Can it get any better?

Will the real Cape Townian please stand up? Yeah, that's right. It's official. I'm one of them now. On Friday (June 28, 2013), I got on a train with some of my friends (for 17R I might add) and went to Cape Town. We didn't really know where to go once we got off haha but all we knew was to get off at the last stop and walk straight out of the station and not to talk to anywhere or go down the stairs. So that's what we did! When we got out of the station we walked straight into town and started exploring the city all on our own. It was so lively! I was a little frightened at first, but I held on to my straps and kept walking. We walked all through St. George's Mall looking at all the hand crafted figures, trinkets, and so much more. Next, we headed to Long Street in search of Mama Africa. Now Mama Africa is a very well known place when it comes to nommin on some good ol' traditional african cuisine. And it was so delicious! I tried three different meats that day- springbok, kudu, and crocodile. Now the springbok was okay and tasted more like venison. The kudu tasted like a delicious sirloin! But the croc, oh the croc, was terrible! EW EW EW! It was like a fatty cross between fish and pork. It was gross. Never again. But I'm glad I tried it because now I know. Next, I ordered Mama's botovie as my main course which was pretty much their version of meatloaf that has egg and sweet sauce on top, served with two different kinds of rice, a banana, and a pico de gallo mixture. To die for! Loved it and ate until I couldn't anymore. Now, it was off to Green Market Square for some gift shopping for those back home. Now usually people get overcharged and powned when buying for people back home, but I went in on a mission with a goal in mind. As we walked up to the market, I heard singing and I knew we were in for a great surprise when I saw children. They were wearing loin cloths made out of animal skin and had attached the tops of coke cans to their crocs to make noise as they danced and sang. It was the most beautiful music to my ears and sight to my eyes! It was almost too much for my heart to handle as I began to fall more and more with the culture here in the Cape. I had to walk away onto the shops. I met these shop owners with a fire in my eye and bartered my way through. I walked out with a backpack full of gifts and was well pleased with my afternoon. As we walked back from the market, guess what we found? A little place called crush that serves only vegan and gluten free items! Ah beauty. I could not have asked for a better afternoon as I munched on a gluten free brownie and sipped on a berry bliss smoothie. Needless to say, I had a blast this Friday as I embraced Cape Town on my own with those in my community!

Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital

      So we finished up our first week of clinics on Thursday. What a week! Now, there are 3 groups of us all at different hospitals and my group got to be at the public children's hospital this week. It was beyond intense! We were literally at the hospital from 8-6 everyday. The schedule consisted of clinic from 8- whenever you wanted to take lunch and then we had class at 4. The first two days at the hospital were not as clinic-like as expected because we were literally just thrown out into the hospital and told to make ourselves useful wherever we saw fit haha. Majority of the other volunteers left at noon which allowed us an ample amount of opportunities to be helpful to the nurses and doctors. Unfortunately the nurses and the doctors did not see us as helpful as we saw ourselves but rather just someone in the way so that was a little disappointing at first but nothing that couldn't be overcome.

      On the first day, we went to a presentation about what toys are appropriate for what ages which was hosted by some Child Life majors from Iowa. It was helpful to an extent but a lot of the children are beyond developmentally so that was kind of hard. After the presentation, we got assigned someone to show us the ropes. First, we went to the Toy Room!!! It literally is every child's Disney Land in that place. We picked out books and puzzles and play-doh for the kiddos we would be with that day. Next, we went to our first ward and I got to play with a little boy who thought it was a great idea to throw things at me for 2 hours while I dodged them ha but at least it brought joy to his day while he's recovering from some very painful burns! After tea time, David told us to go out and make ourselves useful somewhere again haha. They wanted us to actually be involved in patient care and doing things, but again we were sent out into the hospital. I was a little confused as to how this was going to work but I just went with the flow. I walked onto a ward and up to the first nurse who looked like she had some tenure and said, "Excuse me. My name is Morgan and I'm a student at UCT. We are taking classes here at the hospital and I'm here to observe and help you today. Would that be ok?" Surprisingly, she said yes and I was on the job. Nurse MoFlo in the house errbody! Not long after, I found out that I had walked straight into the high care ward for kidney and liver patients but my day was just beginning. I got to do all sorts of things that I know have already enhanced my nursing career as well as widened my spectrum of patient care! As my heart began to break for these sick children, I began to see the lack of healthcare workers for this area as well as a lack of morale and respect between patients, family and the nurses. My heart was overwhelmed but I kept trucking.

