Getting ready to leave

Hello from Bloemfontein -- I have been trying for several days to post some photos from Capetown -- but can't seem to get to the place to upload the photos. I keep getting an error. Sorry about that.

Can't believe that I will be leaving South Africa in less than a month. Charlotte and John fly in on October 4th.

There are some days where I feel really sad to leave all the wonderful friends I have made.

I will try to write more soon.

News about Capetown

What a mistake I have made to try and capture 3 months of my stay in Capetown in one blog entry. Laziness is my only excuse. I came to Capetown at the end of April until the end of July. Words that come to my mind about this three months are beautiful, laughter, tension, confrontation, and growth. Beautiful – well Capetown is the winner for beauty. From the flat where I lived in an area called Tableview I indeed had the most breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the beach from my window. Driving through the Eastern Cape province through the hills, twists and turns reminded me of Northern Ontario. The winery areas are also unique on their own. Laughter is dedicated to all the wonderful friends I met at the Atlantis ADP.

Driving with Michael and Sello every morning to work always began the morning with laughter mixed with yawning. These two brightened each and every day. And the staff were always a lively bunch as I was now in a cloud of not understanding conversation as I was lost in the language of Afrikaans and Xhosa. But it was great to see how much my colleagues gained confidence to speak in English – as this was often the only common language among 3 groups of people. Tension – there is always tension in the work place and deadlines to meet. There was a huge project that had to be completed by the workers and it was difficult to complete this on time due to some performance issues which were magnified by a huge labour union strike. Confrontation --- this was the first time I felt the impact of how much my whiteness can be frustrating. In the town of Atlantis – every time I went to the shopping complex someone would approach me and ask for money. It didn’t seem to matter who was with me at the time. My whiteness was equated with potential for money. I understand this fully but it made running errands a little uncomfortable especially since this has never happened in any other location. Atlantis is confronted every day with social ills of drug and alcohol abuse, gangs, youth who drop out of school, family violence, unemployment and overcrowding. I don’t need to paint a completely hopeless picture but Atlantis can present as an outwardly deceiving community with its paved roads, factories, and brick houses. The exterior is misleading to the difficult lives and situations people stuggle with each day.

Growth – well I myself have physically grown in size – I promised myself that I would not put on weight this time around in Africa but it has happened --- but back in Bloem I hope to go back to myself. Funny though everyone looked at me and said “Susie you are getting fat!” I know I know. Don’t worry though I haven’t had to buy bigger clothes – mine are just a little tight. I also grew in my driving skills. I rented a car for about a month and am now comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road. Many thanks to my Capetown friends : Babes, Michael, Sello, Cheryl, Eddie, Mavis, Georgina, Matilda, Andrit, Melissa, Xavier, Ncumisa, Zoliswa, Zintle, Amelia, Liesel, Andrewline, Felicia, Bradley, Shamellah, Claudine, Wilna, Helen, Emmaleen, Thoriso, Maurika, and Suzanna. I miss you back in Bloem. Praise die Here.

Very embarrassed

I am so embarrassed that I have not posted anything for the past 3 months... especially since I was so eager to have all of you take a look at my blog on a regular basis.

Unfortunately this is going to be a quick update. I have been in Capetown for 3 months and fly back to Bloemfontein on July 29th. I think when I am back I will have the opportunity to do a proper Capetown post with photos. Although I had access to an internet cafe it didn't lend itself to creative writing.

I have had once again a fabulous experience with World Vision in the Capetown area. Wonderful, beautiful people have become my friends. I will be sad to say goodbye to them -- but the Bloem group call me at least once a week still.

So thanks again to you who have been faithful readers. Stay tuned.

Long overdue

I want to walk you through the pictures I posted yesterday. You will see a photo titled Home Based Caregivers. These are the 20 workers who are associated with World Vision but are contracted with the department of Health. Most of these people are between 25 and 40 years of age. They have been doing this incredible work for about 3 – 5 years. Each one is completely dedicated to their patients that they visit 2-3 times a week. I have joined several of them on their home visits. The patients light up when their worker comes in. One of the prevailing issues is poverty and lack of sufficient and nutritional food. How do you take medication on an empty stomach. I was speaking with one worker recently encouraging him to look into paramedic training. After the weekend he came to me and said he travelled to Bloemfontein on Monday and picked up information. Fabulous.

Also in the middle with an orange T is Hlubi. She is AIDS coordinator. She is a trained nurse and a force to be reckoned with. Before coming to World Vision she worked for hospice and has been celebrated and nominated for the Women of the Year award. I have learned so much from Hlubi about AIDS and how to mobilize the community. Her workers admire and adore her as does the community.

