June 13, 2011- The first night

May 23, 2011 

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps."  David Lloyd George 

So, its pretty crazy to think that its only 3pm at home, but its like 9pm here in Johannesburg. I just got on a plane and traveled 20 hrs. and I'm here...on the continent of Africa. I'm staying at a Catholic guesthouse, Koinania. We ate dinner with the group from Southern Nazarene University who we'll be working with for the remainder of our time. The other students (from SNU) all seem really nice. I think it will be fun working with them. Its very strange not having contact with anyone from the outside world. Normally I would call or text my mom and grandparents and Mike to let them know I am safe, and just to hear from them, or I would get on facebook to notify everyone I am fine. But here I am, half way around the world, and I haven't contacted them. It is only 3 in the afternoon there, on a Monday. I wonder what they are all up to. I miss everyone. Its going to be a long two weeks with little contact with the ones I love most. I can't wait to see them all again, but I also can't wait to get to know those I'm with here on the trip, and do the work in Swaziland I believe God wants me to do. I'm excited to start this adventure.

So, a couple interesting things today were--exchanging money. The exchange rate is 6.8 so, if you had $100 in cash, you got like $660 in their money. Also, going through customs was intimidating. I mean, nothing happened, but the fact that they were all standing there chattering in a different language in uniforms ready to pull you aside if you looked suspicious was just a little scary. Everyone in our group made it through just fine. phew. Third interesting thing--time change on the air plane. So, we're on a 20 hr. flight, right? In the same seat. With the same people all around. But we're soaring through the sky merrily on our way to...Africa. We are served 3 meals--dinner yesterday (Sunday) then breakfast "this morning" which was really like the middle of the night U.S. time, then lunch this afternoon ( which felt more like breakfast time). We got here (in Johannesburg) around 5ish (their time) so it felt like 11 am at home, but it was starting to get dark here, because it is fall here and it gets dark earlier. If you've traveled outside the country or in a different time zone before, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Such a weird feeling. I feel like I slept the entire time on the plane, but at the same time, like I didn't sleep at all. Oh yeah, and the other thing is the driving. I forgot just about everywhere but the USA drives on the left side of the road and the right side of the car. It was interesting to see first hand. Okay, so that's it for now. I'm going to try to sleep. *Blankie--I miss you dearly. Lil coug--sweet dreams lil buddy.

Until Then,
Holly Peffer

*If you were wondering, blankie is my baby blanket that I always sleep with, but I didn't want to risk losing her in Africa. Lil coug is another special stuffy that I sleep with but didn't take to Africa.