      Day two was interesting in the fact that we didn't go to a presentation and we were told not to do the play volunteer program! I was a little confused as to what we were supposed to be doing but TIA. You kinda have to flexible here or else it'll get the best of you, and we all know I'm not about that life. So, David told us to find Heather and she would take us up to a ward where we could be of some help. Little did we know that would not be the case...immediately we were taken up to the cardiac and tracheostomy floor. The children were literally so precious that I could not contain myself and just had to be with them! So we got a little baby tour by the head sister in charge and then we were off to work aka "make yourself useful." I found a nurse who I felt was in need of a student ha and we began preparing the meds for all of the patients on that floor. I mostly watched and was slightly shocked at the process, but TIA. That took quite some time but then, the doctors came in and we got to go bed to bed getting a breakdown of each patient and the plan of care that was to come. It was so kool to hear everything firsthand! After all of that, I was so excited to finally know what I was doing! Until, one of the other nurses pretty much came up and said some not kind words and I voluntarily left that ward. I went down to the pharmacy and just ended up playing with the kids in the waiting room and they were so excited! It was good for my heart to speak the language of kids for some time.

      On the third day, we had a completely different schedule again! This time we were given assigned wards with someone in charge of us. I was assigned the Intensive Care Unit. I first met with the social worker for the unit and we discussed each of the patients that I would be working with and what would be the best way for me to play with them. I was so excited! We discussed the importance of play in these children's everyday routine and how they don't get to do it enough. So, that day I got to play for like 6 hours straight- I even skipped lunch because me and this precious little boy were having so much fun. He was teaching me how to make chicken curry! That's a big deal y'all! But any who, I went back on day four and played with the same little boy.

      Overally, I had a great experience at the children's hospital. Sometimes it was hard to know exactly what I was supposed to be doing here because of organizational issues but that was minor compared to the hope and joy that was instilled in and experienced all in the midst. I wouldn't have changed one thing about this week! It would not have been worth it had it been easy the whole time.

Sunch

Sunday + Lunch = Sunch

So, yesterday (Sunday, June 24) could have been my favorite but hardest days thus far! A group of us got up and went to His People Church with Veronica and Aba. They're technically our RAs but they're more than that. They're our tour guides, our friends, and most importantly our sisters in Christ. But any who, they graciously allowed us to go to church with them. Veronica warned me that there would be a lot of singing and I was pumped! I love singing and jumping and just being in community...and in South Africa. What a perfect combination! Ok so we got to church and they started singing and my heart literally melted. Just to be that undignified in worship and praise to our God was beautiful to see and be a part of. We got to sing in shona, which is a language of Zimbabwe. They also did a song in Cosa but I can't do the little clicky thing yet but I will learn as time goes on. It was so fun though! We sang a lot but it was so good. Then the pastor got up and talked about the parable of the rich man and lazarus. That portion of the service was so special to me because they emphasized the gospel so well. And what I liked about it was the fact that it wasn't a lubby dubby version that focused on the sinful nature of humans but rather focused on the urgency and necessity to embrace and accept Jesus Christ as your savior. It was just really good to hear! After church, we got invited to sunch (I think that's how you spell it) and were asked to bring salad. Sunch is like community group back home but it was different. Here come 5 Americans walking into a South African biblestudy group that was already formed and do you know what they did? They welcomed us with open arms and even gave us lunch! They were interested in our lives and what we were doing here! Then we opened up our Words and talked about the parable of the talents and it was very nice. I loved hearing all the different perspectives on measures of faith and how the body of Christ is supposed to function. Community in ZA is legit! We didn't get to stay the whole time but I will definitely be going back next week. We changed right quick, hopped in cabs, and headed to the base of Lion's Head. We were set to climb that mountain just in time to see the supermoon!!! I was so stoked but I don't think I realized how scary it was actually going to be. Luckily, Veronica, Aba, and Matilda stayed with me all the way. When I get about three fourths to the top, I literally stopped and hugged a rock because I legitimately did not think I could make it and I was so scared. I remember my legs shaking and my heart pounding out of my chest. But with encouragement and so much prayer, I climbed on and made it to the top just in time to see the sun set on the left of Lion's Head and moon peek out from the side of Table Mountain. I was so relieved to be at the top and so thankful for the Lord's provision and strength because I knew I couldn't have done that one on my own. And then...I remembered that I had to climb down. Second scariest moment of the day...but I had my headlamp! I was one of the few with a lamp so I had to lead the way. Are you kidding me right now? I was the last one to the top and I had to go first in our little group. But I immediately started praying and took that first. I kept reminding myself that it was just one step at a time and eventually I made it to the bottom with just a few bumps and scrapes. Praise the Lord! I didn't die nor did I break anything.

