"Spring into Service" in South Africa!!

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

South Africa Service Program Dates, March & April Teams:
5-Mar-11 to 19-Mar-11

Vote for Global Volunteers!

From November 15 - November 21 the Star Tribune newspaper is holding a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' amongst MN non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in the paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link): http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, and post it on your personal Facebook page. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting goes until 5 p.m. Sunday!

Thank you for your support.

Team Journal, November 15

Monday, November 15, 2010 (Mark)

Laura, Tai, and Mar went off to the tree project and with Sikho, Lumkile, Hilda, Nokhaya (2 ladies) and Mzuyanda dug 20 post holes and 20 posts and braces for 5 tree plantings In the afternoon Tai, Olga, Laura, and Mark spent several hours in the Bakery “designing” the water supply system and making measurements. Later it was back to the Guest House for “tutoring” and games. Lily went off to Grade 1 at Mbange and Susan & Betty went to Grade 4 there. Lily had her class until 1PM. At 4PM, it was dance practice with the boys. In 4th grade Susan found that half the class misunderstood how to draw a 5cm line. They were lost with perimeter. But they had a fun time with hand sanitizer before lunch. After dinner, we had a visit from the President and VP of the boys club. They had a very well thought out and detailed plan and request for assistance from GV. Also, Wilfred, a gentleman from a nearby village met with the team and Olga for possible assistance in the future. The night was topped off with a very vigorous rain, lightning, and wind storm that ripped the door off the outside cabinet.

Message of the Day: (Lily)
"Make the most of your life as meaningful as possible, that you think less about your own concerns, and more of others. In doing so, you will find you enjoy peace and happiness yourself." Dalai Llama

Team Journal, November 12: A Creative Entry!!

Friday, November 12, 2010 (Susan)

Off went Betty, Lily, and I
To preschool with Mrs. Gebsai
Songs to sing
Games to play
See time go quickly by

Older children, six to ten
Had sums practice, then
Memory card games
Catching a ball
Coloring with pencils again

The most favorite play
Was the balloons, I’d say
On which Betty drew
Flowers, stars, and suns
For we “teachas”, a fun day!

Our labor team was free
As happy as could be
With Mark, Laura, and Tai
Sikho, Mzuayanda, and Mr. L
To fix cages around each tree

Holes repaired in net wire
Wit gloves, hammer, and pliers
Topped by wire with barb s
All hauled by wheelbarrow
Don’t you know they were tired

Ah, Friday, end of the work week
Driving through potholes deep
For our stay at Coffee Bay
With hot showers to enjoy
Watch out for the sheep!! Beep! Beep!

Message of the Day: (Mark)
You can out distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you (Rwandan Proverb)

Team Journal, November 10

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 (Lily)

We left the Guest House exactly at 8:45 AM and our first stop was the Mandela Museum at Mthatha. It took us an hour to reach the place. There were only 7 of us who visited the place. That included Tai, Olga, Mark, Susan, Laura, Betty, and yours truly. This is what I learned after the museum. Let me quote what Mandela said about his country. “My country is rich in the minerals that lie beneath its soil, but I have also known that the greatest wealth is its people, finer than the purest diamonds”. He added, he can only rest for a moment for with freedom comes responsibilities and he dare not linger for his long walk is not yet ended. I was really impressed by Mandela. Then, the group separated and went in different places. Mark, Tai and Laura went to the bakery and then to buy materials in order to fix a leaking faucet. Tai and Olga must have gone to a grocery too and the three of us (Susan, Betty, and I) went to a department store to look for school supplies, battery for my flashlight. It took us a long time to find the right battery. Our guide thought it had to be Duracell, but quite the contrary. With Susan’s help, she suggested Ever Ready battery could replace Duracell. So, one problem was solved. Then Betty went to a fabric store together with me. From there we separated and I joined Susan who was buying some school supplies and some soda and cookies. It was lunch break and our guide brought us to a coffee shop. We brought our lunch so we did not have to order. Then, the waitress approached us that we cannot sit in that place without ordering something. Luckily, Betty arrived and ordered a can of soda and that saved the embarrassment. Later, Mark came and Sue offered him soda which she bought from the supermarket. I’ve observed they are a loving couple. Then, we went to the bead shop with Betty and Laura. Betty bought a lot of stuff for her class in beading and sewing. Laura also bought something for herself. I did not realize Laura is a “Jack of all trades” and so is Betty. After the long day, we decided to leave for home. The rain stopped - for a while – and drizzled again. It was a day to remember because we were able to accomplish a lot of things despite the inclement weather. No time wasted. Most of all, each one in this Team 13 has something special to offer to the people of Malungeni and that includes our team leader too, Tai. Olga bought a lot of food on behalf of the youth and joined us in the van. Tai had our groceries and we all helped in bringing the stuff to our Guest House. Instead of relaxing upon arrival, we still wanted to do some dancing. Sue and I danced to Chatanooga Choo Choo to the music of Mark’s radio. Betty and Koena (our cook) joined us too. So, the day ended with everybody happy.

Message of the day: (Laura)
Development is about planting trees – even if you never sit under their shade (Rev. Spiwo Xapile)

A garden is one of the things in prison that one can control. To plant a seed, watch it grow, to tend it, and then harvest it, gave me a feeling of simple happiness (Nelson Mandela)

Team Journal, November 9

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 (Mark)

After 7AM breakfast, job assignments were made. Tai had administrative duties – report writing, budgeting, coordinating the new fence poles, and then swept goat “deposits” from the Community Center. Lily went to pre-school, where only 3 students were in class probably due to the bad weather. Betty went to Mbange Jnr Second School 4th grade. Bingo sight words were a big success. They worked on nouns/verbs and got locked in twice. The “instructor” did better than on the first day. Susan went to the same school 9th grade, where they had 24 students. They started with math, but soon said “we like to do English”. They also did logic games and reading. The last 20 minutes they entertained Susan with singing. Laura and Mark worked with Sikho, Pila, and Mzuyanda adding barbed wire higher on the tree planting cages until rained out about noon. Then, they went to the Bakery where they attempted to repair a leaky faucet and discussed the water supply and vent problems with Olga and Tai. As we were having an end of day discussion, we had a long visit with the local Police Commander, Kettaldas and his two assistants. They provided some Xhosa names: Tai = Nomvula (Rain Lady), Betty = Noxolo (Peace Lover), and Laura = Montombi (Good Lady). After their visit, Olga gave us another isi Xhosa phrase lesson. Then, Bonke, a male nursing student dropped in and we had a nice cultural exchange visit. After dinner, we played “musical chairs” with the electricity and candles due to the rainstorm.

Message of the Day: (Lily)
You can’t change everything, but you can always change something for the better, including the way you look at it.

Team Journal, November 8: First Day of Service!

Monday, November 8, 2010 (Susan)

Our first morning of work began with an ample breakfast of oatmeal, eggs toast, juice, tea, and coffee. We had a brief team meeting with the assignments for the day, The labor team Laura, Mark and Tai were the first off with wheelbarrows, they transported trees to the planting sites, about eight helpers from the village under the guidance of Sikho planted 16 trees. Wow!. Planters included Pila, a 17 year old student and Mzuyanda a young man with cerebral palsy. This was done on a 30 degree Celsius day, very impressive. Olga our hard working volunteer coordinator and a driver delivered the rest of us Lily, Betty and Susan to schools. Lily at Mbange school became the lone teacher of 28 Grade R students who were treated to reviewing the alphabet, numbers, singing and dancing “Here we go around the Mulberry Bush” Betty also at Mbange worked with Maxwell’s class of 5th and 6th graders. She was the lone teacher some of the time, teaching English, Betty was surprised at the level of English proficiency of the students, Expected was the students curiosity about her. Susan worked at Upper Mdumbi School with Mrs. Beauty’s 4th, 5th and 6th graders. These students were writing exams in Xhosa so Susan was an extra pair of eyes. The students are helpful and respectful to their teachers. The single long building of several classrooms was in need of repair but the teacher’s workroom had many cabinets of donated workbooks and supplies, the organization of which might make a future project.

