Heading home !!!

I have become a health risk for AVI and ACE - the insurer, and so my assignment has been terminated and i will be heading home on 19th / 20th April.

my email is the same, but i will get a new mobile number soon after arriving in the land of OZ and i will blog it seeing as i do not have or use facebook.

sorry for no blogs for a few weeks, but i have been negotiating with AVI over this issue for some time and it has not been easy.
it feels good now that the result is clear and i can now move forward.

will be in touch in OZ.

thank you for all your support and good wishes over the last few weeks.  i needed to know you were with me on this journey.

take care of you,
much love,
Georgie
xxx

have just re-read all comments.

Thank you again for taking the time to comment and let me you know just how much you do care.  I am sorry i doubted you all when i needed you.  I love how 'strange' things like this happen because there is so much for us to learn and think about and i know that I was never alone, i just didn't have the contact I thought was best for me.  I also know that I was being looked after as I know that I will always be and always have been.

my love to you all.

**hugs**

Georgie

thanks for your concern and comments.

Thanks for all your concern.  I am feeling a thousand times better and hopefully for all readers – I am thinking better as well.

Firstly let me thank everybody most sincerely for the comments received back after my outburst and the involvement of one of my sister/cousins who decided to put links on Facebook.  Thanks Gillie.  I had an email from my sister who told me that Facebook had lit up with comments.  This made me sit up and take note.  I was so thrilled and overwhelmed at all the comments.  

I must now confess that I have felt bad about my outburst, and as I re-read it today I can see that I was just not well.  I will be continuing to do blogs….  So do keep reading.

I am still not back at work, instead, I am now in Johannesburg at the insistence of AVI.   I feel like a pawn in their game but at the same time I know they are very concerned about ensuring that all volunteers get the most superior medical care possible. They could be ensuring they do not leave themselves open for litigation in the future.   My local GP was retesting some bloods because some aspects had not returned to a level that he was happy with, so he added into that mix TB test. 

Happy to announce that I don’t have ‘consumption’ (TB).  I am now waiting to see a specialist here sometime this coming week and then I can go back to Swazi and back to the ladies.

It’s nice for a few days to be in a big city again with some great shopping and good food options also I found a great cinema today with about 4 must see movies for me.  I now have a challenge to fit them in before the specialist sees me and sends me back to Swazi.  That’s better than feeling that I am sitting around waiting.

Today I found the roof top market of handmade arts and crafts etc.  Where I came in to the market the first point of call was a special book fair – not normally there.  I only bought 5 books.  All novels.  I had been feeling a huge deficit of good reading material – that’s now fixed for a while.  Penny will be happy too – I hope - I found some of the books in the series of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency that she doesn’t have and they happen to be the next 2 that I am wanting to read.  BONUS  !!

There was heaps of very interesting arts and crafts.  I was interested in anything was significantly African and I looked for the makers to ensure they were authentic.  Some great artists there with some great work and just for me, an African drummer with several drums and a few spare seats. I had a few minutes to sit and drum.  It brought back some great memories of full moon drumming in Townsville many years ago.

I could have spent more time and Rand there, but I also needed a good cold drink.  Down off the roof top- multi story car park - I found a place that does great fresh juice, then a shop with some fresh fruit to take back for lunch.

So here I sit writing to ensure that you I am well and all is OK and I will be back in Swazi by the end of this week and then back to work.

While wondering the mall yesterday and again the markets today I have seen some great uses of the fantastic shwaeshwae fabrics.  One very talented lady is making hats with a matching clutch purse.  The hats are small and suitable for evening, weddings etc.  very inspiring.  Yesterday I saw a bunch of stuffed toys all made with shwaeshwae.  They are just cute / strange creatures all drawn by children and made with many different pieces of fabric and matching or blending threads and other bits of interesting stuff.  In October I bought a very small one of these to show the ladies, but I think it was way out of their thought process.  These women are very practical about their sewing and seem to concentrate on making things that are serviceable.  I now need to shift their focus and when I get back and we finish the dresses, I think it’s time to start to playing. 

I was talking to the Swazi AVI coordinator and she is keen to apply for some funding for us so we can get a bundle of fabrics to start with.  She also asked me to put together a list of things for each of them as a starter bundle for them.  At this stage they share scissors and machine oil and threads for their machines etc.  I am very excited about this and will be happy to work with her to get our application in before the dead line on 9^th April.

I do have some interesting times ahead to still forward to.  Lusanda keeps asking if I have started teaching the ladies to knit the dolls I make.  She has inspired me again to get them into some very different.   I get concerned when I realise that I have already done 6 months and only have 18 months left to get all these things done.  I guess the answer is  -  what are you waiting for – so get started now !!!

I like it when I write and the answers come to me. 

Time to close this and get it published .

Take care of each other and be kind to yourself.

Much love and special hugs to all.

Georgie. xxxxx

why do I spend time writing blogs ?

 it's not so that i know what i have been doing or about to do or to describe what i have seen etc.

because i already now all that information.  

i keep a journal - that i write every day or sometimes i need to catch up a few days

the journal is for me - it has all the things i do, see, feel etc. 

it is where i express everything, worts and all about my journey within Swaziland and Africa. that is the important document for me. 

so i write a blog for others to experience some of what i do, see, feel etc.  it is the abridged version with the intention of being the interesting version to read.

at the end of blog 13 i wrote that i was not well and needed to get to a doctor and find out what was wrong with me.

i wondered why i had not heard from anyone about this - except one person!

i notice today that only 1 person read blog 13.  and that person sent me an email to ensure that i was OK etc.

i thank her most sincerely as being the friend who made contact when i needed it and who was keeping in touch with what i am up to.

i now wonder if writing a blog is worth the effort.

i will maintain the journal as that is my record of all that is here for me for the 2 years.

My stay in Mbabane Private Hospital. 

I went to the doctor as stated  in last blog and then spent 5 days in hospital.

The short story is I had an outbreak of shingles in my mouth, together with bronchitis and if that wasn’t enough I fell and landed on my tail bone.  I can no longer wag my tail.  In fact I cannot do much of anything that means moving lower limbs.

I have a nice rocking chair at my house  – well padded – have no idea how I became the owner of it – but I am so pleased that it lives at my house.  It is my sanctuary and my saviour.  I can sit and rock myself off to sleep or off the planet if I try really hard.

Being in hospital in Swaziland is an experience – that I am not going to repeat.   Because I couldn’t eat or drink I was put on a drip -   it was supposed to be .9% sodium.   I didn’t see the ‘point’ in front of the 9 and even after 2 days everything was like raw salt.  I could taste and smell it and I was continuously nauseated.  My blood pressure kept rising and the staff thought I was lying when I said I am not hypertensive !!!!!

Teresa was at the bedside as much as she could manage encouraging me to eat and keeping  a watchful eye  on everything – she is a nurse.  (Thank God)   The kitchen does not have a dietician and have no idea of pureed foods and ‘NO ADDED SALT’.

I have had blood taken from every extremity now.  Both and hands and feet.  My veins have atrophied with the salt and the only place they could get blood was the back of my hands or on top of my foot.  They are still well coloured with little haematomas.

By day 5 I had done a deal with the doctor – if I could swallow my pills I could go home next day.  Up to this time all medication was being fed into the drip.  Even if I chocked, I was going home.   So on Saturday they started giving me oral medication.   I DID IT !!!

In the early hours of Sunday my drip was almost completed.  I alerted one of the staff who ignored this information.  2 hours later and too scared to sleep in case it ran out and I ended up with a vein full of air bubbles, I mentioned it again.    Still no response.  So I turned it off.   Another 2 hours later still no response -  so I removed the drip line.   It  was not noticed for another 3 hours.   Once a nurse always a nurse !!!! I couldn’t help myself.

Teresa tells me that I gave her a hard time in the first few days -  I don’t recall -  I was out to it with medication and salt.  But I am so pleased that she was watching over me in case.  In her words she would have taken me out of there and driven to South Africa if necessary.  Since I’ve been in and out of there -  The Private Hospital -  I have heard all the horror stories so I am staying well now for the next 18 months.

The doctor was actually nice to me when I left hospital.   Don’t know why !!!!!  we obviously had a mutual dislike of each other.

on discharge i was not recognizable even to myself.

the salt had made my face, hands and feet so fat, that i was sure i had a transplant during my sleepy sickness.   after a few days of total water flushes the swelling had reduced and i could see myself again.

When I was discharged, Allyson Berriero – who I had gone to Kruger with some time ago – would not let me go home to be on my own.  So I stayed at her place until she was happy that I was eating properly.  She has 2 maids and they doted on me while Allyson was at work.  They would not let me move without checking to see what I was doing -  I was allowed up for toilet reasons only. They brewed up some really tasty broths  that I ate heartedly and I think they were  under strict instructions from Allyson to feed me, feed me, feed me.  I had 3 days of this caring and then just had to go home.  It was time to be my own person again !!!