PS. Hey fam, I climbed a mountain yesterday with no ropes or anything. But thank goodness I had my headlamp! Haha love y'all :-)

Peninsula Tour

This weekend was so great I don't even know where to begin! "Let's start at the very beginning. That's a very good place to start. When we count we begin with 1,2,3 and when we sing we begin with Do Re Mi!"Well on Friday, we took a tour of the entire peninsula of the Cape. It was "very nice" as the Africans say. We got on a big charter bus and took off through the city first. Our tour guide had been greatly affected by apartheid and he told us all about his life story, which was great testimony to the devastating effects it had on the people. We got to then see all the main government buildings as well as few culture landmarks throughout the town. My favorite part was when we left the city and started up through the beautiful mountains where I could just bask in the beauty of my Creator! I literally have never been in place that is so awe-inspiring. Here are some pictures from the bus:

But wait...it gets better! We drove all the way to coast and played with PENGUINS!!! African penguins!!! I know, it was pretty kool. And Dad, you'll appreciate this. Before they were deemed "African" penguins they were known as the jackass penguins because they honk like donkeys. Isn't that interesting! But anywho, they were literally so cute and I loved getting to see them! One girl in our group literally started crying when we got there because they were so precious haha. Who doesn't love a good penguin now and then?

After the penguins, we ate lunch and headed down to Cape Point where supposedly the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide. We climbed a mountain up to the lighthouse so we could see and take pictures there. It was so fun! We were cautioned to take all food out of our pockets/bags though for fear of the baboons because apparently they will attack if they smell a hint of sweets. Luckily, we didn't see any baboons and we made it up and down beautifully! On the way down we saw a gorgeous rainbow that radiated the glory of my God and I couldn't help but remember the promise between God and his people after the flood. It was a beautiful moment!

