Day 1

Arrived Johannesburg after 16 hour flight from Atlanta, GA. Struck by the brown terrain of winter. Early morning flight to Polokwane on a small 30 passenger plane was surprisingly efficient and smooth. Met in Polokwane by Fiona, friend and director of TVEP. As we traveled the 2 hours to Thathe Vando, Fiona & Felicity, another representative and host, briefed us on the local situation. Although TVEP and Vhutshilo Mountain School have made amazing progress, it is obvious that there is much more to be done. Women and children from areas north of the Limpopo River continue to pour into the region seeking refuge and aid. Information we are receiving is overwhelming. Today we will receive more specific information from the TVEP office re: the need for housing for homeless extended family.