This is my third attempt in the last few days to write an update, but it seems like everytime I have written a substantial amount, we lose power...which means the computers turn off...which means I've lost everything I've written. It's a funny thing, and a great way to learn patience and the art of "going with the flow", after all, "this is africa". 

When our group first arrived in Cape Town we were told to never forget two important rules:
1. Look BOTH ways TWICE when preparing to cross a street. (They have crazy drivers here, and the roads are switched here, Drive on the left.)
2. Be Flexible. (I am quickly learning this is extremely important)

I do have my address now, but I've left it at home. I plan on making a good update soon, but I'm going to write it on my laptop so that it won't be lost.

This is all for now. Thanks for all the prayers, they are VERY needed!

Take care my lovely support system, I will give you a more detailed and better update soon!

LOVE YOU ALL VERY VERY MUCH!!

- Safari Ari

I'm writing from a "dodgy" internet connection. I am completely exhausted and nothing has really hit me yet. The fact that I am in South Africa hasn't quite made sense to my mind yet. I know that the scenery is different, and the people are more diverse, but the fact that I am on the complete other side of the world from my family, my fiancee, and all of my friends just seems so surreal.  Is it real?? I really can't believe it's true!

I absolutely LOVE reading the comments from you all. It's just such a nice piece of home to have something familiar to read. I like imagining that you're actually speaking it to me as I read it, but that makes me almosy cry. I haven't cried a whole lot since I got here, just a healthy amount I think. I will probably have to go home and have a good cry after I've left this computer place.

I moved in with my host family yesterday, so far so great! I am living with a woman name Alice, her 30 y/o son Andre, and two Bethel students, Brittany and Jesse. Another guy from Azuza Pacific University will be moving in with Jesse on Wed and will be staying with us for a month.  It's a really nice house, with amazing people, I have a feeling this is going to be fantastic (people here use that word a lot!!!). Last night  Jesse, Brittany, and I stayed up late talking to Andre about South African things. It was really cool. 

Well I have so much to say, but this place closes at 6pm which is in about 15 minutes.  I hope there aren't too many typos as I've written this 3 times now and I just want to be able to post this without having to rewrite it again!!

I love you allllll and I hope this finds you well. By the way, if any of you would like to mail yourselves to me so that we can hang out, I am completely open to this option!

****kisses, hugs, and lots of love****

Ari

Before I forget:
- People have asked: I am staying here for about 5 months (I return May 22)
   - Mom, this means I have to get an extension for my student visa or change my ticket. :(  
- I don't have my address yet, I just moved in last night and I asked my family, but they said they'll get it to me "just now" which basically means later, in a few days, or possibly never. Hah. 
- When you leave a comment, please remember to leave your name! Most of you have been doing that, but every once in while I am left to guess. I usually know who it is, but you know, just in case. Hahah.
- I can't get onto facebook or skype at school (this may not affect any of you) but I assume I will be able to access it at school. Basically, I can get on those programs, just not very often, and I'll have to go to an internet cafe to pay for it.