Zulu immersion & other dandy things

Hi wonderful people!

I am in the midst of my last week of classes with finals being NEXT WEEK.  Can you believe it?  Needless to say, I am incredibly busy and mildly stressed with all I have to do, but Africa is still treating me mighty fine.  And I like to think I'm treating it pretty finely (?)  as well.  Here's a quick update and then I'm off to interview a Christian Indian couple so I can write a 7 page paper on their lives and communication styles YIPPY!

This past weekend we want to a mock Zulu village to see how traditional Zulu people lived and still currently live and got to experience for ourselves.  It was incredible.  I really wish I could live in a village like that or something similar to that, like the Amish, for a year or so.  Everything they do just MAKES SENSE.  They appreciate the Earth, take only what they need, and recycle everything that they use.  For example, everyday they take their cattle's dung and put it into an opening in the ground where the dung is naturally compressed and methane gas is released and chanelled to provide gas for their entire little village.  Then the excess dung is used for fertilizer.  Nothing is wasted!  They don't spend a penny on gas for their stoves and hot water.  They are so brilliant.  The picture above is where we slept for the night.

Learning how to stitch a grass mat from a Zulu woman 

(she got a little frustrated with me I think)

We also did beadwork, pottery, stick fighting, and Zulu dancing.  Zulu dancing is super energetic and basically all-around amazing.  I'll demonstrate sometime when I'm home for all ya'll in the US.  Also, I could live off of Zulu bread.  It is steamed bread  and actually I can't even describe it. It is just heaven, trust me.

We also went to the Durban Market and the beach and the market that is at the beach.  I got a South African soccer jersey for myself for 70 rand (only $10!) but couldn't find my brother's size... He's like an XXXXXXXXL here.  I also bought some fun gifts for my family and friends... :)



I have been so blessed with the people I have here!  I am connecting on so many levels with the incredible friends I have made on my trip.  I can see where God has placed each individual in my life for a specific purpose.  Late night talks are one of my new favorite pastimes, even if I am a zombie the next day.

My friend Alle stick fighting with a Zulu man- SHE'S A BEAST :)

This weekend we are going to a RUGBY GAME!  Holler!  I am so excited.  I also got invited to see a cricket game last week by my friend South African friend Brett but we couldn't go :(  My goal is to see at least one rugby, cricket, and soccer game while I'm here.  Sweeeeeeeeet!

Also, BIG NEWS........... I went for my FIRST RUN in almost 3 months today!  My ankle has been feeling so good so I just decided to go for it and it was great!  Almost no pain at all. Thank you, Lord!  The altitude, however, definitely got to my poor lungs.  I think I'll need to ease back into this whole running thing....

Life is great! God is greater!

Hope you are well, sending you an African hug,
Britt