We had a long drive from Pongola to Johannesburg, the city where we began our trip. During our 6 hour journey we were pretty quiet. I think that my fellow explorers were beginning to think about returning to America.

When we arrived at the Southern Sun hotel in Johannesburg we were greeted by some of the hotel workers who remembered us from before. It was nice to see some friendly faces in Jo'burg. We quickly got ready for dinner and met Cromwell for one last night in South Africa.

It was great to see Cromwell and tell him about our adventures in Cape Town and on safari. We went to dinner together. Our friends Galit and Peter also joined us. (We visited Peter’s school and students at the beginning of our trip, and Galit gave us a tour of the township Alexandra.) It was a wonderful dinner, but it was sad to have to say goodbye to our friends and this country.

Day 32

This morning I was able to sleep in. It was the first morning I did not have somewhere to be or someone to meet. During the day, I worked on last-minute packing. We loaded our suitcases and bags into Cromwell’s van for the last time and drove to the airport. Then we said our good-byes to Cromwell and Peter (who traveled to the airport just to see us off.) At 5:00pm we boarded the plane for the long flight back to the U.S.

It is amazing to think that a full month has gone by. I have learned so much during this expedition. I learned about forgiveness and community. I learned how important it is to know what is going on in the world around me and that one person can change the world. I am ready to share my experience - and lots of photos - with everyone at home.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me,

Copyright © 2007 ProjectExplorer, LTD. All Rights Reserved.