Heart of Cape Town

On Thursday,
We got up early! Surprise and did a two hour campus tour. The campus is gorgeous but they have so many stairs. I had never appreciated flat Texas so much until yesterday and today when my legs and butt hurt so bad from climbing stairs! Some of the group got gym memberships but I totally don't get it, we're walking everyday and my legs/feet HURT!!! It's an intense life up in here. After the campus tour, we ventured to Claremont Mall so that the people who came unprepared could get some shirts and boots. Guess what I did? I ate, again! I eat so much haha. Aba, one of our friends, said "You Americans eat and go to the bathroom more than anyone I know." It's so true! MoFlo hawngry ;-) Next, we were to head for the Groote Schuur Museum where the first heart transplant ever took place. I literally was so stoked I could've cried! We got there and I immediately bought the book with the whole story in it so I could read it while I'm here. I've already finished all my other books ha so I'm in need a good, bloody story right now. Then, our tour guide took us through and showed us the location of the car accident that the donor was in that allowed the heart to be donated. It was intense! She was only 25 and her entire family witnessed her being hit by the car. I can't imagine! Next, we went and saw each of the operating rooms and they had them set up as if it were real life. I felt like I was living Grey's Anatomy. Come on y'all! Is that not legit? I was on cloud nine to say the least! Still am if you can't tell. Next, we got to see the actual hearts! Seriously, they had the actual hearts of the man who received the transplant as well as the donor heart. It was so kool! After that museum, it was off to class. Let me take a moment to comment on the concept of time in Africa. It's quite different. We get to places 45 minutes early because they don't want us to be late but then we didn't even start class for another hour after we got there. When asking someone what time to meet somewhere, you have to ask for a specific time or you could be waiting there for hours by yourself. Just now means in a few hours. Now now means immediately. Just putting that out there. Ok, so class finally started and we got a full run down on how to avoid contracting any diseases or illnesses while we're hear in ZA. It was very informative. Then, we came back to the apartment and my suite mates and I went grocery shopping and made a beautiful dinner. We had quinoa with zucchini, spinach and tomatoes, corn and tomatoes, and garlic chicken. It was so good! After that, we had movie night in apartment 33 and watched Finding Neverland. Seriously such a good movie. So glad we did that...even though I fell asleep!

District Six

On Wednesday, 19 June,
     We started off the day with a lecture from Nick Shepherd about South Africa in Context where he literally allowed us to ask any questions we wanted and he would do his best to answer them in relation to how the issue has affected the ZA culture. We talked about everything from apartheid to women in government. It was a great experience and I'm blessed to have been able to be enlightened by his wisdom and expertise when it comes to the culture and society here! Next, we had an IES Policies and Procedures presentation by Naomi, our trip's director. It was simple and quick. But this lady is exquisite. She is fierce and elegant all at the same time. We knew she meant business but also wanted us to embrace and fall in love with her country. It was great! That afternoon we headed to an area known as District Six for a tour. The name of our guide was Noor and he shared an incredible story about how he and his family had been affected by apartheid. We got to read and explore all throughout the museum and learn of the devastating effects that this event had on the people of Cape Town. Afterwards, the rest of the group went to a small open market in downtown but a few of us needed to go to the bank to exchange money so Veronica (my RA) took us. On the way, we walked up on a legit fight between cab drivers and quickly ran away. Veronica explained to us that they were probably fighting over a customer and to them, it's their life and one customer can make the difference in whether or not they get to eat that day. It was culture at its finest. After the bank, we were off to class once again where I was stoked for my tour! We got a tour of the entire hospital getting to see each ward and understanding how/why certain patients are in specific wards. We got to see all the operating rooms that they call "theatres." While we were on our tour, we saw so many doctors running through the hospital and what was interesting to me was that they were so young. They couldn't have been three years older than I am. I was shocked! So I asked David what the deal was and he explained that this was a teaching hospital and the students like to come here because they get to do so much more in ZA and get more experience/responsibility. It looked legit! In one of the elevators, we got to talk to a mom who was going to pick up her 12 year old "baby" who had been there for over a month and she was literally so excited her face lit up as she stepped off the elevator. I can't wait to start working here on Monday and I know the Lord is going to teach me so much!

