lovely thanks from etafeni

Hello All!  First I wanted to let you know that I have been taking tons of video clips, but I haven't been able to load them onto my blog yet.  I'll load the clips after I get home, so you'll have to check back - there are some good ones, I promise.

Today was my last day at Etafeni.  I wish I could have been there a little longer, because I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with the Fit for Life students and staff.  I admire their desire for a better life and the work they are willing to put in to achieve it.  I was able to listen in on Tuesday as they talked to the job training/placement coordinator.  They want to be graphic designers, teachers, nurses, psychologists...
I know that those dreams seem far away to them now though.  They live in one of the worst parts of Cape Town, come from difficult situations, and school and job training are expensive.  However, Thoreau said,
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."  Etafeni is helping to provide that foundation.  I hope I helped a little.

Since it was my last day, the students made me a card, gave me a little gift, and sang me a song.  My absolute favorite part was when each student said a few words of thanks to me.  Their comments and good wishes were so heartfelt.  After hearing them, my heart was full!  They all expressed a desire for me to tell people about South Africa and Etafeni when I return to the States.

Here's the whole class.