My employer, Teresa, was able to make contact with Malcolm during this time as my phone didn’t work in the hospital and even if it did I don’t think I would have been able to operate it. 

Malcolm tried to tell Teresa that I will do anything to regain my independence.   She didn’t really take him seriously until she experienced it for herself how far I will go.  We can have some good laughs now about it.  I had lunch with Teresa and her friends Monica and Robin on Friday and it was good therapy for them, they got lots of laughs and I learnt a bit more about myself.   Some worts are not so good, but I’m blaming the salt.

So while all this has been going on I hope the ladies have been behaving themselves. Of course I feel bad because they haven’t had any jobs to go on with without me.  I am not allowed back to the bush until the following week, Monday 25^th March. This week I am working from home,  I have some shopping to do and some serious cutting out  in prep for the next few weeks. 

One of the biggest tragedies of this for me was that I couldn’t go the opening of the “Women’s Voices” exhibition.  Not sure if I mentioned it before -   the gallery  YEBO was commissioned through US AID program to provide an art reach program for 20 women.  They were all Swazies with stories.  For 6 weeks they lived in Mon – Fri and did all manner of artistic pursuits -  including drama, poetry, pottery, screen printing, drawing, painting, song and dance. They constructed their own song that was released on 14^th Feb on Youtube 1 billion rising.  It was a very powerful time for them and the outcome is amazing.   The opening address was on 8^th March – International Women’s Day.  Their works will be exhibited at 2 other locations in Swaziland, but not with the full address of poetry readings and the songs. 

I  think that’s it for blog 14.  The shortest in history from me.

Take good care of yourselves and each other,

Much love from Ezulwini and me,

Georgie.   xxx

Commenced 16^th February

Just look at the date.

Where does all this time disappear to.  Maybe its being saved up somewhere and we can cash it in one day in the future.  I hope its not too far away.

I thought I should describe the car wash for you  – where you can get a husband at the same time as have your car washed.    They appear all over this country in towns and usually on a main road to attract the drivers of dirty cars.  Mine is usually covered in mud or heaps of dust after the 3 days of being out at Vuvulane and Section19.    There is often a rough sign up saying car wash and you can either see that it is because cars are being washed or there are several young lads waiting for a car.  They have a hose usually with taped over holes or joins,  several buckets, all manner of rags and cloths, a vacuum cleaner and a high pressure hose system if it’s a really flash car wash.  They all seem to have a concrete pad to take about 3 cars.  You drive on to the concrete and get out in the mud, and head for the shade to sit and wait.  They set to work and wash everything very thoroughly several times.  The high pressure hose is great for getting mud from under the wheel arches etc and for cleaning inside the doors !!! yes they open the doors and give a squirt along the runner an up in the door hinge area.  When all is cleaned outside many times, they move it from the wet area to a dry area usually under a rustic rigged up shade booth.  They vacuum and wash and clean everything inside and someone paints the tyres black.  After about an hour depending on other cars to be washed at the same time you get to pay 35 Emalangeni – that is less that $4.00 for a very clean car. I now have this luxury every Wednesday on my way home so I have a clean car for Ezulwini.

Its now 28^th Feb.

Last time I was at the Simunye car wash there was only 2 cars.  Mine and that of a very large man.  Its entertaining to sit and watch.   It appeared that the man’s car was finished.  Then one of the cleaners got in and tried to start it and it didn’t go. So they all push started it,  drove it back onto the concrete pad, left the engine running and the large man lifted the bonnet and secured it with a broom so it wouldn’t fall  on his head!  Maybe.   He got the hose and washed the engine. I was very interested in this method of cleaning!!

When he finished the engine was turned off while something else was done and guess what ???  it wouldn’t start again !!  they pushed it up little hills backwards and then another hill frontwards and they continued to do this for about 10 minutes and still it wouldn’t start.  So out  came the broom again and up went the bonnet.  They were all getting involved – the cleaners that is.  Meanwhile my car was just sitting waiting and so was I and running out of patience.  I noticed that there was about 6 heads under the bonnet, so I called to ask about my car.  He called back “in a minute”  – well Swazis do not do things by minutes it is usually much longer.  So I said now would be better – you cannot all fix that mans car.  So I had one of them come and continue my car.  The others eventually pushed again and got it going.   I may get my car washed elsewhere after that.  There is a god one in Ezulwini.

I just had to read through blog 12 to see what I had written.

We are continuing with the dresses now.  The sizes range from 12  to 5.  So they are not big.  Before we started on the next 13 I did some samples of neck line shapes with them to give them some ideas.

I have made up some basic cardboard patterns in all sizes in our range and we are working our way through the size list.  I have only 4 sewers doing this project and it takes us the 3 days I am there each week for them to complete one dress each.  All dresses are different and I am the one doing the creative designs. Loving it.  I always ask them for input and so far Jane has come up with one and so has Rose.   They are looking fabulous.  Most of their work is neat on the outside, but as yet I haven’t got them thinking properly about the inside to ensure they don’t fall apart on the first wash.

On Tuesday this week the Regional Manager of AVI paid us a visit, its her first time in Swaziland for 8 years.  I like this lady a lot.  She is American, maybe about 40 – give or take a few years, and has been involved with volunteering and humanity type of work since she was 20.  Now based in Melbourne with her husband – who only gets to see her for about 6 months of each year.   Karla visited Section 19 with our country coordinator.  They were both very impressed with the dresses and how great they looked.  Karla wants one now.  The ladies said they would make one for her and it would cost E500.  They only get E30 for these dresses as we are using it for training purposes and a special arrangement with the orphanage. 

My landlady has seen the dresses today and now she wants one too.

Karla also spent some time talking to Daran about the business side of the sewing project.  I was pleased to hear some of that, because he takes no notice of any suggestions I make.  Karla also endorsed my idea of using the African shwaeshwae fabrics and getting a regular spot at All Out Africa with our bags, especially those used by travellers and tourists, like the camera bag I have made for myself and the passport / cash bag.  I feel with her input we may be moving ahead very soon.   Karla said she was very impressed with what I have done in such a short time, and yet I still think I could have done more, but then I don’t know African people like she does.

We had lots of photos taken while they were visiting. . . . .    saying nothing !!!

After they left Section 19, they visited other locations where KuDvumisa is operating and Jenn and Ian Stephens were at one of the locations.   Karla recognised their names and thanked them personally for taking care of me and making sure I was OK and safe.   I spoke to Jenn later and she was very impressed with Karla and her personalisation and how she spoke about me.   I guess that’s why she’s the Regional Manager.

I caught up with Mkhosi last week when he came in to have his arm checked.  His surgeon etc is happy with the progress.  I have given him a squeeze ball (an AVI toy or stress buster) so he can start doing some home physio on his hand.  He has very limited movement at this stage.   Apart from limited use of his right arm, he was looking good and was good to his mother !!!!  now I have a photo on my phone, but due to the poor reception I cannot send it to myself as an email.  So next time I see him I’ll take my camera.

I’m becoming the pied piper at Section 17, I have 8 kids now all wanting to talk to me when I pull up.  And another one wants to learn Sudoku. 

The weather is very humid everywhere at the moment and still much hotter at the low-veld than in city.  Today has been pretty horrible.  Hot and humid here in Ezulwini.  I am about to have a cold shower and go to Malkerns  where Isabel works as it is her last day and she leaves Swaziland on Sunday.  She didn’t get the job in Burundi, but is in with a good chance for another volunteer posting to Zambia.  Hope she gets it, as she wants to stay in Africa for some time and I can go visit her.

With the change from wet season to being dryer, the greenness of the country is starting to turn to a golden brown.  All the grasses are seeding and as the seed heads dry they change colour.  I do miss the green though, but at the same time I am enjoying the changes and observing different behaviours of animals and birds.   The thing I miss most about Mananga is the bird life.  There was always some bird song and beautiful species to watch and admire.  But none here close to town, shame. 

 The change from wet to dry has also brought the animals at Hlane nature reserve out onto the verge to graze.  I drive through Hlane on the way to and fro.   It is very near to Simunye.  Coming home on Wednesday there was 2 very tall and very dark giraffes close enough I could almost touch them.  There was a vehicle too close to me to stop quickly, so I kept driving.   I am kicking myself now as I may not get such a close up opportunity again.     Although I am planning on taking a week off around Easter and want to spend some time at 2 of the nature reserves in Swaziland.  One will be Hlane and the other Mlilwane, close to Ezulwini.

A lovely breeze has just come in the door and it’s very welcome.

Actually I think it just left by the back door.   Damn.

