blog 3

Unpacking and finding homes for the purchases and contents of my luggage was done relatively quickly after a clean up and a good sleep. So that took care of Friday, the horrible hot day !!!!

Saturday started off a bit cooler and it was pleasant to wear a little more than knickers and a sarong. In fact I actually needed long pants and a t shirt by the end of the day. 

I did my washing !!!  and you’re now thinking – why is this in the blog ???   because -  it was done by hand in a big bowl – I mean big !!!  and the bath is then used or rinsing.  No auto front loaders out bush or even twin tubs !!  just plain elbow grease and a bad back.   Washing gets done daily. . . .    der     I’m really fitting into the culture !!!

There was a gentle knock at my door about mid morning  and there was a little creature full of curiosity…   her name is Tema  (pronounced like dreamer with out the first ‘r’).  she is about 9 / 10 yrs going on 15.  And full of energy I found out later.   We exchanged names and a brief conversation and then off she went.  Returned about an hour later with brother about the same age – maybe.   Milayo  – I’m still trying to get that one right!!  A very forward pair of gorgeous  rat bags– asked if they could talk to me ?? what could I say ??  invited them in and for the next 2 hours they entertained me with games, stories and SiSwati lessons.   When they exhausted me I sent them home saying I had work to do.  Well sort of work – meditating is work isn’t it?

Some time later I had another visit from Jenny a mature English / Irish with an American accent.  Jenny and her husband Ian are missionaries who have been in this area now for 4 years and work with the CHIPS group and alongside  KuDvumisa org.  CHIPS is to do with children, health and HIV / AIDS etc.  Jenny was a  font of knowledge of the area and other things of interest and need like  malaria, water, internet, people, vehicles, roads etc.  they live about 10 – 15 minutes from me depending on the road conditions.  Most people here have 4x4’s or high set vehicles.  I did not get this advice and mine is a little close to the ground and will probably cause me to be house bound occasionally in the wet. The advice from Jenny is to ensure that I have sufficient tinned food and water in case this happens.  However there are people around me with high set vehicles and I’m sure I could get to shops if necessary. 

After Jenny left me it started to rain and it didn’t stop until Monday early hours. I had expected it to be like tropics and horribly humid and hot, but it was like Victoria.  Cold and wet.  The temp on Sunday night was 5 degrees.  A huge change from Friday and a fabulous relief. 

My next visit was on Sunday from Corine, also a missionary in mid 40’s from US and has been here since 2007 on and off for the first few years and now permanently.   Corine was a previous part time teacher with the sewing group for a while to help out.  Corine was happy to do a handover of all her things and knowledge as her role is with children and establishing pre-schools.  This is what happens with the money from child sponsorships. It allows schooling to actually happen and I am pleased to have this information having been a sponsor for many years.

Corine is now living about 30 minutes from me just out of Tshaneni (sounds like char nee nee).  Her place of abode is within the grounds of Mananga Country Club and I am going to visit there tonight. (Wednesday 2.10.)  I am looking forward to seeing this and having a cooked meal -   BIG STEAK  is what I am hanging out for.

It is the local tennis, dinner and social night and Corine is usually involved at least once a month with the group.   There will be more of this next blog. 

Back to Monday  30^th Sept.  I attempted to get blog 2 out and could not access internet.  I am discovering that it may be due to my provider – pay as you go – very expensive.  $30 so far for 2 sessions on the internet.  I may have to find another system.

I was not well earlier on Monday – and no I haven’t been bitten by a mosquito or tick or any of the other critters we are told to look out for.   Fortunately I was able to get some rest and help and a few hours later was up and off again.

My employers came out to visit me on Monday afternoon late. They are very busy and unfortunately I cannot do anything without them first inducting me into the role.  Terese and Daran Rehmeyer.   Daran is an electrical engineer and had a look at the electrics and will return with some tools of trade to see if he can prevent my stove from tripping the power.  He also plans to get my couch into my house -  now that’s a story I haven’t told.  The short version – it’s too big and won’t go through the door because there is a privacy brick wall in the way.  Terese thinks that Daran will dismantle the couch and re-make it in the house. !!!!!  I have the cushions and using them.  The couch frame is in the home of the children who are my regular visitors.

Section 19.

I finally got to see where I will be working on Tuesday afternoon.

How can I describe this and really give you, the reader a real sense of life for some people here.

Firstly the women I met, 5 of them so far, were so happy and excited that they have a new teacher at last – it has been about 8 months without any direction and they are lost without a leader.

I was taken by their happiness, openness and desire to welcome me with hugs, huge smiles, clapping and dancing.

Behind this they live in what we would consider grossly appalling circumstances.  Not even what you would tolerate out camping !!!

They are in a cluster of ‘homes’.   Because most of their living is outdoors, they have an allocation of one room per family and that is where they store their possessions !!! and sleep.  There is no electricity connected to their village, no sanitation and I’m not sure about water.   The water may be taken from the irrigation channels for the cane growing – if so it possibly contains chemicals.   Since discovered they do have good water from the cane growing farmers and it is chemical free.

The sewing happens on the concrete ‘veranda’ of one of these ‘homes’.   They each sit on a grass mat on the floor and have machines that are hand operated.   I have not seen them in action yet so I cannot say any more.

They are so excited that they are going to learn new things and this excitement and their happiness touched me immensely.   I’m going back tomorrow and Friday as they are expecting visitors who are wanting to buy some of their products.   Then I will begin with them on Monday next week and I have no idea how to start !!!!