Friday, Aug. 7, 2009

“Just be what you are and speak from your guts and heart. It’s all a person has.” - Hubert H. Humphrey

Sunny, breezy, our final day filled with mixed feelings. We are ready to leave but also realize that it is unlikely we will ever see any of our new friends again or even know how things are going for them. They have given us many memories to take home.

The short school day was pretty much as usual, although saying goodbye was underneath it all. At 10 a.m., classes ceased and chairs were arranged outside. The principal, a 9^th-grader and Barb all spoke. Songs by the students and teachers, followed by one from the GVers. Goodbye cards made by the students were presented to each of us. Global Volunteers then had cookies (biscuits) and suckers for all the students. And so ended our teaching experience in Malungeni.

A highlight of our whole trip was a visit to two more homes. The first home was that of Rev. Spiwo’s mother, an alert 87-year-old. Her granddaughter, one of our students, stays with her. The next visit was to the home and surrounding buildings of an elderly couple. They sent some eggs home with us in appreciation of our visit. We felt these visits to be a brief look at the life of some of the people of Malungeni. An interesting tidbit we learned was that the men and unmarried women sit in chairs; the married women sit on mats on the floor.

A small farewell party was planned for 3 p.m. But due to an intentional grass fire getting out of control and perhaps the chief deciding not to come, the festivity began at 4:30 p.m. Rev. Spiwo, Olga, Barb and Bonke briefly spoke and expressed for all the appreciation we have for learning of other cultures. Some food and drink was supplied.

Later we saw the huge spread of the grassfire on the hills. A charcoal-broiled steak dinner was planned but not started til late. Then a wonderful dinner with Olga, Koena, and Bonke eating with us and talking about how much these three weeks have meant to us. We are so lucky to have had this experience.

Bon voyage to all,

Mona

Addendum by Barb (shared at our last meal together): Never ever doubt what a wonderful gift you have given to the people of Malungeni. Thank you for your good humor, patience, compassion and dedication on this the sixth Global Volunteers team. You have been a terrific team and I’m so honored to have served with you.

Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009

“It’s the sides of the mountain that support life, not the top.”

Breakfast- served at 7 am on the dot. Excellent as usual. Off to school at 7:45 a.m. Beautiful day, warm and sunny. Learners (students) at school are getting very comfortable with the team. They are respectful but are beginning to act like kids everywhere.

The teachers are friendly – and seem more than willing to share teaching responsibilities with us. Fifth- and sixth-graders are still doing fractions in math – wide variation in student success – but they all seem eager.

Mona joined us for English and we divided into three reading groups. Michael Jackson was mentioned in their reading book and the kids were very interested in reading about him in our copy of People magazine.

The kindergarten sang and danced and had great fun. They are learning lots of new songs.

The tile and tree projects are both nearing completion. Job well done… Kudos to those involved.

At 1 p.m. – we all went to Mthatha to tie up loose ends, i.e., shopping – soccer jersey, music, fabric, ice cream, pictures, computer repair, museum, internet café, etc.

We also bought lots of groceries. Mthatha has been teeming with people on every visit. Streets, mall and especially the grocery store were packed with people.

While waiting for our pickup (transportation), we conversed with 3 nice young men who were eager to practice their English and to quiz Deborah about America.

The most amazing thing about them was that none of them knew Bonke!

Late supper, reading and cribbage and off to bed! Another full, fun, tiring day!

-Submitted by Don