As we all gathered back at the guest house to share experiences there was laughter and tiredness. But it was not the end of our adventure. A truck delivering bags of food was being unloaded and stacked so we volunteered to help. A serious wind and rain storm blew in which necessitated moving the food under shelter. Now we really feel part of this community.

Submitted by Susan

Team 13 Journal, November 6

1) Team Goals: Team 13’s goals:

• To have fun and work at the same time
• To contribute to community
• To experience community
• To share specific skills
• To make friends and build relationships

2) Characteristics of an Effective Team

• Every person has a voice
• Be flexible
• Team work – support each other
• Reach Consensus
• Communication/discussion
• Co-operation
• Understanding our differences
• Have same goals
• RESPECT
• Aggressive towards our goals
• Mean what you say, say what you mean
• Laugh
• Be willing to compromise
• Stay focused
• No cross talk

Photo Contest Submissions Encourage Volunteerism in South Africa!

This fall, Global Volunteers asked our amazing volunteers to share some of their favorite service program images with us. We have been thrilled and encouraged by the response, and have already used many of the photos on our website and in new printed materials!! Now, we would love to share with you, a few of our favorite submissions depicting our volunteer service program in South Africa. ENJOY & thank you volunteers!!

Today has come too soon...

Friday September 17th, 2010

Created by: James

Some final day thoughts……

Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do – only if it’s goodbye forever!

Today has come too soon. Just as we have started to get into the flow of things our short program has come to its conclusion. We have made many connections not only within our team, but also with the local people and children.

We are humbled to have been in this position, where we were able to share a little glimpse of our life and be immersed in two weeks of life in rural South Africa. A place that continues to struggle, with sickness and ‘mental slavery’. There are some success stories and there are some who continue to raise their hands to grasp the seeds that we sow. We leave Malungeni with the hope that there will be great yield from these seeds and that people will see some benefits from dreaming and see it within their reach to achieve these.

Malungeni – Enkosi Kakulu! Thank you for your friendships and hospitality. We wish you all well and prosperity and good standing for your people and children – The leaders of tomorrow.

Usale Kakuhle – Remain Well…..

Enjoying our last moments in SA

Thursday, September 16th 2010
Created by: Teresa Donovan

Our days are full and often exhausting, yet we aren’t ready for this experience to end. It seems each day brings more children to the classroom and to the community center, yet our volunteer numbers remain at four. How can we divide ourselves up to properly interact with and enjoy our precious moments with each child – not to mention the adults?

Teta’s class is now up to 42 children. Her teacher controls the children through physical punishment – hitting them on their hands with a stick if they are absent, late, or take too long to fetch the water. Teta and brood also coughed their way through today’s lesson as a field fire crept ever so closely to the school.

School was cancelled for Upper Mdumbi today so Dot, with James as her escort, took a stroll through the village. She found her walk to be a much better view of village life than her view from a car window. She was able to get photos of women washing laundry by the stream and was surprised by the rondevelds with satellite dishes. A highlight of the walk was meeting Obama and Zuma – well fed local pigs. James also enjoyed meeting up with some local lads (his words), using a photo op as a means to divert the boys’ attention away from harassing a dog.

Teresa and James met with Olga in the morning to brainstorm about capacity building projects – from training to beadwork to costing out bread production to motivating people to work. She book-ended her day by meeting with Bonke to discuss personal goals and budgeting and the challenges he may face in his marriage.

The highlight of the day was the community center which was filled inside and out with children of all ages. Outdoors, children squealed with delight as they attempted to fly a kite. Indoors, the cacophony of children’s voices was unending as some played tag, some hula-hooped, and others gathered in various corners to play games, read, color, or continue developing math and map skills. Even Olga and Beauty took a lesson or two from Teta and played a game of Dominoes.

Teresa was delightfully surprised by Oleni – a young boy who often hung outside the community center – finally came inside and sat next to her all afternoon. He was teased by the other children, but they soon stopped after it was clear to them he was welcome and given equal opportunity to share in the English lesson.

We all enjoyed having Bonke as our guest for dinner where the conversation focused on the use of corporal punishment in the schools – which, although forbidden, still occurs.

Teta and Dot spent the rest of the evening sorting through all the donations and teaching materials. They restocked the resource cabinet and organized the mounds of donated school supplies which Olga will distribute after our departure.

It is hard to believe that our two weeks of service is coming to an end. It is even harder to believe that we forged such strong friendships in such a short period of time. How does one say goodbye to people who have touched our hearts? How do we say farewell to friends whom we may never see again? Our one comfort is knowing that a part of us will remain in Malungeni and Malungeni will have our picture to prove it.

Addendum to previous day’s journal since Teresa did not give James a chance to speak:
James wants it on record that using a flush toilet and a running tap at Mike’s Kitchen the other night was a true “on top” moment for him!


Thought of the Day - Dot
Maybe,
Someday,
We will all join hands and live together . . .
Helping each other,
Loving each other.
Maybe,
Someday,
We will all make the world
A much better place . . .

Each day is a gift...

Wednesday September 15th, 2010


Wednesday turned out to be a different sort of day for all four of us. Teresa stayed at “home” to work with Olga on evaluating some of the proposed or past business ventures in Malungeni. In addition, she worked with one student who had left school early and had come to the Guest House to find her. James served cookies and tea to both of them.

Teta was impressed with how beautifully the children sang their national anthem. She taught them to play London Bridge as an antidote to the difficulty of the fractions the teacher was working on with them.

Dot finally got to teach the science lesson she had bought props for last week. The children seemed to enjoy tasting the sugar, salt, and fruit drink they had dissolved in water, and hopefully they understood the process of solution.

At Dorothy’s school, there was no classroom instruction after the long lunch break, which began at 10:40. After lunch, chairs were moved into a double classroom and all the students gathered for their weekly religious service, which was led completely by students. There were several prayers, brief “sermons” by students and one teacher, and a great deal of spirited singing. When the worship ended at 1:00 p.m., school was over the day.

The most exciting part of the day began when the team took Olga, Kwena and Sam, the Guest House caretaker, to Umtata for dinner and to do some other errands. Teta, Dot, Kwena and Sam enjoyed a visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum. James, Teresa and Olga visited a bakery where Olga was able to establish excellent contacts for guidance in getting the Malungeni bakery going. They also shopped for some items to give to the children at the farewell celebration and were delighted when the shop owner who gave them numerous items free.

Dinner at an Umtata restaurant was very good, and the three staff people seemed especially happy to be there as our guests. The evening was the high point of the day for all of us.

Thought of the Day – Teresa Hartman

‘None but ourselves can free our mind’
-Bob Marley

~Building relationships~

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

We started off another day with a wonderful breakfast care of Koena. Off to another day of school where we finished up with the word search/unscramble. James stopped by Teta’s school for a few pictures.

During the morning recess several of the older girls had asked the teacher I’m assisting if they could talk to me ALONE, they were curious about American slang…couch potato, having a cow….they told me what they wanted to be when they grew up. There was a teacher, doctor, psychologist, actress. I have neurofibromatosis (NF) which causes bumps on my skin and they asked about it. The most frequently asked question of the ladies is “do you have a husband?” “Do you have children?” they are surprised when I say I have neither. It was really great…very smart girls. We went back to guest house for prepare to tutoring at the C. C.

I mostly played a form of Domino’s with several of the older boys and one game was really incredible… 4- ones, 4-twos, 6-threes, 5-fours, 5-fives, 5-sixes…what a game. I had the boys add the numbers together – 3, 6, 9, 12 etc.

Koena prepared another dinner. Olga had gone to East London personal business and it was an extremely HOT day…39 degree in East London and because Olga is still in mourning she has to stay completely covered (and wear green). On the way back to the compound she was kind enough to share the car back to Mthatha with an extremely over weight woman and her two small children and infant. Olga developed heat stroke/exhaustion. Teresa #1 and I became instant nurses and applied cold compresses, we made her lie down, put her feet up. We found ice packs in a couple of the 1st Aid kits and we took turns checking on her until her son Daniel could come over and take her home.

