Soweto

Hello again!  We have been staying in Soweto with our host families.  It is often hard to understand what they are saying, but we usually figure it out.  My family is very kind, loving, and hospitable.  They take very good care of Heidi (an EMU student I am sharing a room with) and I.  I have been learning quite a lot about home life, their culture, and the people.  I learned how they wash their dishes and clothes by hand and how to take a bucket bath.  They also like to feed me ALOT.  One example:  one of my lunches consisted of 2 sandwhiches, 2 pieces of fruit, and 2 hard boiled eggs. I always have to share cause I can't eat that much.  I almost never finish my meals.  The history of South Africa has come alive for me through the conversations, tours, lectures, and visits to museums.  The people are so forgiving of the terrible pasts.  I feel blessed to be welcomed into their home when so much has happened between the whites and blacks.
I have been given a Sesotho name, Mpho, which means "gift."  Many people in Soweto have said that it is a very nice name to have.  I have been having lots of wonderful conversations with everyone- strangers and all.  People like to greet one another even if they don't know you.  It has also been interesting walking along the street or wherever and recieving many interested looks.  It is not common to see white people where we are.  The children love it, too.  I have had children climbing over me right after I say hello.  They like to touch me, feel my hair, ask me questions, and play with me.  They are so sweet and so innocent.  They bring me such joy because they are so carefree and joyful. 
The other day we got to go to a soccer game and that was tons of fun.  There were more than 91,000 people there.  We really got to experience culture there.  I was also given a jersey so I cheered for the team I was wearing a shirt for (and we won!).
Basically, I'm having a blast.  I'm enjoying learning and experiencing everything I can.  I wish I could tell you everything that I have been doing and learning, but my time is limited.  The relationships are growing stronger with my host family and my cross cultural group.  I feel blessed to be here.
Thank you for your prayers and I hope all is well at home.
Sala Hantle (Stay well).