Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Unjani (oon JAH nee)

Always eager to gather close and be in a picture, a group of cheerful Refilwe students/residents pose with Judy.

Unjani (oon JAH nee) … “Greetings, how are you” in Zulu. The past several days in South Africa have offered a many-textured tapestry including a roaring thunder storm that pelted us with hail, whitening the walkways. Autumn is here, reminiscent of late October days in Maine. Walking in the sunshine can be downright hot, while stepping into the shade brings quite a chill, especially at the end of the day.

Tomorrow we meet our diamond colleagues. We are ready with wish lists, loupes, tweezers, and a stack of notes. And just one week from today, we’ll be donning our most unflattering mining coveralls to journey over one half mile beneath the South African landscape.

Sandy, our friend and volunteer, passing out a treat to the little ones.

The days are flying by. Even as we anticipate the diamond-filled days to come, we reflect on some of South Africa’s most inspiring jewels: the teachers, leaders, children and volunteers who have welcomed us into their midst and hearts. The past few days we’ve visited two facilities founded by inspired volunteers dedicated to addressing the nation’s social problems through work with abandoned and at-risk children. Our time here has been a “win-win.” Not only have these volunteers and little ones touched and opened our hearts as we read to them, held them, or assisted them with homework; some of them have helped us with our Zulu vocabulary lessons! Now that’s a project that requires a LOT of work! Can’t help sharing a few photos of some of these lovely gems.

Lucky and friends enjoying lunch.

Ngizokubona (nee zok oo BON a), see you later,

Judy & Steve

Happy to stop studies to have their picture taken, a group of Refilwe 4th and 5th graders pose for Steve.

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