Dot’s on top – making headway with the children at her school. My on top was the Domino’s game. Teresa’s on top was a four year old little girl asking/telling her she wanted to write. James’ on top working on math problems at the Community Center and seeing the light go on over the heads of the children he was tutoring as they caught on to the multiples of 10, 100 etc. Good Night.

Thought of the day – Teresa

‘I don’t believe in just ordering people to do things. You sort of have to grab an oar and row with them’
-Harold Geneen.

A day of special moments...

Monday 13 September 2010

Created by: Teresa

Today was a sharing of special moments which reflect the many types of experiences we have had since arriving in Malungeni. Blessed with a cohesive team, supported by a flexible team leader, we have found our sense of humor helps us address most situation.

Dot decided to ignore her teacher’s established protocol and thrust herself into the classroom setting. Garnering momentum from this, she then interacted with the children during recess rather then join the teachers in the staff room. She found more pleasure today than in all the days combined. She took on a large student in a game of tug-of-war and another guided her to the shade of tress because she was “white.” What touched her most was when a child selected her to be in the middle of a ring of students singing “I love my Teddy Bear.”

Teta continued to improvise with the children in her classroom. Although the teacher was more present today, Teta managed to communicate well with minimal Xhosa. The children who know even less English still flock to her to receive encouragement for their work. Teta is definitely achieving her goal of making children smile, laugh, and learn. She was quite moved though when a teacher informed her that some older girls would like to meet with her alone. We await the topic of this conversation. Stay tuned . . . . . .

Teresa recorded the presentations of the 9th grade class and enjoyed sharing positive remarks as well as areas for improvement. At the end of the school day she had a chance to sing many interactive songs with all the children. The girls played with her hair and she ended up with cornrows for the rest of the day. Teresa’s special moment was at the community center when a young girl she taught last year ran up to her and jumped in her arms, giving her a huge hug around neck.

James is just glad he did not go over budget with our team. But we hope he is pleased that we are happy to be here and with our accomplishments. We feel we are meeting our goals for the most part and only wish we had more time in the Malungeni community.

We were off to bed early once again to rest up for the next day’s special moments of which we are sure there will be many.


Thought of the day – WE SEEK….. ‘A world free of war and threat of war…
A society with equity and justice for all…
A community where every person’s potential
may be fulfilled…
An earth restored.

End of week one, off to the coast!

Friday September 10th - Sunday September 12th, 2010

Morning dawned with alternating sun and clouds. The breakfast treat which Kwena greeted us with was chocolate chip muffins to go with our eggs.

Friday at our village schools is only a half day, but there were lessons for us to teach. Teta was left without the teacher to teach fractions. Since the younger students do not speak English, this was “fractions by pantomime.” Dorothy taught classes in English, math and reading with varying degrees of success. Teresa had a new group who needed practice in English conversation. She successfully did this using her photo album as a means of getting the students to share information about families, foods, and sports.

At the school where Dorothy and Teresa are posted, the last hour was free time when the teachers sat and talked in the staff room and the children just hung out outside. Dorothy and Teresa joined the children, and Teresa organized some games. Soon the children were organizing their own games.

James spent the morning doing paperwork and working with Olga on planning.

After a quick lunch at the Guest House, Dorothy, Teresa and Teta left with a driver for a three hour drive to the coast for a weekend at Port St. Johns. James stayed at Malungeni for the weekend to catch up on paper work and planning, and, hopefully, to rest.

Thought of the day ‘Your dreams need YOU to make them real’

Learning as we go...

Thursday, September 9th 2010

As I awoke in the morning, I gave thanks for the day and was reminded through the peaceful silence of the many influencing events that have lead me to be blessed with this opportunity of service. It is such a humbling experience to work along side like minded people and be immersed in a paradigm that is sometimes hard to comprehend. It is also awe inspiring to know that there are people willing and eager to act as agents of change-prepared to think outside the square and look to other means and assistance of developing a life style that sometimes seems intangible for them.

Team 12s day started in the usual manner with a breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, toast and French toast. Oatmeal, which was the popular choice, was a good way to start the day as it seemed a bit cooler than usual. When breakfast was done we quickly cleared up and headed back to the meeting room for the morning meeting as Dot and Teresa were supposed to be picked up before 8.00am – Mr Momoza the principal of the Upper Mtumbe school was running a bit late and collected them at 8.30. Tetas ride was there just after 8.00 and she was whisked off to her work site. I felt like a parent again seeing the children off on their first day at school. I could sense their apprehensiveness but was buoyed by their quiet excitement.

For me it was a paper work day and after having a meeting with Olga and Koena, went for a walk to visit the Bakery. The bakery was one of the capacity building projects that isn’t operating any longer. I could feel Olgas sadness as she showed me the Bakery which is fully equipped including new equipment sponsored and installed in 2004. There are a couple of finishing touches needed for the bakery but another frustrating thing for her is that she wishes that there was a willing workforce who are prepared to give some time to help and move this Cooperative venture forward.

The team had varying days in their schools. Dot was happy that she wasn’t kept in the resource room for a long stretch and actually managed to teach one of the lessons she had prepared. She was a bit bemused though when she was asked if she was going to teach another planned lesson that was supposed to be taught on Friday. Teresa also started at Upper Mtumbe in Mr Momozas class. She was happy with her day which was high-lighted by students singing a song of encouragement meant to cheer a peer on when they struggled with a response in class. She felt positive about the discussions she had with her students and only needed to use her ‘mum’ look once when a student was going to use a cell phone in class! Teta’s day was also positive as she wasn’t left in sole charge except for the teacher having to go and use the copier. She was even able to take individual photos of her students with their name tags and was also happy that she had gotten to do a Wordfind puzzle in the Xhosa language-sadly for her though, an opportunity didn’t present itself for her to dance to Michael Jackson.

After school Olga organized a taxi for the team to head into Mthatha to do some shopping and also to use the internet. Dot was able to get some resources for her Science lesson on ‘dissolving things’ and Teresa and Teta had a ball @ the mall shopping and getting supplies. Olga and I did a food supply shop for Koena who had left us with a list for our final week. As we traveled back to Malungeni I pondered the stark contrast between the mall and the village from which we had come. The mall with affluence and busy employment seemed a world away from our humble home of Malungeni. I contemplate – What is the answer?

Dinner tonight was another hit with mash potato ‘made with butter, milk and aromat’, a lean type of sausage, a lettuce, cucumber and granny smith salad and a tomato, sugar and onion dish that could be used as a paste, a relish or a soup.

Our visitor for the evening was a cultural talk from Bonke. This young man shared a bit about his life and is one of the success stories of Malungeni - living proof of someone who has followed their dream and overcome adversity to live it. He talked about the roles of Xhosa men and woman, some cultural practices such as weddings and circumcision. Particularly interesting for me is the dowry that he needs to get together so his wife can be released to go and live with him (this ranged from money to alcohol and finally cows. A reported total of R50,000 paid off in 3 instalments!!!Thank goodness too that there is no interest on that!). Bonke was also a previous global volunteers host coordinator and is committed to coming and sharing whenever there is a team - May it long continue…….

Ulale kakuhle…Good night!

Thought of the day – Teresa Donovan
‘If I’d never have picked up the first person, I’d never have picked up the other 42,000 in Calcutta’ -Mother Teresa

Different experiences...

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

We rose early Wednesday because Dot and Teta, with James and Olga as their escorts, were leaving early to be delivered to their first day of school. Koena prepared us with a hearty breakfast before we left and packed us lunches with our standby, p.b. and j. sandwiches.

Teresa headed off for another morning of painting and conversations with painters from the community who occasionally serenaded her with song. She painted until the paint ran out again.

The two school experiences were different. Teta was placed in a second-third term class, and early on was deserted by the teacher and left to improvise with twenty-four children who were excited on their first day back after the three week teachers’ strike. She was up to the task with her repertoire of songs and dances as well as a little academic instruction.

Dot, at a different school, spent the day in a combination teachers’ lounge-meeting room-storage room where teachers carried on their conversations in Xhosa. She did, however, meet the teacher to whom she is assigned and received a big homework assignment for the lessons she is to teach on Thursday and Friday.

