"Until Next Time" by Sophie Oreck

Dearest Diary,

I am writing you within the depths of my newest home, Lagoon (pronounced Laguna) Beach Apartments. I am so sorry I haven’t written in a while, but I know you understand, you always do…Anyways, South Africa is so super cool, sorry you have to stay in the apartment room all day, but I don’t want to look like a weirdo carrying you around everywhere (I think your pink encrusted rhinestone cover would be misunderstood).

I made some new friends here! One of the first friends I made was this dude that we affectionately call Father Duck, because he is our community leader. He leads his premier community group in deep and interesting discussions. Katy and I were happy to flock beneath his beautiful wing. Another friend I made is an elephant named Jabu and a little baby elephant named Bailey…she looks more human than elephant but she claims to be one and I trust her. After all she had some weird supernatural connection to them at the elephant sanctuary. She didn’t have nearly as cool of an effect on those elephants as Joy had, boy did she put on a show.

Oh my goodness diary! I almost forgot to tell you! I have a new dream…traveling the country with a man named Johnny Clegg and performing the song Dela with him nightly. Oh you should here me sing (I dance along too)…this cool dude named JC, no no not that JC, I am talking about JC the bus driver. He taught it too me. Basically I have made some cool new friends here. I also am going to return home with the affection of a taxi cab driver named ISH, but he is oh so much more than a driver.

I hope my mommy doesn’t get too mad that I have been jumping out of planes, having ostriches peck at my head, riding elephants, and jumping off bridges(twice). Oh yeah, and riding 4 wheelers down a dangerously narrow and bumpy path (I don’t have a good history with them, apparently neither does becky boo) …Oh diary, I am so sorry but I have to run…my new BFF Jackie is calling me, I think she wants to spend some quality time with me

I will write again soon dear old diary…until next time

Love, Sophie

"Accurate, Articulate, and Aggressive" by Devon Butterfield

Envision one man alone in the wilderness,

A bow and arrow in his hand and whatever he wants in his sights nonetheless.

Vision dreams of passion explode with every bullet he fires,

He’s got a Ford F-250 King Ranch on big ol’ raised mud tires.

Nothing stands in his way, nothing slows him down,

He is the one, the only, Michael Phelps and he’s tearin’ up Cape Town.

When the number 45 rolls into Lagoon Beach,

A word of advice he will always teach.

When we heard our roommate was Michael Phelps from Suwannee,

We could only imagine how much cooler than the swimmer he must be.

Being the image of determination and confidence,

I have learned more from my new roommate than most gents.

From mud bogs to New Zealand,

The world is Michael Phelps playground, no telling where he’ll land.

I would never have had the same experiences here in Cape Town,

Without Phelps around.

Simply put, there are no replacements so don’t go hunting for one,

Because Michael Phelps has killed ‘em all, done.

Top 10 Things/Lessons I’m Taking Home with Me from Cape Town:

• The 3 F’s: faith, family, and friendship matter most in life.
• 
  
• When the hard times come, “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.”
• 
  
• When you fill others’ buckets, you also fill your own.
• 
  
• “If you can’t say Garrett, and you can’t say Graveson, then call me GG!”
• 
  
• The Old Biscuit Mill is the place to be on Saturdays.
• 
  
• You are always the “first customer of the day” to the vendors at the Green Market Square.
• 
  
• Justin Bieber never gets old.
• 
  
• A hug from a child in Sir Lowry’s pass is the best gift I could ever receive.
• 
  
• “Do I find joy in life, and do others find joy in me?”
• 
  
• “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

“God is too good to be unkind; He is too wise to be mistaken. When you can’t see His hand, you can trust His heart.”

Don’t just go…LEAD!

