1st weekend in Venda

I have written alot in my journal over the past few days. Let's see...there was another birthday party friday night at the postgraduate housing. I went with Solani. There was alot of dancing, some drinking...not too different from a birthday party back home. I went to Phiphi Waterfalls with my roommates on Saturday. Cato, from UNIVEN (a friend of my roommates) went with us in a taxi. We spent most ofhte day there. It was a good way for us to spend time together...I think they (my roommates) will definately make the most of their South AFrican experience and I hope to do the same.

I got to talk to Cato about student life and a little about the project I am working on. He says TB is not discused openly on campus and that most people think TB and HIV are the same thing. It confirms that the workw e are doing is important. I also asked him about different churches in the area and he said he could arrange for me to visit several while I am here. Sunday, I read from 2 Kings 2. It talks about the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. I have soul notes in my bible. The one that goes iwth this passage talks about the importance of a strong mentor and investing in others what God has entrusted to you. This is so important and appropriate for me. In this project, my colleagues and I will be sharing information with each other that the other may not have. We all can find there is something we have that someone else will find useful.

So, I spent some quiet time on sunday. Did some shopping (I find that I am at the complexs almost every other day...this may change once I'm settled in). We were without water for most of the weekend. Someone is coming today to worko n our geyser.

Notes - I watched a little bit of the olympics...which focused on South African athletes for the most part. Julia copied someof her music on my external drive...mostly French and German music (I specifically asked her to surprise me with something I would not get back home). I think I can learn alot form Turka about making friends. He is always tlaking to people and learning new things.

That sums up the weekend. Now I hope to have a productive week. We have a workshop this weekend and I am meeting iwth one of hte masters students (and possibly another) this weekend. Tiyani will present her proposal on Wednesday.

take care