Teaching and Trekking

A few updates since last post… Mountain and Ski Club service project, March 10 I volunteered with the UCT Mountain and Ski Club’s Siyenyuka Project. We took 15 high school students from a a disadvantaged area of the Western Cape for their first rock climbing experience at Lakeside Pinnacle in Cape Town. The students proved to be fearless and willing to try anything. By the end of the day every student made it to the top of the wall, some with the help of experienced climbers climbing by their sides. I was last to go up, and as one of the supervisor figures, I was surprised to find that one student wanted to show me what she learned and she fascined my harness and tied my “figure of 8” knot. When she noticed I was a bit nervous, since I am still new at climbing, she cheered me on and pointed out the route she took when she climbed the same wall. I was very impressed and I am extremely excited to see the students again on our next Siyenyuka Adventure! For more photos of us at Lakeside ...

Hey everyone! Sorry I have taken so long to post! I have been extremely busy and have alot to catch you up on. From here on out I plan to post at least every other week so as not to get too far behind. I am now settled in to Cape Town, South Africa very well. I am being hosted by the lovely Kromboom Rotary and they have been absolutely amazing. I have already attended 3 meetings, gotten to know all of the 15 or so members. I have helped with their very large Opera fundraiser and will be volunteering with the Argus Cycling Tour of South Africa on Sunday. The club is very active and has extremely dedicated members. I even had the honor of watching a new member get installed into the club. My host Rotarian, Drew Horner, has opened his family and his home to me and has made the shock of being in a foreign place a much more comfortable transition. I could not have asked for a better mentor and host while I am here and I look forward to spending more time with the Horner family! :-) ...