I'm so completely overwhelmed by the whole experience of our trip to South Africa that it's difficult to know how to share it. I think I'll break it into sections and share a few of the pictures and adventures we had along the way. I fell in love with the country and with the people I met!
I first have to say thank you to Glenda for the invitation to come to South Africa... it was an honor and blessing to see your country and meet the people and share the days together. Glenda and her husband Gary were perfect hosts... Glenda has every detail so well-organized and Gary had an endless supply of charm and teasing... mostly about my bad hair days... the wind and early morning humidity did wild things to my hair.
The teachers came from the US, New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa. We had many conversations and laughs about all the different accents and the ways we use words. It's amazing to me that we all speak English but with such unique accents and meanings. (I especially like the difference between now, just now, and now now in South Africa!) It was wonderful to have almost two weeks together of both working and playing... so many memories that will be with me forever!
LtoR: Jodi Sanford from the US, Glenda Viljoen and Candice Greenway from SA, me, Tracie Hudson from the UK, Nic Howard from New Zealand, and Jeri Tanner from the US.
I had my husband Dave with me, Nic brought her husband Paul and son Jacob, Tracie with Annie, her sister, Jeri and Joanne from Bo Bunny, and Candice's husband Charles joined us along the way. Jodi came by herself but we all took care of her! :)
Dave had never been to an event where I was teaching, so it was fun to have him in class taking pictures and getting a peek into what I do. The SA Scrapbook Convention is a wonderful event... Glenda works so hard to make everyone feel so special and to pay attention to all the details. I know she couldn't do it without the wonderful volunteers... I know I couldn't either! Here's the Jo'burg groups and then the Cape Town group... what a special group of ladies! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!
A very special blessing was getting know Glenda's family... her mom, her sis-in-law Kim, her sister Debbie, and Auntie Val (and Ashleigh too... who is like family!) We got to talk a lot about our families and our faith and they were such an encouragement to me! Thank you, thank you!
I taught three times... 230 students in one class, 180 in the other, and 130 in the last! I got a workout running to the far corners of the room, but the students were wonderful... so kind and appreciative! I amazed how many of them had never made a mini book before. I think I've hooked some of them! (I also taught two retailer mini classes... so nice to meet them too!)
I couldn't say thank you enough to October Afternoon for sponsoring my classes... the students loved the products! Also thank you to Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts, Bazzill Basics, Glitz Designs, and Advantus (Tim Holtz) for providing additional goodies to make our kits even better. Thank you to Lyn, OA's SA distributor for making it happen!
We had so much good food and laughs... I'm missing everyone terribly!
Next up... Kichaka!
Hey Debby, you are part of the family now too. Thanks for all the laughs and the great class. Miss you too.
Posted by: Ashleigh | September 23, 2010 at 07:43 AM
It looks like so mmuch fun. I'm so glad it went well. I've been praying for you every day.
Posted by: Deb J | September 23, 2010 at 07:59 AM
Wow, looked like a fabulous time Deb. I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Kip | September 23, 2010 at 08:08 AM
what a wonderful experience!
Posted by: Heather | September 23, 2010 at 10:36 AM
I'm so glad you had fun and enjoyed our wonderful country! Thank u for an amazing and fun class, can't wait to add those summer photies:)
Posted by: Esti Erasmus | September 23, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Please show us the projects you taught. Enjoying your trip.
Posted by: Judy Webb | September 23, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Judy, I taught the Sweet Summer Days book. For the retailers I did one page of the two page layout I'm teaching in Louisiana in a couple weeks.
Posted by: Debby Schuh | September 23, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Wow, what an awesome experience you had. The friendships you made for life. Love that the mini book was OA. Their lines are SWEET. Would love to see pictures of the mini book that you did. Can't wait to see more pictures of your trip :)
Posted by: Robynn McFerren | September 24, 2010 at 09:05 AM
My goodness! Your experience sounds wonderful and to have hubby with you was extra special. What a life! Do you need a helper? LOL, but serious!
Posted by: Gloria L. | September 24, 2010 at 10:26 AM
What an amazing trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Michelle M White | September 30, 2010 at 09:09 AM