Sorry again for the long break between posts. I am loving living at the monastery and working at the school and for Reading Camp Grahamstown. The monks have been such a support for me throughout my time here. I am so glad to have lived in this community.
I have also very much enjoyed my time working with the grade 3 class and with Miss Babolwa. I have learned a lot about working in the classroom with her and with the children I have been able to form close relationships with. Working in school administration as also been eye opening and fulfilling. I have also learned a great deal of insight from Kary, the principal, and from working with her on planning Reading Camp and what that looks like in this context.
Unfortunately, my application for my visa has been denied and so I have to leave South Africa pretty abruptly. I will be flying out to go back to the United States next Wednesday the 13th. I am so terribly saddened by this, but I am looking forward to what life will bring instead!
I will continue to post a few more times on my blog in the next few months to remind myself of my time here and the people I met as well as to inform all of you what I have been up to in Grahamstown!
Thank you so much for everyone who has been supportive through this year. More to come!
I'm sorry you won't be able to stay another year like you wanted, but we will be glad to have you home. Get lots of hugs from the children and then share them with me the next time I get a Carolyn-hug. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I agree with Mary - cannot wait to see you but very sorry that the Visa silliness is keeping you from continuing in South Africa.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I am so sorry that your Visa application was denied. I know you have been passionate about working in Grahamstown and have been able to accomplish so much in South Africa and in Burundi this year. Though this is a sad turn of events, you should be proud of what you have done to this point. I also appreciate you supporting me this year, even as you were helping people who needed so much more attention than I did and were dealing with so many more important and critical issues. You have definitely inspired me to follow a better path next year and I will always be grateful for that, and I loved hearing about all the great things you did for the year.
On the bright side, I will be glad to get to see you earlier than expected! Come visit me in Niagara Falls or Buffalo in June or July and/or I will visit you and Julia in Ohio this summer. I can't wait!
-Alex