July 29

I thought I would end up spending all day on the couch reading; however, I luckily did not. I had breakfast, then rode with Sarah and her dad to Sarah’s church choir practice, then home, where I sat on the couch outside (with a beautiful jungle, valley view) and read until Sarah came home. Then she invited me to come along shopping with her, her friend, Charlene (20), and Charlene’s brother Neal (22). Neal has dread locks and has hitchhiked through many states including Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. I enjoyed talking about all that with him. We went to a big mall with cheap stores and then to Meltz Factory Outlet (like a huge TJ Maxx, but cheaper and it had more of a warehouse feel). Everyone bought something but me, I don’t need anything and I don’t want to have to lug anything around for 3 more months. When we got home I helped Janet fix dinner (I tried at least). Then 2 black boys (16 & 17), from the valley (aka rural township), who go to their church joined us for dinner. I was able to interview them and I learned a lot of interesting things. Once again, I must learn to be more grateful for all God has blessed me with.
After dinner Sarah, the 2 guys, and I went to their church for youth group (aka play pool, fussball, and ping pong). It was just us, Neal, and another young guy. It is nice to be included and I was so glad Neal was there so I wasn’t the oldest by 4 years.