July 31

Great day! Glad to be here! Glad to be a lone American!
Work was great today; we decided that it would be better for me to do a lot of surveys instead of interviews because of time and logistical constraints. I am so glad! I just happened to bring along a survey I had done for an early rough draft of my proposal, so I made 180 copies and stabled the packets together. I also spent several hours reading this great book about the AIDS problem in South Africa. I was just busy enough all day. When I got home no one was there, but I found on my bed the laundry I had given Eunice this morning! She also makes my bed everyday. I’m getting even more spoiled having daily maid service. Soon David came and picked me up (fetched me) and took me up to their church for “Alpha” (have you ever heard of it?). It is an introductory to Christianity class that church members invite their friends to. It was started in the UK by an Anglican pastor and apparently it has spread rapidly around the world. Tonight’s meeting was just a sign up meeting with no pressure to continue attending. There was a finger supper provided. Get this, though: I about died and I wanted to take pictures: they had WINE (real alcohol wine) AT A CHURCH FUNCTION! I told them how shocked I was (as a good southern Baptist girl) and they said they wanted to meet the people coming “where they are at.” Good thinking. Also at the meeting were Neal, his sister, and two guys my age they are friends with. I hung out with them all night and it was sooooo great to hang out with people my age in such a nice environment. I think we are all going up the coast this weekend. I had talked about going with Janet and Sarah to a private all boys high school rugby match rivalry on Saturday so it would ruin those plans. I am not sure what to do, part of me thinks Janet would be glad not to have to “baby-sit” me for a weekend, and part of me thinks I should stick to my first “commitment.” Suggestions?