Farewell dear friends! See you in South Africa!

Today we said a reluctant farewell to our South African friends and sisters as they returned home to Johannesburg. How wonderful it was to host them and to get to know each of them these last two weeks! We all learned and laughed so much! It was not easy to say goodbye; there were many tears and sad faces at the airport and no one wanted to let go and stop hugging! Needless to say, we are counting the minutes until we travel to South Africa in 2017!

South African Delegation Serves the Dallas Community

Today our South African sisters volunteered at our local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. This thrift store is run in conjunction with Catholic Charities and it provides many much-needed items to those living in poverty or with limited resources. Our students worked primarily in the warehouse sorting clothes. They were impressed with the size of the warehouse and with the large amount of items that have been donated to those in need. Many students remarked that it was a wonderful way to spend the morning because it was so productive and that they would like to find a similar volunteer opportunity in South Africa. Hooray for that Serviam spirit!

South Africa All around Dallas

Our South African guests have been making the most of their time in Dallas. As you can see from the photos below, they have been to many important venues around town including the Dallas World Aquarium, the Geo-deck at the Hyatt Regency, the Bush Presidential Library, The Meyerson Symphony Center  and, of course, Starbucks, a truly American treat (not yet available in Johannesburg but coming soon). They also managed to find a yellow school bus to take a few selfies as they had only previously seen the yellow buses in movies and not "in person." It has been a fun-filled second week in Dallas, Texas!



The Dallas World Aquarium

 

The Meyerson Symphony Center



Bush Presidential Library

 

 

Sisters!

During the school days this past week, we have enjoyed watching our students bond in the school hallways with their new sisters from South Africa. Our guests fit into the school so naturally and joyfully - It is a pleasure to have them with us! In fact, they blend together so nicely that the only way to tell them apart is by the school uniform. Here are a few photos of our guests in the halls of UA Dallas with their Ursuline sisters ...

Brescia House Learning and Teaching in Dallas

Today we enjoyed an exceptional day of discovery and learning with our South African sisters from Brescia House School. Our guests began their day in Arabic class where they learned a bit about hospitality, Arab cultures and calligraphy. In fact, each girl learned to write her name in Arabic! Then, the delegation proceeded to journalism class where they were interviewed by the Bear Facts Newspaper staff.

In the afternoon, the students became the teachers as they taught us all about life in South Africa and at Brescia House. The video and presentation were so interesting for our UA Dallas students - they had many questions and were fascinated by all that was similar and yet, so different. Of course, all loved the school uniform hat and the idea that one could have "wild" animals living in a near-by park. Our Dallas students were, however, shocked that Brescia House students begin classes at 7:30 and that they do not currently have any Starbucks in Johannesburg. Of course, all of these discoveries made for great fun and many laughs. It was wonderful to learn all about South Africa!

At the end of the presentation, our schools exchanged gifts. Ursuline Dallas was the proud recipient of a beautifully crafted glass skyline of Johannesburg, complete with words from St. Angela (just gorgeous and so thoughtful!). In honor of its 50th Anniversary, Brescia House received a lovely gold cross and a 50th anniversary bear from the UA Dallas bears.

One thing that made the day extra special is that we were all together to celebrate the birthday of our student guest, Emma. Happy Birthday, Emma! We are so happy that you celebrated your special day with us!

South Africans enjoy Dallas Day

Today our South African guests enjoyed a leisurely day in downtown Dallas, reflecting on Dallas history and touring some important sites in the city. First, the group visited the 6th Floor museum which is dedicated to the life and legacy of President Kennedy and which is located at the exact spot of President Kennedy's assassination in 1963.  After the museum visit, the students had lunch at Sony Bryan's barbeque, one of Dallas' famous barbeque restaurants. Lastly, the students toured Dallas on a historical trolley. On the tour, they were able to see many landmarks including the grassy knoll at Dealy plaza, the Dallas Farmer's Market and the Dallas Arts district. It was a fantastic day!

 

 

Welcome to Texas!

Today was a very special day as our long-awaited sisters from Brescia House school in South Africa finally arrived at Ursuline Dallas. Despite having traveled half way around the world, our guests arrived full of enthusiasm and with big, warm smiles. Our UA Dallas host students are overjoyed and, together, the students have been laughing all day! We had a lovely welcome luncheon and then a little time at school, making introductions and taking a tour. We are so happy to have our South African sisters with us for the next two weeks!