CAMPING to the max!

So our trip to the South was just what I needed. We left thursday afternoon and arrived at Hardap Dam and camped there for a night. It was super relaxing and we got to talk about the benefits that the dam had for the community, and of course we were also able to climb the gates into restricted areas and play around on the dam, which was one of the highlights of the dam. However, the most beautiful sunset occurred that night over the lake which was also pretty nice as well. The next day we camped in Berseba, which is the right at the base of a huge mountain and we were lucky enough to be able to camp on the mountain. It was nice because the next morning I rolled out of bed with a few others around 6 am and we got dressed in warm clothes and hiked up the mountain. Standing on the top of a mountain to start your day is one of the more epic things i have ever done in my life. Once we got back to the campsite we packed up and headed off to a school in Berseba to spend a day with the kids there. That was when I met my little twin Emily. She and I met while she was wearing a star printed hoodie and we immediately bonded and planted a tree together for their church. We spent the day together and she showed me around her church and school and I met her grandma and sisters as well. I introduced her to my friends and we played silly american games and we also did the hokey pokey. Emily had the most fun when I let her take my camera and take pictures of anything she wanted, and as props to her I dont think I have had a better picture of me taken this trip. We also then ate lunch together, and that was when i noticed emily making extra sandwiches and keeping them with her, so that she could take them home to her family. I couldnt imagine having to help feed a family at her age, but this seemed to be her reality and the only thing i could do to help was to just help her put the sandwiches into a bag for later. That had a huge affect on my trip just because I had not realized that someone her age would have to do that. So as we left the school I just had a lot on my mind as we camped in the Kalahari. The best decision was made this night to not put up tents. Along with most other people on the trip, I slept under the stars without any barrier keeping me from the nature surrounding me. It was beautiful to fall asleep to a blanket of stars and wake up to a glorious sunrise. And sadly it all had to come to an end and we headed back to Windhoek to finish off our time here.

So recently here has just been routine life, and more of me freaking out that I wont get to do everything I want to do with such a limited amount of time left here. One thing was finally accomplished that I wanted to do this year. While we have been going out to many clubs in town I had never really been to a party in my favorite part of town, and the birthday of one of my good friends who I work with was the perfect opportunity. And while yes when I did get out of the taxi everyone gave me a look like i didnt belong, once it was clear that I did I couldnt ever imagine living in any other part of Windhoek. So for the next couple of weeks that I am here I will probably be super busy seeing people and finishing things off here that I will miss. Ok thats it for now.

Peace