Sorry I have been slacking on updating my blog, but it has been an amazing first two weeks back here in Cape Town! The first week was just Joanna, Pierce, and me holding down the fort. We spend most of the days running errands and taking care of all the little things that go into making this program a success. We did manage to relax a little though, taking a day to explore the vineyards of Stellenbosch and hiking table mountain to celebrate my graduation.
Over the last week the rest of our team has been trickling in. We all had a couple days to get to know each other before the students arrived and I want to briefly introduce you to them and all their awesomeness since this is the crew that will be aiming to change some lives with me over the next 5 weeks.
Joanna: First and foremost I have to introduce the bosslady herself. She is the program director and the one that makes all the Global LEAD magic happen. 3 facts:
She was a student on the first ever Global LEAD trip (5 years ago).
She loses her voice every single day.
Has no fear of taking a bite off anyones plate.
Pierce: The other intern on the trip will be helping out Jo with me over the course of the program. 3 facts:
Panhellinic president at UGA.
She has to sleep with her pet stuffed animal Ruff Ruff every night. Probably had it since she was a kid right? Wrong. She got it her senior year of high school.
She cries. A lot.
Dr. Mo: Lead professor on the program and is the most engaging and passionate teacher that I have ever know. 3 facts:
Very close with Martin Luther King's family.
Teaches a History of Hip Hop in Politics class and casually uses slang in almost every intellectual conversation.
Her husband, Mr. Mo, is here for a couple weeks and together they are preaching at a few different churches around Cape Town.
Jill: Teaching assistant who is paired with me and our Springbok students. 3 facts:
Is in 2 improv troupes.
Has met Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar.
The two of us did a skit this in class this morning showing students how not to act like "ugly Americans" by acting like the most obnoxious, stereotypical Americans imaginable.
Rob: Teaching assistant who is paired with Pierce and the Bafanna students. 3 facts:
Received his doctorate last week.
Has his own TV show.
Drinks coffee because a night because it helps him go to sleep…
Ish: Last but most certainly not least is Ish. He is the local jack of all trades and is our driver, guide, body guard, and Global LEAD's best friend.
Has been with Global LEAD for 5 years.
Married with two young boys.
Owns a Barney Costume.
Favorite song: Starships- Nicky Minaj
Favorite place in Cape Town: Tiger Tiger
Together the 7 of us will be investing in the 81 students we have here over the next 5 weeks. The goal is to not only ensure that they have the best 5 weeks of their lives, but to also grow and empower them as leaders.
This is the coolest group of people I have ever met. It is a privilege to get to live and work with them and to be a part of this program again. Please be praying for continuous growth in both our students and ourselves. I thought that last years trip would be the best 5 weeks of my life but its already looking like these 5 are going to top it.
I promise to keep you guys better updated from here on out!
God bless,
Lincoln
