Sawubona!

So, I forgot to mention CGE has it's own blog: http://cgenamibia.blogspot.com/

yay!


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ZULU

SAWUBONA - Hello
YEBO - Response to "Hello"
UNJANI - How are you?
NGIYAPHILA - I'm fine
NGIYABONGA - thnak you
UBUYAPHI? - Where are you from?
NGIBUYA America - I'm from America
NAMI - Myself

It's weird to reread what I wrote about my homestay at this point because I'm actually in my seoncd homestay and the watch-TV-alot sort of lifestyle has become kind of comforting. What I've realized recently is that, no matter what, I AM in Africa and I AM experiencing something COMPLETELY new, even if it includes watching more TV than I do at home.

However, I think you should know about my Soweto (slash I was actually outside of Soweto) homestay, so here it goes:

The first night we ate and watched T.V. This morning (saturday morning), we went to a school to do a job that we couldn't quite understand from our host dad. We knew it included books and students. We took a car and a taxi to get there.

When we got there, it felt like chaos. One woman asked us to help but we had NO idea what was going on or what books anyone needed for any class. Beyond that, we don't really speak the language (ok, let's face it, we DON'T speak the language).

Oh, P.S. our first homestay was with two students instead of just one. That's why I keep saying "we."

Ok, so we picked it up pretty damn fast. I was really proud of us! It was a really rewarding experience that gave me a little bit of insight into the education system in Soweto, which is exactly what I wanna learn about.

When we got back, we had lunch and took a walk to the stadium. I asked a lot of questions cause that's what I'm good at! We hung out with our friends next door and we all went to Mandela's House, but it was a little too late for that afternoon.

Ups and downs. Ups and downs.

Tomorrow we're scheduled to go to Church and Mandela's House with the family next door.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Tomorrow will be Great.

1/24?/10

WHAT a difference a DAY makes! And what a differnece it ALWAYS makes.

I know Kristin's words would ring true, "No matter who you're with, the homestay is a great experience.

Positive thinking
Positive thinking
Positive thinking
POSITIVE THINKING!

So, today began with church, moved to Mandela's house, moved to two lunches, moved to meeting some friends down the street and ended with a barbeque (Braai) that I hope I'll never forget. We went over and played a little soccer, danced a little, ate a little, played their version of SPUD and then "knocked off" (ended) the game. We sat around talking and laughing and one woman saw me yawning and I rested my head on her shoulder to which she took my hand. It was a simple gesture, but it was the best metaphor for how I feel here: right at home. I feel like I Belong here. Like I've been here forever and the people here are so giving and loving and FUNNY (at least the people I've met)!

I don't want to idealize it but I know I'm not because up until today (of the weekend, at least) I felt so bothered by stuff. '

I think I'm getting better at teh positive thinking and I really think that's helping make this the experience I wanted it to be. I'm very happy tonire and I want to affirm that this will continue for a Long Time.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

(P.S. They gave US presents! Whoa!)