Things are sadly beginning to wind down here. It's hard to believe, but I leave just two short weeks from tomorrow. Even as I write that, it doesn't seem real. I am so excited to see all of you guys and eat things like bagels, crispy bacon, and Mac 'n Cheese. I'm excited to drive and sleep in my own bed, to have a good wireless connection and lay on the couch watching TV. But I am going to miss so many people, places, and things here. This has been my home for five months; a place where I have grown and learned more than I even fully realize. South Africa will always have a special place in my heart and I am so so sad to leave. I cannot believe how fast this experience has gone!

In the last few weeks:

Classes ended and I took my last exam on Tuesday. I truly enjoyed attending my classes and was sad to see them end. I can now describe my friends and family in Afrikaans and ask for coffee and petro in isiXhosa. I can tell you about the HIV epidemic that is devastating South Africa and what is being done to save the country and its people. I have knowledge of many South African photographers and even have my own photography hanging up in the Stellenbosch International Office! I have understanding of cultures different than my own and a better grasp on my own culture.

I said goodbye, or 'totsiens' rather, to my kids at the Pebbles Project. While the language barrier proved to be a huge challenge, I still feel like my work was appreciated and worthwhile.

Last Wednesday I attended the CIEE program Farewell Dinner at a touristy restaurant called Moyo. We feasted, got our faces painted, and enjoyed our last night together as a whole group.

I said goodbye to my friend Nichole who departed SA and headed home to Nebraska on Thursday. Lots of tears were shed and the reality of leaving hit us all I think. Within the next two weeks most people from my program will leave one by one. I am actually one of the last ones to depart on May 31st.


(New photos in my 'Stellenbosch Round II' album)