Robben Island Trip

     Tuesday morning we got up early as usual and went to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment. It was quite the experience! We took a large ferry to get there and they showed us kind of a history movie on the way out there. When we got there, we immediately got on large buses to begin our tour of the now turned into a museum, island! Our tour guide was great and fancied our driver quite a bit haha. As we went about the island, he explained to us that they had almost 30 different species of birds on the island alone, 16 of which are currently endangered. He showed us the village where all the people who work the museum live. They call it the Irish Village because of the influence of the Irish Potato Famine while people were imprisoned. It was so cute! They also have two churches on the island. One of which is open every year on 16 Feb. for people to come and get married or renew their vows. The other church is owned by the Anglican Church and was used mostly when there were prisoners. All the prisoners would go on Sunday mornings with the exception of one man, Sabuku. He was kept in isolation for 6 years because of his political influence on the people. He didn't get to speak to any other prisoners or have visitors while he stayed at Robben Island. Sounds quite miserable if you ask me! Next, we got passed off to an ex-political prisoner to be our tour guide and to go see the different cells that the prisoners stayed in. At Robben Island, they had both communal and single cells depending on behavior and crime committed. We first went to see the communal cells which was where our tour guide had been housed. They seemed big to us because there weren't many beds in them, but our guide proceeded to explain the awful conditions, close quarters, and punishments they received while housed in the communal cells. Next, he took us over to the single cell housing where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. We got to see the exact cell he stayed in, where he worked, and a typical meal that he would've eaten. It was strange walking through and sitting in a prison cell of one of the most influential people in ZA. After that, they "set us free" and we made the exact same walk down to the harbor that each of those men would have walked when apartheid ended in 1994. Oh my lanta, it was so crazy! I didn't really know how to respond because as much as I wanted to be excited, what a sad experience those men had to go through. After the museum, we were in such a hurry to get back but I was starving like always! If I've noticed anything, South Africans don't eat that often. So, my roommate and I illegally grabbed a snack and while we were running back to our cab, my shoe broke. Typical! But no biggie, we only had a hospital tour and class left before we were getting to go home. We got to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital excited to see all that we were going to be able to do! Instead of a tour, we spent the entire two and half hours talking with our professor about all that we had done and learned that day whilst asking questions about apartheid and the current situation and how that has affected the healthcare in ZA. The tour would have to wait until tomorrow.

Garden Route Tour

Hey y’all!

So we started our Garden Route Tour at 4:30AM on Saturday! It was early, but we had a long drive and so many activities ahead of us. We had a nice, warm-cooked breakfast around 6:30AM and then still had 4 more hours to go. When we finally made it to our first destination, the Cango Ostrich Farm, we were beyond ready to get out of the car. The first thing we saw were two giant metal ostriches outside as we were escorted in for tea or coffee- that’s like a big deal here. We have tea or coffee before and after every meal! Needless to say, there are lots of bathroom breaks in ZA. Then out came Ranger, the main guy, who gave us a brief history of ostriches and showed us the ostrich egg incubator. Then, we went out to meet some of the ostriches!!! Stumpy was the first one. She’s a dwarf ostrich who is full grown and currently in need of a mate. After a couple more meet and greets, we were introduced to two emus. They were mean and ugly. Clearly, ostriches are the more beautiful bird! Next, we headed straight for the riding arena. Are you ready for this? For some reason it didn’t register with me that ostriches were birds so when I actually got on the thing, I freaked out. The group kept telling me to smile for the photo but I couldn’t get it out. I was terrified! It kinda felt like riding one of those child quarter rides but a lot more alive and bird-like; not sure if I would do it again. After everyone got a chance to ride, sit, or feed the ostriches, we went in for lunch, which consisted of ostrich steak and vegetables. Yes, I ate ostrich. Ain’t that something! The Cango Caves was our next adventure ahead and I was pumped with my headlamp in hand!!! But sadly, it was super touristy and I didn’t even need a lamp nor did we get to explore very much. After that we went to the Cango Wilderness Ranch to have encounters with wild animals. I got to be with the tiger cubs. Their names were Shakar and Shirav and they were 8 months old. I wasn’t scared or anything until I actually got inside the locked fence with the handlers. The tigers were very active because it was dinner time and they were HANGRY! I jumped away from him like twice and the handler got him away from me a few times because he was getting all wild. I was only with him for like 15 minutes or so. Next, we got to be with fruit bats, lemurs, crocs and snakes. It was such an incredible experience getting to be with God’s creation in their natural habitat, but also remembering that they were still wild animals. Finally, it was about 6:30PM and we were off to tuck in at Amie’s Beach House for the night. We got to stay at a hostel- one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. It was sitting on the shore of the Indian Ocean with the most incredible view whilst a bonfire was waiting for us when we arrived along with a home-cooked meal. Needless to say, I slept so well that night.

