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.