"Time Races By" by Doug Schwartz

As our month in Cape Town comes to a close, I feel as if it was merely a week that we have been here. This past month has raced by faster than I think anyone expected. In fact, I think the only people that wouldn’t agree with me are all of our parents who have probably been sitting, watching an hour glass over and over again awaiting our arrival back at home. As we return to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, New York or wherever, I know we all will return back to the states changed forever. Some of the things we have done here, whether it be serving the people in Sir Lowry’s Pass or hiking the steep paths of Table Mountain, have made me grow as a person as well as a leader. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that this trip has been one of the most significant months in my life and I can honestly say that I have learned more during this month in Cape Town than an entire semester of school.

“Learn to Listen” by Lauren Miller

My experience in Cape Town is almost indescribable. I feel like I have been living a dream and when I wake up back in the United States I am going to have to convince myself that it was real. Since my arrival in Cape Town, I have reached new heights (literally), by climbing Table Mountain, jumping off of the highest bungee in the world, and skydiving out of an airplane at 9,000 feet. I have built new friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I have learned to ask questions, stay curious, and keep my eyes and ears open for new opportunities.

I must say however, that although adventure got my adrenaline pumping and I got to share it with my new friends each step of the way, my experience inside the township filled my heart with happiness more than I could have ever imagined. My experiences there may be the closest I will ever come to being famous, because the members of the Sun City community and Sir Lowry’s Pass Township treated us like rock stars. They would cheer incessantly upon our arrival and without fail they would line the streets and wait outside of the bus to see familiar faces. It blew me away to know that I had impacted another person’s life, nonetheless multiple peoples’ lives. Not only was I able to see a part of reality that I had never experienced firsthand, but also I was able to immerse myself in a culture that I barely knew anything about before coming to South Africa.

We got the opportunity to live life in the shoes of the individuals living in the Township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Sir Lowry’s Pass is run by fifteen wonderful soup mother’s who provide food with love to as many children as they possibly can. Unlike many individuals, we were awarded the chance to get to enter their community as strangers, sit down with them in their homes, learn their culture, and ask questions, cook food, dance, play, laugh, and basically live life, as they know it. These families barely have anything, yet they were willing to open their hearts and homes to us so that we could experience life from a different view. I have never seen so many generous, fun-loving people in one place in my entire life. By the end of our stay, they were thanking us for sharing our love and calling us family. I only hope to continue my life being as generous and loving as the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass. I hope to return one day and see the warm, smiling faces of my new friends that I will always remember.

“Learn, Live, Love” by Sarah James

This trip has been so amazing in teaching me so many new things and opening my eyes to things that I was blind to before. Having learned so many new things about the world, I am inspired to live my life to the fullest with an unconditional love for the people around me. My experiences between today and yesterday could not have been more opposite. Yesterday, we spent our last day in the township and I couldn’t help but realize how much I had learned from the people of Sir Lowry’s Pass. They showed me more joy and gratitude than I have ever experienced and I hope I will take a piece of them with me and learn from them. Then today, I was lucky enough to have High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. I felt honored to be having tea in such a beautiful place with so many beautiful people. Although today was so different from yesterday, I learned to appreciate the many opportunities and experiences I have been given on this trip. I feel so blessed to have been given all these opportunities for learning and I hope I will continue to learn new things and live and love to the fullest!

"This is Africa" by Andrew Hurwitz

When the Term T.I.A. (This is Africa) Becomes Applicable

When you eat breakfast at the same bar you were at the night before

When your cab driver chooses what you’re going to do that night

When a traffic light is called a “robot”

When all gates are electric and high voltage signs are the most common sign around