You will also a photo of a beautiful little girl. One of the development workers has been supporting this little one, her older sister and her Uncle. The Uncle has taken over the complete care of his two nieces after the Mother died about 2 years ago. The Father also passed away. He has faced an incredible administrative battle in order to obtain a foster care or orphans grant to raise these little ones. He has not been employed for quite a while because he is with the girls full time. The development worker has been assisting him in navigating the systems to deal with some of the paperwork requirements. When I walked into their home on the fridge was a sticker of Piglet. Well…. I then remembered I have been carrying a little Piglet figurine in my bag. How perfect of a gift to give. You will see Piglet in her hands. She is one of the little ones I could easily fall in love with.

Ahh then the volleyball boys. One day we were visiting a school to see the sponsored children. They were receiving mail and dental products. During the wait the boys started playing with a volleyball in the yard. I could not just sit there so I joined them. What fun. I think they were surprised by a white woman playing with them. I now know the word for white person is “Le kgowa” The “kg” is pronounced like a German “CH” When I walk from the bus stop to the office the little children all yell “Le Kgowa, we love you” At least I know when I am talked about now.

My translator and bus trainer. Well what would I do without these two. Teboho on the left has been translating for me during the workshops I have led. We have delivered a stress management workshop and one on supporting Orphans on loss and grief for four separate days. Translating is quite a talent because sometimes the Sotho words are not the same or there is no such word in their language. And the speed of thinking is quick. Teboho is a 3rd year law student and also is developing a small business with some community people making jewelry. They make beautiful things. Then on the right is Tshepo – my brother. Tshepo has guided me in navigating the bus system and many other systems in the community. He graduated with a social services 4 year degree. He says he wants to study in Canada in project management of some kind. He has made me feel welcome in Khauhelo since the very first day.

Ahh – long life milk. Yes apparently in the processing and packaging process they have developed long life milk. The product is shelved and it is not refrigerated until it is opened. Part of me still doesn’t trust this but I have had no problems so far.

Then the choir and Ntombi’s family. Ntombi is a development worker and she invited me to her home and to her choir’s concert. It was a joy to hear two choirs sing. This is pure joy and no chance of boredom. I can honestly say this as they began singing at 1 pm and did not stop until 6 pm. Each choir sang 6 songs per round and each sang 6 sessions. Complete with choreography and a change of costume. I stayed with Ntombi’s family on Sunday night. This was wonderful – they were so generous and welcomed me into their family. Ntombi’s Father is very traditional. If Ntombi and I had pants on we had to wear a towel around our waist and wear this until we went through the gate. Her Father is about 74 years old and quite spry. Ntombi’s Mother spoiled me with her wonderful cooking and she sent some toasted and buttered bread with me to work for tea time. Ntombi was absolutely thrilled that I came. She wasn’t quite sure I would follow through.

I have been trying to post two other photos. Recently the staff at World Vision attended a staff retreat. And you will see the dancing women. They tried to show me some moves – but I’m not sure my stiff white body can do some of the things they can. They enjoyed laughing at me. There is also group staff photo which includes almost every staff person. We were also celebrating 3 birthdays for the month of March and February. They were given beautiful warm blankets.

So life continues to go very well. I am so well looked after both in the Heideman home and in Botshabelo. Estelle and her family have completely made me feel welcomed. They have extended an invitation to have me return to stay with them from July – September. I also learned that in Botshabelo I am watched all the time. Poppy, a development worker, informed me that every morning her husband watches out for me. He sees me get off the bus and then calls the office to let them know I am on the way. He also calls if I don’t arrive on the bus to make sure everything is fine. I was completely touched to hear about this arrangement. I am surrounded by incredibly generous and caring people and I am grateful.

Hope you are all well. I always enjoy your comments.

Updates

Sorry I have not written for quite some time. This posting may be short as well - I wanted however to post some new pictures for you to see. I continue to have a wonderful time working in Botshabelo. I will be going to Capetown for May and June and returning to Bloemfontein for July August and September. I will update you on some of the trainings I've been facilitating and from the staff retreat we had this week. Enjoy the photos. I seem to be taking photos of people rather than any scenery - I don't want to forget any of these wonderful people. I did see some wildlife this week - at our retreat a lone monkey scurried across the grass. Please stay tuned - would love to have your comments.