The afternoon tutoring at the Malungeni community center drew a large number of children again. All four of us were busy supervising coloring, math and map puzzles; and Teta still had the energy to lead dancing.

Our dinner experience was a treat. Koena prepared a large meal because we had as guests the Reverend Spiwo, who initiated the work of Global Volunteers in Malungeni and serves as our program host, and his friend the Reverend Vuyo. We enjoyed the conversation during and after dinner.

We closed out the day with conversation among ourselves and a few work tasks in the guest house.

Thought of the day: ‘There is a good reason we are created with 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth… -Mark Twain

Are we really in South Africa?

Tuesday, 7 September 2010

Created by: Teresa

Breakfast – another treat from Koena – freshly baked muffins – Yum! Are we really in So. Africa?

Back to the community center for another morning of painting. We were joined by an actual painter – Sikoh, plus numerous other young men – who once again outnumbered the paint rollers. James and Olga head out for Mthatha to purchase more paint and rollers. Dot demonstrated her extreme stair-master skills by climbing solo up and down from her painting table.

Teta – still waiting for pre-school children – added Xhosa words to an English picture dictionary and then taught Michael Jackson moves to the lone child visiting the C.C. (Community Center). Dot, feeling quite limber from her morning exercise, joined the thriller dance line.

Teresa put her mother hat on as one of the younger men asked her about what struggles he can expect in a serious relationship. The conversation segued into the challenges a young man faces in the village: no employment opportunities and much peer pressure to do drugs. This “Teachable Moment” centered around being a force for good for other young men.

We were joined by Rev. Vuyo, a friend of Rev. Spiwo’s who shared with us that it is natural for men to need and have at least two wives; therefore, it is legal in So. Africa. He stressed that women do not have this need and are not allowed to marry more than one man.

After our break for lunch, we returned to the C.C. for an afternoon of tutoring. Olga and James finally returned from Mthatha joining us for an afternoon of teaching map and math skills, play, and much singing and dancing. Dot was quite impressed with the curiosity of some teenagers about economic development and marital relationships. But, Olga put things into perspective best – frustrated by traffic delays in Mthatha and overwhelmed by the chaotic frenzy of the city. She was grateful for the quiet of the village, laughter of the children, and the cooperative learning taking place in the C.C.

Our final activity for the day involved a visit to the village’s Sangoma, a traditional healer. She was called to this vocation by the ancestors when she was 12 years old and accepted her calling at the age of 25. She gave us a keen insight into the strong cultural traditions and beliefs which still exist in Africa.

Back home for another Koena creation – beef stew and rice – and I ask again, “Are we really in So. Africa?”

Thought for the Day (from Teta): Life is like developing a photograph. When you have a negative, you enter the dark room to process it and end up with a positive image and a beautiful photograph. –Reggie, the cab driver

Day two, always more to do!

Monday, 6 September 2010

Breakfast at 7 am and a quick morning meeting. Off to the community center where we started in on our first day of projects. The weather was very windy so none of the pre-schoolers showed up (That would never happen in Minnesota) several boys showed up to help with the painting but we had so many brushes/rollers). I brought my I-pod and speakers and I played music by Michael Jackson and the kids all went wild…painting to the music and Dot joined in the dancing (Teresa has a get video of us dancing to “Thriller” Back for a wonderful Koena lunch then back to the CC for tutoring.

I was working with several of the younger children who where coloring pictures from the Disney coloring book. I would say the animal name in Xhosa and they would say the name in English. One of the boys (Sthembele sp?) was very smart and I showed him some sign language signs and he mimicked me right back. He even used it correctly with the other children. James, Dot and Teresa # 1 worked on math with the older children. James even caught one of the older boys using his cell phone to do some of the math problems. Teresa #1 and James made paper airplanes that were a big hit as were the Frisbees and jump rope. I tried to show the girls how to do ‘crosses’, even the boys jump rope. We cleaned up and came back to some free time & planning for the next day. The teachers strike has been settled so the kids will be back in school on Wednesday.

We had a guest join us for dinner- Tobeka he is the Reception (kindergarten) teacher. Again Koena prepared us the most delicious meal: lots of chicken, Samp, spinach, potatoes, beets and fish ( I didn’t eat the fish as I didn’t want to risk an allergic reaction. Koena made me a PB & J. There were amazing dumplings, dessert, cucumbers/tomatoes.

We finished the day with a team meeting and free time. Teresa #1 made balloon figures and more paper airplanes. James played music from his computer…GLEE!!!

Now, bedtime….ahhhh zzzzzzz.

A wonderful first day!

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Created by: Theresa

What a wonderful first full day in the village of Malungeni. We filled the day with so many things! We’ve decided on what our goals for our theam 12th mission: To form lasting friendships through learning the Xhosa culture and language; we want to help the community prosper by improving the community center, and give the children hope for their future by teaching them English through play, stories and tutoring.

We met with the new local chief “Dahlislonga”(sp?) and Mama Chief, and as is custom, we were served something to eat (chicken) and the other women of the community were present. We came back to the guest house for our Xhosa language lesson that I’m sure tested Olga’s ears with our attempts at the clicking sounds used in the Xhosa language.

We were welcomed to the community through prayer, song and dance by the children and women of Malungeni. The harmonizing and vocalizations were amazing. The children swarmed Teresa D. as she passed out the photographs she had taken her last trip here in July 2009. All the children loved having their picture taken and would jump in front of each other to make sure they were in the picture. We gathered for more team building and had dinner and then organized all the supplies the team had brought from home. WOW what a load of donations we have for the children.

Thought of the day (provided by James) Flexible people are hard to bend out of shape!

Molweni! Wamkelekile!

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Created by: James

Our mission started at 5.00 am for me, Olga and Ayanda our driver – It was probably earlier for the others in the team making their way to East London!

As we drove to meet and pick up the other 3 members of ‘Team 12 Malungeni’, we were treated to a clear but chilly and brisk morning but the promise of a new and beautiful day!

I was able to take in the sights on the trip to East London. Even though it was early morning and I would be otherwise engaged in a blissful slumber, there was a myriad of activity happening from shuffling people on roadsides and town streets to domesticated animals, all busily hustling and bustling to see what this promising day had to offer. We were visually impaired at times by a wispy mist blanketing the roads and landscape-this Olga articulated was a sign of a sunny day. Nelson Mandelas old homestead stood humbly on a distant hill while his present residence, within eye sight of old, was testament to the telling journey of this South African icon.

Four and a bit hours later and we arrived at East London airport. Teresa a former South African Volunteer’s plane had landed and the passengers had already come through baggage collection. There was a joyous reunion of Teresa and Olga but for me a nice realization to meet and know that our mission was one third complete! We decided that we would ring Theresa 2 and find out whether she had in fact made it to East London the night before and that she would be joining us at 11.30 when Dot as she is known by friends arrived. By 11.45 we were all together and mission was complete. Our next mission that we chose to accept was to spend the next few hours making our way back for the return journey to our home for the next two weeks, The Guesthouse @ Malungeni. However the mission wasn’t so much the trip back but was the 5 tired and weary travelers staying awake.

The 4-5 hours spent traveling for me was a time of connection. It was great for the team bonding process to be initiated and for everyone to compare traveling and family stories. Although each and every person comes from diverse backgrounds, we are similarly entwined through actions, thought, consequence and mind – We really are quite alike!
Arrival at the guesthouse bought us more treats; while it was nice to be off the dusty, rickety gravel road that leads into the Malungeni village, we were greeted by the Global Volunteers Community Committee (which was a warm, friendly and inviting gesture), the wonderful thought of a place and pillow to lay our weary bodies and also a beautifully sumptuous home cooked meal by Koena.

The final formalities after dinner were a couple of orientation activities. We went through and introduced ourselves again but we also got to hear a little about two of our hosts – Olga and Koena. Olga also provided us with a run down of the program context in which we were giving service and talked to us about the projects where support is needed.