Did I mention I have been learning to draw.  I decided  I needed to do something creative, and the YEBO gallery is only 5 minutes drive from me.   I have discovered that I am not a copy drawer at all.   I liked the first 2 lessons where we could just do whatever was in our head and learning what the different pencils do etc.  that was great for me to just play, then lesson 3 was to copy a picture of a man sitting in a chair, but it was upside down – as if that wasn’t bad enough we then had to do a still life!!  And not just one or 2 items, but a water jug, potted plant, draped cloth, book, newspaper folded and to add interest, the power cord with plug.   I think I have failed that lesson and I’m not looking forward to tomorrow, we have a live model to draw and he thinks that we can draw with clean lines, not the fuzzy  ones that I like.  And of course – no erasers.  Maybe I’m learning why I have never liked to copy, even with sewing, I still like to add my own personal touches to a basic pattern – be original rather copy something that is someone else’s  creation or already exists.  I think if I want a picture of a water jug and a flower pot I can use a camera, it does it perfectly, mine was a mess even the 2^nd and 3^rd attempts – they just got worse.  I know its good to challenge yourself, but give me fabric and fibre any day – I feel more at home with them.  

Its now Sunday and I managed to get through yesterdays drawing.  We had a young swazi male to draw.   First was quick draw with  him sitting on a stool reading the paper.  He then sat on the floor holding a spiderman ball.  I found this easier than still life.  So not so much failure yesterday.  Next week we start painting. 

I’m having some health issue at the moment.  Fever, lethargy, cough - going to the Doc tomorrow and I want her to test me for everything.  Malaria, TB, tick bite and HIV.  I work with these every week and I need to know I’m OK.   Don’t panic – I’ll report in as soon as I know what’s going on. 

I think that’s about it for this blog, its only a short one, but not too much happening to tell you.

Take care of yourself and each other.

Much love from me

Georgie. 

first month of 2014.

BLOG 12

The first month of 2014.

I have just read through blog 11 to see where I was up to - it is so long since writing I had forgotten some of it. Just as well I keep a record of what I’m doing hey!!

I have a few things to report in this blog

I’ll start with Mkhosi.  I never did get to see him out east, as he was eventually transferred to Mbabane hospital.  He came in on the 9^th Jan. I saw him on the 10^th.  I’ll talk about the hospital later!!  His break was a nasty one. The humerus (I can’t get a spell check – and I’m way out of body part skills – the one that connects the elbow to the shoulder!)  was snapped clean about 3 inches from the shoulder end and his arm was very dangly and another break across radius just below elbow.  He was in a back-slab cast only and awaiting surgery to pin and plate the bone.  He waited until 21^st for surgery.  As well as the break he has damaged tendons, muscles etc. as he got his arm caught in a conveyer due to loose fitting gloves and the fact that he was attempting to remove something that should not have been on the conveyer -  I guess he is lucky to have his arm!!!.    I visited him as often as possible and because of me telling him what to do etc.    He and his brother decided that I could be his mother.    I now have another son, fully grown and trained etc.   His post-surgery x-rays indicated that the bone has been aligned correctly (bit of a surprise here they tell me) and so he has gone back out east for his long recovery.  I will keep in touch and see him when I am out there for my 3 days of sewing.

The hospital - it is like nothing I have ever seen in Australia.   The King of Swaziland thinks he will achieve first world status for this country by 2022.  He’ll be lucky if he gets it by 3022.  I would not even rate the hospital as 3^rd world status.   The dereliction of the building and all surrounds is atrocious and I cannot think of another word that suits.  Filth, rust, broken walls, roofs, ceilings, railings, disgusting filthy walls and floors that are all unsafe to walk on. Everywhere you look it is the same.   Didn’t dare to take my camera with me in case I was questioned and jailed.  But unless I saw this with my own eyes I would not have believed it.  How anybody comes out of there alive is beyond my comprehension.  All equipment I saw was in a state of disrepair – either broken and fixed with tape or bandage or just hanging loose. I needed to use the stair well to access Mkhosi’s ward and I dare not touch the rails as I walked up or down.  Everywhere I went I looked up as well down and it was equally bad in all directions.  If you ever see footage of 3^rd world hospitals or clinics please believe what you see.   I am lucky that I go to the Simunye Clinic if I am out east and it is very clean and in good repair and if in town there is a private clinic / medical centre at the back of me here in Ezulwini. 

Mkhosi was happy with the care he received and that is the good thing I guess.  He was well cared for by his girlfriend as well she was there to tend to him almost 24/7.  He was operated on at the Mbabane private hospital.

WOW !!!

It’s no wonder the locals see a person from America or Australia and they work hard at getting attached so they can then go and live in the lucky countries.   I had another proposal on Wednesday at the Simunye car wash.  Victor!!!  was working very hard to get himself a meal ticket for the rest of his life.  When he realised that no was the only answer he was going to hear he became quite withdrawn and had to be consoled by his boyfriend !!!!!    YEBO  (means affirmative) – you got it.  I passed them as I was going to the car wash and they were strolling hand in hand etc. etc.  They were also waiting for a car to be cleaned.  I got the impression Anson was not happy with his boyfriend trying to get passage to Australia, unless maybe he had planned that I would take both of them back with me. 

Isabel tells me it is normal for men to walk hand in hand here and it doesn’t imply any relationship other than just friends. 

What did that guy say years ago about Australians -  ‘they’re a weird mob’    He hadn’t been to Swaziland.

Sewing group -   back to the same as last year.  Some days are diamonds and some days are stone.  Or maybe more appropriate ‘mud’.

Since our return at the beginning of Jan, I commenced them with knitting and it looked like they were enjoying it and this could be an alternative to sewing if they just can’t make the grade.  Well I have since learned that we don’t very much like knitting.  So that’s fallen in a hole.  And Teresa returned from the US with more than a large suit case of yarn.  More on that later.

I had been given a reasonably decent pile of curtain and furnishing sample fabrics and so we have been working our way through them in a creative way, designing as we go smaller bags, from clutch size to make up purse with zip tops to small over shoulder totes.  I have been amazed by Khunyisile - she has jumped outside of her square and she is the creative one of the team.  She is having a ball.  She sees a piece of fabric and knows what she wants to do but has no idea how to go about it and so we have joined forces as a pair and she is very happy and has turned out some really good work.  The others have to be shown every step including ideas of what to do with each piece.  Not a problem – I am happy to have at least one person I can ‘play’ with.

Another project is to make dresses for the orphanage that Robin commenced some years ago.  This week we made 3 proto types to get the size right – as I didn’t have any suitable patterns and just drew what I thought would fit the measurements I had managed to get.  I just wish we could stick to straight sewing as they are not good at anything with curves etc.  and dresses involve rounded areas and possible gathers etc.  I need more patience and tolerance - please send me some by return mail as much as you can find.  Thanks.

I have resorted to getting them to tack first then stitch and I guess this is how I learnt, so if it was good for me then it is good for them.  Maybe I am at fault here – wanting them to run before they can crawl.   At least 4 of these women have been sewing for 3 years and thought they knew it all before I landed on their planet.   I have tried in the gentlest way to encourage them to increase their skill so that they can increase their income potential.  I just don’t know if they get that!!!!

I have finished the 3 items we made so that I can take them to the orphanage tomorrow to see if they fit and what changes need to be made.  Once I cut the dress fabrics, all sewing will be done under supervision and slowly as this could be an ongoing opportunity for them.  They could be given the opportunity to dress the majority of the 30 children if the price is right.

The commencement back into sewing has been hindered with getting children back to school and I was warned that I would be asked to assist with school fees.  The first to ask was told very clearly and simply that I do not lend or give money – I am here to teach them how to make money and giving it is not the answer.  I was then asked in a letter to give – not lend E10,000.  I just laughed.   I think they got the message after that one.

So there we have it -   Christmas lunch was great and they showed me an aspect of themselves that was truly lovely and loving.  Now we are back into sewing mode and they seem determined to push the boundaries at every opportunity. 

I want to comment on the yarn that was donated through the churches in US.  The quality is poor – mostly acrylic and colours that are not inspiring.  Maybe they are from closet cleanouts.  My thoughts on this is that we keep them in poverty is we are asking them to always use poor quality materials that are then sold at a low price. Teresa is also coming with us on the excursion and I will point this out to her as we visit other places where they are making things that are now sold internationally – high quality and great financial rewards for the makers.   I keep saying that I want to get them to a standard where we can use the shwaeshwae fabrics because it is not being done elsewhere YET!!!   Same goes for yarn – I am happy for them to learn on second rate stuff, but we must have the quality for sales.

