Final Reflections on South Africa Educational Journey

Greeting Everyone,

I am writing my final reflection on my South African educational journey, as a peer out my deck window overlooking the Mississippi River, while it is now snowing in southwestern Minnesota. This Minnesota weather makes it seem like it was years ago when I traveled to South Africa, yet it has only been two weeks ago. I have just received some more conference pictures from Gerald and others of our final days in South Africa. Due to my dedication to present and attend the many events it was hard to capture the remaining days of photos to showcase the daily activities. Luckily many others did and shared their digital photos with us on the School net conference site, and I have now reproduced a collection of my photos and the conference attendees, conference planning team and the Intel affiliates.



At this time I want to reflect and share with each of you my thankfulness and sincere gratitude to all of my new South African friends and new colleagues. These individuals made my African experience a positive and life changing event for me and my husband. I have never been so welcomed into one's country and cultural society, and respected as a true professional. I was the minority coming into their country, yet there were no cultural barriers or stereotypes placed upon me as a visitor. I was treated as an immediate family member as I arrived into their country, throughout out our entire stay, and even upon our final departure.

Thank you South Africa for your kind, compassionate and caring ways and positive attitude to accept me, as an American educator, into your educational family!