Soweto as a Home

I continue to enjoy every minute of every day because there are still things that I am learning and experiencing.  I am familiar with the neighborhood now, but I am still not allowed to go anywhere alone.  The families are very protective of us- they’ll either walk with us somewhere or make sure that we have proper escorts (such as the secret police they arranged for our group).  It doesn’t feel very dangerous to me, but I trust my family and listen to their guidance.

Some of you asked about where I’m living.  The neighborhood is slightly excluded from the other neighborhoods, but there is easy access to many places- like a number of schools and shopping centers.  Each house is small with thick cement walls with some kind of barred gate.  My house has a living room, two bedrooms, and a kitchen.  Out back are three more rooms (separate from the house) that are being rented.  There is also a flushing toilet in an enclosed area within the walls of our place.  The outside looks much different than the cozy indoors.  My room is quite comfortable.  Heidi and I share a queen bed, while the other family members live in the other room (at least 5 of them). They give us plenty of privacy- more than I would have expected.

Now that I have been here a while, I feel comfortable and content.  I feel closer to my host family and I am more open to being myself.  We’ve had numerous times of dancing, cooking, playing games, and talking.  The only thing I still can’t get over is the amount of food my mme keeps trying to feed me!

Speaking of food, I am proud to say that I have tried cow liver, cow stomach/intestines, sheep feet, and chicken feet.  My favorite thing thus far is the fat cakes, which is basically a really dense donut in a ball without any toppings.  I could go on and on about the food because I’ve tried so many unique things, but that’s not the most important part.

Let me also tell you about the dancing…I haven’t met a South African who cannot dance!  Even the 2 year old and the old ladies can dance.  It’s so much fun!  They also have really good music here; they call it “house music.”  Usually it doesn’t have lyrics, but is just really good upbeat music that many people like to blare.

Our group has been doing one or two activities a day.  We have visited several elementary and high schools.  We took a Soweto tour and visited a few museums/ memorials.  As a treat, we got to see a play in Johannesburg called “Death of a Colonist.”   We also went to another soccer game with some family members.

In the elementary schools, I was able to observe different aspects of the schools, such as teaching, facilitating, and disciplining.  I also got to help the students with their work.  It’s quite fascinating comparing and contrasting the differences between American and African schools.  In some aspects, I like these schools better and in other aspects, I appreciate having an American education.  At each of the high schools, we addressed different topics: domestic violence, racism, and teen pregnancy.  We’ve been presenting and watching skits and having discussions to learn about the other’s culture.

Emotionally, I have been doing very well.  I have wonderful support here and I haven’t felt too overwhelmed.  I haven’t been challenged as much as I was expecting, but I am still learning and growing.  I am also challenging myself to find ways that I can apply what I’ve gained here to my life when I return.

Health-wise, I got pretty sick the other day.  One day I woke up feeling weak.  It turned into a high fever and many hours in bed.  The following days continued with weakness and a sore throat.  Then I got a awful cough on top of that.  Everyone has been looking out for me, though- like my host family, the EMU group, and even the neighborhood community.  It was quite the experience seeing how different people react to me.  My mme wanted to help, but didn’t know what to do.  She would wake me up every so often (which felt like every ½ hour) to see if I was better yet.  She cried too because she was worried about me.  Neighbors and others gave me encouraging words and tell me I would be alright.  The EMU group came and sang “Lean on Me” and visited occasionally.  Being sick really showed me how much love and care there is all around me.  Even neighbors and people I didn’t know would wish me well and ask about me.

As usual, I would love to go on and on about my experience, the rich culture, the unique food, the relationships I’m building, and all that I have been learning, but I’ve got to stop somewhere.  Just a heads up, I will not be in contact (and updating the blog) for a month.  My next destination is Lesotho where there is no electricity or any form of contacting tools.  Although I will be sad to depart my wonderful host family and the area I’ve grown familiar with, I’m excited to see the mountains and rivers of Lesotho.  I’m also looking forward to the more simplistic lifestyle.

Sala hantle! (Stay well)