Orientation/Disorientation

M.U.D. 4 in Chicago

YAGM orientation started on August 17^th in Chicago. The week was set up so that the 50 of us were able to have daily sessions discussing things such as interfaith dialogue and cross cultural issues. We also spent time talking about self-care and logistical things like our visas and communication. Large group and small group sessions were wonderful for preparation and getting some questions answered, but a lot of the week was spent hanging out in Chicago with all the other country groups. We hung out by the lake, checked out some local spots and went to a Cubs game. It’s pretty amazing how close you get to people in such a short time. A family has been formed.

On August 24^th orientation was over and disorientation started. Twelve of us left Chicago in the evening and headed to O’Hare to begin our 37-hour journey to Durban, South Africa. It was long but not terrible. Best part was having a long layover in Frankfurt, Germany and spending a few hours in a downtown area getting a beer, some sausage and ice cream.

Frankfurt, Germany

Brian, our country coordinator, picked us up in Durban and brought us to a backpackers house in Pietermaritzburg where he and his wife Kristen live. It’s been a great place for us to stay, hang out, cook- basically bond 24/7. Our group is called M.U.D.4 (Fourth group in the South African Mission Upstream and Downwind) and as it turns out is a bunch of sarcastic, funny and smart individuals whom I’ve really started to love.

The week in Pietermaritzburg has been a time for us to be together as we begin the transition into this new lifestyle- before we’re sent to our separate cities all over South Africa. So far we’ve played some soccer games, went to a nature preserve and spent the majority of a day in a Zulu Homestead. I’m lucky to have this time and will certainly appreciate the times we have together over the year.

Elizabeth and I at the nature preserve

Zulu Homestead where they showed us their homes, fed us, sang and danced for us