will be slow for awhile, as I will be focusing most of my free time documenting my journey on my other blog. I haven't forgotten about you guys though! I'm sure I will have lots of stories to share over the next few weeks and once I've returned home so stay tuned!