I have now planned our excursion for March 8^th.  International Women’s Day.  I recently visited the YEBO art gallery – just around the corner from my dwelling place.  One of the women I have met who sews and embroiders is a participant in a 6 week class called ‘voice of women’.  She had hoped that I would be able to join in this - but not possible – I’m not Swazi and it was too late to apply.   The gallery and an associated NGO got funding for this from somewhere???  There are 20 women participating who have an interest in some form of art / craft and they will be living in for the 6 weeks and doing drama, poetry, screen printing, drawing, pottery and lots of other creative stuff.  At the end of the class their work will be exhibited with an opening address at the local Royal Museum on the 8^th March.  The event will take about 2 hours and will showcase what they have done and achieved.  The ethos behind it is to encourage women to have a VOICE in their community – no matter what their community is.  Most of them are rural ladies.  I have spoken to my group about this.  They are so excited to be attending and they plan to dress in traditional gear for the day.    YES – I will have my camera!

I need to have a break now and get myself ready – going out with Teresa for a girl’s night with another 10 ladies. Need to change and get some form of eats ready to take to share.

Back in the morning.

I missed that morning and it is now the afternoon of the next day.  How time flies when you live in Ezulwini.

Have I told you I love Ezulwini?  This is the greatest place to live in this country.  It is sort of rural by location, but has a feel of elite suburbs.  It is where many people want to live but can’t.  They tell me land here is E3000 per square meter.  There is a massive home being built next to where I live and it is the home of a local doctor.   As I drive up our street I see more very large properties all looking very grand and the streets are very badly maintained and there are potholes that have several patches on top of patches.  Some of the roads are just a collection of patches and every time it rains some of the patches go elsewhere to live and so another patch will eventually appear.  It’s all good fun to watch this process.

Section 19 – where I stay on Monday and Tuesday nights.

Bongiwe is an employee of KuDvumisa Foundation in the CHIPS program. She rents a 2 bedroom ‘unit’ from RSSC – Royal Swaziland Sugar Company.  Section is in amongst the cane growing area and only about 6 kms from where I work.  The can around it is ready to be cut soon and so it is difficult to see there you are driving except for the road ahead and the sky above.  There is no other view.  Just as well I know where I am going !!!.  It is a funny unit. As you enter the only door it appears that you are in a corridor – at one end is the kitchen and the other end is the bathroom.  From the ‘corridor’ you have access to the two adjacent bedrooms.  That is it!!!  That’s the unit.  The corridor IS dining and lounge etc.  Bongiwe has a large TV and we watch it from our bedrooms.  She has no chairs of any sort so we sit or lay on our beds for eating, talking, typing etc.

The first week I was there I was sitting outside – I had taken a chair from my previous residence to use as a bedside table !! – I was outside with my chair as it was cooler in the breeze and I was doing Sudoku.  I was eventually joined by 5 young people who were so curious they couldn’t contain themselves any longer.  They had run or walked past me about 20 times before one got game enough to stop and she was about 6yrs, munching on a mango as they do – skin and all.  She leant against me as though I was her GOGO – grandmother.  She doesn’t speak English, so our conversation was limited.  Once I had her there the others joined and were curious about me and what I was doing.  About 100 questions later, I started to show the older ones the art of sucked-in!  (Sudoku!)

2 of them sort of got it and then demanded that I must get them a book each like mine and bring it to them.  This is a cultural way of saying what you want. No holds barred!!  They just come out with it.   I tried to explain in my terms that I MUST NOT !!!   But I will if I choose to.  I kept them on a promise to be good or there is no book and I will talk to the parents to make sure they have been good.    I now have the books and we will do a puzzle or 3 together before I hand over to them. They are delightful kids and I will get their names this week when I am there.   And a photo !!!

We are in the horrible humid season that will continue for another 2 months I am told.  Some days are like being in a sauna, especially at Section 19.  Last week after 3 days of perspiring many litres of fluid and drinking about 3 – 4 litres and hot nights sleeping with a fan I came home exhausted.  On the journey home I stopped at Simunye to get fuel, have the mud remove from the car, pick up another potential husband and get some energy food from the store.  I had two bottles of cold drink and a small bag of wine gums for sugar.  They were gone before I had driven 40 kms. But it got me home.  Thursday I was a bit washed out and did only what was necessary like finishing the dresses.

They were all OK and so this week the girls can be making dresses for real.  I talked to the staff about teaching the young ones to sew.  They were very interested and so I will talk to Robin about a sewing and knitting class for the girls and boys if they are interested.

I almost forgot to report on our volunteers’ brunch on 12^th Jan and Phophonyane Falls.

(I have some photos, but not downloaded yet from camera.  You know this could mean having one of those slide evenings when I return.   I can hear you all shuddering!  OK I’ll promise to get some time to down size photos so I can attach them.)

The journey took about 1.5 hrs and we left my place at 1.00am.  There was only 5 of us. Isabel, Liz, John, me and Lusanda (AVI country coordinator).  Our booking had been made for breakfast and we all wanted lunch because of the time we arrived. They would not change as all the food had been set out for us.  The place was so peaceful.  And it sort of appeared in the bush from nowhere.  To get there were many kms of dirt, mud roads in not very good nick.  I was pleased not to have my little car for this journey.  We were in Isabel’s CRV. The grounds off the resort were like a lush oasis and so beautiful on the eye.  Everywhere we looked the grass was recently manicured and was so lush, numerous tropical palms and other plants.  All around us was rain forest type vegetation.  The buildings were very rustic, mud and bamboo huts with thatched roof tops and some very quaint interior layout and designs.  All very secluded from each other.  The dining area was both inside and outside for weather conditions, we had a lovely setting outdoors overlooking the pool.   After breakfast and many pots of coffee we went for walks to find the falls.  It had been raining for some time on and off over the preceding weeks so there was a lot of water coursing down over the rocks.  Not enough for rafting but quite noisy and fast flowing.  Some of the scenery was beautiful and some of the tracks were tricky, I didn’t think to wear sensible walking shoes so I didn’t go as far as the others did.  Instead I found a seat in the garden where I could just sit and take in the ambience of the place.  It was easy to connect with nature around me and at the same time, difficult to realise that I was in jungle type mountains of Africa.  After our walk we headed for the pool area and made ourselves at home on the cane chairs for a refreshing cool drink and a chat before heading back to the city life.

Isabel took Liz and myself to the Pigs Peak craft place before we went back to town.  I think we all did some shopping there.  Most of the craft places where the same as those in Ngwenya.  I purchased some woven flowers in sisal, very talented craftsperson’s made them.  I also got a small woven basket. 

We eventually got home about 4 ish and had a great day out together. 

It has been thundering now for about an hour and I’m patiently waiting for the rain. 

Where I sit at my table in my unit I am near the main door into the unit and the window of the lounge/dining.  I have a direct view of the house being built next door, but if sit on an angle I can see the building site for the US embassy and in particular the 2 huge cranes.  On Thursday I watched them in action for some time, quite entertaining!!  Especially when the whistle went at 5pm and 4 little men came out of the boxes at the top and crawled down the ladders to the ground.  From where I sit they like toys, some going fast and some slow.  The slow ones need energizer batteries.

It must be time to finish now, I’m getting silly.

That’s it for another week or 3.

Love to you all.  I hope your year has started well and will continue to be well for you.

Hugs all round.

Georgie xxx

2014 begins in a relaxed way.

Christmas is over for another year and 2014 has settled in well here and I hope it is going well for you also.

It was great to have SKYPE contact over the break with you and also great to have a lovely chat with Sonny on Christmas Eve.

My Christmas day ended at Penny’s.  She had sent a txt message as I was finishing the last blog and was apparently expecting me for lunch.  It was 3.00pm - yeah, that’s normal.   I was aware that she had other invited guests, but didn’t know who…..   It was the VET!   with some of her family.  We had a phone conversation earlier on that day about the sick dog. Penny describes her, Sibongile Songo, as a quiet reserved person who likes to keep to herself.  When she realised it was me coming through the door, she jumped up from her chair and gave me a very welcoming hug, just like old mates.   Penny was looking on in surprise! Well we are friends now. 

On the Saturday after Christmas I went touristing with Isabel.  We went to the glass factory just out of Mbabane.  A place called Ngwenya.   They make some amazing glassware and always have something happening for viewing for the tourists.  Isabel was on a shopping spree for some glasses for family back home.  She is preparing for her departure.  The glasses she bought have a round bottom especially designed for yachting people.  They will roll but not tip over, so your drink is safe - don’t know the degree of rough seas it would fail in though!!

We watched a large red with black and white vase being made.  The viewing platform is above and surrounding the entire area. We chose to view from the best vantage point to see what was being done, it was the hottest part of the area as we were facing the furnace. The factory is promoted as the ‘hottest’ tourist destination in Swaziland. 

In the same complex there are many other smaller ‘shops’ where local produce is sold.  The local produce ranges from chocolates, honey and preserves and jams, clothing, a huge variety of woven articles using bamboo, cotton and mohair – fantastic! -  jewellery made from paper and other recyclables, woven baskets  and other ‘grass’ creations including some beautiful bags.

One of the shops in this location is the Swazi Fair Trade shop.   I was very interested to see this shop as it is the first on my list to talk to the management about getting our products accepted by them.

