2 days left in America!

        After the past few weeks of a whirl wind of events, I am left with this feeling of never having been more loved. Although I can't expound on every important and heartfelt detail to lead me to this conclusion, I can verify that I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have a family who gives me unconditional love and strength, friends whom I adore and are always able to put a smile on my face and heart, and a wonderful boyfriend who supports me and my decisions. After many loved ones left yesterday and I said my farewells, I was laying in bed feeling absolutely absurd for having any desire to leave them for 5 months. For I am the happiest I have ever been with no regrets for how I got here (but then again I do only have 19 years of life thus far, and every year has brought me more happiness). But alas, laying there knowing I would miss everyone every second I am gone I felt a sense of peace. It is thanks to all of you that I am able to take on this challenge (and I do love a good challenge) to explore a different part of the world and become diverse and cultured. It is recommended that I go with goals in mind. I would like to share a few of them with you. My main goal, although very ambiguous, is to define myself. I have always tried to do what is viewed socially as the "right thing." I want to determine my own moral compass and values; not just what is expected of me. Please don't take that the wrong way, I don't plan on it being altered greatly... just adapted to fit me perfectly. Another goal is to become more patient. From what I read South Africa is the place for this change to occur due to a laid back manner. I am a strong believer that there is always room for self improvement and I want to be constantly improving myself in hopes that I can improve the lives of those who I encounter. This trip will bring self improvement! Thank you, with the most sincerity I have, for your support. I couldn't be me without all of you. 
                               Love always,
                                       Becca 
my address :
Rebecca Serafini

c/o Monalisa Ndwayana

Office for International Education

NMMU Summerstrand Campus (South)

Gold Fields North Building

PO Box 77000

Port Elizabeth, 6031

South Africa

                                                                                        Jan. 15th, 2011
    Hello my dear family and friends! I am creating this blog to help inform and keep in contact with all of you! The idea is to share my experiences (well, a brief overview) and educate a little bit about South Africa and South African culture. I will begin my travel on Feb. 2nd, 2011 and return June 26th, 2011. Although what classes I am taking and who I am living with is still unknown, I am thrilled to start the adventure. I will be living in Port Elizabeth (PE). PE is the 5th largest city in South Africa and is often called the "Friendly City." Also, PE is known for being a major motor industry for South Africa. This is reassuring in the promise of civilization and modern accommodations. I will be studying at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University which was recently founded in 2005 and is the "largest higher education institution in the Eastern and Southern Cape areas." Actually, there are about 20,000 students, so I will have lots of opportunities to make friends! I hope this blog is insightful and that you follow along with my journey, any input/advice/suggestions is fantastic!
                                                              Yours truly,
                                                                        Becca