Merry Christmas!!
Trip Start
Oct 30, 2005
1
6
19
Trip End
Apr 02, 2006
Umzumbe, South Africa
Sunday, January 8, 2006
Sorry it has been a while, but as I said before-our internet access is super-slow and I have been really busy with the kids:)Anyways-I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! It doesn't even feel like Christmas to me! It has been in the 80's all week and I even have a sunburn from playing with the kids outside today! There is definitely not the crazy chaotic bussiness that I am used to around this time of year. It actually is kind of nice not to have the commercialism-and to celebrate Christmas "low-key" this year. The children are waiting for "Father Christmas" to fill there "Christmas socks"! I asked one of the girls-"So, what do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?", and she asked "Who?":) It pretty cool learning about the different ways in which Christmas is celebrated. Many of my fellow volunteers are from different parts of the world-so I am learning just as much from them as I am from the local Zulu culture. The children are very excited about Christmas. We have been making lots of Holiday crafts and decorating all week. it has been lots of fun. They are doing very well:)I am getting quite close to many of the girls, and I know it will be difficult saying goodbye in March. I can't believe Christmas is this weekend!!I am on my way to the beach with 5 other volunteers for the weekend. We are staying at "Mantis and Moon" backpackers (in case you want to look it up), which is supposed to be really nice with a beautiful beach. We are all celebrating Christmas away from home for the first time-and we are giving each other "secret santa" gifts so that we will have a present to open Christmas morning! Oh-I rented a car this weekend for the trip and I have been driving all over the place! It is pretty wild driving on the right side of the car/road! Everything is opposite of what we are used to in the states. Time is FLYING by so quickly! I cannot believe that I have been here for almost 2 months now. Hmmm, what else is new with me...Oh-I have decided to take my holiday break in Mozambique and Swaziland in February. It will be nice to venture out of the country for 2 weeks while I am here. Gosh-there are so many places that I want to see while I am here, but so little time:)I am already thinking of when i can come back to Africa to travel. I know it will be sooner than later!
Next week will be a lot of fun celebrating the New Year with the children. We are planning a huge party, and the kids are excited that they get to stay up late and dance, eat sweets, and watch the fireworks! It almost feels like we are planning the Fourth of July because it is hot. Well, gotta run. I will try to post more pictures in the next few weeks. Thanks for all the e-mails and support! Also-thanks to those who have sent me packages for myself and the kids! The have really enjoyed all the sweets, games and everything else! I will try to write again soon. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and will be thinking of you when I am sipping on a cocktail laying on the beach Saturday!!!Lot's of love, Jaime