I want to get our sewing group on a bus and let them have a good look around this location and others in the Malkerns / Ezulwini area so they can see for themselves what other people are doing and making and their attention to the finished article.  I briefly mentioned it to Teresa on one of our SKYPE meetings. She didn’t answer with the enthusiasm that I wanted, but I’m going to work on that.  These ladies have not had opportunities to access such places and I think they need it.

Being the ‘hottest’ destination, after shopping and looking, at 3.00pm we went to order lunch and after there had been 2 tourist busses in we could not get any food.    We went back to Mbabane and ended up in the courtyard on 1^st floor Plaza of the Nedbank Building.  This is civilization.  Several eateries open onto the courtyard, complete with water feature and sculptures and on this occasion live music.  We dined at the Ocean Basket and both ordered basic fish and chips.  It is served in a frying pan!!  Different.  With a soft drink, our lunch cost $10 each.   While we dined we were also entertained by 3 young children who were taking advantage of the water feature and having a ball until a security guard put an end to their fun.  We both watched with interest where they went, did they have parents?  So many of them just roam free.  They were possibly in the 7 – 9 yrs. bracket, well dressed – before they started to get wet!  When we left and headed back to my place we saw them walking through town towards a housing area.   Who can remember when we were so young and free that we went to a park for some fun without any worries and parents??  Came home probably wet and dirty and got into trouble! But we had fun. Just like these 3 little ones.

                                                                 

I had been invited to dinner that night at the home of friends of Teresa and Daran.  Robin and Michael Pratt, also missionaries.  Robin originates from US and Michael from NZ.  They met many moons ago in Alaska and have now been in Swaziland for about 20 years or more.  Michael was a Pastor, now retired, sort of.  They have 4 adult children now living in various part of the world.  Robin’s background was nursing and Michael was a builder, some years ago they commenced an orphanage for abandoned children.  Robin was working in the Mbabane hospital and was aware of the need for this.  So they are both busy now with about 30 children, 4 houses, each with a house mother.  They have adopted a Swazi girl now 17 yrs. together they are a lovely welcoming and relaxed family.

Robin has asked if the sewing ladies could make some basic dresses for the girls.  I have said yes!!!

New year’s eve I took Annah shopping to Manzini to get some more wool.  She is totally addicted to her knitting and is now planning to knit for family and friends in preparation for winter.  She now has her own needles and is knitting a hat, beret style.    After we returned home I made some ANZACS.   Now she’s addicted to them.  I don’t think I have ever made them before, that was always Malcolm’s specialty along with apple pies and other biscuits as a very young age.   I miss your cooking Mal, I’m hanging out for duck fat potatoes, spag bol, Miss Alice’s fig jam and a long list of other yummy treats.  I had decided to treat my sewing girls to some typical ozzie food as they always ask what would I eat at home.  I’m making another batch to take with me on Tuesday.

New year’s day I was invited to lunch with the family I had gone to Kruger with.  It was a smaller version of the family, the parents of the small child were elsewhere for a week. Allyson’s parents from Durban were staying with her.  It was a lovely relaxed day with some great food.  I have discovered that trifle is a very popular dessert here.  I have been to dinner with 2 families and trifle was on both menus.  No complaints from me.  I LOVE it. 

After lunch Allyson decided that we would go up Rosa’s rock to see the view.   What a feat that was.  I was not wearing hiking boots, but some low wedges.   Their house is already high up, but not much view as it is well built up, but once we got to the top of Rosa’s rock and I managed to breathe again.  The view was huge.  We could see all sorts of Mbabane.  It is quite a well spread out city.   I know –  I know - what about some photos?????   I’m getting to that.   Coming down the hill I decided bare feet would be safer and that was a wise decision. 

After our exercise we watched some TV and Victor disappeared for a nap.

I feel that I have had enough rest now and I’m keen to get back to work.  I actually miss the ladies and our activities and I am missing some of the people from the Mananga complex.     However, I had a wakeup call at 6.00 today from Mkhosi (he was doing my gardening).  He is in the Good Shepherd hospital in Siteki with a broken arm.  A work accident.   You are probably wondering the same as me!   Why did he call me?  Why at 6.00am?   I can only assume that he needed a Mum, he is a very sensitive and emotive young man and he doesn’t have parents or family living – victims of aids.  I think he wanted to go somewhere other than where he now lives with no one there and he thought I was already living in Ezulwini.  If I was, I think he would have been comfortable with some company for a few days. 

I will be going out to the Low-veld on Tuesday and so I will catch up with him then.  I was planning to do a one day trip to talk to the girls and give them a brief on what is to come.  BUT I have to move my bed to Mhlume and catch up with others and now add Mkhosi to the list.  So perhaps I’ll be doing an overnighter and returning on Wednesday.

On Friday I decided to investigate the Ezulwini area a little more to see what’s in store for me.  First I had a drive around the area and there are so many tourist places.  The entire Ezulwini Valley is beautiful.  Rolling hills, lots of greenery and many trees.  Some huge resorts, a large golf club, hotels and an area of administration.  There are two shopping areas – one each end.  When I first arrived in Swaziland I stayed at Timbali Lodge which is at the western end and there is one shopping centre nearby.  The other end is about 8kms away and has the Gables shopping centre and the US Embassy.  In the middle somewhere there is a casino.  It doesn’t look like suburbia from the main road that joins it all together.  You need to get off the main road and have a gander around.  There are some lovely buildings that blend with the fabulous feeling and atmosphere of Heaven.

After a drive around I went to check out the shops.  I had seen one end of the Gables and was keen to see the other end which is newer.  There is a huge undercover parking with about 4 cars in, so I made the number up to 5.  All shops are upstairs which is actually ground level.  It’s so new that all shops are not filled yet. I lunched at Mugg & Bean.  It was good and I have now found the people who understand customer service.  They were great.  After lunch I went to the supermarket ‘Shoprite’ that Jenn has told me is the best.  She’s not wrong!!!  Huge, clean, tidy, well set out and displayed and the friendliest staff.  Yeah!! I am going to enjoy living around the corner. 

Isabel has given me info of a Yoga class nearby and so I have plans for 2014.  Lots of walking to do shopping – it is so close I could not justify driving.   And when it gets hot I can go to the Malkerns Country Club for a swim, about 5 kms away.  Probably a good idea if I get some swimming togs first!

Have you noticed?  I have given up the roller coaster!

After the huge blog last time, this is the mini one. 

my daily friend

Merry Christmas

BLOG  10.

YEAH !!!   WOW  !!!! and HURRAH !!!!  

I have a permit to stay in Swaziland until 6^th December 2015.      I am due to leave here on 14^th Sept 2015 as that is the end of my 2 year assignment.  So I am well covered.  The Permit was approved on 6^th and I collected it on 12^th   and it ONLY took 3.5 hours in the immigration dept. most of that time was standing in lines waiting for my turn to pay the E2400.  It has taken me 4.5 pages in my journal to record the story.  I just wish I could have videoed it.  You wouldn’t believe it.

 I have now been out of the country and into South Africa twice and passed the border control point where I was introduced to special treatment for foreigners.  All was calm and peaceful on these 2 occasions.

It feels so much better, being legally present in a foreign country.

Now I need to think about the past fortnight and what has happened and where I have been etc.

Let’s start about the time publishing the last blog,,   on the following Monday 9/12  I drove Daran’s ‘Bakkie’ to work.  A Bakkie is anything that may resemble a ute !!  if it can transport huge loads all tied on with thin cord it’s a bakkie.   Daran has a Nissan dual cab, therefore limited ute space.  Anyway I didn’t have much to bring into town.  It was such a different experience to drive the 150kms to work in such a big vehicle.  My little GSV was left at home so that Mr Shongwe, Penny’s friend, the bush mechanic, could do a service on it.

We had a pretty good and productive day of sewing and then it was time for me to head to Mananga college,  I was on the road, very muddy and pleased to have this big vehicle until -  to my horror realised that I had left the keys to the house in MY GSV – now 150kms away.   After many calls to get hold of the maintenance crew – they did manage to find a key for me to one of my doors.  PHEW !!!  I didn’t want to drive back to Mbabane just to collect a key. 

It was raining Monday and Tuesday, I worked again on Tuesday with the ladies.  It rained again Tuesday night.  Then on Wednesday morning, it was still overcast, but thankfully no sign of rain. I started to pack all that was left in my house.  My bed went to Nomsa’s house temporarily until Bongiwe has access to her house in Mhlume.  I will be staying at her house on Monday and Tuesday nights when I am back at work in January.  Hence I need the bed with linen and a fan.

Nomsa had arranged for one of the men in our complex to assist to load the fridge onto the bakkie and then us girls loaded and ‘secured’ all the rest.  Bookcase, tables, chairs, storage boxes and all the kitchen stuff.   We stopped about 3 times to resecure the load as it kept moving while we were on the gravel/dirt/mud roads for 14 kms. 

