Mole or Moe-low! Hello and Good Morning!
In this part of South Africa, Xhosa (ko-sha) is the common language. It is one of about 11 official languages, including Afrikaan and English. I am trying to learn some words and it is a very tonal, lyrical language. It has clicking sounds with three distinct clicks for the letters c, q and x. It is really something beautiful to hear the children speak. And you guessed it, I don't quite have it down yet! However I am trying.....
Our days are very busy with the children rising anytime around 6 or 6.30. Around 7.30 we make our first trip into Gomga (Gom-kah) to drop nine children off at two different schools. If there are any errands to run, they may get finished after the children are at school. Today I got petrol, frozen chickens, brown bread and milk, and then headed back home. My second trip into town was about 11.45 to pick up the younger children from primary school. The third trip today was around 13.45 to bring the older children home from secondary school, and we stopped at the library to check out some books for the weekend. Depending on the needs for the home, there may be a fourth trip into town.
In between trips, there are visitors to the home that need to be attended to. For example, social workers and parents may visit, people may be looking for employment, contractors and whoever. And in between all of this, is the best part, I get to play with the children. We have the most beautiful yard that just invites you to run around! There is lots of room for playing ball, frisbee, and running. We also have a play set with swings, slides, a wooden bridge, and something similar to a tree house.
One of the books we brought home from the library was "The Billy Goats Gruff" which was a new story for them. We read the story first, and then we read the story a second time with the children acting it out. Four of the children played the main characters of the story and it worked beautifully. We had a bridge which the billy goats were able to trample across and our troll was amazing lurking beneath the bridge. I do think we might have a future actor or two in the making!! Wish us luck as tomorrow we will act out "Goldi Locks and the Three Bears."
The children are little sponges and they love learning! We are reading stories, playing all sorts of games - Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, Duck-Duck-Goose, Pin the Tail on the Donkey (big laughs) - just to name a few. They really enjoyed their lollipops - thank you, Auntie Sue!
We just finished a couple stories before bedtime and the children are all tucked in.
And whether it is Xhosa, Africaan, English or any language; a smile is a smile, a tear is a tear, and a hug is a hug. We are doing fine. Sala Kakuhle (Sah-lah Ka-khoo-schlae)!
Molo Rita! Whew, looks like your days are packed! All those trips back-n-forth into town and all that running around in the yard is just what you need to work off all them lip-smacking bbq ribs you were gorging on back home : )
Okay, Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey, let me guess.....obviously you were the designated donkey, right?! Boy, this one was way too easy my dear! Ha!
Posted by: Yui Chan | August 17, 2007 at 03:19 PM
I am not sure who is having more fun....you or the kids!!! I guess all that practice playing with your nieces and nephews over the years has helped!!!! Do they argue like your faily did???
Posted by: Susan Monteen | August 19, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Rita- Fascinating adventures- you are the best. Rumor has it you are home. Any chance on seeing you Sunday evening the 14th- I am coming in for the BMAC meeting on Monday- would love to see you. Take care,FREDDY
Posted by: Fred McLaughlin | October 10, 2007 at 11:31 AM