Molweni Bantwana Bam

(Hello my children.)

So I'm only a week and a half in and I'm already dreading leaving these kids. I've worked so hard to learn their names. I do attendance and I write their names at the tops of their papers. (Our CCS supervisor is surprised I've been so quick with the names, but it was VERY important to me.) The kids - and teachers - see that I'm trying with Xhosa. They come to me for more than just hugs now. They want me to answer things and fix things and punish kids who hurt them. To them I'm now more than just a fresh white face in the morning. I'm Miss Mary.

Today the principal (Mama Nozi) and her sister (Sisanne) told Khutala (the teacher I work with most often) how much of a help I am and that they're gonna miss me. I can already see the hole I'll leave. It's crazy because some days I feel like I'm doing little to further their actual education, but in reality I'm still making a difference. If our kids are done eating, I go in and help feed the babies. I wash our kids faces. I see a need, I fill it. I say all this not to toot my own horn, but because I thought I wasn't doing anything special. Until today when they told me that I step up way more than previous volunteers. I can't imagine doing any less.

I love entertaining them. Yesterday (Monday) we made paper plate bean rattle things. The kids (and frankly Khutala) were mesmerized by the stapler and concept of stapling. Afterward we danced around the concrete outdoor area singing and clapping and using our new instruments. I took pictures as the looks of pure joy were not only infectious but so heartening. They did well with the camera, making me sure I made a good decision in waiting to bring it in.

It's funny how so many things with kids are universal. For instance, this morning I had a couple of grumps and I walked over and got down on their level and dared them not to smile. I spoke English the entire time and just kept repeating myself. Before I knew it, smiles broke through. Success. Now are they quiet for me and perfect little angels when other teachers aren't around? Not always. But do they still love the boogie shush? Of course. Khutala today was like, what does that mean? And I was like, nothing. It's just a little thing I made up.

I asked how much it cost to send a child to Gertie's. It's 120Rand (over 3) and 150Rand (under 3)...which exchanges roughly to around $20 - a month. Obviously you can't compare exactly because they earn money in Rands and nowhere near what Americans are paid in dollars. But still. The kids get two hot meals and all day care. Quite a steal. Even without regulated education.

Yesterday they practiced writing the letter C. On the page was the picture of a cow. A cow with udders. The boys were giggling so I walked over and they were pointing at the udders and saying "penis." I was like, no udders. Cows don't have penises. Cows have udders. Like breasts (the word they use). They liked their supposition better. Boys will be boys.

Speaking of, today a boy walked up, reached up and squeezed my boob today and made a suckling sound to which I was like, um nope. It was even Phumulele who I love, but I was like what the heck are you doing? This is probably directly related to one of the other teachers chasing kids around the room whilst squeezing her boob...ahh cultural differences. The kids also like to squeeze my butt, and one boy even essentially carried it across the outdoor area. As if it's so big I need help.

Today in language class we finally learned clicks. I've been practicing with Wonga my driver, but today I learned the differences between "c," "x," and "q." It's really a lot of work on your tongue.

I'm going to take music in tomorrow. A little musical chairs per my dad's suggestion, and I'm also pretty sure they'll love a dance party. It's a school holiday week right now so our numbers are slightly smaller. Tomorrow is also Anda's birthday. It will be the second time I've sang "Happy Birthday" in Xhosa, as one of the house staff had a bday over the weekend. It's actually really easy.

Our free time in the time we have left as volunteers is very limited, as in only the weekends, but we did get a few hours yesterday afternoon. We headed down to Long Street to a few vintage shops and then over to the Green Market. I've become good at working stands against each other and then going slightly lower. It also helps to say you only have so much left. They'd rather the sale than getting their original price.

I didn't know, however, that it also works in stores. I saw a cute pair of Sanuks (sandals I could get in the states, altho I've never seen this particular design)...the price was comparatively steep, but as soon as I mentioned I would have to use credit, he lowered the price for cash. Then when I told him I didn't have that much cash, he asked me how much I did have. I was honest as it was about 120Rand less than the price tag...and he gave them to me.

An interesting tidbit tho: many white people walk around Cape Town and the surrounding areas barefoot. The whole "no shirt-no shoes- no service" has no clout here. "It's a white people thing."

We're currently all sitting around in the lounge giggling like a bunch of high school girls. It's a common nightly occurrence if we don't have anything to do...as we try to keep each other awake until a decent hour. It's basically a lot of "would you rathers" and dirty talk...we're one step away from making prank calls.

It looks like this wkend we'll be paragliding off Lion's Head, beaching it up, and visiting the coast and Cape Point.