Salagahle South Africa!!

Hello to you all!!

(sorry again for the late post... spotty internet. I wrote this on saturday. Enjoy!)

It’s hard for me to really believe that I will actually be saying “hello” to you in person in the next few days. Although I only have a couple days left, I have been living them to the fullest. Yesterday I went with my friend, Sphumelele (Rehoboth’s social worker), to an African fabric bazaar. I bought this fabulous- very African- material to make a Zulu dress and headdress. Sphume’s seamstress met us at the bazaar to take my measurements and go over the design for my dress. I was the only white person in the store (or the surrounding area, for that matter). Needless to say, the seamstress laughed at my bust measurements and my attempts at speaking Zulu the whole time. I will go on Monday to have my final fitting.
Then Sphume and I caught an infamous South African taxi to go to a friend’s pre-wedding negotiation. While we were waiting for a taxi, this Zulu man was staring at me and circling me so I starred back to make sure he wouldn’t take my bag. Then he said, “I like your [butt]” except much more vulgar. Although my Zulu is pretty limited I managed to yell “haibo, uku shaya” which means “hell no! I’m going to hit you.” Turns out, I was just warming up for the wedding negotiation which was in Gamalakhe, a township. I was certainly sticking out with my very white skin so many people asked to take their picture with me or touch my hair. I even was purposed to half a dozen times by slightly drunk men (or their mothers). Nonetheless, I had a very fun afternoon sitting around chatting with the Zulu women, eating traditional food, listening to the organ music and watching the bride and groom negotiate their family’s gifts. I was even given a Zulu name, Siyamthanda, which means “we love her.” Sweet, hey?
Like I expected, the goodbyes are much worse than when I left America. I started telling my preschoolers last week that I was going to leave so they wouldn’t be surprised come Tuesday. It stung pretty bad when Y said “I thought you were going to live here forever. I’m sad.” Or when N asked if I’d be back for his birthday party in December. Nothing like abandoning orphans that have already been abandoned before. I am comforted by the story of the transfiguration of Jesus.

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one fore Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. – Mark 9:2-8

Jesus led His disciples to the high mountain where they were amazed just as He led me to Rehoboth, sitting on top of a mountain. I was able to see God in new and dazzling ways through the faces of the children and witnessed many miracles. Like Peter, I’m about ready to set up my tent and stay with Moses, Elijah and Jesus on this mount because life is so good here. It doesn’t sound like Peter had that chance either but instead followed Jesus back into the valley where his faith was challenged and, in turn, experienced growth.

So I guessed I am back to where I began. I cling to the title verse of my blog: Isaiah 48:17. “ Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.”

I thank you for your prayers and for keeping up with my ramblings through this blog. If you would like to support Rehoboth in a more tangible way, there is a sponsorship program where you can donate $50 a month (or any amount) to provide the loving care, medical treatment and schooling for one of our kids. My roommate, Tamara, will send you regular updates and photos of your sponsor child. The kids really do love their sponsors and post all of their mail and photos in their bedrooms.

I love you and miss you all.
-a teary Brigid