Well, I finally got a quick pic of Sabine (say “Sa-bean-a”), the host mom of Courtney, Jennifer, Crystal, & Kym. As you’ll see, she has a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile…every time I’ve seen her she has shared her friendly expression. She often is zipping around in her little car, delivering girls here-and-there, including her own two young daughters. Courtney and I were walking from the school to the main shopping area yesterday when – *poof* – out of nowhere, there was Sabine, ready to take Courtney home. Perhaps she also has angels’ wings.

Today the students are at their practicum sites. I will do some grading and head in to the school for awhile. I’m also on a quest for a large wall-map of South Africa. We’ll see if I get lucky and find one. I may return to a street vendor I talked with a week or so ago and purchase a SA flag he has for R50 as well. I’m not sure what I’ll do with either a map or a flag, but they seem like good souvenirs of my time here. I had been to SA several times prior to this trip, but with such an extended stay this time around, I have learned much about this lovely country, and I think I would look fondly upon a map and flag of it (& they’re easy to pack!).

This is the last weekend before our program ends, so the girls are free to make plans to get in the remaining site-seeing they’d like to do. I have heard talk of seeing butterflies and sharks (though not concurrently), so I am already looking forward to hearing the stories on Monday. Tomorrow I will take in the rugby match with Sheila and Binci, and go along on whatever other local outings are planned.

By the way, my wifi hot spot at the mall didn’t work the last time I tried, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to post again before Monday. If not, I’ll “talk” with you then…

P.S. Five days until I am reunited with my family…after 35 days apart, 5 sounds pretty awesome! Jackson & Abbie, I’ll see you very soon and give you the biggest hugs ever (you too, Reed)!