It's all politics

It has been strange to be here without television, radio, newspapers, and limited internet. I could have access to these things easily here in South Africa, but I have to admit it has been a nice change to not have a daily bombardment of political rhetoric, so I haven't been searching it out. It has begun to feel that the South Africans know more about what is happening than myself (which is probably true) as they have followed the election very closely. Being overseas has shown me the importance of what happens in the US to other countries. We have a lot of power and this power has great and grave consequences for the world.

I have to be honest that it would be difficult to be here and not be a Obama supporter. Everyone I have met was in support of Obama and it was much more comfortable for me to be able to say truthfully that I also supported Obama. One of the first questions many people have asked me when they learn that I am American is who I voted for and when I said Obama, there was often a nod of approval. An example was at the Zimbabwe border crossing. I'm always a bit nervous when I cross a border because there is always the fear that you will be declined from entering and going to Zimbabwe was no exception. The man took my passport and seeing that I was American, asked me who I was voting for. When I said Obama, he smiled and said "I will give you a cheaper price for your visa". I'm not sure the price he gave me was actually cheaper, but I did pay less than my Canadian and Brittish friends. There is the African pride of a black American president, but also there is the hope that he will care about Africa and several people have told me "He will do good things for Africa".

I hope so and I pray that he lives up to the hope that people have placed in him. I'm sure he will not be perfect and there will continue to be great problems, but I am hopeful for this is a huge step for America towards a new era.

On another note, I'm feeling really good about things here. I finally feel like I'm helping at the clinic and not a burden. I worked as the pharmacist tech for the past 2 weeks as there regular pharmacy tech was gone the past week so I was able to take over which felt great (they don't have a pharmacist at the clinic so the tech is essentially the pharmacist). I had to chuckle as I'm pretty sure a pharmacy at home wouldn't be able to let anyone begin dispensing medication. :->

Thanks for your prayers. My baptism was wonderful and the sun was shining and I felt very supported. I may be able to post pictures at a later date. My internet is a bit limited because it was struck by lightening so it is down. I'm currently writing this at a friend's place. Hopefully it will be up and running again soon.