When you actually hear a person tell you to take a left at the next robot

When a taxi holds over 16 people

When your T.A. helps you the most when you’re playing slots

When a restaurant’s menu has warthog, kudu, crocodile, and springbok

When penguins become aggressive

When elephants are obedient and listen well

When the locals think you’re insane for climbing Table Mountain

Move jackal, we don’t want to see you we want to see liiiiions

When winery tours are free

When baboons are attracted to the girls on our trip

When docking a boat requires hitting a beach at top speed. Everyone, hold on…

When you always find yourself waking up to Johnny Clegg on adventure week

When everyone calls you “my friend” and “cheers” means goodbye

When goodbye celebrations at the township turn into raging dance parties

When you miss a call from one of your parents

When you’re late to class

"Do it All" by Branden Bosler

As I look back on my last 4 weeks in Africa, I realize that this trip, without a doubt the greatest I’ve ever taken, has been a culmination of some of the most amazing and memorable times of my life. I did things I never imagined doing when I swam with great white sharks. I conquered fears I once thought unconquerable when I jumped off the world’s highest bungee bridge. I met people I had only ever read about in books when Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s cellmate and political confidant, gave us a tour of Robben Island. I interacted with animals only before ever seen on my television when I got to hold the trunk of an African elephant and then the next day go on a safari. I met and befriended people with whom I never thought I’d cross paths when I spent time in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. I slept in places I never imagined sleeping when I in turn, slept with my new friends in their homes. I experienced love from complete strangers in this same place. I drank more wine than I ever imagined drinking when I toured vineyard after vineyard in the towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch. I ate food I never thought I’d eat when I ordered ostrich steak and then the next night ordered kudu. I climbed mountains I once thought impossible when we hiked Table Mountain. I saw sights that took my breath away when I watched the sun rise over the city from the top of Lion’s Head. I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life when that same sun that I watched rise, set over the Atlantic Ocean as I looked on from the shores of Clifton Beach. I was immersed in sporting events only ever seen on TV with World Cup mania. I rode in more taxis than I ever want to again as I zipped all over the city on a daily basis. I partied later than I’ve ever partied, dancing in the clubs of Long Street until 5am. And above all, I shared all of this with once complete strangers, who have since become incredible friends.

"We are One" by Rebecca Lindner

Ironically, after filling out evaluations in class today, a friend from home asked me what “grade” I would give this program. I told him an A, hands down. This isn’t a normal study abroad program at all. I know we always mock the “service is sexy” motto, but it’s true. Somehow Global LEAD has combined every aspect of why students go abroad into one program, but it’s not like it’s a boring combination of school, service, and touristy things.. this program makes every aspect equally as amazing. I’m walking away from one of the best programs I’ve ever heard of having made some awesome friends, met some really cool people, and lived in one of the most gorgeous countries I have ever been to. The coolest people I’ve met so far are definitely the people in the township. I’m embarrassed by how much they changed my outlook on life in general. Putting faces to poverty is one thing, but Global LEAD takes it one step further and actually gives a personality to the face. You get to know these people, how many students get to say that?

After our final show on Wednesday, as everyone was saying goodbye to their families, I got Miss Thelma’s address. I didn’t do it because there was an awkward moment and I was trying to fill the space. I actually intend on writing them. In fact, I already have a letter written out, ready to mail once I print a bunch of pictures to send back. I want to keep in touch with these people, continue the conversation with them as long as possible. I am not one who is the first to sign up for doing community service in the States, and never have been, but the relationship we formed during service here truly was that special.

"Impossible Without Family" by Michael Phelps

Thankful for Family

While being away from my family and doing many things that people do not have the chance of experiencing I have learned to be grateful for everything I am able to do. I have come to realize that i am a very lucky person because I take trips like these for granted but in reality it is something I should be grateful for. On this trip I have gone skydiving, bungee jumping, zip lining, and safari tours but I have not taken in time to realize how lucky I am to be able to experience these things in such a short time of my life.

As a twenty one year old college student I am very thankful that my parents allow me to come to South Africa and experience parts of the world they have never even been. I hope to continue exploring other parts of the world but as young as I am I have been many places that my seniors have never even seen.

Through all of the experiences of this trip my favorite part is the safari and being able to see wild animals up close and personal. The safari was one of the most intriguing events that I have ever experienced. The safari made me feel like I on the discovery channel in real life. I hope to travel back and experience more safaris in my future but I am very content and happy with all I have been able to do on this trip. I know that I would never be able to experience any of this if it were not for my parents allowing me to study abroad. In the end I have learned many things and seen much in my short time on this earth. I owe everything I have done to my parents and thank them for the opportunity to be in Cape Town.

