Two weekends ago we got to relax the entire weekend, which was much needed. Not only were many others and I on the brink of the craziest week (academically), but we were getting burnt out from being busy all the time and not sleeping very much.
Last week was insane. On Monday I had a presentation and an exam in my biology class as well as a reflection paper due for Intercultural Communication, Tuesday I had a reflection paper due for Bible, Thursday I had a seminar presentation in Bible, and Friday I had two term papers due. Thursday night I pulled an all-nighter to finish my biology term paper, starting it around 9pm and finishing it at 6:30 the next morning. Although I was fried on Friday (haha--get it? Fried-day?) I had no regrets at all about staying up all night to do my paper. It meant that Friday night I got to relax and have fun, which I did!
On Friday night I visited a youth group in a township, a primarily Black community. NCF Church, the church I have been going to during my time here in South Africa, has many church plants in the area, and this location was one of those plants. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The youth were dancing during the entire time of worship; I'm not sure I've ever seen a group of people be so free! The sermon was great as well; the speaker spoke in English and Zulu interchangeably. Unfortunately we did not get to stay for very long afterwards but I would definitely love to go again if given the chance.
On Saturday we went to Drakensburg (a two-hour drive) to Giant's Castle where we went on a hike to see some cave paintings of the San Bushmen. The landscape was incredibly beautiful and on our hike back we stopped along the river to swim for a while. The current was so strong and parts of the river bed were so smooth that riding it was like an all-natural water slide!
Sunday was a homework day for me, which included watching "The Passion of the Christ" for my exegetical (Bible) paper. I have never been so moved by a movie in my entire life; if you haven't seen it, I strongly suggest seeing it. It presents Christ in a way that makes you realize how real our God is.
Academically, this week has been much easier than last. It is our last week of classes, with finals being the end of this week and early next week. After next Tuesday, we will be done with the majority of our classes (well, most of us anyways; the Zulu students and nursing majors have another four weeks), which I am so excited for!
Yesterday we went back to Drakensburg to the Drakensburg Boys Choir School to see their choir perform. They rank as the #1 boys choir in the entire world, having traveled internationally and winning numerous competitions. Their performance was incredible, to say the least. It's amazing to think that such young boys (many of whose voices haven't matured yet) have so much talent! If you haven't seen them before they have a performance every Wednesday at 3:30pm (South African time), which streams live on their website. Check 'em out!
On a personal level, things have been fantastic as of late. I am so at peace here, I am incredibly grateful for those I'm studying abroad with, and I can't wait for what's to come. Safari, a month at our service sites, and even more traveling (including bungee jumping and shark-cage diving!) await us.
Let's go.
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