Michael and Kaite

Their trip was absolutely fantastic! We got to do so many things, see so many people, they were able to see me teach, meet my friends, see my village, and experience just about everything possible in Moz. We stayed in Maputo for a few days, seeing the city and letting them adjust a bit to the jet lag/ time change. Then we came back to my town for a few days. I had to teach, but luckily they were able to come in and watch both a 9th grade lesson and an 8th grade lesson. The kids did particularly well those days- I think they all really loved having some visitors. After a few days in my town we went to the beach, for a night and had a fabulous time- soaking up sun, enjoying one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and catching up. After the beach it was back to my town for a few days, to play with the kids, teach them frisbee, drawing, passearing, and a long afternoon lunch with my family here. Michael killed a chicken (I helped!), Katie ralered and pillared a bit, and we say and looked at each other for a good four hours. Because they don’t share a common language there was a lot of dead air time if I wasn’t standing there, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We went back to Maputo on our way out to Kruger. The park was a blast! We didn’t see as many animals as we’d hoped- the grass is a bit overgrown right now- but we did see elephants up close, several times, and lions laying RIGHT on the side of the road next to us. After a few days at the park it was a few days in Pretoria and then goodbye. So hard to leave them!! I wanted to go back to California with them, no question. All in all a fantastic trip, one a few minor hiccups but all were resolved quickly and relatively smoothly. Highlights- Chicken killing, seeing the look on Eloite’s face when we gave her a new dress, dinner at the beach, and getting all the hugs and family love I wanted. Thank you both! Amazing trip and I miss you already.