Zodwa and I
Paintings on the old Bonginkosi site
The inside of the old Bonginkosi.
40 children would play and take naps in this tiny room.
Khwezi and I
First, I was informed that 2 of our team members were sick and had to stay back, and 1 was feeling sick but still chose to come with. I pictured myself in a swarm of kids twice the size as usual since almost half of our group was absent. I didn't really like the 32:1 ratio, so we decided that since we are all running ourselves into the ground we would spend a half day at Bonginkosi and then come back early.
Second, Reg wanted to drive us this morning so we could chat about what was occurring at the site and our frustrations. It was so nice to talk to him and get some clarity regarding the situation. He informed us that there had previously been two Americans working at the site who were in direct contact with our staff and organized all of the projects for the students. Those two are no longer at the site as of recent, leaving Zodwa on her own. Reg had thought they were training Zodwa to be able to handle it by herself and organize projects for us, but obviously that was not the case. It was interesting to hear him say how this is an entirely different Bonginkosi than even last semester. It makes me sad to see how quickly it had digressed. Reg then gave us the option to be pulled out of this site and go to Walk in the Light, another site where about 18 of our students are currently serving. We knew that choice was coming, but none of us really want to make it. We don't want to quit Bonginkosi after developing relationships with the children and after having our first successful parent meeting last night. Yet, we recognize that it is going to be a continuous battle that Reg says we don't deserve to fight. Yet, our thoughts began to change after talking to Reg because he said there is a need for us at WITL and there is a way he could remove us from Bonginkosi without hurting Zodwa or the parents/children. So now we are all left with a huge decision. We were hoping they would just force us to do one or the other but of course they are giving us the freedom to choose for ourselves. Tonight we will meet to discuss what is on our hearts.
Third, Zodwa had something for us to do! It's become sort of a joke for us to ask, "What would you like us to do today?" Usually the answer starts with a classic Zodwa laugh, then she says, "Ohhh, I don't know, whatever you want to do today." It gets funnier (and equally frustrating) every time we ask. But when Katie whipped out the infamous question this morning Zodwa began to answer with the expected line, but then she added her idea to take us to the Muslim school close by, to a home visit, and to see the old Bonginkosi site. I was in shock! It was an incredibly pleasant surprise but a part of me still didn't have confidence that her ideas would actually occur. We held her to her word though and we gathered our umbrellas to begin walking down the muddy road filled with bumps and potholes to visit these sites at half past 11. An interesting thing I noticed was that once she realized we were serious about going, it seemed like any little thing became a reason to not go. It started raining lightly, so it took some convincing that we wouldn't be cold and that we could walk in the rain. Once we convinced her, she went and got us each an umbrella. What an easy solution! Next, on our way out, the gate was locked. Zodwa dug through her huge key ring to find the right key. She couldn't find it. It almost seemed like this was a legitimate reason in her mind why we shouldn't go. Alas, the key was found and we began our tours. I have learned so much about the South African community in these 4 days at Bonginkosi and after interacting with Zodwa. I'm actually sort of thankful for moments like these.
Anyways, we ventured to the local Muslim school. Unfortunately the water had been shut off so classes got out early. They invited us back tomorrow for a better look at the school, but one of the girls took us around to see the grounds. We saw the room where they pray at specific times of the day and some of the classrooms. We met a group of 9th grade girls who were full of attitude (some things are the same no matter the time zone)! One of the girls invited us to stay at her house and to eat some food she would prepare. We politely declined her recipe for preparing the insides of a cow. I've had the tongue, I think my stomach has been through enough shock! After the tour of the middle/high school we went to the Muslim kindergarten. It was so refreshing to be with kids who were quiet. There were maybe 20 kids laying on the floor in silence. Ahhh so there is hope I will love kids again! Next, Zodwa took us to a neighboring house where one of the Bonginkosi preschoolers lives. We met his mother and great-grandmother. It was great to talk with more locals, especially after previously interacting with her son. I was able to talk a little bit about business with her, which is what she is studying right now at school. After she finishes her schooling she will likely move to India for work, which she said has its benefits and consequences. It's crazy how people here have to be so flexible in their careers since they rely on their job to such an extreme. We said goodbye and ventured on to the old Bonginkosi site.
The old building is so much smaller than the present location and is just a few houses down the road. We saw the tiny rooms where 40 kids would attempt to nap and play. We also met a hilarious group of 6 Gogo's (grandmothers). They meet regularly at the site and do projects. Their newest project is knitting scarves and hats for the upcoming winter season. They were a bundle of joy and laughter. It was fun to practice a bit of my zulu on them and make them chuckle.
It was wonderful to get out of the preschool and into the community today. This is what we had been dying to do since the beginning of service sites. Seeing such a variety of communities gave me a lot to think about too. I love seeing all the different pieces that make up South Africa.
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