No Worries

Riding down a steep, zig-zagging road through the dense jungle of South Africa fills me with life and contentment. I'm learning to live in moments like these, to appreciate the fullness of how beautiful the trees look in the wind, or the smell of the air as it breezes by my helmet. Life is more easily taken in at slow speeds on a moped, and I'm finally beginning to master the art of two-wheel transport. My job description here is rapidly expanding and solidifying. I lecture on spiritual disciplines every Thursday for the gap year program, Life Academy, act as a pseudo-journalist for OAM by taking pictures and writing occassional articles, and keep in contact with families whose homes have been built by OAM and sponsored by church groups abroad. Starting in January, I also hope to begin community development in the area of Blanco, which incorporates roughly 2000 people. In my off time, I am still learning (and failing at) surfing, play tennis from time to time, ride my Vuka around town, and enjoy some South African barbecque (known as a braai) with some friends. The pace of life here is slow, and I'm beginning to get very accustomed to it. I'm sure that's annoying for my parents and others Stateside, especially when they're wondering what nonsense I'm up to, but come visit and you'll find yourself breathing easier as well. Just trying to soak this in one day at a time, and to not take things for granted. In one month I'll be back in the States for Christmas (which will be great), and the last 3 months will seem like a vivid dream. Fortunately, my plane ticket back is already booked.