Thought of the day: James Puati
The seeds we sow become the crop for the future – The more we sow the greater the yield!

Our Beloved Malungeni

Friday July 30, 2010- Created by Tanya

Our last day in the community was full of goodbyes and wishes for a longer stay. Since the MDumbi school was closed for a fundraiser, Ismay and Richard joined Michelle, Valerie, Anya, Susan, Kate, Deborah, and Tanya at Mbange. Tanya interviewed the principal Mr. Sihalhi while the others taught final lessons to the much beloved students. The appreciation for having Global Volunteers at the school was quite evident with thank you cards written by the students. Requests from them as to when we will return and a surprise thank you party from the teacher’s where they pulled us out of the classroom, so that we could enjoy some treats and juice.

At the community centre, Holly sang and danced her way through her last day with the preschool. Cam and Andrew joined the gang in continuing to paint the ceiling of the community centre. This time they used paint brushes on long poles instead of the air compressor.

Next preparations were underway for the final celebrations as sandwiches were made, popcorn was popped, and guests arrived. We all showed our appreciation for these last two weeks with heart felt thank yous, singing, a fashion show, and a short play performed in Xhosa and English

Afterwards, sandwiches, cookies and popcorns were passed around and the hunger in the community was evident. At dinner, the guesthouse staff joined us and we were all able to serve them for once while they had a chance to eat a leisurly dinner.

Now it is off to pack and prepare to leave our beloved Malungeni.

All good things come to an end...

Friday July 29, 2010- Created by Richard

We started the day our with yet another amazing breakfast prepared by the excellent and hardworking staff. We received our marketing orders from our versatile, flexible, and dynamic group leader Tanya. The weather was a little chilly and threatening rain but this did not dampen our spirits. Excitement and anticipation filled the room as the volunteers realized that our goal was within our grasp. All that was left to do was the final two days of projects and preparation for the farewell celebration.

Richard and Ismay headed to MDumbi. Cam and Drew started out to finish the tree planting project. Michelle, Deborah, Kate, Valerie, and Anya headed to MBange. Holly was sent to the preschool. Susan was still a little under the weather. We all met back at the guest house at 1 pm. We started on our journey to Mthatha to visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. Our reliable driver was Zile. After arrival to the museum we were given a guided tour. During the tour we were refamiliarized with the greatness, courage, and stature of the man who was instrumental in leading South Africa through Apartheid and on to the world stage. It was evident that his sacrifice and selflessness as an example to millions around the world.

After the museum in Mthatha we visited Qunu, the village where Mr. Mandela grew up. The museum at Qunu was also a guided tour but some in the group chose to explore on their own. Richard, Ismay, Andrew, Cam, Tanya, and Kate went with the tour guide to the sliding rock where a young Nelson Mandela playfully slid down a rock with his friends to kill time and escape the boredom while tending his family’s cattle. The guide graciously demonstrated. A fearless Andrew soon followed. Not to be outdone group leader Tanya gave it a try. Once was just not enough for Andrew, Eh! Once again, Andrew slid down the rock. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Cam gave it a try. Finally, I gave it a try. I must admit it was exhilarating. One might even say, it was electric. We left the rock and turned the rest of the museum. Ismay and Katie made excellent cheerleader. After Qunu, we headed back, stopping at a tradition crafts place and the grocery in Mthata.

On our way home after a fun filled day, we practiced South African’s National Anthem and the group sand. Some had forgotten the words. Although it was crude and coarse sounding, we have a better idea of how to pronounce most the lyrics. We arrived back home looking forward to a trip to the tradition healer, but unfortunately she was unavailable.

Taking it in stride, the volunteers began helping the local coordinator, Olga, prepare gift bags for the children of the community. Soon it was time for a later dinner. Again, Chops and his staff fed us well.

Thought: “A person is a person through other people” –Mandela.

Visiting the elderly

Thursday, July 28th, 2010- Created by Cam

Another morning means another day and another day means more time to soak up the fascinating culture of Malungeni. I think that because of the incredible hospitality, many of us may now consider this little village a home away from home. I looked forward to today for a couple of reasons. One today was the day some of us got to go on the second outing to visit the elderly. The second reason was the days break from the rigors of the tree planting project. While enjoyable, it really does wipe you out for the rest of the day.

Breakfast saw the introduction a new food, as well as the comeback of those terrific bran muffins. I found the new addition of the coconut buns quite yummy and I hope we may see more of them before we leave. After breakfast, half the team went on to their teaching positions, while those visiting the elderly had a few hours to kill. Holly, Kate, Andrew, Anya, Olga, and I headed out to meet some of the villagers we have been living amongst. The first woman was actually Sam, the groundskeeper at the guesthouses, mother. She seemed rather shy while we all sat in her living room asking her questions through Olga. I can’t help but think I would be the same way being in her shoes. She kindly answered our questions and even changed into a snazzy outfit when we asked to take her picture.


The second area we visited was home to an older couple and their daughter. We listened to stories about how the couple met, the locust infestation that obliterated most crops all over South Africa in the 40’s, and even some of the battles that used to take place between various villages. Olga also chimed in about one even she remembered when she was 10 years old. Before we gave our utmost thanks to the family for having us, we were provided with a gift bag full or 6 or 7 eggs, only proving further how gracious Malungenities are. In our final visit, we were told more stories about how the woman met her husband, and how they had a long relationship before their marriage, something they had to be very secretive about at the time. When we asked for a picture she seemed to be in agreement with Sam’s mom, and changed clothes for her portrait. When we get home, I know we plan on sending the photos back to them.

We trekked home to the guesthouse afterwards for a fairly calm rest of the day and night. Everyone discussed their days, and it seems that at the MBonge school, there was a particularly fun time had in teaching American slang to a class, with Debra taking the lead role in some skits to help explain some of the terms. The kids came later on for what some of us probably consider our daily workout and I have to say… im gonna be a fine Frisbee thrower after this trip! As of now, I’m looking forward to finishing the tree planting tomorrow and then getting back to painting. Only a few days left… let’s make the most of them!

Thought: “When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die”- Eleanor Roosevelt

“Egg-ucation” or “Which came first: the chicken or the egg”

Tuesday July 27, 2010-Created by Michelle

Breakfast was quieter than usual. This lively bunch was subdued. The sounds of spoons scraping bowls of oatmeal and cereal were the dominating noise of the dining room. Many have grown mildly weary from either illness or more likely seeing the hardships of these people, or from having been in classrooms without a teacher to help. But despite our weariness we are all hoping that we are making a difference, and are eager to work on our commitments in Malungeni.

Valerie, Deborah, and I went to MBange and worked in the 8th grade. We divided the class into groups of three making for more intimate discussion time. We enjoyed hearing about their dreams and what they hope to become as adults. Olga was very helpful in bridging the gap with the principal and the team, letting him know the difficulties we’ve had being the only teachers in the classrooms. I was once again invited to play in a game of netball with the kids at break- something I certainly enjoyed.

Cam and Andrew have almost completed the making of tree enclosures. They have worked very hard to achieve this huge task. Ismay reported a two thumbs up day of teaching at the school. Richard offered a more lively report and tells me first hand that this story really is true. He ends up teaching English in the 9th grade as the principal was not there. In the middle of his English lesson, a chicken walked into his classroom. Richard claims that he kept his cool, letting the chicken do its thing. It hopped onto the desk, then up to the cabinet, then jumped on the floor in front of the class were she proceeds to make a mess and strut her stuff. She then jumps back up and lands on his bag which was on the desk. A girl in the class decides that this is too much, rescues Richard and his bag by shooing the chicken out of the classroom window. So why did the chicken walk through the door?To get back into the classroom of course! She jumps on the desk and looks at the board. Richard, trying to be humorous and be good sport, pretends he is teaching the chicken English. Except! She turns her backside to him as if to say No Thanks.

Now, this all happened before lunch. After lunch, Richard moves to the 8th grade class to teach English... And guess who made another appearance? The chicken, herself! Richard is pretty certain it was the same chicken based on its features he recognized. It hoped onto the cabinet where she sat and wanted him to teach the rest of his lesson. Toward the end of class there was some commotion at the cabinet- a girl was trying to get rid of the chicken. Lo and behold! The chicken had laid an egg on top of the cabinet. A girl scooped up the egg and mentioned that this would become a meal.