I now have ‘stuff’ stored in many rooms of the Rehmeyer’s house and before they return I will need to sort it out and try to get it all in one location.

The following day I got my permit, almost a full day exercise and later I had dinner with one of the volunteers, Isabel, who lives in Ezulwini.   Isabel is leaving us at the end of February and hopefully taking up a paid job in another country in Africa, Burundi.  Her last interview is at the end of January.  Fingers crossed for her.

I like her unit and where it is located and have let the landlady know that I am interested to move in after Isabel leaves.   Ezulwini  - the word in Swazi means Heaven.     How cool to live in heaven for 18 months of my stay here.  Ezulwini is an area that I have sort of looked at longingly as I drive between Mbabane and Mananga.  My first 3 nights in Swaziland were spent there at Timbali lodge.

It is the centre of art and craft, hospitality and tourism and seems like just the perfect place to be.  The unit is at the back of the BEST shopping centre in Swaziland and has a cinema. ‘The Gables’. Adjacent to the shopping precinct is a huge building under construction for the US Embassy.  It is surrounded with screens, privacy and security.   I will need to go past it to get to my unit.  I feel that it will be a very secure location.  The unit is at the end of a house, using the same secure gated entrance then drive to the left for my entry.  Isabel tells me it is a lovely place to live.  Penny was upset when I had to tell her of my change, which I had expected, but this time I need to be where I am the most comfortable, at ease and the bonus is it is my choice.

I can stay on at the Rehmeyer’s until I move and will occupy the underneath room and now that the dogs are my friends, I can come and go without being considered breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bear, the scary dog, eats from my hand now and loves carrot.

A very important event for all of Africa, but mostly South Africa was the passing of Nelson Mandela.  I have kept some newspaper cuttings from here as some of the stories really touched me.  I sort of felt privileged to be here at this time.  I think the entire country lives in the hope that his legacy will be upheld although the current President seems to be very different to Nelson. 

It has been so perfect for me to have SKYPE access and to have experienced a few conversations with familiar faces and voices over the last week or so.   Thanks to all who have been available to chat with me so far and for all others, let’s do it soon.   I have 3 weeks left of this luxury.

Since being in town I have made contact with people of interest to the ladies and their sewing, like the Swazi arm of Fair Trade and a group called Gone Rural and hopefully that will lead to others.  I have been told of organisations that may be worth contacting and of course there is a zip manufacturer in Matsapha, near Manzini.  I am on the lookout for what sort of craft there is here, especially in the area of easy sewing that would suit my group.  I may be traveling around a bit early January for this purpose.  There is some interesting time ahead for me and the girls.  I would like them to accompany me to some locations so they can also see what others are making and creating to get them inspired from external sources to really strive to reach their goal of financial independence.

On Tuesday 17^th the sewing ladies of Section 19 and their teacher had a Christmas lunch.   It was unlike any other Christmas lunch I have ever experienced. Without actually being there and experiencing the atmosphere and hearing and seeing all that happened it will be hard for you, the reader to fully grasp it.  I will give it my best shot to give you the feel of it, because it was so special.

I left Mbabane at 8.00am and the entire top of the mountain was in thick cloud.   The road out of town, major highways / 4 lane, was treacherous and very scary.  Most vehicles travelled slowly and with their hazard lights on until we got done low enough that we were out of the cloud area.   As I got closer to the lowveld it was becoming clear, blue skies and a promise of a good day.  I first went to Tambankulu to have my nails done – pretty colour to match my outfit.   I was wearing black and white African print skirt with a hot pink t-shirt and matching cotton scarf.  I now have hot pink nails.

I arrived at Section 19 at 12.00 which was pre-arranged.  Most of the ladies were there on the sewing veranda and were all aghast as I drove in.  It took me a while to work out why.  They had never seen me dressed any other way than for work and no makeup.   I noticed that the veranda and surrounding area had been cleaned very well, but there was no preparation of the foods we were to eat – it was all on the table!!  I did wonder what time we would eat.

I unloaded my car.   Christmas cake, 4 large bottles of soft drink, a bag of oranges, apples and bananas.    On the table there was 3 chickens, killed, plucked, beheaded and be footed, although these walky, talky parts were in the same container.  Jane seemed to be in charge and commenced to clean the chickens thoroughly in water that looked very clean.  I didn’t dare where it came from.  The chickens were put on the board and Jane and Rose started to cut into cooking size pieces, maybe not as keenly jointed as we may do, but similar.   Any thicker parts that may require more cooking time were cut /scored for this purpose.  I was invited to cut up the last of the 3 chickens.  They were testing me to see if I could be a Swazi woman. While this was being done Nonhlanhle and Khunyisile sat on the edge peeling the tiniest cloves of garlic until they had about ¾ of cup.   They handed this over to Khumbuzile who put them onto an enamel plate, sprinkled with salt and then crushed with the bottom of a glass jar to blend into a paste.    Who needs the kitchen whizz???

All the chicken pieces were covered with the garlic paste and set aside for a while.   Mean-time, Nonhlanhle had the braai going (the open pit smouldering wood – with a heavy wire grate over it).

A huge bowl of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and capsicum were then washed thoroughly and inspected closely.   Once done I was asked to break up the lettuce into bite size pieces and put into a bowl while 2 others then sliced all the tomato.  I was also given the onions to cut !!!!   another test.

Once all these ingredients were ready, Jane asked me to mix them together. There was as much tomato as there was lettuce.  Everything was salted as it was washed and no dressing used, just the juice from the tomato.  It was actually a delicious salad.  Who needs oil, vinegar etc.??

The chickens went around the corner to the braai and the salad was covered with a large plastic bag. 

Time is marching on – it’s now about 1.45pm.   nothing was going to happen until the food was cooked and I noticed that there were signs of hunger and it was not just me. 

I suggested that we have a cold drink and a piece of cake while we wait.  Brilliant idea. No cups !!!!   Of course I didn’t think to bring something to drink from.  Someone produced a pile of empty 500ml drinking bottles that were thoroughly washed and we decanted from the 2 litre bottles into smaller ones.  Brilliant!   I cut cake and little bodies seemed to appear from nowhere.  I made sure all the ladies had a piece of cake, generous size and then I went for a walk around the complex with a plate of smaller pieces and gave every child a piece of cake with really thick fondant icing -  a good sugar  hit for all.  There were a few other adults there as well so they all got a piece. 

I had bought all the ladies a scarf like mine and all different colours.  I got them to choose their own colours and that seemed to be the best thing to do, because had I chosen it would have been a different picture entirely.   They were all worn immediately and many photos taken with lots of laughs and nonsense.

Without a drop of alcohol the party mood was in full swing and the atmosphere was so friendly and warm and fabulous.  I kept checking on the cooks to make sure they were not feeling left out. 

It happened about 2.45pm  the food eventually came off the braai and was delivered to the table. 

I must back track.   Ncamsile made a gravy!!!   In the 3 legged cast iron pot – it has a name – but I didn’t write it down – she put in the walky talky parts and the innards of the chickens with some onion, garlic, tomatoes and something with a bit of a kick and some water.  The pot went into the braai.  Jane had also prepared some ‘pap’.  That is mealie meal (made from Maize)  it is made like a porridge totally without flavour!.  Its just white stuff that fills you up.

Now all food is on the table.   We are all gathered around the table and I asked Jane to do the prayer.  These ladies are all Christian and prayer is normal practice to them.   A she was about to open her mouth a man came along and wanted to buy air time for his phone.  Jane left, and so did Nonhlanhle, not sure why.    I looked at the others and asked what now???   Ncamsile started to sing a Christmas song in SiSwati and they all joined in. They natural sing in beautiful harmony. It was fantastic to be with them.  Khumbuzile started another one that includes hand gestures and some dance type moves.  Well I could not do the words, but I could copy the hands and feet part.  It was fun and I created some laughs for them.  When Nonhlanhle and Jane returned, Jane did the last verse of this one in English for me.  It was such a treat to be in the company of these women and so happy and just all big smiles and happy faces, no one sad or miserable or bickering.  

After the singing Jane did her prayer -  she is training to be a pastor.  Jane spoke in SiSwati, but it was easy to get the thread of her prayer, a thanks for everything in front of us and beside us and for our teacher.   I noticed that a couple of the ladies had wet, red eyes.   I tried to respond but was a little choked and so I waited until I could speak.  We all hugged and then ate.    The chicken was FANTASTIC,   try it sometime…..     the salad delicious,  pap – filling and the gravy just perfect.   The ladies all had something on their plates from that pot other than just gravy.

All the food went somewhere -   there was only 8 of us and it was all eaten or a piece kept for a partner or a child.

