Home Sweet Home

We are home! Here is an update about our last week in South Africa.

 This is our team about to leave Pilanesburg with our two safari guides, Marone and Scott.

Saying goodbye to Samantha and Rodney!

 When we returned from our safari trip, we did a couple of days of "debriefing" to prepare to come back to the states.  We spent one day at the Botanical Gardens just outside the city to reflect on all we learned throughout our time in SA.  It was so beautiful and such a relaxing day.

 There was even a "children's garden" with tunnels underground to run 

through and a really neat playground!

 That night we all got dressed up and went out to a nice restaurant called The Meat Co.  

The kids were a little crazy since it was late and not very kid friendly, so Chad and I enjoyed our food but were a little stressed out! ;)

The students and Chad had the opportunity to spend some time serving in the slums the day before we flew home.  They helped run a day camp for children ages 2-10.  Their eyes were opened to the needs of the world as they saw some of the most impoverished places in South Africa.  Their hearts were broken as they saw 500 children attend this camp, many whom are without parents due to the AIDS epedemic. They had the opportunity to share the gospel, play soccer, and feed them a good meal.

Our last group picture in the Atlanta airport about to board the plane for Indy!  

The flight back was one hour and 45 min. longer than on the way there (so 16 hours and 15 min from Joburg-Atlanta!), but thankfully a much better trip!  I took Dramamine so I didn't get sick at all and the kids didn't seem as restless.  God was gracious and we all got a little bit of rest on the flight!

I can't believe our Cross Cultural experience is over!  I am so thankful for such an amazing trip and am going to miss our 11 other "kids"!