8:12am June 1st
Danny and I are sitting on the plan next to each other. Slept for about the first 8 or 9 hours which was great thanks to the South African Airways complimentary eye mask, Oh and not to mention a special apology to my Mother who for weeks has been telling me to buy a neck pillow for the plane. How typical of me, I refused. I caved in and purchased one at the airport--possibly the best purchase ever. It was comfortable I was practically wearing it as a scarf around the airport before we departed and almost fell asleep standing up, I was exhausted.
I woke up with about 9 hours left until arrival and did a lap around the plane with Danny to get our blood flowing. There are about 314 people just passed out sleeping and snoring on this flight(the plane was a "Beaute" as Danny says). Browsing through the channels, I found a Liam Neeson movie called Unknown, it was incredible and recommend it to anyone who is reading this. There was action, mystery, romance…what more could a girl want on a 15 hour flight to Africa? Hahahaha.
I also watched “Ideas that Changed the World” for a while, kind of wishing I had a way to tell Vadim to put it on back home.
We were served salami sandwiches with mustard(and surprise pickles!)…this must be my lucky flight!
Only 6:44 minutes left until we arrive in Johannesburg at this point. Dr. Nicholson and I were discussing possibly trying to see at least one sight in Jo-Burg since were going to be there over night. With that being said, I put some Dave Matthews on, sit back and enjoy the ride(…and take another nap).
June 2nd
We have finally arrived at the Namibia Airport! It was actually like the movies where there is nothing in sight but the dessert and we walked off the plane right onto the airport runway/aircraft area! It kind of made us all feel famous LOL.
Sean and George our guides drove us through the city of Windhoek which had very gorgeously built buildings, shops, and restaurants. This city is VERY German which I was not aware of. We made our way down Independence Road to the outskirts of town where we will be working at the after school program(meaning 1pm-5:30pm) which is actually located in Catatura, Namibia.
Even though it was around 4:30pm and the center closes at 5:30pm we went for an hour and met Mary Beth Gallagher the woman who runs the center. Mary Beth was ecstatic to see us because we are not only volunteers but we are actually certified teachers which she does not have come through very often. She is truly an inspiring person and I know I will be learning so much from her as a teacher and a person. Even though I can already see many of the virtues of a great teacher within her, one that stands out after having a group conversation with her(at the BBQ that the Wadadee house members so kindly cooked to welcome us),is zeal. I can tell that she wholeheartedly goes the extra mile for all of the children in Namibia, especially those who voluntarily attend her after school academic program. She loves all of the children as if they are her own and would do anything to insure them of an education that they deserve. We will begin giving lessons and organizing with the other volunteers on Monday, I can't wait!
At first sight of the smiling children at the center playing in the courtyard, I already know it is going to be difficult to leave.
Tomorrow we are off the Etosha National Park, a six hour drive a head of us but I'm sure it will be worth it!
I am beginning to realize how far away from home I am...
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