My host parents are listening to "my humps" no lie. hahaha I'm downstairs and I can here it- it's so loud!! hahaha :) oh gosh.. they really are sweet though.
Anyways.. I've been very busy.. lets see..
Wednesday 8/19-21 I went on a grade 11 leadership camp! I can't tell you guys how much fun it was!! It was great to chill and bond with all the girls for a good three days. The camp was in a BEAUTIFUL town called Hogsback.. waterfalls, mountains, and rivers! I got a lot of true fresh air.. it was amazing! During camp, we did SO SO many fun activities I did everything i had time for- why not?!
some of the things I did--
1. Climbed a 7 meter (wobbly) wooden pole.. stood up on a tiny platform just big enough for my feet to fit on- and leaped into the air! It was a trapeze jump. :) I was the first person to get up there and do it! haha I simply told myself i was going to do it, got up, counted to three and jumped! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!! All the girls think I'm crazy brave. I didn't really think it was too scary!
2. A group of three girls.. Danielle, Izuz, and I completed a challenge called Jacobs ladder. This thing was a HUGE ladder, it hung 9meters high. It was made of large logs (about 8 logs) spaced at different distances apart. it was easily on of the most physically challenging things I've ever done. Teamwork was key. We could not have completed it without the other to lean on, step on, grab onto, or encourage. We were the ONLY group to complete this challenge! It's SO awesome to be able to say that.
3. A night hike.. with no "torches" (flashlights). It was very cool. You had to trust the person in front of you for direction!
It was the most fun I've had in a long time!! It's also nice to feel like I finally have friends.
After the most incredible week, I got to spend the weekend with the Benyon's! We went to the Albany Museum in G-town, took a "poor man's" game drive.. and we saw a giraffe!!!!! It was SO COOL!! I love driving around looking for animals!
On Monday 8/24 I gave my first speech about myself to The Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset! It went very well (or so I'm told)! I'm very glad to have that done.. but it was fun to let them get to know me a little more! They are really sweet and everyone is so welcoming! :)
Also to my club at home- Thank you so much for supporting me and thinking of me! Make sure and keep me up to date with the new students from Monticello who are applying this year to take the leap and experience an amazing year far from home. I can't wait to tell you all about my year.. It'll be so great to share with all of you!!
I'm keeping busy with school.. goodness the teachers here just love HUGE projects for some reason. It sucks. Also, Athletics has started. It's basically like a fitness session. One hour of being active twice a week. It's fun, and sometimes a bit silly.. but the girls are great, and it's nice to be active! :)
That's all I have for now..
God's peace and love-
Alison
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
My latest Update
August 9-10 2009
This weekend was a long weekend because of the public holiday (women’s day).
Friday was amazing. Church was so powerful- I can’t begin to describe to you how the Holy Spirit is moving in my life.
On Saturday I went to a local game park for a picnic lunch with les and Pauline’s daughter, Ruth. She invited me along with a few of her friends. She lives in England and is back there now.
On Sunday I was at home again J I went to church with my mommy Suzette and daddy George!! They are the most special people in the world- I love them so much!! After church I got to spend some time with them again.. it was nice to feel at home again after a rough week adjusting to new people.
After I got some “Green Time” I went to the most energetic, fun-loving, and inviting home for the night and next day! I stayed at Rob and Kate Benyon’s home on the Rhodes campus(pretty sweet). I’m officially in love with my soon-to-be younger sisters!! They are so sweet oh and we have fun!! Everyone hears a lot of “Alison did you..Alison do you know.. Alison guess what.. Alison Alison Alison!!” haha it’s so great J I answer many questions, laugh a whole lot, and had a really fun few days with the girls. I really can’t express how fun they are!!! I’ve started the countdown…
Rob and Kate want to take me places, show me things, and do everything we can while I’m with them. Special people huh? I think so!! I am blessed!! So with that being said- on Monday morning we all got up got ready and headed to the ocean!(as we were in the car, we all were blowing bubbles. And it started out kind of rocky, with spitting out the gum accidentally only on occasion. Haha but by the end of the day everyone was a pro! Paula is a great bubble blower now.) First stop was Port Alfred.. it’s beautiful. Rob has a brother that owns a boat and they live in Port Alfred. We met up with them and they took all of us on a nice ride up and down a river. It was beautiful weather, beautiful countryside to take in- and of course fantastic company! It is so beautiful here. You must all come and see. After the boat ride we headed to the beach! We went over to Kenton.. About 15 mins from Port Alfred I think. I want you all to remember it is the middle of winter in sunny South Africa and I had my swimsuit on! It was a bit too chilly for Kate, Jess and me to swim- but Rob Paula and Jess’s friend Kaylee swam! It’s amazing how a little sun and sand can put everyone in a happy mood!
