Monday, July 9, 2007







Hi folks, It has been a few days of struggling with the Internet (connections aren't fast here, uploads are awful)

BUT here are some photos, first is our GO Group with our game drive (2 days ago), where we saw so many cool animals upclose and personal. We actually were behind an elephant chasing a truck. When your guide says lets back up and take this seriously, you get very quiet. We saw rhinos, hyenas, baboons, everything except lions.


Yesterday we had an amazing day staying with a host family from Mamelodi. We got to stay with Lebo, the person we hosted in May from Mamelodi. She is very cool and took us straight to a really cool artist, that we love, Vusi Mahlasela's house. He just finished a concert in Joberg the day before and was eating dinner, but had us in his living room. Earl has to finish the details, I can't tell all!! HOW COOL!

Today we spent working. Earl was a cutie hauling bricks for the orphanage. I was not too busy with IT but did get to talk to so many wonderful folks! There was a dedication ceremony for the orphanage that was amazing and a workout jumping to the African music.
Words can't explain what this place it like, but the most special thing is that these people don't have near possessions or wealth, but they are the most joyful I have ever seen. Just being with them with a little bit, you receive a tiny part of their joy, it is wonderful.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Happy 4th of July

Here is the latest pic of the boys (with swimsuits on)
Countdown, less than 12 hours!! WE are packed though! Getting up in 8 hours, so just practicing posting, so in SA I will be fast!
Thanks for checking in to my blog! I am working on how to download pics! Hopefully I'll have some good shots from activities:
Day 1 rest from jetlag, we get in at 4 pm on Friday SA time, 10 am Ohio time - 24 hrs travel
Day 2 church @ Charity and Faith Mission Church
Day 3 safari and african market
Day 4-8 working - Jim is gardening, Kristie is training with the IT team
Day 9 apartheid museum
Day 10 travel 24 more to come back

(Hey mom, we are never by ourselves, we will always have group and SA escort, we are safe!!!)
Thanks again for the happy thoughts,
Love, Jim and Kristie

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

July 3, 2007

Hi folks, This is our first blog attempt and we hope to be successful in sharing our trip to Mamelodi, South Africa. Of course we are not packed, but we are excited to finally be going. Our flight is very good compared to others. We leave Thursday at 11:45 am and get to Mamelodi 4 pm the next day.
Bookmark this site for updates, hopefully daily!
Thank you to all of our loyal supporters for the love and kindness!
Love, Jim and Kristie