A Whole Lotta New

As soon as we got off our sweet little plane, we gathered our carry-on luggage and went inside to gather our larger bags.  Before we could even locate our bags, we were greeted from behind with "Are you Heidi and Amanda?"  We turned around to find Br. Philippe, who we had spoken with so many times via email and finally could meet in person.  We introduced ourselves, as did he, and we headed for his car.  

Although international flights, long days of travel, customs, and all of that had been new to me, the very first new thing I experienced that will take some getting used to was driving on the left side of the road!  I wonder how long it will take me to get used to that...thank goodness I will not be the one driving!

It only took about 10 minutes to get to Emaphetelweni Dominican Priory, where lunch was waiting for us.  We did not get to eat right away, though, because we had so many people to meet!  Emaphetelweni Dominican House is home to about 15 Dominicans, 11 of whom are studying Brothers.  We met 6 or 7 of the Brothers who would be our gracious hosts for the next 5 weeks, and were overwhelmed by their hospitality...and their names.  There were far to many to keep track!  Each Brother has an African and an English name, and I promised to know all of their English names very soon, as I couldn't possibly get them all today!  I don't know if I'll be able to get the African names before it is time to leave...

Though I knew it was coming, the second new thing to get me was the food.  I expected it to be different, but I know that it will take me a while to get used to how spicy everything is, and their different ways of preparing things.  For a picky eater like me, this may very well be one of my biggest challenges here...

After nearly two long days of travel and one significant time change, we were both exhausted.  After we were given a tour of the priory and shown our rooms, we spent a little time unpacking...and a lot of time napping.  Four hours, in fact.  Having slept through dinner, we went downstairs, grabbed a snack and some tea, and found out that our day was not over.  We were invited to a talk by one of the Brothers about his work at a local newspaper.  After that, thoroughly spent, it was time to turn in for the night, excited (and honestly still a bit anxious) about what the next day would bring but mostly just happy to be sleeping in a real bed.