But wait it even gets better…
On our way home, we travel through many game farms… I got to see 3 rhinos up close- from the side of the road. It was the coolest thing ever!!! They are huge muscular animals.. Kinda scary but thrilling all at once. I got to spend the day with a really cool family!! I’m looking forward to living with them soon.
Some days are good and some are not. Tuesday 8/11/09 was one tough tough day. The “vacation period” felt like it was ending and I wanted to get on the next flight home. I felt very alone and sad. I got a wonderful package from my mom, with a new iPod and special notes and things that made me want to jump over to MN and give her a big hug. This just set off my “waterworks”… I was missing the familiar things I took for granted. The sense of being safe and protected, having freedom to go anywhere do I anything whenever, and the precious family and friends that I got to see every day. This was also a BLAH day at school. It is hard to have motivation and want to be in that freezing building every day.
Oh a happier note—after a good cry, call home to mom, and a good night’s sleep, the next day was better!! I took my calculator to school today (light pink graphing one) and the girls went NUTS!! Haha they thought my calculator was the coolest thing in the world! It is so funny to see their reactions to everything- and observe how they do things! The black girls laugh at me because I’m the silly white American who makes everything into jokes and keeps everything chill. Haha they’re great!! And I’ve made some good friends. They are all very nice and I met some grade 8’s today- they thought they were SO cool because they have now spoken to an American! Haha the girls make me laugh. You can’t rush the process of making friends. And I could never replace my Jen Jen or Carissa… but each day is new and it gets better and better. It’s great how God helps us when we’re down!!
On Thursday 8/14/09 we had church youth—it got moved to Thursday because the youth leadership team was going out of town on Friday. But anyways, on Thursday, everyone gathered at the church, bringing any type of sandwich making material they could. We all made sandwiches.. and walked out along the streets handing them out to all the people who needed one. We also handed out any gently used blankets and clothing that we could gather. As we handed them all out, we asked the people if we could pray over them. I have NEVER had any experience with this, but God helped me through it and I was able to pray over about 5 people. It’s a pretty powerful thing. I’m being tested, pushed, and encouraged in my faith- I’m soaking it all up and loving every minute of it.
This week was good- tonight 8/14/09 I’m headed to a friend’s house for a movie night! Then tomorrow I’m going on a hike with Les and all his former students. (He taught at a school in the township) It should be a pretty cool experience and it will be great to get some fresh air and exercise. Sunday will be a day to work on projects and prepare for another week of school.
When you are in grade 11 here, you are considered the leaders of the school. It’s very formal and stuff. We sign up for committees and kind of run the school. So this past week we signed up for committees and I’m on the money box committee (in charge of expenses and stuff), the dress check committee (make sure girls wear nice things to dances), and the grade 11 and 12 formal dance committee. It’s good to start getting involved. Pretty soon I will start athletics (basically track and field). I’m looking forward to it!! So in the end, everything is going great. A few hiccups but I’m getting through it and that’s what this experience is all about!!
So there you go!! You are all filled in.
Love and peace-
Alison
August 17, 2009
Today is my momma’s birthday!!!! J I’ve been thinking about you all day Mom! Love you so much- have a great day!!!
And after my hectic weekend… I realized I’m a bad hiker. Haha!!! I’m pretty sure my Uncle Jeff and Brother Glenn would’ve gotten a good laugh- I was so busy trying not to trip on things, that (more than once) I hit my head on a tree branch or some really random weed hanging from a tree… haha!! It was nice to get fresh air and be tested( in a way). This experience can be compared to a hike. There are times you want to look back, turn around, go home. But in the end, you know you did something good and you can wait for the next thing to come..