On Sunday, I got up super early to watch the sun rise over the ocean and mountains. It radiated God’s glory in every respect. I wish I could’ve shared that moment with each of you as I sipped hot tea and basked in the wonder. It was “so nice” as the South Africans would say. It was literally freezing that morning and I was in chacos and a swimsuit because our first activity was to canoe down the Wilderness River. We got there and none of us wanted to get in the water because it was freezing, but Kierra and I just went for it. We just wanted to get it over with to be honest; it was cold. We canoed for like an hour and while we were on the river it struck me; I was canoeing down a river in Africa. Is that not sick? Like how amazing is my God. To not only have gotten me here safely but also to have given my parents and family the peace and resources to allow such an incredible opportunity. I was awestruck! We stopped and hiked up a nearby mountain to a waterfall and got some amazing pictures and then canoed back. It was a lot warmer on the way back and my feet finally started gaining feeling back in them. Next, we headed to Knysna for lunch where I had spicy squid, grilled hake, and rice. So delicious! After lunch, we raced for the Elephant Sanctuary to have another encounter. I think this could’ve been my favorite experience so far! I got to walk with, feed, do tricks and even ride an elephant. I was scared when I first walked up to the elephants because hello! They’re elephants who have tusks and are in the wild. We literally weren’t in any fenced areas or anything. I was finally calmed down once I got to walk trunk in hand with the elephant. It was so surreal! Next, it was onward to the “crazy” hostel as our tour guides called it. The ride there was out of control bumpy and uncomfortable but it was so worth it! The house was gorgeous and we had braai for dinner. Braai is the South African version of barbecue, which was just pork chops and sausage. It was delicious though! I literally haven’t had anything that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.  After dinner, we all watched Remember the Titans and played games until bedtime. This hostel was a lot more cozy than the other one.

Finally, it was time to come home on Sunday but not before some activities. First things first, we ate breakfast. I was one of the few who ordered the hearty breakfast every morning- Mom and Dad taught me well. Next, we headed to the world’s largest natural bungy- 216m. It was nuts and I did not do it! That is the one thing my mama told me I couldn’t do. Everyone pressured me to do it and didn’t understand why I wouldn’t just do it anyways and tell my parents later. But it doesn’t really work that way in my family, you gotta respect your mama and daddy. They’re the only ones ya got! I did however go shop at the market nearby with the RAs while everyone was jumping and got some really awesome crafts for everyone at home. After the bungy, we went on a tour of a Rastafari community in the eastern cape. It was interesting but they didn’t really show us as much I would’ve liked to have seen. I did get some more crafts for people at home thought. I gotta hook y’all up! Next, we headed back to the pier at Knysna to go on a cruise around the cape. It was so beautiful and the water was cool. The only downside was that we didn’t get to eat lunch until 4 o’clock this day. We were all a little hangry this day and the tour guides clearly got the message haha. It took a little over 6 hours to get home after we ate lunch and I slept so hard!

Overally, the Garden Route Tour was beyond incredible. I haven’t been that exhausted in a very long time but it was so worth it to have experienced all of that. Hopefully, the rest of the trip will be just as culture-enriched and rewarding.

The Garden Route Pics

It's midnight in Cape Town and we just got back from a 3 day weekend trip all through the cape. I'll write more about it tomorrow but in the meantime, here are some pictures from this weekend...

39 hours later...

Hey y'all,
I know I'm like 3 days late but just wanted to update everyone on how my flights went. First things first, just a few things that were accomplished simply on my journey here:

1. If anybody knows me at all, you know I'm terrified of airplane bathrooms. Ew! But I conquered that fear...multiple times. It was something that just had to be done. 
2. A teenty tiny black baby boy ran up to the front of the plane and grabbed my hand just as I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Of course, it calmed my nerves! So precious.
3. I rode on a train! Like an underground, subway real-life train! It was super fast and super fun
4. I ran to a forbidden airplane bathroom to throw up. Not too fun but still necessary ha
5. I got lost in a foreign airport and for the first time in my life, fought back the tears that I knew were coming after talking to 2 non-helpful police officers, and then found my way.
6.  Argued with a porter and fought for my money. Thanks Mom :-)
7. Ate food that I literally had no idea what it was.

