Tis The Season!

If I had any doubts about what was the most important thing in the life of your average South African before the month of December I don't anymore. It has been an absolute blessing to witness the joy it brings to people here simply to be together with family.

December is just exactly that here in South Africa. People travel from all corners of the country to return home and be with family. Everyone comes together for no other reason then to be together. To cook together, to eat together, to drink together, and laugh together.

Today in the super market I was reminded of the consumer society culture I come from in America as people crowded into every isle of the store. The difference though was that these people weren't crowding into a store to get the best Black Friday deal, or the latest great technology to put under the Christmas tree. Everyone was filling their trollies to the brim with food to share with family.

So this holiday season I challenge those reading back in the states, or anywhere else in the world, to truly remember the reason for the season. Enjoy the little things that surround you in this time, and hold onto your loved ones a little tighter then you usually do.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Peace

Childhood Innocence

This Wednesday was a big day in the life of 47 little ones in Lekubu. Keromang Lutheran Early Learning Centre was a buzz all day as the graduating class of 2013 prepared to receive their certificates. Happy, excited kids running all over the place, moms trying desperately to finish putting their child's cap and gown on.

The entire day was dedicated to the kids. For one day they were treated like royalty and spoiled a bit more then usual. Every one got a big plate of food to themselves at the after party and was allowed seconds to their hearts content. You could watch them glow and come alive.

As they all finished their meals they slowly started working their way out onto the playground. Kelebogile and myself watched as they all joined hands in a circle, danced and sang together. Eyes still fixed on the kids Kele said a phrase in Tswana that translate to,"It's beautiful isn't it?" I looked over at her and her at me and we just smiled at each other. The beautiful blissful innocence of a child is absolutely remarkable sometimes.

 

Peace

 

*written December 6th

The "Quiet" Times

The last ten days have been some rather memorable ones to say the least. For starters, Nelson Mandela has passed away. Never in a million years would I have expected to be in South Africa when the time came for Madiba to join our Creator in eternal life. It has been a blessing to get to celebrate such an amazing, profound, and revolutionary life alongside the people whom Madiba fought so hard for. Less than a week ago I sat in the living room of the Lekubu mission house with my host parents and watched as President Obama, and other world leaders, delivered a speech to the people of South Africa in celebration of Mandela’s life. And today many different places across the country stopped and took part in saying their final goodbyes as the father of a nation was finally laid in his final resting place.

All that aside, as I think back, there have also been some ordinary parts of my daily life that have been awesome/memorable as well. I’ve spent the last two days listening to choirs from all over South Africa sing at a choir competition at the University of the North West Mafikeng. My little sister, Kitlano turned five years old today. Most days I think she’s closer to 25 years old, but I love her regardless. My first pair of Chacos finally broke today. Not such a big deal to most I’m sure, but I know my Chaconian friends will understand. And then on the car ride home tonight myself and four of my friends piled into a car, cranked the music up, and sang, laughed and simply had a good time road tripping together back to Lekubu. 

Life doesn’t get much better then this.

 

Peace

5 Reasons Dreadlocks Are Like YAGM

Back in September, the 14th to be exact, I started the process of locking my hair into dreads. It was something I had always wanted to do, and it was a great way to dive into another part of the culture here in South Africa, so I figured meh, why not!?

As time has gone on and my dreads have begin to mature I've begin to realize just how much my dreads and my YAGM year have in common. How on Earth does my hair and this time living abroad have anything in common you might ask?

#1 - It Takes Patience

The reason I started my dreads in the first place was as a reminder of patience. Much like a YAGM's experience, the gratitude aspect of the process doesn't exactly happen overnight. Dreads take time to form, mature, and to finally grow into a full lock. My own YAGM experience is just now beginning to take form, to "mature", and in the words of my friend Heidi, leave the honeymoon phase of this year of service.

#2 - They Need Nurturing

Contrary to popular belief dreads actually take a little bit of work to get started (especially with straight hair texture). If you want good looking, clean dreads you can't just ignore them. Much like the beginning of a YAGM year (or quite possibly the whole thing) they need nurturing, nourishment, and sometimes some particularly meticulous care.

#3 - They Can Be Messy

There is no way around the fact that if you have dreads they are, to some extent, going to be a bit dirty at times. This is my favorite part of the YAGM experience so far though. If it was always sunshine, roses and happy times I wouldn't be experiencing the personal growth and profound changes I am. The happy times have significantly outweighed the challenging times, but like a great set of dreads the reward is well worth persevering through the bumping times. 

#4 - You Can't Do It Alone

If one was particularly motivated and had A LOT of time to dedicate to starting their own dreads I suppose they could pull it off by themselves. The reality of dreads and a YAGM year though is about the people around you. Having friends help you start and maintain your dreads is way more fun than doing it alone. Surrounding myself with various communities and asking them to help me during my time here has been one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. Not to mention Mosagwe, Abby and Elle help me maintain my dreads on a regular basis.

#5 - They Become Part of Who You Are

Most people who choose to start dreads have good reason to do so, whether it is religious, spiritual, etc. As you watch them mature and grow into true locks they become part of you and your identity. When I signed up to be a YAGM I thought I was merely signing up to volunteer a year of my life. Little did I know I was signing up for a lifelong commitment of continual change and growth of my own identity. Not that I’m by any means made about that.

 

Peace

 

*written December 2nd