It’s been a while since my last official reflection/update, so here’s the logistical update for the past few weeks. I’ve finished up my courses for the semester. Ethnomusicology was somewhat interesting but kind of dry, except for the performance component where we learned Shona (Zimbabwe) songs and dances and performed them. That portion of the course was awesome. Anthropology finally got really interesting as we’ve spent the past few weeks learning about the political economy of Black Johannesburg and Soweto and really getting into some issues in South African society. And the class is a really diverse and interesting group of people. Xhosa has been fantastic. The teachers are very engaging and enthusiastic and I enjoy learning and using the language SO much! It has been incredibly valuable and interesting for talking with people in town, on the public mini-buses, and at Ethembeni. I’m just sad that once I leave South Africa the language will not have any relevance, but I think it has inspired me to want to develop other more relevant language skills. I went to an incredibly sweet church service at UMariya Mama weThemba Monastery just outside of Grahamstown. Beautiful music, interesting mix of people, and lots of hugs. I also took a weekend trip to Cintsa, a very small coastal town just outside of East London/iMonti. I went with PJ, Robin, Matt, and Sarah (PJ goes to BC, Robin is a US exchange student, Matt and Sarah are full time teachers/volunteers from the US) and we had a great weekend of outdoors beach fun and good conversations.
I’ve also really come to feel connected and integrated into the Grahamstown community. I’ve met so many cool and interesting people in town and around campus, from street kids to university students to the mini-bus drivers. I’ve also connected with people that I feel I would be very good friends with if I were here longer. Hey, I’ll make the best of it while I’m still here. And I’ve become more comfortable with the kids at the After-School Program. The most moving and loving community I feel a part of now is the senior centre, Ethembeni. I don’t know if I can accurately or appropriately convey what that place continues to mean to me in terms of relationships, conversations, learning about township life, being involved in the local community, and finding a home in South Africa. Abantu apho ngusapho lwam eSouth Africa. “The people there are my South African family.” Mantshibile aka Connie, the woman her runs the kitchen, referred to me as “Mtwana wam,” or “My child” the other day and I almost teared up. I was also given a Xhosa name, Sipho, which means “gift” in isiXhosa. And, with some money from BC, I bought a stereo and some CDs for the centre. It has been fantastic. Mr. Mabindisa, a 97-year old legend, offered a blessing and thanks in Xhosa (which was translated for me) that was very moving. I put in one of the gospel CDs that had been requested but a woman told me that they wanted to “jive” so, of course I popped in some Earth, Wind, and Fire and we had a senior centre style dance party. It was SO fun! I was so glad that people enjoyed the stereo and the music. Grace also stressed that it was good to have people up and moving to get some more exercise and stay active. That place is really something else. Though I don’t think I could have ever predicted it, I’ve managed to find a place I can call home in a senior centre in a township in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Sweet.
On another note, I was sad not to be around Boston for the end of the year festivities and graduation with Danielle and many good friends. It’s weird, especially from such a distance, to have people and places that I feel so close to go through such changes. I think I’ve found a pretty good balance of staying connected to home as well as staying active and engaged here, though, so I guess I’m just going with the flow.
I’ve also really come to feel connected and integrated into the Grahamstown community. I’ve met so many cool and interesting people in town and around campus, from street kids to university students to the mini-bus drivers. I’ve also connected with people that I feel I would be very good friends with if I were here longer. Hey, I’ll make the best of it while I’m still here. And I’ve become more comfortable with the kids at the After-School Program. The most moving and loving community I feel a part of now is the senior centre, Ethembeni. I don’t know if I can accurately or appropriately convey what that place continues to mean to me in terms of relationships, conversations, learning about township life, being involved in the local community, and finding a home in South Africa. Abantu apho ngusapho lwam eSouth Africa. “The people there are my South African family.” Mantshibile aka Connie, the woman her runs the kitchen, referred to me as “Mtwana wam,” or “My child” the other day and I almost teared up. I was also given a Xhosa name, Sipho, which means “gift” in isiXhosa. And, with some money from BC, I bought a stereo and some CDs for the centre. It has been fantastic. Mr. Mabindisa, a 97-year old legend, offered a blessing and thanks in Xhosa (which was translated for me) that was very moving. I put in one of the gospel CDs that had been requested but a woman told me that they wanted to “jive” so, of course I popped in some Earth, Wind, and Fire and we had a senior centre style dance party. It was SO fun! I was so glad that people enjoyed the stereo and the music. Grace also stressed that it was good to have people up and moving to get some more exercise and stay active. That place is really something else. Though I don’t think I could have ever predicted it, I’ve managed to find a place I can call home in a senior centre in a township in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Sweet.
On another note, I was sad not to be around Boston for the end of the year festivities and graduation with Danielle and many good friends. It’s weird, especially from such a distance, to have people and places that I feel so close to go through such changes. I think I’ve found a pretty good balance of staying connected to home as well as staying active and engaged here, though, so I guess I’m just going with the flow.