"Top 5" by Jeanna Courter

Cape Town has been one of the best experiences of my life. I never thought I would have the opportunity to do some of the things we have gotten to do and meet some of the people we have had the chance to meet. Since there is so much to tell, I decided to make a Top 5 of experiences of Cape Town so far:

Cooking Dinner for my Family- This past week we were given the opportunity to cook dinner for our families. My group decided that we were going to turn our dinner into a celebration of the time we have spent together. We bought balloons, masks and noise makers and had the family wait outside while we got the house ready. We then made them close their eyes and walked them into the house. The family immediately started crying and told us that they had never experienced a celebration like that before even for a birthday. It meant so much to me to be able to provide a surprise like that to them.

Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and Cape of Good Hope- Today we took a trip to three well known places in Cape Town. Our first stop was to Boulders Beach where we got to see African Penguins. The second stop of the day was at Cape of Good Hope. The views here were absolutely stunning, and there were rocks and boulders that we were able to climb. Our last stop of today was visiting Cape Point. Cape Point is the point where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. We took about a 15 minute walk up to a lighthouse where we were able to see this point. The view from the top was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Wine Tour- Last weekend we took a trip to a vineyard about an hour outside of Cape Town. While there, we learned about the different grapes grown there, how to taste wine properly, and finally taste three different types of wine. We enjoyed the wine tour so much that tonight we are heading to Stellenbosch to have another wine tasting tomorrow. We are planning on heading to three different vineyards.

Bungee Jumping- Before coming to Cape Town, I had decided I would not be participating in bungee jumping. I am scared of heights, and also my mom begged me to not do it. After arriving at Bloukrans Bridge however, I decided I would regret this if I did not jump (not to mention everyone else was doing it to, so I could not really back out). Walking on the bridge to the bungee jumps was probably one of the scariest moments of my life. We all stood on the bridge and cheered each other on as one by one we jumped off. I am so glad I ended up jumping.

Sunset Champagne Cruise- The first Sunday after our adventure week, we went on a sunset champagne cruise where we got to see Cape Town from a water perspective. Since there had been two different groups throughout this trip, one who went on adventure week the first week and one that went the third week, it was a great time for us to get to know other people on the trip we had not met yet. We drank champagne and cruised around while enjoying the beautiful city of Cape Town for an hour and a half.

"Top 10" by Lina Desloge

Top ten things to do while in Cape Town:

10. Ride an elephant

9. Paraglide off of Lion’s Head

8. Hike to the top of Table Mountain

7. Barter at the Green Market

6. Spend a night on Long Street

5. Go to an Ostrich Farm

4. Go to Cubana’s for salsa night

3. Live off a Dollar a Day

2. Spend a Day in the Botanical Gardens

1. Skydive

"It's the Friendships" by Kevin McDevitt

When I first arrived in South Africa, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Then, I was thrown into a van at 5:30 in the morning and sent across to the opposite end of the country to begin my MAF adventure. My first four days were filled of extraordinary events, including bungee jumping off the world’s highest bridge, going on a safari, riding elephants, and using all-terrain vehicles to travel through jungle trails. There was so much going on that I was physically exhausted, but in the process, I learned a lot about myself and the country in which I was residing.

Bungee jumping was the most intense thing I have ever done. I literally was scared to death, and somehow I ended up going second in a large group of thirty. Of course, there were a ton of girls so I had to act brave. As soon as I got to the ledge, I seriously thought about cancelling and turning around. Too late. Before I know it, I had literally been tossed over the side of a bridge and was hurling down towards the ground. There is no experience like it in the world, and I would do it again in a heart beat.

My favorite part of this trip has been the friendships I have made. I enjoy everyone I have met here and hope to continue these relationships upon returning home. This experience has definitely been positive and if I could do it again, I would.

"Here Comes Goodbye" by: Jessica Ragsdale

To quote Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Today was very bittersweet for me. We all visited Sir Lowry’s Pass as a group to celebrate our time with the township families, but it was also a sad occasion because we knew it would be the last time we would be seeing them.

