Monkeys and Updates

Yes I am now finally posting a blog!!!!

Just so you know I am now here at my temporary home away from home in Pietermarizburg, South Africa. The place where we are so fortunate to stay is tucked away in the misty humid hills just out side of the main town. I honestly don't think the location could be more beautiful. Words definitely could not explain exactly how awesome it is. It’s amazing what a whole lot of moisture could do to the land, for starters its VERRY GREEN, and its Fairly close to a jungle. I will definitely post some more pictures soon.

One of my favorite parts about this place is the monkeys. Yup the monkeys. Interaction with them has become somewhat of a norm and their pranks and antics are expected. There really is no American equivalent to these monkeys. I suppose the closest you would get is raccoons. Except the monkeys are much smarter and more agile.

We cannot leave windows open, not even cracked, sometimes its even best to have them locked. The first day we were here monkey encounters started happening, stealing sugar packets, Jelly, Bread, Fruit, and pooping on beds and pillows. Let me make it a point that these monkeys seemed to practice strategic pooping. One got in to a girls room and pooped on her bed, pillow and in laundry bag; which was only discovered days later by the smell. They have become such a problem that the campus has equipped the us guys with a paint ball gun. Some times it seems like it doesn't help, and the monkeys only come back in more numbers. 

I my self have had one memorable experience with the monkeys. I woke up one morning to go for a run. It was 6am and there were not to many people out and about. I started running on the road and up ahead I saw 7 or 9 monkeys on the road in the trees and playing on the grass. I decided that I was on top of the food chain and they would run away and disperse. Most of them ran away or jumped in the trees, but one, the big one, started running in front of me at a much slower pace. He then turned right around and didn't move. I stopped dead in my tracks. These monkeys will attack and have been known to bite. I started to make some noise and raise my arms but he didn't move. He was now about 10 or 12 feet away and began to yell or hiss at me. I knew if I stepped any further he was sure to jump on me and the other 8 in the trees watching might join in. I backed up and picked up a rock, as soon as I did he saw me and bolted away into the jungle. Jon 1 Monkeys 0.

Well now that you are aware of the worst threat to my safety. I'll tell you more about what you should know.

I have started my course work taking, intercultural communication, Humans and Nature, Life and teachings of Jesus, and history/culture travel study. The humans and nature class is going to be very intensive, but every Thursday we get to go out on excursions into the various wildlife areas and game reserves, all on top of the regular trips with the entire group. I'm Supper excited about that. So far it’s been really good and feel free to ask any questions for information. Basically we will be remaining here completing course work till March then it’s off down the coast to Capetown. I miss you all and hope this post finds you well. Grace and Peace!