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Published: November 24th 2006
It has been a wonderful week to conclude the beautiful adventure that I have had over the past two months. Time has gone by too quickly and I do not feel ready to leave. Having said that, I don't think I'd ever be completely ready to leave these children that I have become so fond of and the friends I have made. I have learned and experienced far more in the short time that I have been here than I could have asked for. Such a mixture of emotions...there's things that I have found difficult and frustrating and things I have found to upset me; things that have touched me and things that have had me in hysterics.
Lulutho does not understand and asks why do I have to leave, why doesn't James just come here then I can stay. Things are so black and white when you are 4 years old. The same wonderfully blissful ignorance I saw yesterday in Macebo. He called me as I was on my way to Zoleka's creche to say a final goodbye to her and Lulutho and I went down to his house. His grandma came out to say hello followed by around
Stellenbosch
Lulutho, Yolanda, Kuhle, Enathi6 children, four of which were Macebos sister and cousins. The other two the grandma explains are living with her as their mother opposite has just died, leaving behind a one year old and a child who looks around 7. It's difficult to tell, his features are not recognisable as his skin is all pulled and distorted. 'He burned in the shacks opposite this one'. Macebo so lively, funny and mischievous and so oblivious to the painful situations that surround him as to him it is his life. His grandma is 50 and still working as well as looking after these children, yet she can see I'm upset to be leaving and tries to empathise with me and gives me a hug saying she knows it must be difficult for me. I feel embarrassed at such a selfless gesture. Of the five children that came round to the house on Wednesday evening, Phumlani and her cousins speak of their harsh background. They speak so matter of fact and I try to do the same but it gives me a deep aching feeling inside. These tales of sadness (I wish that they were only tales) are only one part of township
Dippy ice-cream!!
Lulutho and Yolanda. Last trip to Stellenbosch. life. The liveliness and energy and the sense of fun is a far greater part and on the whole I have had such a happy time in Kayamandi.
It is impossible for me to sum up the experiences that I have had here, it's been simply awesome. As to the way I feel right now, I think it's better unsaid as the words won't do it justice. As I was told it would, this country really does get to you.
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Mitch Bundy
non-member comment
Thank You
Dear Emma, you are probably on your way home if not there already, but I hope you will pick this message up - I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your journals, they have given me a range of emotions so I can only begin to imagine how you must feel. I'm glad you had a nice break with James - it was very well earned. I hope you feel like you've made a difference, I'm sure you will be missed. Look forward to speaking to you soon. Thanks again love Michelle x