Ok, now to explain all that happened on the flights over here...I got up at 5:00a.m. on Wednesday so I could pray and get ready for this "adventure of lifetime." I knew it was going to be exciting but I was also quite nervous and still am. As I was saying goodbye, mom's last words to me were "Be brave Morgan Floyd..." along with of course some hugging and "I love you's." but the brave part stuck with me throughout my journey because I knew I was doing this one with just me and my God, for the first time ever. I remember sitting in first class on my first flight out of Washington feeling so out of place because everyone else seemed to know what was going on and I was still pretending. They offered me a snack plate...I took it yes, but hoped I didn't have to pay for it and only ordered water when they took my drink order. Clearly, I'm not cut out for this lifestyle but my journey continued on. As I made it onto my next flight with no major issues, I suddenly noticed that this flight was not going to be full and I would be sitting by myself, for 18 hours. Again, the anxiety kicked in and I began to pray. One of the flight attendants noticed my anxiety and came over to talk to me and help put my nerves at ease. She was super sweet and we talked about the color purple. How fitting for the occasion! I shared with her how it is known as the color of royalty and that her spirit radiated that of the color purple. She was my favorite flight attendant I've had on my journey thus far! So we took off and after they served us dinner, I noticed that everyone started getting ready for bed? I was super confused because it was only like 8 o'clock maybe, so instead I sat back and observed the other passengers. Not long after, ALL the lights shut off and it all began to make total sense haha. 4 hours passed and the lights were flicked back on and we were beginning to land in Dakar, Senegal to get gas and gain more voyagers on our journey! Unfortunately, I had gotten used to having my own space and was not looking forward to having anyone sit next to me. But surprise! A very tall, non-English speaking man who clearly had a cold joined me on this journey. While we were on the ground and this new man had joined me, I began to get very VERY sick. I took some Dramamine but that didn't stop this. I took advantage of our on flight bathrooms and got some water before we took off. Before I go on, can I just note the competition amongst passengers when it comes to cabin toilets? It's brutal! I lost multiple times. And then once, I went out to brush my teeth. I saw a wife approaching. I ran for my life! Ain't nobody got time for that!!! Needless to say, I won. Anywho, I napped and then lunch was served meaning I was that much closer to Johannesburg. I remember praying so much during that time! Not that I was scared or anything, it was more I knew I couldn't do this journey alone and boy was I right. As soon as I got off the plane in Johannesburg, I got lost. Lost and alone in a third world country. Great, right? BUT, I wasn't going to let anyone know it, I was going to "Be brave Morgan Floyd." as Mama had told me to do. I talked to 4 different officials who sent me in circles and which I was certain they were laughing hysterically at the idiotic American making a fool of herself. Eventually, I found my bags and made it through customs and passed them off. Now to find my gate, D6 was the goal. Next thing I know, I'm swept up by a porter who's walking with me to gate D and asking for a tip! I didn't have rand and he was trying to school me. Yeah, I didn't let that happen and we began to barter pretty much. He did get some money out of me but not as much as he hoped. Then, I waited about an hour and boarded my last flight, so close to Cape Town I could almost feel it. I was the last one to arrive in my group. It was beautiful and slightly drizzling when I arrived and Roland, one of our RAs greeted me at baggage check with a hug. It was nice to be with someone who wanted to talk to me and who knew my name as silly as that sounds. We got to my apartment around 11:00p.m. and I quickly tucked in and prayed myself to bed. After 39 hours, I can proudly say I've been warmly welcomed to Cape Town, South Africa and I'm excited to see where this journey is going. Tomorrow, we head out on a three day excursion where we will be riding ostriches and elephants as well as doing some caving and canoeing. Check back mid-week to hear all about it and maybe see some pictures!

Loyally,

Morgan