Gettin into the groove...

Most of a week has past and I'm gettin into the routine of life here.  This has certainly been a week of ups and downs as well as one full of new experiences.  I have grieved the loss of a much-loved uncle, traveled half-way across the world (at least it seems that way), and come to a place where nearly everything is unfamiliar.  
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to eat an African meal prepared by our cook's assistant, Prisila, called Samp & Boerewers.  It was really good, probably not something I'm going to seek out to eat every meal, but it was really good. :)  

Friday morning, we were dropped off in downtown Krugersdorp in pairs. Our assignment was to take 15 pictures, without looking through the viewfinder, or at the LCD.  At first I thought it would be a difficult assignment for me.  I typically like to look at the composition of the shot and ponder it before I take it.  I think this assignment actually ended up being a great exercise for me as a photographer as well.  I looked at everything through the viewfinder in my mind.  I must confess, however, there were a couple that I glanced at after taking them and deleted them so that I could re-take it.  One of my favorites, was this one.  I'm not sure if this guy realized I was taking his picture.  I'm not sure if you can read it, but at the top of his windshield he named his truck, "The White Thunder."  He had put a pretty impressive sound system in that little truck.  He had his music up pretty loud.  I loved how he was just chillin out, leanin up against his truck.  The purpose of our assignment was for us to see the cultural differences that we may otherwise miss.
On Friday afternoon, we went into town to watch Invictus, a movie about Nelson Mandella and how he was able to effectively begin the dismantling of apartheid using rugby.  It was a wonderful movie.  I would certainly recommend it.  We spent part of our evening at the mall, giving us the chance to explore more of South African culture.
Today, Saturday, has been a pretty low-key day for us.  We will be going to the Krugersdorp church tomorrow morning.  I am truly looking forward to visiting this church that Dr. Jimmy began.  I will be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow.  I am so excited to be where I am.  Not only am I following the path God has set before me, I am getting to experience so many new things.  I have the opportunity to see things that such dear friends, the Gardners, had such a part in beginning.
(I am posting many of my pictures on facebook.)  I have gotten into the habit of posting Scriptures that relate to how I'm feeling, but this time I'm putting the chorus of a song at the end.  Not only am I following my dream, but I am getting to see the fruit of a dream as well.

Dream on
When the world just doesn't believe
God has promised
Never to leave you alone
Dream on
Follow hope wherever it leads
In the seed of dreams
There's promise of the dawn
Dare to listen for the music
Keep on following the star
Morning can't be far
Dream on
"Dream On" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound