A Breath of Fresh Air in Durban

I am committed to keep this blog shorter, since I just wrote yesterday and I am bound to write again after I get back "home" to Grahamstown. As I indicated yesterday I am using part of my two week break to see the closer parts of South Africa. I was on the coast in the Eastern Cape (my home state in SA) over the weekend and now I am in Durban (further up the coast). It has been a lovely, relaxing time. I am here visiting four other scholars who are at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban studying International Development. They are a beautiful group and have given me the best vacation I could have wanted this term: relaxing, low key, with tons of time to reflect of the past and dream of the future. I have taken long walks with them to school; read a very good book by Brian McLaren in bed; had wonderful conversations with the others about God, purpose and community; and spent the day today working on my thesis and Skyping Belgium about human trafficking. Yes, this really is my idea of a perfect vacation! I didn't have time last semester to really spend time reflecting and enjoying the experience of being here, and I realize how much I need that practice in my life. I feel very fortunate to be here and to take it all in. I especially feel blessed by the community I have here and abroad. It is very nice to be able to dialogue about poverty and practical means of addressing it, talk about how we can vote in socially conscious ways, and brainstorm ways to get involved in the community to learn and give back. I am greatful and hope that this Easter season all of you get the same gift of Reflection.

Now, it's time to journal:)