Hello

Well, just to let you all know I'm still alive and having the time of my
life. We get to go this week to Swaziland and go on safari!!! I'm really
excited and promise that I will try to keep out of the way of angry or
hungry animals! I love you all!!

ellen

here in africa

Well, it has been a hectic week here in Africa, we are always doing something, and when there is a free moment, it is the perfect time for a much needed nap. I have tried all week to get on the internet, but the computers were all down and it just seemed like all of my efforts were not going to ever pay off. Anyhow, I am still alive here in Mozambique Africa and am quite enjoying myself. We got to take a very stuffed minivan ride to the district of Changalane one hour out of Maputo where we are staying and we attended a big parade kind of thing and then the president of Mozambique, Gabuzo, spoke. It was quite an expirience and we also got to see some traditional dancing and things like that. I have also had the opportunity to teach about AIDS prevention in some schools and in the communities. We are getting to be kind of experts. We also taught the school of teachers how to do country dancing which was really fun and exciting. They absolutely loved it and taught us a couple of their dances.


Here we are with our neighbors at Changalane, very patriotic with our flags and all, and we did sing their national anthem a couple of times.

On Sunday we got to teach the Primary. Elyssa and I are basically totally in charge, and it was so much fun to sing and just to be around these darling children. There are also a couple of kids who speak english and they are really excited that we're here to explain things to them once in
a while. I love the fact that I am able to have missionary experiences as well where I work and just in general in the community. Africa is a beautiful place and i am really enjoying learning about the culture, literature, and just getting to know the people. I love you all and will write again in a couple of weeks probably, when I can get to the internet again. Kisses!

ALSO NOTE MY FRIENDS' BLOG: www.hayniesisterssummeradventures.blogspot.com with photos and everything

ellen

Re: Africa

My dear family,

Well, things are going very well, we have kind of gotten into a schedule. I work at an AIDS prevention and testing center until noon every day of the week and then in the afternoon we have classes. We have a cook who prepares our meals for us and so I will probably come back with another couple of pounds in remembrance of Africa. Sometimes we are doing stuff
and so we don't get around to our class until after dinner, but it is really awesome. I really like the classes, they are edifying and fun at the same time. It is also very nice because we are really needed here and so everywhere we go there is a lot to do. For example we performed in a
presentation put on by the students at the college and I will be the Primary chorister at church. It will be a lot of fun to help the kids learn, and I do so love the songs! It is a good feeling to be needed and useful to someone. On Saturdays we do cultural things like going into town and seeing the sites. We are very careful, and it is great to have Professor Williams around who knows a lot of people and knows where everything is. It is such a great opportunity. I do so love the people here, they are just people, and I love people! Yep, and that's all for today...Love you all and hope you're doing well!

ellen

Here we are with one of the authors Malangatana at his studio/home.

I'm in Africa!!!!

So, after a whole lot of traveling and not sleeping I made it to Mozambique, Africa. I have got to talk to a lot of people and am really going to have a great learning experience. I also am learning some cool songs and traditional dances. Fun stuff! I get to work in an AIDS clinic and help do teaching and prevention as well as testing, and whatever else I can teach them. It is great! Love you all and see you soon!

ellen