Our celebration in the township was an amazing show of song and dance. “Global LEAD’s Got Talent” was headlined by groups performing Justin Bieber, Wicked, “Lean on Me”, and a special majorette performance. As always, the kids from the township left us amazed by their passion and talent for dance (especially when Michael Jackson is playing). My housemother got on stage at one point and was dancing with the other housemothers. She has impacted me so much and I felt honored when she got on stage and thanked us all by name for coming to her home, spending time with her, and making a difference in her family’s life.

Once it was time to leave, she ordered us all on the bus before she started to cry. We have all been greatly impacted by our time in Sir Lowry’s Pass and hopefully our experience there will continue to stay in the forefront of our minds and shape us for the better. One of the songs performed tonight was “For Good”, which talks about how knowing certain people in your life will change you forever. I certainly believe that knowing these families in Sir Lowry’s Pass has changed me for good. Our time spent there has allowed us to have a different outlook on life and allows us to analyze situations differently with critical reasoning and a more open mind. I never expected that the families there would be impacted by us to the extent that they were and I never expected to be impacted that much either.

Another bittersweet aspect of today was that students and professors started to depart, so we also had to say goodbye to new friends. We are all very excited to spend our last week in Cape Town and cross all of the remaining trips and experiences off of our lists, but we are now getting constant reminders that our time remaining here is short and that people are already starting to leave. I look forward to my remaining time here, but know that it is going to be bittersweet when I have to say goodbye to everyone and ultimately goodbye to Cape Town as well.

"Live with Passion" by Kathleen Block

My Top 10 Favorite Things We Have Done in Cape Town

• Our farewell dance party was by far our most exciting time in Sir Lowry’s Pass! We watched tons of songs and dances from both American students and African kids. Although it was so sad to leave the people we have come to know so well, the dance party was a great send of!
• Riding elephants on adventure week was one of the coolest things I have ever done.
• Eating my birthday dinner at Buena Vista—some of the best nachos I have ever had!
• Our trip to Robben Island, including a tour by Ahmed Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s cellmate.
• I definitely underestimated climbing Table Mountain. It was no stroll in the park, but the view from the top was absolutely breath taking.
• The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens were beautiful and a great place to walk around on a nice day or to eat lunch
• Charly’s Bakery was such a treat for my birthday. The hot pink cup cake was to die for!
• The Neighbourgoods market at the Old Biscuit Mill open on Saturdays had the best fresh food I have ever seen. I am a huge junk food eater and this place actually made me want to eat healthy.
• Cape Point was such a cool experience. Especially seeing a baboon crawl into a cracked car window into the lap of a napping man.
• Mama Africa was a great atmosphere with great music. It was the perfect place to get an ostrich steak.

"Learn, Grow, Love" by Meredith Irwin

15 things I've learned while in South Africa:

-Jumping out of planes and off bridges is completely worth it

-Elephant skin is really rough and great white sharks are incredibly big

-Paying a bill will most likely take 30-45 minutes

-Baboons will sabotage a car for food, even if there is a person in it

-When climbing a 3000 ft mountain you should not wear long sleeves

-Ostrich tastes way better than cow

-You can sleep when you're dead- or at least when you're not in South Africa

-Nelson Mandela is the epitome of sacrificing for what you believe in

-Happiness is not defined by a dollar amount

-The children at the townships are probably the most unconditionally loving people on this planet

-Change starts today and it starts with me

-Count your blessings daily and never forget to be thankful

-When you give you get so much more in return

-Always be open to new experiences- no matter how frightening they might seem

-Love is the best gift anyone can give

I had a friend tell me that I wasn't the same person I was three weeks ago and I couldn't agree more. This trip has been an incredible learning and growing experience. I think/hope I'm coming back from this adventure a better person. The friendships I've made with the children in the townships and those I've made in our group will last forever in my heart. I am so blessed that I've had the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing program.

