"A Child Reminds Us..."

"...that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine." -Emerson

As summer is winding down, and fall is quickly approaching, it’s also apparent that routine is very much part of my life here in South Africa. It’s kind of strange to take a step back and realize I say “petrol station” instead of “gas station” without thinking twice, or that I know Thursdays are the best days to buy fruit at the Spar, or that while Kenneth (my neighbor and the gardener) has not changed his absurd habit of waking up at 4 in the morning, I can now sleep through the noise.

I’m enjoying feeling part of the community. Not just a visitor. I LIVE here! While I’m all for the next adventure, I actually find comfort in this routine. It’s so fun to spend day after day with the kids, especially those in after care. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to learn their strengths and weaknesses as well as set goals with them. The sticker chart for the fourth graders is working quite well! We’re learning a lot from each other. The kids had to learn the hard way that cheating is just like lying. Unfortunately, a few of them did not get stickers today. You can be sure I got some mean looks when it was time to go home! Patience will always be a virtue I can continue to learn and sometimes the kids are so happy to help me practice!

Some things we have learned in the last few weeks: how to make a homemade volcano, the funky chicken dance, and how to write a proper letter (well, that part is still a work in progress).

Now that the newness is in a sense behind me, I feel like I’m really understanding how I fit into life here. I’ve been so blessed to LIVE in the greatest places in the world: Roper, NC, Camp Kanuga, Sewanee, and now Springs, South Africa. The next few months of my life are sure to be incredible and unforgettable as they are sure to be filled with new adventures, experiences, and playtime.