soweto

There is a red gate that separates my house from the outside world. There's nothing special about it; in fact, you may find more just like it if you take the time to walk around my neighborhood. If you go beyond the gate and walk up our short driveway, you will soon find yourself in my "backyard" of cement. A simple 3-room building to your right, a makeshift doghouse in front of you, and a welcoming, half-open door to your left... a door that brings you into my home.

st. benedict's

The dry, thin air, the intense heat of the sun, the foreign birds flying above, the chorus of African voices joined in song... I am in South Afica. It's still weird for me to think about.

Getting here was long and tiresome, but at the same time it was an exciting adventure. Eighteen straight hours is definitely the longest I've ever flown. Intense. What would otherwise be torture was somewhat softened by free on-demand entertainment, decent plane food, and a cheerful crew. Not to mention, I had the most amazing experience watching a lighning storm from above. There are probably no other words to describe this experience for me but absolutely incredible. If you ever get the chance to do this, I say go for it. All the way.