We finished the drink and I cut up the last half of the cake. After we each had another I cut smaller pieces.  The children were watching from a distance and as soon as I walked to the edge of the veranda and called them I was surrounded by all these cute little faces.   They were so happy to have a second bite of the cherry so to speak and again I went for a walk to make sure that Sister got another piece.

Without a doubt, those few hours will be one of the most memorable moments of my time in Swaziland.  So many hugs and smiles and laughs and great food and the best company.  I was then able to do my little talk and thanked them for making the day one to remember for a life time and for them to be my Swazi family especially as I could not be with my own family. They have made me very proud of them all.

I left with tears and dropped Rose and Khumbuz at their stop.

Alas the roller coaster continues……   

Thursday I was to have a meeting with the AVI coordinator at 11.00am.   I left the house in plenty of time, drove about 500 meters and my car stopped !!!!  tried starting it and it would not stay running. I noticed a smell of petrol and so I abandoned that plan, rolled it back down the hill until I could get it off the road safely.  Walked back to get another vehicle from ‘our personal car yard’.  Took the bakkie to town for the meeting and shopping and in the meantime got Mr Shongwe to do his magic.  It was a fuel line and so it was replaced.

The meeting was OK nothing to report there, just had to fill in a form about my current situation with contacts etc. etc. etc.   AND I had to do it properly. . . . . .

Friday I went to Nelspruit with Penny.  She gets Mr Shongwe to drive if she goes long distance.  So it was a cruisy day for me.  The scenery was fabulous, beautiful green rolling hills and mountains behind mountains behind mountains.   Once we got into South Africa the roads were much better and the rural homes different shapes and more colours.  In some areas there were big farms with bananas, pineapples and a lot of citrus, apples and pear orchards.    It took about 2.5 hours from Mbabane travelling northerly along some very winding roads.

I wanted to go to Valencia.   It is a shop in Nelspruit, similar to spotlight, but much better quality.  Their fabrics are beautiful and so well displayed and many staff to assist you.  There is a separate room, huge, with all the sewing notions and accessories.   Down stairs is the home-wares and curtain section.   On the upper level there is a café that opens into the shop.  Great food and also some books for sale.   I was having a good browse and getting some ideas for our group and they announced that the store was closing at 12 and re-opening at 2.   HOW !!!   (that is Swazi for WHAT!)

Guess what I did?   YEP, I positioned myself in the café for 2 hours having found a book to purchase and start reading.  Another book from Alexander McColl Smith, title 44 Scotland Street.   I love this author – famous for the No1 Ladies Detective Agency series.  

At 2 there is another announcement that the store is reopened.  The owners are Muslim and the closure was for prayer.

My shopping was pretty quick as I had done all the choosing before lunch.  Penny didn’t return until well after 4 from her shopping expedition.  We then picked up KFC and headed for home.  Our return trip was in the opposite direction going through Pigs Peak, a northern part of Swaziland.  A very strange name -  but named after a Mr Pig and the area is the peak of the country’s mountains.   This took us past the Maguga dam.  It is pretty massive and most impressive as it was overflowing due to the amount of recent rains.  

I got back home about 7.30pm and was then contacted by friends of the Rehmeyers, whom I had met, with an invitation to go to Kruger National Game Park with them next day. !!!

Oh Boy !!!   This is a bit too much fun – will I cope?

We left @ 6.00am and returned @ 9.00pm

There was 8 of us in a people mover type of vehicle – fortunately.  There was Mum and Dad and 3 of their 4 offspring, one of them was accompanied by her partner and 2 yr old child.

Our journey took us through Pigs Peak going in the opposite direction, and because it was daylight we stopped at the dam then drove across the wall road.   

Arrived at Mlalane Gate of the Kruger Park just after 8.00am

The buildings are mostly concrete brick rendered and with thatched rooves.  It all looks African!!

Because of recent rainfall – it is rainy season, everything was very green and lush.  As we drove through the many roads and tracks, it was difficult to spot animals because of the thickness of the vegetation and there is an abundance of food for all animals and they don’t have to travel far to feed.  I know this because I was told by the occupants of the vehicle.   Thought I would add that explanation – I’m no expert YET !

There was one person either side of the vehicle with binoculars to do the spotting.   We hadn’t gone far when we saw 2 Giraffe.   When you see them in their own place they look so much different and of course it is the whole experience of actually seeing them without a cage and the knowledge of them being  ‘at home’. They tell me the park is fenced and monitored.  The park is about 400 miles long and almost 100 wide at the widest part.   That’s like a station property in the north of Australia.   

I enjoyed the experience of seeing for the first time so many of the African animals and birds in their own place.  I have taken photos of all I could get and have realised that my camera does not have the zoom power I thought it did.  Allyson’s camera was just perfect and so she has promised to share her photos with me.   I saw many elephants in family groups, some just eating, walking and some playing in muddy water.  Saw two littlies playing around the elders’ legs.  They probably weigh 4 times what I do and ever so much cuter !!!

Only one complaint -  not one big cat was out for viewing on this day.     Well it just means a return visit or 4.!!!

There are many gate entrances to the park to accommodate the huge distance it spans and giving people access from many geographic locations.  All gates have some form of accommodation and recreation facilities.   The roads and tracks are in excellent condition and they all link up somewhere and there are numerous signs, so with the park map you cannot get lost.  Of course you not allowed out of the vehicle unless you are at a gate facility.  There are park vehicles always taking people on tours and so if you have a problem you will be found.  All of the gate facilities have natural water courses that are for animals and they have viewing facilities. 

They tell me it is best to be there either at dawn or dusk for the water activities of the animals.  My next trip will be an overnighter so I get both of these times in while there.  The accommodation is reasonably priced.  A 2 person round hut is about R400 per night – that is about $40.

Anyone care to join me??????

I just loved having the opportunity to visit the park with others – for the first visit.  I am happy to return myself if there are no takers!

When I got home I was greeted by my two furry friends, one who is now unwell.  Very hot to touch and not eating.   Great!!!

I had to call the vet to him on Monday as he was getting worse.   Diagnosis was tick bite fever.   Pretty bad.    It’s now Christmas day and thankfully, he is much better, although the vet was prepared to come by earlier today.  He has started eating again so she went about her Christmas day a planned.

Yes it is Christmas day.

When you read this it won’t be . . . . . .  however I do wish you all a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

I hope you are able to enjoy every minute of your time with family and friends and cherish the occasion and be loving and gracious to each other.  It is so humbling being here in my situation and to have the opportunity to really think about what is important in life.

I miss you all and I love each and every one of you.   I think of you all constantly and even when I’m driving in game parks – how I would love to share these moments with you. But all I can do is put it in print and then (hopefully) with pictures.

I did have invitations to join several people for the day, for lunch, or for whatever.  I declined all.   I had such a wonderful day with my sewing ladies, and I am taking that as MY Christmas day.    I would dearly love to be ‘home’ with my Sonny and Miss Alice and family and  friends and familiar places, but I cannot.  So I have made myself comfortable for the day, looking after the dogs and doing some chores that the maid is no longer able to do.   The maid is Annah and she has been with the family for about 8 years now.  She is a delightful, round, happy and smiley person and I have taught her to knit.   Fortunately there is not much work to be done with only me in the house and so I make sure that she rests and does knitting and has a quick nanna nap.  I think Annah is in her 50’s and she has some form of cancer, but she cannot get accepted for surgery as she does not have the money to pay upfront.  So she is waiting for the Swazi Govt. to do a deal with the South African health service.

We all just look after her as best we can.

So my message for Christmas is –

Take care of each other, love and cherish every moment, be happy with what you have and give up wanting what you have not.

Be kind and comforting to yourself so you can be kind and comforting to others.

I send love and hugs with this message to all who read it.

Georgie xxxx

p.s.  I found another Santa tea pot for my new collection.  I’ve given up collecting fabrics and such.   

Blog 9

Dear Readers,

Will I dare to start with the Permit story?

The surprise is I don’t have it yet. . . . .

I moved much of my gear into Mbabane on Wednesday. A friend who has contacts in high places, made a phone call and it started an avalanche of events,  the first was a visit to immigration where I was told by the person I was to report to, that there was a document required and I was given a name of the document.  It didn’t make sense to me  - the uninitiated!!  -  I was aware of the documents that were gathered by the AVI coordinator and all was present – I thought.  The immigration officer became very agro and I think she was in training for a job at the border control.

She wrote vigorously on a piece of paper what was required and then stamped it with the official immigration date stamp with the force of an iron monger that made paper the shudder.  I grabbed the paper and high tailed it out of there before I was next with the date stamp.

I called the coordinator and imparted some of the story and handed it back to her.   Many phone calls later, including to the employers who are now in the US having a holiday.  We needed to prove to immigration that KuDvumisa is a registered business in Swaziland.  For this they wanted to sight the original document and have a certified copy of same. Word got back to me that it was on the desk in the house.   FOUND and taken by the coordinator to where it had to go and she was told that it (my permit) will now be ready on Monday.  From the start of the day 10.30, first phone call, this ended at 4.45pm

Next blog should have  . . . . . . .  I’m not putting it in print – just in case.