On Sunday I slept in and later went to church. I love church!! And I get to see my Mommy Suzette. J I run right to her when I arrive- no matter who’s watching or what’s going on. I’m surrounded with great people. J
And also- EVERYONE READING THIS: please don’t get angry or frustrated with my poor father if he has nothing to update you with(about me). Haha it’s my fault!! I’ve been keeping really busy, and I’m going to try to update you more.. I promise!! But it’s not his fault, so patients please! J
Love, peace, and God’s blessings to all-
Alison
This weekend was a long weekend because of the public holiday (women’s day).
Friday was amazing. Church was so powerful- I can’t begin to describe to you how the Holy Spirit is moving in my life.
On Saturday I went to a local game park for a picnic lunch with les and Pauline’s daughter, Ruth. She invited me along with a few of her friends. She lives in England and is back there now.
On Sunday I was at home again J I went to church with my mommy Suzette and daddy George!! They are the most special people in the world- I love them so much!! After church I got to spend some time with them again.. it was nice to feel at home again after a rough week adjusting to new people.
After I got some “Green Time” I went to the most energetic, fun-loving, and inviting home for the night and next day! I stayed at Rob and Kate Benyon’s home on the Rhodes campus(pretty sweet). I’m officially in love with my soon-to-be younger sisters!! They are so sweet oh and we have fun!! Everyone hears a lot of “Alison did you..Alison do you know.. Alison guess what.. Alison Alison Alison!!” haha it’s so great J I answer many questions, laugh a whole lot, and had a really fun few days with the girls. I really can’t express how fun they are!!! I’ve started the countdown…
Rob and Kate want to take me places, show me things, and do everything we can while I’m with them. Special people huh? I think so!! I am blessed!! So with that being said- on Monday morning we all got up got ready and headed to the ocean!(as we were in the car, we all were blowing bubbles. And it started out kind of rocky, with spitting out the gum accidentally only on occasion. Haha but by the end of the day everyone was a pro! Paula is a great bubble blower now.) First stop was Port Alfred.. it’s beautiful. Rob has a brother that owns a boat and they live in Port Alfred. We met up with them and they took all of us on a nice ride up and down a river. It was beautiful weather, beautiful countryside to take in- and of course fantastic company! It is so beautiful here. You must all come and see. After the boat ride we headed to the beach! We went over to Kenton.. About 15 mins from Port Alfred I think. I want you all to remember it is the middle of winter in sunny South Africa and I had my swimsuit on! It was a bit too chilly for Kate, Jess and me to swim- but Rob Paula and Jess’s friend Kaylee swam! It’s amazing how a little sun and sand can put everyone in a happy mood!
But wait it even gets better…
On our way home, we travel through many game farms… I got to see 3 rhinos up close- from the side of the road. It was the coolest thing ever!!! They are huge muscular animals.. Kinda scary but thrilling all at once. I got to spend the day with a really cool family!! I’m looking forward to living with them soon.
Some days are good and some are not. Tuesday 8/11/09 was one tough tough day. The “vacation period” felt like it was ending and I wanted to get on the next flight home. I felt very alone and sad. I got a wonderful package from my mom, with a new iPod and special notes and things that made me want to jump over to MN and give her a big hug. This just set off my “waterworks”… I was missing the familiar things I took for granted. The sense of being safe and protected, having freedom to go anywhere do I anything whenever, and the precious family and friends that I got to see every day. This was also a BLAH day at school. It is hard to have motivation and want to be in that freezing building every day.
Oh a happier note—after a good cry, call home to mom, and a good night’s sleep, the next day was better!! I took my calculator to school today (light pink graphing one) and the girls went NUTS!! Haha they thought my calculator was the coolest thing in the world! It is so funny to see their reactions to everything- and observe how they do things! The black girls laugh at me because I’m the silly white American who makes everything into jokes and keeps everything chill. Haha they’re great!! And I’ve made some good friends. They are all very nice and I met some grade 8’s today- they thought they were SO cool because they have now spoken to an American! Haha the girls make me laugh. You can’t rush the process of making friends. And I could never replace my Jen Jen or Carissa… but each day is new and it gets better and better. It’s great how God helps us when we’re down!!
