It's always hard to begin writing these blog entries because there is always so much going on around me every day with the children in the village, alongside spiritual and emotional change within myself. I guess I'll start with the fact that I can now say I have reached a certain level of comfort here where I now can begin to feel like I have more purpose and belonging.
For the first 4 to 5 weeks I was in an adjusting phase where I felt like I was a stranger and although all the kids and staff fully welcomed me, I still felt like an outsider. I think that was a natural feeling to have. There were (and still are) simultaneous transitions that were required of me, including meeting 115 children and learning their names (I have about 100 and counting), learning various aspects of the Zulu culture, understanding my role here (ongoing), and learning how to deal with a greater "eb and flow" of emotional and spiritual health. Another speed bump that I recently hit, was personally experiencing yet another reason to hate the little devils called Ticks. All of this past week I was locked up in my house with a high temp, headaches, body aches, and a sore throat. I ended up going to the clinic after a few days of this misery and after finding a tick bite the doc prescribed me some meds to treat Tick Bite Fever which is fairly common in sub-saharan Africa. I'm feeling much better now so things are looking up! Anyway, the point is I have overcome some challenges and I have found more belonging here, but I have also realized that the challenges will continue to present themselves and overcoming them fosters growth in different areas of my life.
Some of the recent happenings here:
- Two weeks ago I went along to a massive gathering/party for all the children's villages in Kwazulu Natal that took place in Durban. There were over 6500 children/teens there along with supercars, a ridiculous amount of bouncy castles/food and drink, and a South African celebrity showcase. The whole point of the day was to give all the vulnerable children in the province one day where they just can completely let loose and enjoy themselves. It was chaotic and the structure of the event was sketchy, but nonetheless in was pretty amazing to all the kids in a state of pure joy. Also the Senior Lily Dance crew won the talent show with their legit dance routine. They are extremely talented!
- I started a typing class last week for the teenagers on my caseload because I feel it is a very important skill for them to learn especially when/if they go to University. Initially, I was skeptical that no one would be interested and it would be a fail, but to my surprise the computer lab has been packed full every time I open it up for them to learn, and most of them have a drive to learn quickly. Although it may seem small, this was very encouraging to me because it gives me more confidence to implement other activities and shows me the teens are willing to engage. I also feel positive about where my relationships with many of the teenagers are at the moment. I am gradually building trust and friendship with them and they almost always seem to appreciate me being around.
-I have also taken over responsibilities for organizing the monthly market in the village which is a place where staff and/or children can sell and buy things. Many of the staff have their own stands but pay the children to run the stand so they get some experience with money management and customer service. It's also an opportunity for the children to spend their monthly pocket money on a variety of goods. The market has been a highlight for me every month because it brings out all the children and volunteers in the village and every one has a great time.
- There has been a spin-top hype in the village over the past 6 weeks or so. It is a game that most of the children and some of the teenagers play in their free time and I have learned the rules and also like to play. One side note: The kids here can entertain themselves and are often creative with their games outside. Unlike many kids in the States that I have related with, the kids here don't need a screen or constant stimulation to be content.
Here are some pics of the spintop game:
And here are pictures of some of the children and teenagers:
I am encouraged daily by the resilience these young people have and the way they are wiling to embrace people into their lives. I have been humbled in many ways since coming here because I am an outsider to this culture and I think humility is a huge part of adapting and understanding a new context. If you have time to pray for me, please pray that I have renewed energy and purpose every morning and that God continues to nurture me and strengthens my relationship with him and the children. Thanks for your love and support!
