Sanibonani!

Sawibona! Igama lami uAlly! 

Today was the fourth day of classes, and in that time I can officially say I have learned a new language.  Tonight I had my fourth Zulu class and I feel like a pro, but I will never underestimate this clicking language again! It is the hardest class I have ever taken.  Zulu is everything that English is not, but I am getting the hang of it and I could not be more excited!

Not much has happened since classes have started.  Campus is beautiful everyday and homework haunts us as we play.  Today I did nothing but Zulu class, journal, read and tan.  I can't believe that this is my life and I am beyond blessed to be living it! As much as we complain, we really have no homework.  We fill our days with about an hour or two of studying and homework and the rest is filled with volleyball, hiking, swimming, and playing in waterfalls. Rough huh? I almost can't believe that I have time throughout my day to sit and just reflect.  I wish life back on the California campus was like this, because honestly who needs all that stress? 

Even though we are not taking the most demanding classes, we are being bombarded with culture shock and information.  We may not be in a classroom all day, but we are definitely learning.  There is so much about this country we have been learning just by taking those hikes and talking to people.  It is an interesting life style that continuously engages me.  Not only are we learning about our surroundings, but about each other.  I am so blessed to be here with some amazing people.  We are constantly learning and growing by listening and talking with each other.  My peers are so encouraging, and I have not been here one day in which I wasn't searching for something more.  

We are all here to figure this country out, to try new things and to grow and become more aware.  Together I can already tell that we are going to have some great adventures, whether it's conversing with the local Zulus when getting lost in the jungle, having the boys chase a lizard out of your room with a garbage can or simply waking up early to do our devotional.  I cannot wait to see the changes that are going to come upon each and every one of us.  None of us are sure what we are waiting for, whether it will be large or small, but I know none of us will return to the States the same.