On Thursday 8/14/09 we had church youth—it got moved to Thursday because the youth leadership team was going out of town on Friday. But anyways, on Thursday, everyone gathered at the church, bringing any type of sandwich making material they could. We all made sandwiches.. and walked out along the streets handing them out to all the people who needed one. We also handed out any gently used blankets and clothing that we could gather. As we handed them all out, we asked the people if we could pray over them. I have NEVER had any experience with this, but God helped me through it and I was able to pray over about 5 people. It’s a pretty powerful thing. I’m being tested, pushed, and encouraged in my faith- I’m soaking it all up and loving every minute of it.
This week was good- tonight 8/14/09 I’m headed to a friend’s house for a movie night! Then tomorrow I’m going on a hike with Les and all his former students. (He taught at a school in the township) It should be a pretty cool experience and it will be great to get some fresh air and exercise. Sunday will be a day to work on projects and prepare for another week of school.
When you are in grade 11 here, you are considered the leaders of the school. It’s very formal and stuff. We sign up for committees and kind of run the school. So this past week we signed up for committees and I’m on the money box committee (in charge of expenses and stuff), the dress check committee (make sure girls wear nice things to dances), and the grade 11 and 12 formal dance committee. It’s good to start getting involved. Pretty soon I will start athletics (basically track and field). I’m looking forward to it!! So in the end, everything is going great. A few hiccups but I’m getting through it and that’s what this experience is all about!!
So there you go!! You are all filled in.
Love and peace-
Alison
August 17, 2009
Today is my momma’s birthday!!!! J I’ve been thinking about you all day Mom! Love you so much- have a great day!!!
And after my hectic weekend… I realized I’m a bad hiker. Haha!!! I’m pretty sure my Uncle Jeff and Brother Glenn would’ve gotten a good laugh- I was so busy trying not to trip on things, that (more than once) I hit my head on a tree branch or some really random weed hanging from a tree… haha!! It was nice to get fresh air and be tested( in a way). This experience can be compared to a hike. There are times you want to look back, turn around, go home. But in the end, you know you did something good and you can wait for the next thing to come..
On Sunday I slept in and later went to church. I love church!! And I get to see my Mommy Suzette. J I run right to her when I arrive- no matter who’s watching or what’s going on. I’m surrounded with great people. J
And also- EVERYONE READING THIS: please don’t get angry or frustrated with my poor father if he has nothing to update you with(about me). Haha it’s my fault!! I’ve been keeping really busy, and I’m going to try to update you more.. I promise!! But it’s not his fault, so patients please! J
Love, peace, and God’s blessings to all-
Alison
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I've Made the First Move
So as many of you know, I've moved from George and Suzette Green's home to Les and Pauline Mitchell's home. To be honest, it was very hard. The ties and instant bond I had with the Green's was not easy to seperate from. I still see them, and speak to them.. but I do miss silly Suzette and our hilarious conversations!
As soon as I decided to take the move like a champ, and remember why I wanted to do this, it's been great! The Mitchell's live within walking distance of the school and close to everything in town. They are very kind- I'm still getting made fun of for liking "wader". haha! Oh! and Mom- we should seriously invest in a domestic... Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for wash ;) Ok?! Sweet.
Today at school the smaller grade 8 girls were drilling me with questions!! I guess I have a cool accent and American girls have higher voices?! Ha! Ya learn something new everyday. Math class is a constant struggle.. So I guess I haven't changed too much :) I have a science test tomorrow... :( Today after school I stayed with my friend Nicloe. We went to the Interact club and made cards for the nursing home. It was nice! I've met very sweet girls, so thats good!! But I do miss my girls at home!! Love you!!
I just got some info. about a big tour going from Durban to Capetown! :) I'm going on it without a doubt!
So everything is going great! I'll update you when there is something more to share...
Love,
Alison
As soon as I decided to take the move like a champ, and remember why I wanted to do this, it's been great! The Mitchell's live within walking distance of the school and close to everything in town. They are very kind- I'm still getting made fun of for liking "wader". haha! Oh! and Mom- we should seriously invest in a domestic... Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for wash ;) Ok?! Sweet.
Today at school the smaller grade 8 girls were drilling me with questions!! I guess I have a cool accent and American girls have higher voices?! Ha! Ya learn something new everyday. Math class is a constant struggle.. So I guess I haven't changed too much :) I have a science test tomorrow... :( Today after school I stayed with my friend Nicloe. We went to the Interact club and made cards for the nursing home. It was nice! I've met very sweet girls, so thats good!! But I do miss my girls at home!! Love you!!
I just got some info. about a big tour going from Durban to Capetown! :) I'm going on it without a doubt!
So everything is going great! I'll update you when there is something more to share...
Love,
Alison
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Update!!
Oh man oh man oh man! Sorry It’s hard to find internet access…
Let me fill you in a bit! J
Tuesday 7/21
This was my last day to rest before school started! George (my host dad) helped me set up a bank account, and get molds for my retainers made. A very productive day if I say so myself! This was a night of not so great sleep.. the next day I was so so nervous for school!!
Wednesday 7/22
My first day of school! It was pretty rough. I had no idea what I was doing, and I followed a girl to every class. I don’t like not knowing the building, or any people in it! The girls were nice- I couldn’t tell you anyone’s name! Most girls have very tricky names to say... let alone remember!! I was so so lost- but god pulled me through the day!
Thursday 7/23
Rain, rain, go away come again another day… the cold cold weather finally arrived. BURR!! I’m not kidding- it’s really cold here in the icky half melted snow—with zero heating and a cement built school! Ick. But aside from the freezing, Thursday was fun! After stumbling through my classes at school, I went to Caroline Crisp’s home for dinner. She is a Rotarian and sent her daughter Ensley to Australia last year. Ensley was in town and we had a yummy meal with great conversation. They were a fun family to be with for an evening.
FRIDAY!!! 7/24 (still raining)
YAYYYY!! Fridays, gotta love ‘em! Finally it was Friday. No matter what the weather was like- it was a good day! After another long, lost AND cold day at school, I got home and took a very nice hot bath. Mmmm :) After that, I went to youth group at Suzette and George’s church. It started at 7pm and I didn’t leave until 11pm!! I didn’t want it to end! It was so much fun! Some of the girls from my school also go, so I officially have a friend or two. (A little side not to anyone going to school: If there is a “new kid” please please welcome them. Invite them places, be kind and speak to them.)
Saturday 7/25
A beautiful sunny South African day! Unfortunately, I slept through most of the sun. I think the jet-lag (sp?!) finally got to me. I mean I’ve NEVER slept that long.. 2:30pm! I loved it though! Saturday was officially one week I’ve been living in G-town. Later Saturday evening, Suzette, George and me went to a rotary dinner. It was held at a woman named Este Coetzee’s home. She is a Rotarian and wanted to do something special for the international exchange committee. Ater the very fancy and delicious dinner, the adults chatted about odds and ends for a while. Eventually Suzette and I were yawning tons (turns out she wasn’t too interested in the conversation either) haha!! The car ride home was a giggly one! Ya know, when you get SO tired everything seems to be funny?! It was a lot like that! It was a very fun night.
Sunday 7/26
This day was the best day so far!! I went to church (I really enjoy their church!!) Then Justin, Suzette, George, Justin’s “friend” Zelda, and I took a day trip to Port Alfred. Port Alfred= Indian Ocean! The Indian Ocean is something that everyone needs to see. It’s absolutely beautiful. There aren’t words that can describe how amazing it is. :) My mouth fell open—and stayed that way! Those of you that can access facebook will be able to see some photos. God really made a beautiful Earth! I had such a great time and can’t wait to go back in the Summer!! :)
This past week 7/27-8/2 was very fun!
