Parents going to Africa

Hello everyone,

Kendall's mom here. This is my first post and I am happy to report that we have heard from Kendall frequently since they arrived in Cape Town. I can hear in Kendall's voice her enthusiasm for this city and how much she is enjoying herself now. In previous phone conversations she has sounded a bit homesick but she has now clearly moved past it. Kendall has asked if any of the parents who are meeting up with the group in Cape Town would be willing to carry a few small tapes for her video camera and a few letters for her. Apparently she cannot find the tapes she needs in Cape Town and she has letters that we were given a little too late to send. I will check this blog for responses if anyone is able to help with that. Thanks so much.

Amy

Thanks so much for sharing the photo, we were curious where it came from. Has anyone else received photos? I'm sure at some point the girls will be able to upload, and there will be lots !!! No word from Morgan since sand sledding, "dirt and sand are a part of me now", so it is great to hear from Mariel, thanks Kim.

Are any of your girls blogging? If so I would enjoy following the blogs of others, if you care to share how to access them. Morgan's is ... morgangoestoafrica.blogspot.com .

On to Cape Town.... Kathy

Photoshopped Namibia group photo

First let me say that I think Shannon took this photo and I thought it was wonderful. It's got the rule of thirds, everyone is off the ground, and you just smile when you look at it. I played around with it in Photoshop using different filters and below are the results. I've had them blown up to 20x30 and they look great. If you would like to order some, you can go through Shutterfly (though I can't speak for their quality) or you can email me and I will do the reprints through Costco and mail them to you. Their prices are: 4x6 .13 5x7 or 4 wallets .39 8x10 or 8x12 $1.49 111x14 or 12x18 $2.99 16x20 $5.99 20x30 $8.99. Contact me for any details as marshag@carolina.rr.com

Thanks.

Namibia TTS14

Click here to view these pictures larger

Orange River

Hello All,

I had an opportunity visit with Mariel today! Yeah! She says they are at the Orange River and are doing their language mid-term today and will be doing their history mid-term on the river. She says that Swakopmund was wonderful and she wants to spend more time there before college. The group spent the night near Dune 45, got up at 4:00 am and hiked to the top of the dune to watch the sunrise. Mariel said it took her breath away and that after that she is convinced that Africa is the most beautiful place in the world. She says the dunes go right down to the sea in places with no beach. They were at the Fish River Canyon yesterday and got to walk around there. She was able to explain the way the Canyon was formed by two plates of the earth moving and then the center piece sinking down in the middle then the river washed through. The river comes through about every five years with great force. They have been camping and working on their school work. Her new totem is the Eland. She says she thinks the girls are all doing well. They are looking forward to Cape Town and talking about how that will be the 1/2 way point and how it will go very fast after that. She feels she has learned a lot about herself, life, women, and friendship. I hope you are all doing well. Cheers, Kim

what they are up to now 10/12

Here's our latest update from Sarah: okay i think this is actually going to be the last email for a while. we're in Ludwitz right now we just saw a ghost town leftover from the mining industry here. It was really creepy the sand dunes had like invaded the houses and we could barely squeeze under the door frame there was so much sand, but it was fun! We just drove through the most beautiful landscape in Namibia. i want to come back here with you guys later! okay we're off to fish river canyon tomorrow, and then midterms on the orange river (ah!) and then cape town so i will talk to you then!

A Special Visitor

We heard from Sarah last week who told us that Ginger Mauney (family friend) got a chance to visit and speak with the girls in Swakopmund. She is a documentary filmaker now living in Namibia who has made films about baboons, African Bushmen, and the elephants of Etosha. She is also c0-author of the book: Best of Friends:Two Women, Two Continents, and One Enduring Friendship. See http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/books/review/Byer-t.html for a synopsis and review. Her part of the book talks alot about Namibia and her work there. She spoke about her work and what's it's like to be an American in Namibia and took their questions. A direct quote from her: The girls asked thoughtful questions and laughed easily - two good signs - and the teachers are very nice.



Love the Namibian Salt pan photo.

Greetings from the Holly family

Hello all!!  This is Amsara's mom and dad, Carla and Obi, and we are very excited about making our first post on the blog.  We are so grateful for our daughter having this life changing opportunity!  Also, we're very pleased with the way all of the girls appear to be bonding and engaging in their instructions.  Thanks to your great parenting and open-minded world view, our daughter now has new friends and experiences that will stay dear to her heart for years to come.  Next blog, we will discuss in more detail what Amsara has shared with us thus far.  We've only had two phone conversations and were ecstatic to receive two letters from her.  Her journey thus far has been "beautiful".  Until next time...peace and love to all. - Obi &  Carla Holly

News from the coast

Hi everyone, we had a phone call from Morgan this morning.....all seems to be going very well. She said they would be sandboarding today, they have seen seals and they were smelly(the seals), and the pizza was great. The A frames they are staying in are nice and they have a real bed!!! She was planning on washing her clothes in a real washing machine. The weather has been cool and she seemed to be happy to be wearing her socks and long pants. Hope all is well with everyone - Kathy