Zangezila was once again hired to take parts of the team on an outing. This time to the orphanage Mzomtsha. Those that went were impressed with the accommodations and that the kids were well provided for. The team was well received by the children and wanted them to come back and play.

Valerie and I played with some kids who came to the guest house in the afternoon- not for very long though, because the smoke from a nearby field fire was overwhelming. It was good to get out and throw the ball and watch kids jump rope. It was a lovely day.
Thought of the day:

We must imagine what would happen is the situation were reversed. What would it be like if we needed assistance in our countries, in our communities or neighborhoods? What would we do Where would we turn for help?

There are two old proverbs or sayings that come to mind: “You never know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”. Even though we are a week and a half into our volunteer experience We are only in the process of taking single steps in the people of Malungeni’s shoes. When we finish that step, we will be happy to rejoice in the second saying: “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step”. Let us complete our step with vigor, positive energy, and positive thought.

Exploring South Africa

Monday July 26, 2010- Created by Andrew

After a stellar weekend of R & R at Coffee Bay, we returned to our volunteer routine in Malungeni. Kate and Anya are both feeling a little better and we know they will be back to their old selves in no time. Work today was productive, as far as tree planting was concerned. My brother Cam and I assisted with erecting two more tree enclosings. We have one more to go.

Sicho, Constance, and another community member assisted us, but I would like to make note of the continued determination of Montelezella and Mozalanda. Both have demonstrated beyond a doubt their ability and continued determination to work hard despite living with physical challenges and developmental delays. They are both charming young men and a credit to the community!

While working today, we were further entertained by a nearby farmer who would materialize to yell at and chase away grazing sheep off his property. The sheep kept going back and Constance explained the sheep didn’t belong to him, thus he was upset with them eating his grass.

Towards the lunch hour, I downed rubber gloves to bandage a small gash on Montezella’s ankle but the bandage seemed to keep coming off. With Richard’s kind help, we managed to make it hold with the use of gauze back at the guesthouse.

In the early afternoon, as many of the other volunteers were in Mthata for adventures in school supply shopping, Richard challenged Cameron to a gentleman’s game of chess. I couldn’t sit in as I was covered by a sticky tar like substance from the planting and has to take a cold bath. I just hope I didn’t unfairly turn the game in someone’s favor with my Richard Simmons like screaming once I entered the tub.

Several interesting activities have been planned for this week in addition to our volunteer jobs. Many thanks to Tanya to and anyone else I might have missed. I remain optimistic!

After some R& R, eager to be back!

Monday July 26, 2010- Created by Ismay

Saturday, we hungrily consumed a delicious breakfast as usual prepared by chef Chops and afterwards placed our orders for some exquisite beaded jewelry from Olga. All for a good and worthy cause.

The group with bags packed excitedly boarded the van at 8:30 am for our weekend excursion to Coffee Bay. But of course, we had to stop for pictures. Richard had suggested the Malungeni welcome sign, written in Xhosa, Engnlish, and German. So, we all posed for about half an hour. Finally, we are on our journey. Along the way, we oohed and aahed and commented on the spectacular view of the South African landscape; mountains, hills, valleys, trees, no trees, colors, sand, and dirt. What a breath taking sight!

We stopped at the Masizame arts and crafts centre supported by the women in the community. At first, it seemed deserted, but as we were about to leave quite disappointedly, apparently word spread quickly through the community and one of the women mysteriously stepped out of a minibus, opened up the center and we eagerly purchased beaded jewelry and souvenirs. All for a good cause!

After about 2 hours, we arrived at the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay. We immediately settled in our comfortable rooms. Some of us strolled along the beach bare food, others collected sea shells and rocks, some admired the waves, sights, and smells of the Indian Ocean. Others also did a mini tour of the area close to the hotel. Dinner was delicious and the waiters were gracious and accommodating.

Sunday, with Claus our knowledgeable and experienced driver as tour guide, we explored the area. Tanya, Richard, Ismay, Valerie, Michelle, and Deborah were in the first group. Later, Andrew, Cameron, Holly, Susan, Kate, ad Anya were in the second group. For about 2 ½ hours, Claus took us up, down, through, and around the mountains to visit the hole in the wall and raptor’s view with lots of cultural facts along the way. It was worth every rand!

We tiredly boarded the van on our return trip to Malungeni after a delightful weekend. We hope that Katie and Anya are in good health for the coming week. We promise that “what happens in Coffee Bay, stays in Coffee Bay.”

Thought (Anya)- “Youth people are capable, when aroused of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom” –Nelson Mandela

End of week one...already?

Friday July 24, 2010-Created by Deborah

Valerie read her journal for Thursday and Michelle contributed the message. After breakfast, the school volunteers were delivered to their schools. I worked with an 8th grade class. The principal visited and questioned me as to how the children greet me. “Do they call you teacher?” I had asked them to call me Deborah. “In our culture, they must call you ‘Miss Deborah’ or ‘Teacher’”. Miss Deborah it is.

My blackboard writing is awful, so I put the students to work with the chalk. They practiced making sentences using present and past tenses of the verb to be, also sentences using different prepositions. I noticed there is some confusion around prepositions.

I asked the principal for some books with short stories- he said he did not have enough for all the students, however, later he brought a collection of early reader books- renditions of old folk tales. They seemed to enjoy them. They learned some new words.

Just before noon, a student asked me to bring in my money on Monday. For lunch time, we made sandwiches in our kitchen and exchanged impressions of some of our experiences. At about 3:30, Susan and I took a walk turning right at the gate and down the hill. We passed a young woman coming towards us with a large basket of wet clothing on her head. She was accompanied by a collection of small children. Then we passed a large pen of goats and sheep- grasses for the sheep and plastic bottles for the goats.

A local woman appeared. She spoke English and offered to take us to see her hen house and pig sty. On the way we passed colorful round houses and ahead of us was a magnificent view of the golden rolling hills which ascended from a river (the one for doing laundry). Then we arrived at the homes of pigs and chicken, you should all see this for yourselves. We returned home where Michelle and Valerie were entertaining two children.

At 5: we all met in our usual spot, Tanya asked us to think about our first week in terms of colors, smells, and sounds, then off to delicious dinner.

Thought of the say: “The first thing to do is to give of yourself” –Rev Spiwo

Generosity, hospitality and gratefulness.

Thursday July 22, 2010-Created by Valerie

There was no school for Richard and Ismay today due to a retirement party that started at 9:00. So Richard was off to get speckled with paint, along with Cam and Andrew. Once there, they also continued the long process of cleaning up the yard of the community centre. Holly had another day at the preschool there, very much like those before.

Ismay joined the others at MBonge where she taught a 9th grade class. She reports that her regularly assigned school, which is smaller, is more organized and disciplined. Susan reported a “great day”, believing that they accomplished a lot. She wants us to be reminded of being aware and careful with regard to contact with bodily fluids of children, aware that some could be infected with HIV/AIDS. Deborah had a better day, doing unplanned but well received activities. Kate had 42 children to herself but coped well and Anya received news that a husband had been selected for her. The fifth grade class shared by Michelle and Valerie participated enthusiastically in math and language.

This afternoon, most people went to Mthatha, eventually. Shopping was on the agenda. The last group arrived very late, just before the shops closed. Mthatha, late in the day, is very loud, busy, crowded, and dangerous to pedestrians. Michelle stayed behind and worked with a few children. Dinner was late, and as I write, it is late.

I think about many experiences here and know I can never really convey them to anyone who was not here. The young children fetching water, the dust, the generosity and hospitality of the elders, the hard life, the gratefulness of both students and elders. How dangerously close pedestrians are to vehicles, and how grateful students appear to be for so little. Please remind me when I complain.

Thought of the Day: “Umbuntu- the essence of being human. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, where you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity” –Desmond Tutu.