Umbrellas, Chickens, Guns, and Cows

The title aptly describes this week. I joined the Community workers to sign up children to be sponsored. We travelled dirt roads out to small villages that were about 30 – 40 minutes from the closest town. This is where the cow comes in. We were driving and then quickly slammed the brakes to avoid hitting a cow crossing the road. They just roam freely while a herder keeps track of there whereabouts. The villages if they are lucky have a health clinic, a school, a pre-school and a shop. Then there are shacks and houses often made with straw and cow dung.

We stopped at a pre-school, referred to as a crèche, where there were 19 little ones between the ages of 3 and 5. I have never witnessed such well behaved children. We arrived during their lunch, 4 sat at a table and it was quiet. The children waited patiently for their food and then each one walked their empty bowl to the kitchen. There was no shouting, pushing, or shoving. One little boy lost both his Mother and Father and now lives with his grandparents. I have decided to see if I can sponsor him directly. No one would say why his parents have died. His name is Machlomolo, which directly translated means disaster. He apparently is quite naughty, the type of kiddos that I like.

This week we had a financial meeting to discuss budget planning for the US grant that World Vision received. We spent about 20 minutes talking about chickens. Do we buy children broiler chickens or laying chickens? How do we monitor chickens if the animals are slaughtered? How do we assist to keep the chickens alive? Who will build the shelters? Should we expect orphaned children to look after chickens? By the end of this discussion we were laughing about what grant money actually looks like when it is implemented on the ground and how much time was spent talking about chickens. It reminded me of financial discussions at work when we talk about spending money on toiletries, or clothing, or sports equipment. This is just different applications to specific money distribution. Next we discussed whether we should distribute hats, mugs or umbrellas to volunteers. We decided on the umbrellas. (Umbrellas are used to protect against the strong sun rays.)

A startling experience occurred on Friday night. I went to an outdoor concert with Estelle and her friends. Sitting in front of us was a white couple with 3 young children. Then I noticed the man had a gun in holster at his waist. Exposed for all to see. I was stunned. I really wanted to ask him why he was wearing a gun. In retrospect I should have. I keep having these ahah moments that remind me that I am not in Canada anymore.

Last night Estelle and I went to see the movie, Catch a Fire. It played in Canada sometime in November but was not widely distributed. This is a movie set in South Africa and is not for the faint hearted viewer. We walked in the theatre and it was empty. We were later joined by a number of black people and two young white women. Estelle leaned over to me and predicted that these women would leave the theatre at some point during the movie. Within 10 minutes, they got up, left with their popcorn and did not return. Watching this behaviour made a tremendous impact on me in conjunction with the movie.

I would describe this past week as somewhat intense. I accompanied a home-based care worker to visit some of her patients. We visited four homes, 3 houses and one shack. In this heat I don’t know how people survive in their shacks. The metal roof just increases the temperature. In all cases there was a common thread between these people beyond their HIV+ status. All of them have felt it necessary to keep their status a secret. They have not disclosed to their partners, extended family, or community. I was surprised in a community where AIDS is talked about so frequently that the community remains unsafe to disclose. Perhaps I was naïve. This illness is so frightening and horrible. People who are diagnosed need the support of those around them as they journey through this time. The worker I accompanied is my age and she lives in a shack with her younger sister who is 17, while her Mother lives in another town and is a domestic worker. Her Father lives in another town as well. This young lady wants to pursue a social work degree, and watching her has convinced me she should aim for this goal. Finances remain a huge barrier.

Then that night I met with some white South Africans who wanted to know about Canada as they are planning to immigrate. After this meeting I felt so sad. Here were people who are in a sense fleeing their country because of their perception of a high crime rate and reverse oppression that the young white sons cannot find work here. I tried my best to challenge their reasons for leaving South Africa. My entire sense of this encounter was permeated with racism.

I hope you enjoy the photos. They are of various children that I have encountered and some of the staff people from World Vision in Johannesburg. The candle lighting ceremony was part of a closing program in honour of people affected and infected by AIDS. You will also see the house where I am residing and the fabulous family I stay with.

I have fascinating conversations with young people about the tradition of Lebola. This is the tradition of a woman’s family setting a cost for a man to marry the woman. The man’s Uncle’s must meet with the woman’s family and negotiate the Lebola. I asked the young women if they thought this tradition would eventually change. Some thought yes others no. The young men have indicated that Lebola is a way to honour the family and say thankyou for their daughter. There have been many discussions about whether there is a perception that the man “owns” the woman. This is not to be the intent however there have been occasions where this practice becomes abused and manipulated. So many young couple delay marriage until their finances are in order to pay Lebola.