Another Adventure in Africa Begins

This weekend we are packing up our "Africa clothes." Even though this is our 3rd (and 4th for Amy) trip to Africa, it is still a challenge to figure out what to pack. Clothes and gear are strewn about, waiting for the final determination. Checking the weather. How many long sleeved shirts? What type of coat? Will we be too cold? Will we be too hot? How will John fit his shoes into his bag? Do I really need all of those toiletries?

While we making these choices, we are filled with excited anticipation about embarking on another African adventure. On past trips we have spent most of our time in Zambia. This time we will be working in South Africa at PLAY camp.

PLAY camp was started by former Aptos resident Lisa Poll who moved to South Africa to influence change in the next generation - the first generation to grow up not under apartheid. PLAY will offer four week long sleep-away camps each year (at no charge to the campers). The goal of PLAY is to empower black and white youth of South Africa to speak up for change in their communities. This is the inaugural year of PLAY and we will be taking part in the third camp, which will be held in a rural area two hours outside of Pretoria. We will be participating with the kids in ropes course, abseiling, and games. More importantly, we will listen to their stories and experience their reality for a short time.