~Great celebrations, big and small~

Wednesday July 21, 2010- Created by Holly

Today started well with an extra hour of sleep- it was blissful. At breakfast, Michelle was surprised by a colorful birthday cake, candles of a sort, and even festive decorations. We all had a piece of cake and it was delicious.

As school was cancelled because of a teacher meeting, several volunteers trooped down the road with Andrew and Cam and went to the community centre. There they did a wonderful job of sweeping up the dust and debris and picking up glass outside. Apparently, word spread about the exciting activities at the Centre because soon groups of eager children and women joined in the cleanup. They did a wonderful job, however, once again, we were troubled by a lack of food to share with so many.

One group of volunteers visited older residents in the community and found their glimpse of life inside the round houses very interesting.

Anya cleaned up the volunteer materials and unearthed some useful materials for the classrooms. Other volunteers spent a lot of time preparing for lessons later in the week. They were interrupted by children who arrived very early and stayed for the afternoon playing Frisbee and even blowing bubbles!

Preschool was still on and the wee ones continued to enjoy dancing to CDS and learning new songs. Today, after Reverend Spiwow’s talk last night, I could feel that we were accomplishing what we came to do by participating in the life of Malungeni. I hope the feeling lasts.

Thought of the Day: (Susan)- “Is there a common language, other than music? Absolutely, there is the language of hospitality, a secular sense of honoring one another. We can meet as strangers, but we can share respect and dignity” – Yo Yo Ma.

The journey continues to unfold…

Tuesday July 20, 2010 - Created by Susan

Today felt more organized and a little less anxious as we got up, had breakfast, and went to our assigned work areas- Holly to the community centre to teach her little preschool children, Susan, Anya, Deborah, Valerie, Michelle, and Kate to MBonge school, and Richard and Ismay to Upper MDumbe School. We missed Cam and Andrew at the school but they were off to assist in painting the roof of the community centre. Particular challenges noted were the difficulty in eating lunch in front of co- workers or the children as they were sent to school without anything. We also heard some painful stories. For myself, I had the first chance to teach. Little did I know that Anya and I would be left alone in the grade one class all day as the teacher decided to go home early in the day. Luckily, we had done some preparations the night before, brought some supplies, and were aided by Kate popping in a couple of times to get a new lesson off the ground. These children spoke no English but had memorized a few lines by note. It was an enriching (and tiring) experience to spend the day with them, and we felt we accomplished quite a lot.

After school, a number of children came to be “tutored” or to play, and most of the volunteers played card games and colored with the children or tutored math. Some were more physical, playing Frisbee, skipping, and soccer. Everyone seemed to have a great time and we had to usher the children out.

Before dinner, we had a valuable lesson in Xhosa, taught be Olga. She said she wasn’t going to talk to us in English anymore… Oh Dear! After dinner, we were treated to a really inspirational talk be Reverand Spiro, who shared with us his experiences growing up in Malungeni, some about his life since, and his hopes for the future. His words reinforce the importance of our presence here. Although he gave us a lot of his time, we could have listened for much longer and asked many more questions.

Tomorrow the schools are closed, so some of us will have a chance to experience some new parts of the culture while others will plan the lessons and clean the community centre. The journey continues to unfold…

Thought of the day: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right” –Henry Ford.

So exciting...our first day!

Monday July 19th, 2010- Created byKate

Today was our first work day in Malungeni. Richard and Ismay set off to MDumbe to teach while Holly took on the pre-schoolers at the community centre. Cam, Andrew, Michelle, Val, Susan, and Debra headed to Mbange School while Tanya, Anya, and I walked to Langeleki school. After a little confusion, we turned around to joint he crew at Mbange. We learned that it’s important to go with the flow and we did have a nice walk.

When we arrived at Mbange, we met with the principal and the teachers. Everyone seemed very excited that we were there. We then went off to various classrooms and interacted with the students. Michelle and Val led the kids in song during recess and all the kids were excited to share some of the songs they knew.

Around noon, Michelle, Val, and Andrew headed off to Mthatha with Olga and Tanya. They picked up supplies and rendezvoused with Michelle’s suitcase. Sounded like they had a few adventures along the way. I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Thought of the day: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Ghandi.

Same but different...

Sunday July 18, 2010- Created by Anya

Today was a day riddled with wonderful confusion and many new experiences. I am surprised by how different this community is from my own life, yet by the same token, so similar. The biggest difference that I can feel is the language barrier. I feel sorry that I cannot communicate as well as I would like.

I feel as if I am in a Quaker/Amish community because life is so simple without technology. I don’t remember the last night where after dinner I just sat on the couch of the living room without the background of television or computer around. I am surprised by how much I am enjoying it, in all honesty, and hope I can bring this simplicity back home. I am surprised at how little I miss the constant ringing of communication from my cell phone!

I wish everyone good luck tomorrow and hope that we are all anxious for no good reason. I am sure I will dream of new little African friend with whom I formed a connection without even speaking! It’s amazing…

Thought of the day: “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.”

Glad to be here!

Saturday July 17th 2010- Created by Tanya

As I write this entry by candlelight, I am reminded of how lucky I am. It is as you say when you loose one of your senses, the others grow keener and I am so appreciative of what we do have here: a nice warm bed to sleep in, an indoor bathroom to use, and delicious food to eat before going to bed. These luxuries are uncommon to many.

Today has been a long, hard day for many of us no the team as we have traveled from far away places and making a variety of stops along the way. The early arrivals were able to take advantage of the wait as we stopped by the boardwalk in East London to enjoy the scenery before doing some shopping and returning to the airport to meet with the others. After creatively stuffing the van and trailer with our luggage and ourselves, we were on the road for our long journey to Malungeni. A few of us dozed without snoring too loud J. While others chatted and watched the scenery along the way.

We were greeted by a fabulous dinner cooked by Koena, Constance, and Alfred (otherwise known as Chops). During dinner, we started on orientation with introducing of the team members and out host staff along with some information. Afterwards, it was off to bed for an early start tomorrow.

Thought for the day(Valerie): Rumi tells us to sell our cleverness and buy bewilderment.

Team 10 Farewell Song: Leavin’ on a Jet Plane

Our bags are packed, we’re ready to go
We’re standing here, outside our door
We want to take this time to say Goodbye . . .
The dawn will break, we’ll have to go
We’re sad to leave, we love you so
Already we’re so lonesome, we could cry . . .
So miss us and smile for us,
Tell us you’ll remember us,
We’ll hold you in our hearts while we’re away . . .
We’re leavin’ - on a jet plane,
Don’t know when we’ll be back again . . .
Oh how we hate to go . . .
So miss us and smile for us,
Tell us you’ll remember us,

We’ll hold you in our hearts while we’re away . . .
We’re leavin’ - on a jet plane,
Don’t know when we’ll be back again . . .
Oh how we hate to go . . .
We’ll miss you so.

Friday, March 19, 2010

The sun is shining with puffy white clouds in a beautiful blue sky. Rev. Spiro and his guests left at 9 a.m. and a gentle quiet fell over the grounds and our guest house. Nancy off to R/1 and her little darlings. Anita off to pre-school and her wee ones. Kathy off to Upper Mdumbi and her teenagers, and Tai off to build the final five enclosures – which leaves Judy bent over her sewing of skirts and the often temperamental sewing machine. Upon Tai’s return, covered with dirt, she bathed and started her “report” writing while listening to music – a lovely way to work.


One by one the “Teachas” returned, we ate lunch and Kathy and Judy went for an hour walk through the village in the bright sunshine, Kathy snapping pictures along the way. One particularly fun shot of a horse taking a siesta on his owner’s covered porch – I think it was the only shady spot – I’d call that good “horse sense”. Next Kathy spots a sign in a wooded area which read “Voting Station” – only a house nearby as far as we could see. The rolling hills so beautiful – difficult, if not impossible, to truly appreciate from a snapshot – however the picture will bring back the memory of such picturesque countryside.