“Always be Curious” by Preston Shurley

Curious George was always one of my favorite series growing up. George was fascinated by the world and all it had to offer. He went through life with an unending, and often mischievous, thirst for knowledge and understanding. I learned many things from that monkey, but most importantly, George instilled in me at a young age an incredible astonishment with the world. This curiosity has been my guide for my life, especially in my time here in Cape Town. It has driven me to do things I never thought I would (jump off bridges and out of planes, swim with sharks, and free climb on the cliffs of Cape Point), it has helped me give to the point of exhaustion (painting inside the pre-school, throwing the kids of the township in the air, and spinning them around and around until we all felt like we were walking home from a long night at Tiger Tiger), and it has given me the energy to try to do everything, even when only averaging about 4 hours of sleep per night.

Cape Town is such an astonishing city, and there is so much to experience here that you never cease to be amazed. The city is gorgeous, the culture is wonderful, and the excitement of the approaching World Cup is enough to inspire anyone with a youthful enthusiasm for life. It is because of this that I am always curious. As the program comes to a close, and the reality of the flight back to America becomes all too real, my curiosity has turned into a fire to see and do everything I can before I get back to “real life.” These are the times when I wish George was on this trip. He would be a great travel companion and provide more inspiration than necessary to attempt to accomplish everything we want to do. But the potential for George is in all of us. As long as we wake each morning with a youthful curiosity for life, we carry the spirit of George in us and will be inspired to reach the full potential of life.

Always be curious. Never cease to be astonished. Love wholly. And give fully.

"Thank You Parents!" by Sara Mount

I thought being one of the last people to write my blog was going to be so much easier because I would have experienced everything. I was definitely wrong. So much has happened and I can’t even think of where to begin so I’m just going to bullet about what my most memorable experiences have been so far:

Bungee jumping. Who gets to say they have jumped off the highest bridge in the world while studying abroad?

Robben Island Tour with Ahmad Kathrada, Nelson Mandela’s prison mate for 20 years. I was lucky enough to record his entire speech so I can take it home to share with my family!

Skydiving. ‘Nuff said.

Spending time with the families in the townships has been humbling and inspiring for me. Before I didn’t realize how much of an impact service learning has on someone’s heart, but I encourage any person of any age to go and experience it just once, but disclaimer: it’s kind of addicting.

Listening to every guest speaker we have been fortunate to spend time with while we’re here. I’ve learned more about myself and what I am capable of as a human being in the past month, than I’ve dreamed about my entire life. This world has no limit and I want to just take every dream and opportunity I have been given and give it back in a bigger and better way than before.

These are just a few of the things from a huge list that we’ve been able to experience in Cape Town, and I wouldn’t hesitate to come back here in (their) summer. It has so much rich history, scenery, and culture that you can’t help but be sucked into. So to my Mom and Dad, and every other parent out there on behalf of your children: Thanks. It was money well spent. ;) I love you!

"Cape Town Restaurants" by Rea Hasie

Favorite Restaurants in Cape Town so far (in no order)

• Cubana’s, on Somerhurst, great quesadillas, nachos and drinks
• Manna Epicure, on Kloof Street, wonderful for a Sunday brunch
• Blues, in Camp’s Bay, it is all good and the décor is fabulous
• Charly’s Bakery, one of Opera’s top picks for Cape Town, delicious quiche
• Tank, located in Green Point, outstanding sushi and huge fish tank
• Opal Lounge, on Kloof Street, chic, hip atmosphere, unbelievable food and drinks—number one pick
• Crave, in the Green Market Square, perfect for grabbing a quick bite, love the sandwiches
• Mama Africa, on Long Street, favorite dish of the night was vegetable bake

