Johannesburg, South Africa

Hey guys! We just arrived safely in Johannesburg South Africa! The flight was long and we had a lot of turbulance--but I was able to catch up on a few movies that I really wanted to see...oh and I watched Little Miss Sunshine AGAIN!! I love that movie!.

Due to safety concerns we are not allowed to leave the airport hotel. We were warmly greeted with wine and cheese--the African wine is great. I only took a sip due to the serious side effects of alcohol and our malaria pills. We are not allowed to drink 24 hours before or after taking our pill, which we take once a week.

I have met the most incredible people in my training group. It is hard to believe that only 3 days ago I meet 40 strangers who have now become my extended family. Most people are 23-24 years old, there are 3 African Americans, 1 married couple (both 26), 4 Asian Americans, 9 males, and the rest caucassian females. The oldest volunteer is Angela 38 and the youngest is Tamera 22. There are only two of us from the south and of course I am getting a lot of comments on my southern accent! Everyone in our training group is with the Radio Education Development (RED) program ---yes, my program has a new name, it is no longer Learning at Taonago Market---- and with the Health program.

DC was great! We were there during the State of the Union--there were armored cars and police barricades everywhere. I was able to see all the sights. I got sick my second day in DC (a horrible stomach bug was going around) and they were going to delay my departure a few days..but thanks to all the medicines mom packed for me I was able to make it with the group! Speaking of mom and packing---This was one of my biggest concerns--packing! It is a joke within our group now that Charlye packed the most and that I can fit at least a small village of children in my bag! It all worked out fine in the end--African Air let me check three bags without a charge. So far, my experience with the African people has been very pleasant and welcoming.

Tomorrow we leave for Lusaka and begin training. I will not have access to the internet during the 9 week training period. We will have a short time to email on Sunday Jan 28th. I am very excited to arrive in Zambia and meet the people, play with the children, and view the beautiful landscape! This adventure finally became a reality once I was in the air. It was very difficult for me to turn my cell off- once I did I knew this journey was official. Even now, I think I hear my phone ringing!


Our training group is very very close. We have been looking out for each other and have formed close bonds already--I can hardly believe I know all their names and what state they are from and I have only known them for 3 days! So, please do not worry. I feel safe and comfortable. I miss you guys and will write again soon.