At 1:30, two ladies from the village came to show us how to do beading. Some of us had fun with it and some chose to observe. After a bit, 3 more ladies joined the first 2 and it was an old fashioned sewing circle, listening to Xhosa being spoken a mile a minute and watching the ladies laugh with each other while a few of us struggled with needles, thread and beads. The ladies stayed as long as they could until Olga finally suggested it was time for them to go home. While the ladies giggled outside we began the task of filling bags to hand out at tomorrow’s farewell party – 100 gift bags for the various ages.



Lovely dinner, back to practice our goodbye song and a lively game of UNO.



All is well – we will miss our daily interactions and camaraderie – It’s been a wonderful experience for us all.



Message of the Day: Poverty is an economic state, not an emotional state.


By Judy

Thursday, March 18, 2010

St. Patrick’s Day! Malungeni is so much home to me now that I forgot about green beer and dying the Chicago River green. The small things mean so much – Anita spent time teaching a preschooler to kick a ball, Nancy held hands with 4 little ones on the way home and helped Grade 1ers cut and paste. Judy valiantly struggled with a too tight bobbin making one-size-fits-all dance skirts. Kathy learned about waiting (and saw the real meaning of Beauty and the Stick).

It rained so hard last night that mud puddles replaced potholes as the road hazard of choice. Nancy braved Langalakhe School solo and people wondered where the other ladies were. And people are still asking where Jackie is, 5 days after she left. I’m still marveling at all the wonderfully odd juxtapositions here, most notably a Southern Baptist minister showing us card tricks, including dealing off the bottom of the deck. No tutoring today because Rev. Spiro had a big community meeting – our best part was a wonderful Xhosa dance troupe which the children loved too and tried to emulate. We also sat in on a meeting Rev. Spiro had with Cromwell who was not pleased – talk about a verbal “dressing down”, complete with veiled treats about “other schools”. Pretty awkward feeling to be in the middle of them! After the meeting we visited Pat the Sangoma who graciously shared stories of how she came to her profession and her symbiotic relationship with the medical profession here (and coincidentally, Nancy and she knew two other sangomas in common!). After a wonderful dinner with the Florida people and the sangoma, we returned to our house to help hang laundry to dry followed by a spirited game of Uno – I personally can’t bear the thought of only two more days. There is so very much I will miss about the extraordinary group of people and lovely scenery and livestock! Baa for now.

Message of the Day: Development is about planting trees, even if you never sit under their shade.

By Nancy

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

It’s a new day for Judy and Anita as they embarked on their new work projects – Judy to tutor at the Upper Mdumbi School and Anita to work at the preschool. Left for another day is how the Lanaglakhe School will respond to the exodus of volunteers . . . It is a short day at Langalakhe School and a long day at Upper Mdumbi. The day being warmer and brighter than yesterday, quite a few children of various ages show up for tutoring which turns out to be a relatively calm and organized affair, with flashcards (LOVE the Balloon flashcards, which can magically be adapted for all ages!), along with stories, singing and dancing.

Dinner is another well-cooked meal, this time shared with Rev. Spiro and his houseguests. It is interesting to share our experiences in Malungheni and get a perspective on the churches’ missionary work in developing counties. The highlight of the evening is our team effort to customize a song to sing at our farewell – with choreography to follow . . . Here’s hoping no one has a video camera!!

Message of the Day: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it”. Helen Keller.

By Kathy

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

With the new week, a change in climate from sunny and hot to overcast and cool, and a man in the house, the focus and dynamics turned about a bit. The goals still remained to be open to change, to serve the community, to share cultures and to experience South Africa through Malungeni; we discussed these tonight. We missed our two team members who departed on Saturday, so with just four of us, we did have to reorient ourselves. Now Kathy went alone to her school without Abigail, and Jackie no longer is part of the group who supports the Langalakhe School It was agreed that Anita and Judy would stay in Grades 2-3 from 8-12 and sign out. Beauty was with them and with a few choice words, Lola spoke to the children about being well behaved and respect for their teachers. I must say the class was better behaved saved for a few boys in the third grade who, when asked by Judy to show her how many crayons they had, looked right at her and “No!”. Nancy is enjoying her class with Tobeka and is being challenged and is supporting her with her own suggestions for learning. Nancy’s joy is infectious and inspiring.

While Olga and Tai replenished supplies in Mthata, we four were eager for just Reception to Grade 5 to arrive just from 3:30 to 4:30. After a great deal of prep thinking about holding our “stations” in the garage, not one child appeared! Are they like sheep? Did the message not get relayed? Oh well! Tomorrow the upper grades are invited and therefore we must find the appropriate material. There was talk of sewing, but we are wondering if Kowena will find time to do this with all the guests who have arrived with Spiro from Pensacola, FL. Tomorrow is another day and we will await its opportunities and go forth!

Message of the Day: “The spirit of Ubuntu – that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings – has added globally to our common search for a better world”. Nelson Mandela.

By Anita

Monday, March 15, 2010

Teachers, Teachers

Teachas, Teachas, what did you see?
A van with girls as happy as can be!
We’re off to play down by the sea . . .
But OH those roads were so BUMPY!!!
Some rest, some food, a little wine maybe,
And best of all HOT SHOWERS . . . Yippee!

Teachas, Teachas, please don’t go . . .
You’re par t of our team as you well know.
So stay awhile and don’t say “No” . . .
Cause if you’re gone we’ll feel so low.

Teachas, Teachas now we’re sad . . .
Cause off you went and that’s too bad.
So now there’s four and we’ll be glad
To be the BEST Tai’s ever had!

Teachas, Teachas, what did you do?
We walked on the beach at Ocean View.
We climbed on the rocks and picked up shells
And watched the ocean’s waves big swells.
The sand felt good on all our toes . . .
As we skipped through the water when the tide was low.

Teachas, Teachas what did you play?
We played some Scrabble later that day . . .
While sweet dogs at our feet did lay.
That night the rain just poured, I’d say.

Teachas, Teachas was that all?
Oh No! . . . went next to the Hole in the Wall.
The path was narrow, the trees were tall.
The cows on the beach had us enthralled!

Teachas, Teachas is there more?
Only roads with potholes making our back sore.
On the ride home the rain did pour –
And four happy women walked through this door!

Message of the Day: Be the change you want to see in the world. Gandhi.

By Judy

Friday, March 12, 2010

Another day full of adventures on Thursday! It was meant to be only 2 hours of school from 8 to 10 due to a teacher’s prayer meeting. As we approached the school a wee bit late at 8:15, who should we see but Tobeca and Mavis, the Lunch Lady, leaving the school! Which meant that the kids in R-1 were all alone!! Sure enough, when Tai and Abigail and I walked in to children rising and saying “Good morning Teacher”, these precious 5-6 year olds were all alone. After an initial (first) panic, I asked them to sing a song for us. Then I was on my own. Now what? We did the alphabet song and flashcard animals and such and I thought I was doing quite well – UNTIL one by one, THEY STARTED CRYING! Panicking, virgin teacher Nancy ran to Auntie Judy and beseeched her for help. A bit of outside playtime and “freeform” drawing got us through the crisis. (But another alone day tomorrow has me terrified). After school, we visited the preschool where Abigail and Kathy were happily interacting with the most adorable children and my heart sang when their lovely teacher Capsai led them singing Nkosi Sikelele Afrika! Next up – cleaning the Community Center – which reinforces why Nancy is Not a Good Cleaner. Ladies from the community helped us sweep and mop and then apply a coat of a most ingenious “polish” – vegetable oil added to water. The word was that that After School Children arrived EARLY – and we came back to controlled (mostly) chaos of coloring – for Kathy’s Preschool Décor project and “independent art projects” . Because we have a date at the sangoma, we “dismissed” them early, at 4 p.m. But then, the best laid plans. . . the sangoma was caught in traffic (culture clash!) and was running late. So we decided to have her join us for dinner first – she arrived and we carefully chose her seat for her – she politely sat and then said “But I can’t stay” – oh well – because she had patients. Sort of a sangoma ER. Another wonderfully tiring day full of blue skies, breezes, and the quiet tranquility of the countryside. We love it here with all our new umhlobos.

Message of the Day: Sometimes a smile is all the Xhosa you need.

By Nancy