9.22

It’s been a while since I've updated, have been staying busy doing all sorts of stuff.
Went to a game reserve or safari which ever you prefer. That was a lot of fun. Not as exciting as an African safari sounds but it was still amazing seeing everything up close without a huge fence between. I didn’t get to see any cats though so that was kind of disappointing.
I went and stayed in Bulembu for the week. They have fixed up two houses in the back part of town and are setting up a camp for the kids from Bulembu and Hawane. Right now Jonathan and I are working on designing an obstacle course. We have picked out two of the abandoned houses that are in pretty bad shape, and turning them into obstacle courses. So they will be crawling and climbing all throughout the house, in and out windows, up over walls, and all sorts of cool things like that. We went through and laid out the plan and now were having to put it on paper to explain it to other people so they can help build it. I'm working on laying out the blue prints. I've never drawn up blue prints for something before so this is all new for me but I'm having to draw them up and describe how to build the platforms and footholds that need to be put where, not as easy as it sounds. It started out just going to be these two houses as the obstacle course but now it needs to be bigger. Kevin wants an adult leadership obstacle course, a high ropes course, paintball course and several other ideas that will reach out to all of Swaziland, because there is nothing like this in the whole country. So Jonathan and I have our work cut out for us. Not very easy trying to draw up blueprints, budget and create work phases for all this, but it will be good and challenging. We are also working on arranging a bicycle course for the boys to race each other on. Trying to pick a good place to do it, clear out all the brush, and come up with the best way to mark it off or put dirt down or something.
Now I am back at Hawane for the weekend then going back to Bulembu for the week, which I will be staying at the volunteer house this week instead of the Lodge. Let’s just say it could use some work, but ill take some pics so you can get the real feel of it.
Today, Saturday, I went to a glass factory. Also every week the boys from the farm play a soccer game against another team which it looks like its just men from around the town. But I got to jump in today and play with them. Walked up with my sandals just going to watch and they handed me a jersey and I jumped in, noting that I flipped off my sandals and played barefoot on a field that was more like they just cleared some of the big bushes and called it a field which was an experience in itself. But it was a ton of fun. I think I'm going to play next week too but I'm definitely going to find some cleats before then, looking forward to that.
But other than that it’s been kind of slow and I'm feeling a bit homesick. Really wish I was in my own bed and hanging out with the friends right now. Not at the same time but you know what I mean.

Jonathan leaves in October sometime and he’s the only other guy intern here so I'm not really sure who I will be hanging out with or what ill be doing so we’ll just have to see I guess.
The thought of me being here 3 months is really set in. Not just some short trip and then getting to come home. It’s going to be awhile.
But that’s that,
Miss everyone even though it’s only been a few weeks but the thought of 3 months is setting in.
Scott