Last week was affected by lack of energy from whatever bug I had ingested and resulted in a trip to the clinic at Simunye, where once again a nurse did all the prescribing and would refer me to a GP if the conditions were unchanged in 2 days.  Well in 2 days I was moving to Mbabane and I can report that there is significant change to prevent me from returning for medical treatment at this stage.  The nurses appear to be highly trained and the one I saw on Monday was in the process of applying for a scholarship to do her masters in Australia.  We discussed some aspects of Australia and it was revealed that she does not like the cold, because she had not yet clicked on send to for application, she was going to have a look at Perth and Brisbane for other options.

I returned to the sewing group after the clinic and shortly afterwards, Teresa and Daran arrived to talk to them.   It was all very friendly and positive and they were told of their need to take notice of the teacher and to continue to do a high quality of work as they have shown they can do it!!   Teresa was good with them and they showed a good response. Even though we are never sure that the interpreter is telling it as it is or putting their slant on things.  They do not like to check on each other and I notice they rarely comment in a –ve or +ve manner to each other.  Let me explain a little further on that point.  Because they do not criticize - they cannot let another know that she has made a mistake.  So in terms of the new person who cannot sew a straight line to save herself, they won’t comment or assist her, because that would also be seen as criticism.  This goes for me also.  One of the biggest issues I have is to tell them when they have done something wrong and to unpick (goop goop – that is their word for unpick). It can take some time for them to recover, no matter how delicate I put it.  I must admit I have changed a bit on this note and they understand and joke about the previous teacher who used the word rubbish if their work was not up their own standard, so I have started to use the same word when things get too bad!

I will return to them this week coming and that will be it for a few weeks.

On Monday last week I had a call from the AVI coordinator, to say that our country manager is visiting Swaziland and he will be coming to Section 19 on Tuesday

There was clear evidence that it was going to be a very humid day, I arrived at S19 to find no body there yet and so the workplace was a mess.  Jane was not ready yet and so sent her daughter to help me to clean up.  (this is another change scheduled for 2014 – a roster for preparing the workplace)

I had stopped to talk to another of the ladies who lives in one of the stick, stone and mud buildings, actually hers is the one with the bright orange door.  Her son about 16 months is the cutest little cheeky monkey on the planet and she has now taught him to say Georgina.  He talks so clearly and it sounded so funny to hear my name from one so little. I need to get a photo of him to show you and then I need to get onto flickr with my photos. That is a Dec/Jan plan.

We commenced the day with 2 catastrophe’s  -   1. Janes machine would not work and 2. Khunyisile’s husband had locked the door and gone off somewhere, so she could not get in to clean up after working in the field and her machine was locked in there as well.

I decided to ignore these issues as I wanted to get on with showing them this new bag. My intention is to perfect it early next year and make it from their traditional fabric.

I tried to start everyone off at the same time having cut our about 6 bags ready to go.  This plan got way out of whack very quickly, there were bobbins being threaded, needles being replaced, people sharing machines, a bit of goop goop happening as well and they were only on the hem of one of the inside pockets. !!!   what chance did I have for the rest of the bag????   Sometimes I want to sit down and cry and other times like this one I just want to burst out laughing as it really is a comedy.

This little bag takes me 30 minutes to construct and that includes cutting out.   –Yeah – I know - I’m just a smarty pants.

By lunch time we had almost 3 bags completed having started at 10am. 

Then the AVI pair arrived. Firstly the Swazi coordinator talked to the women in Swazi and introduced herself and Thomas, who is from Botswana originally, has lived in NZ for many years before coming back to Africa 2 years ago with this AVI contract.  So he didn’t understand the Swazi conversation and we chatted quietly.    I could see that there was a lot of encouragement happening in the conversation as Lusanda had met with Teresa and Daran the night before and had been briefed on what was said to them.  There was a bag for sale that I had hung especially for Lusanda, knowing that she admired the fabric.  And of course the pressure was on to buy.   Which she eventually did.    

I was taken to the Tambankulu club for a drink!!   Soft or course. However I thought this was a bit strange as it was lunch time.  They just wanted to have time with me so they could tick off that box.

It was all very cordial, pleasant and encouraging.  When we returned, my car had been washed by some of the women.  It was caked with mud and our water at Mananga had been off for days – outside taps only that is!!!

Thomas was very interested in the small bags and was keen to purchase.  I talked him out of it at this stage and suggested he wait until next year when they are sewing them really well and we are using shwaeshwae.    He agreed.   Here is the link, there are some lovely new colours and designs.  I am so looking forward to playing with this fabric rather than what we currently use. 

 http://www.dagama.co.za/

I think I mentioned in the blog 8 about the storm on Saturday night (30^th Nov) and the roar of the wind.  It reminded me a bit of cyclone wind sound, but I didn’t take much notice until we went to Tambankulu club.  In the vast grounds there are many very large old trees and it is such a beautiful oasis, so lush, green and cool.   I had been told that Tamb had taken a big hit from the storm.  As we drove in and through the grounds I could now see what they were saying.  Many of these large trees had lost many big branches, some split in 2, and then just before we got to the club 4 very large trees were totally over.  The root ball still intact as they were lying in a row.  They were very old trees sadly with mostly surface root systems.   The root ball of the biggest had a diameter of approx. 5 meters.   Thomas took a few photos with his phone and I am waiting for him to send me a copy.

Meanwhile back at S19, 3 of the ladies cut out another 2 bags each to sew the next day.   When it was time to leave, Rose was missing…   I usually give a lift to Rose and Khumbuz.  It was eventually revealed that she had gone to collect her phone from a man who was charging it for her.  He has solar panels and charges phones for a price.  I was wondering how they managed to use their phones without power ?????

My new abode, 

I moved in with a car full of my things.  I am now rattling around a huge 5 bedroom house and have 2 guard dogs, secure gates and razor wire for protection.   The dogs have become my friends already as I am getting rid of some stale bread that has been in the fridge for who knows how long.  I also have discovered that is the best way to give Bear his daily pill, in his daily bread.  These 2 lovely creatures who are supposed to be very scary!!!   They are outside dogs and spend most of it reclining, resting, eating and pooing.  One of their staple foods is avocados.  The neighbours have a huge tree and they get all the fallen fruit on our side of the fence.  They eat at least one a day.  And none is saved for human consumption.  I would have to be there and catch it as it falls, because once it is on the ground it belongs to the dogs.  I and won’t argue with them over an avocado.

It is very quiet where I live, and no rooster at 5.00am.   From the front of the house all I can see is the houses on the other side of the street, but from the back of the house, quite elevated, I can see across the gully and up the hill in the distance.  It is dotted with houses and trees and sometimes I can see them.  At night it looks lovely with the lights.  Today it is reasonable clear now, it was in cloud earlier and I could only see white fluff. As the cloud lifts the view changes to just out of focus.

I was out driving yesterday and not being in the mindset of getting back to Mananga, it was a pleasant journey and I enjoyed taking in the scenery as much as I could while driving.  I was impressed with how green everything is at the moment and that is the entire country.  This is the rainy season and it sure has rained.   It all looks so clean until you get into some of the town areas and that is where you see how people live.  Litter is a huge problem here.   

I wanted to find a store in Manzini called Standard Traders, I had been given directions, but not really looked until this trip.   I was told it is the best place to get sewing requirements.   FOUND IT.

Maybe not such a good thing!!!!   It is so clean and tidy and it has so much fabric!  Their range of shwaeshwae if fantastic and zips equally fantastic and prices also fantastic.  It will be the place I go to now for all our supplies,  that is until I can get to South Africa, Nelspruit, where there is a store called Valencia.   I had parked my car around the corner, in most areas of Manzini there is a parking attendant assigned to an area of each street and he comes to you when you park to collect E2.50 and give you a ticket to display.  On my way back to the car I walked into another shop out of curiosity – remember that I have been out in the bush for almost 3 months and have only seen the shops in Simunye and Tshaneni – pretty basic.  I now discovered there are shops!!!!   I bought a handbag, fabulous, medium size, black and bright orange in leather for E170, less than $20.    I then headed for the car and quickly left before I was overtaken by the shopping bug.  I could feel it chasing me down the street.

Because I now have unlimited internet while house sitting I did some internet searches yesterday and I have found the choir and the band who entertain guests at Malealea Lodge.  Here are the UTube  links for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGNFoK7IYac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1_pFp8SgR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bH7WFaQCo

OK, with promises of pictures and more visual content, here is a little sample for you.

It’s now time to get this published and I have got some prep work for tomorrow with the ladies as I will not see them after this week until January.

So I best get on with it and not disappoint my students.

Love to you all,

Georgie.  xxxx