“Free to Touch” by Sarah Ahmad

I spent a lot of time at the Green Market today and let me tell you, it is a very special place. It is filled with every African trinket you could ever want. These trinkets are sold by lovely vendors who swarm you if you take just one look at their tent. They all use some form of the phrases, “Just for you I give you special price,” “Take your time,” and my favorites “it’s free to look and free to touch.” I don’t really like saying no to people and the vendors sure don’t like hearing it, so I learned to stop touching and looking at random things I knew I didn’t want and just go for the gold. I also learned that I needed to be more assertive with my bartering. The first time I went to the market I did a terrible job and settled for very close to the starting price. Today I halved the starting price and they were offended and tried to explain that the necklace was handmade and that the mask was ancient and how absurd it was that I was trying to pay such a low price. At first they will tell you that there is no way they can sell it for that low, but if you start to walk away they make you a deal. This strategy does not always work and I sadly had to part with some of the things I wanted because the vendor did not follow me. Let’s just say that didn’t happen very often. When I got home today I realized that by the time I had gotten gifts for family, friends, and myself I think I could start a little stand of my own.

"Love That Hair" by Carlin Conner

Cape Town: Fighting Your Fears

So far in Cape Town I have constantly been presented with opportunities to fight my fears. During my adventure week I was submerged into a metal cage to swim with wild, hungry, great white sharks while teasing them with food, and I was shoved off of the highest commercial bungee point in the entire world to face not only my fear of heights, but to also battle motion sickness (that whiplash is intense!). Plus, when you have never really been acquainted with wild animals and a herd of elephants surrounds your van you get a little scared! But besides all of these incredible opportunities that I have had to conquer my fears, I was by far presented with thus far in the trip was today, when I was given the opportunity to go skydiving.

At first I was excited, looking at the plane that I would soon be jumping out of while simultaneously looking at pictures of the past skydivers that lined the walls left me more excited than scared. However, as soon as I piled into the tiny, rickety plane that would transport my 9000 feet into the sky, all feelings of self-assurance leapt right out the window. When sitting in a tiny place 9000 feet above solid ground, strapped to a complete stranger, the only feeling is fear. Well, fear and panic, but those feelings are pretty much intertwined. All I wanted to do was escape, but as soon as I was looking out of the window I knew that I would have to face my fear. Fortunately for me, if you have a fear of heights, facing your fear is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the world. Never in my life have I been so pleasantly surprised when conquering a fear, and I hope that I have the opportunity to do so again. Free falling through the sky while looking out at Table Mountain and Robben Island is an experience I will never be able to repeat, and I only hope that all of you reading this are able to one day have the same experience that I did. Plus, the effect of wind blown hair is just as elegant as you could have ever imagined.

"Top 10" by Alli Frank

The Top 10 of Cape Town

• Skydiving
• Visiting the Wine lands
• Going to Robben Island
• Serving in the Township
• Jaw dropping scenery
• Sunrise hike up Lions Head
• Adventure week.
• Cape Point
• Stellenbosch
• Making wonderful new friends.

“Cunning, Crafty, Quick.” by Sam McChesney

The students of Global LEAD have undergone many transformations during our time here in Cape Town, South Africa. Misconceived notions of poverty, wealth, family, and happiness have been altered and overcome through our coursework and time spent in the township of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Some of the most important lessons, however, are the ones that we have learned from our fellow classmates. The only Michael Phelps that most of us had heard of before this trip was the gold medal hoarding swimmer from the United States. Almost like a metaphor for the syllabus itself, my roommate, the REAL Michael Phelps, has represented a change in ideology of what it really means to bear that name.

Born from the rolling hills of Suwannee, Phelps is the epitome of man. He currently holds the record for largest Red Stag ever killed by bow and arrow in New Zealand (honestly). As a room, the gentlemen of room 136 have overcome adversity, grown in leadership, and jumped out of airplanes. I know this trip is about South Africa, but the life lessons that I have learned from Phelps, specifically from time spent hearing about his ARCA circuit racing career, will stay with me. Phelps once said, “rubbin is racing and loose is fast”. These words really resonate. They carry a deeper meaning after his 200 mph crash at Daytona back in 2008. In the middle of the 70^th lap, Phelps passed out due to carbon monoxide poisoning and hit the wall. Two weeks later he was back in the driver’s seat sitting at the first pole at Kentucky. Much like how we have been pushed to do on this trip, he overcame his fear and conquered it.