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Friday, September 6, 2013

More TTS22 News from Overseas and a Reading List

DearTTS22 Friends and Family,

I'm hoping you were able to talk to your daughters yesterday when they had the opportunity to call. I know it was a pleasant surprise for you, as we weren't able to give you a head's up as to when to expect a call. starting on Sunday, the girls should have the ability to call during town time, and hopefully that will begin a more consistent every 10 days to 2 weeks call. 

Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rhino & Elephants, oh my!
I spoke to Brenna yesterday too and got an update on some highlights from the past few days in Kruger, where the group was able to see Africa's Big Five-- most notable, a crouching leopard near the truck that had some nearby warthogs in its sight. They even saw three wild cheetahs! At Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, http://www.moholoholo.co.za/gallery-rehab, the group viewed lion and leopard cubs and were able to pet a cheetah. They also went to a game farm arranged by our friends at the Southern Cross School, and were able to see the rare black rhinos about to be released into the wild next week.  http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/black-rhinoceros/. Sylvia kept the girls focused on their Science projects,. monitoring animals during the various safari drives this week.  This seems to go along with the majority of the girls hopes they shared in Washington, DC -- to see lots of wildlife! 

Our girls will be wearing shoes!
Today, the students rafted the Sadie River nearby and had time for a 1/2-day of classes to boot. And then, the group heads to Waterval Boven (above the waterfall), where they'll light down for a bit, regroup, check in, bank some class hours and try their hand at rock climbing and abseiling on some world famous quartzite crags and cliffs. Look forward to receiving more updates from the teachers, students and hopefully more photos too!!

In case you're interested in reading some of the books your daughter may be reading, here are a few options:
The Power of One, Bryce Courtenay -- this was a summer reading book that Sarah asked the literature students to read set in South Africa during the 1950's. It's a book full of strong characterization -- and the main character is a young English boy trying to find his way in a racially divided South Africa. http://book-reviews.wonderhowto.com/inspiration/book-review-power-one-by-bryce-courtenay-0135392/
The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver -- if you haven't read the rich language of Kingsolver, this is your best chance. This novel isn't set in southern Africa, but it has so many common themes your daughters will encounter as they experience the continent of Africa, it's a great choice for one of their literature books. This is quasi-autobiographical, as Kingsolver's father did take her family when she was a child. The voices and personalities of each of the four daughters prove a wonderful way to think about perspective and history as well as to analyze point of view and characterization. http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/18/reviews/981018.18klinket.html
The Second Coming of Mavalo Shikongo, Peter Orner -- another lyrically written novel, this time set in Namibia at a rural all-boys school. The students use Orner's format to delve into their descriptive writing skills and will bring home honed vignettes that describe the places, people, conversations and events they've experienced overseas.  http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/23/books/review/23schone.html?_r=0
My Traitor's Heart, Rian Malan -- this quite intense piece of non-fiction will be the focus of Global Studies while in South Africa. It will help to bring to light many of the subtle and not-so-subtle issues of race that are rooted in history as well as still prevalent today.  http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/19/books/books-of-the-times-the-harsh-judgments-of-a-white-south-african.html

Let us know how you're doing out there; we know it's difficult waiting for news, so if you have questions or want to chat, give us a call or send out an email.

Cheers from the Bozeman Office!
Jennifer, Price & Jim





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