On Monday Was school and rotary meeting. I got told that i look so much more happy. I think i'm known as the girl that smiles a whole bunch!! :) I'm really having a great time. On Wednesday I got to have dinner with Rob and Kate Benyon. Oh and their adorable daughters Jessica and Paula!! Having younger sisters will be awesome!! :) Friday was a great day (they always are..right?!) I went to youth group again- but this night was a special themed evening.. VINTAGE!! Oh it was a blast-- photos coming soon.. I've been getting involved with church a lot. I'm helping lead worship in sunday school and with a Friday afternoon program for kids called JAM. I'm doing well thank you all for your prayers :)
Love,
Alison
Let me fill you in a bit! J
Tuesday 7/21
This was my last day to rest before school started! George (my host dad) helped me set up a bank account, and get molds for my retainers made. A very productive day if I say so myself! This was a night of not so great sleep.. the next day I was so so nervous for school!!
Wednesday 7/22
My first day of school! It was pretty rough. I had no idea what I was doing, and I followed a girl to every class. I don’t like not knowing the building, or any people in it! The girls were nice- I couldn’t tell you anyone’s name! Most girls have very tricky names to say... let alone remember!! I was so so lost- but god pulled me through the day!
Thursday 7/23
Rain, rain, go away come again another day… the cold cold weather finally arrived. BURR!! I’m not kidding- it’s really cold here in the icky half melted snow—with zero heating and a cement built school! Ick. But aside from the freezing, Thursday was fun! After stumbling through my classes at school, I went to Caroline Crisp’s home for dinner. She is a Rotarian and sent her daughter Ensley to Australia last year. Ensley was in town and we had a yummy meal with great conversation. They were a fun family to be with for an evening.
FRIDAY!!! 7/24 (still raining)
YAYYYY!! Fridays, gotta love ‘em! Finally it was Friday. No matter what the weather was like- it was a good day! After another long, lost AND cold day at school, I got home and took a very nice hot bath. Mmmm :) After that, I went to youth group at Suzette and George’s church. It started at 7pm and I didn’t leave until 11pm!! I didn’t want it to end! It was so much fun! Some of the girls from my school also go, so I officially have a friend or two. (A little side not to anyone going to school: If there is a “new kid” please please welcome them. Invite them places, be kind and speak to them.)
Saturday 7/25
A beautiful sunny South African day! Unfortunately, I slept through most of the sun. I think the jet-lag (sp?!) finally got to me. I mean I’ve NEVER slept that long.. 2:30pm! I loved it though! Saturday was officially one week I’ve been living in G-town. Later Saturday evening, Suzette, George and me went to a rotary dinner. It was held at a woman named Este Coetzee’s home. She is a Rotarian and wanted to do something special for the international exchange committee. Ater the very fancy and delicious dinner, the adults chatted about odds and ends for a while. Eventually Suzette and I were yawning tons (turns out she wasn’t too interested in the conversation either) haha!! The car ride home was a giggly one! Ya know, when you get SO tired everything seems to be funny?! It was a lot like that! It was a very fun night.
Sunday 7/26
This day was the best day so far!! I went to church (I really enjoy their church!!) Then Justin, Suzette, George, Justin’s “friend” Zelda, and I took a day trip to Port Alfred. Port Alfred= Indian Ocean! The Indian Ocean is something that everyone needs to see. It’s absolutely beautiful. There aren’t words that can describe how amazing it is. :) My mouth fell open—and stayed that way! Those of you that can access facebook will be able to see some photos. God really made a beautiful Earth! I had such a great time and can’t wait to go back in the Summer!! :)
This past week 7/27-8/2 was very fun!
On Monday Was school and rotary meeting. I got told that i look so much more happy. I think i'm known as the girl that smiles a whole bunch!! :) I'm really having a great time. On Wednesday I got to have dinner with Rob and Kate Benyon. Oh and their adorable daughters Jessica and Paula!! Having younger sisters will be awesome!! :) Friday was a great day (they always are..right?!) I went to youth group again- but this night was a special themed evening.. VINTAGE!! Oh it was a blast-- photos coming soon.. I've been getting involved with church a lot. I'm helping lead worship in sunday school and with a Friday afternoon program for kids called JAM. I'm doing well thank you all for your prayers :)
Love,
Alison
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