Dumela Bokhotsi (Hello Friends)

I realize now, how much time has lapsed between my last post, so I'll attempt to fill in the gaps, which frankliy is inconcievable. But.... Yesterday, after washing mind you, I was checking the mirror and noticed dirt in the ear, never again will I think anything of this in others, it happens to the best of us, with limited resources. Thrusday, I was comforting a three year old at TTL and she fell asleep, so comfortable that she urinated all over me in her sleep, when I stood up, it looked as if I had wet myself. (pictures to come) Tuesday, another little one at TTL who smiled the whole way, vomited all over me. They can not afford the dry cleaning bill but have offered their washing machine to me to use. That is the good of the good the bad and the ugly. I've been questioned by some if I am documenting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. My reply is simply that my need to focus on the positive has really resonated here. Afterall, some stories need to be preserved for my grandkid's ears at the kitchen table. This post will be composed of several lighthearted vignettes, as to be sensitive to the emotions of those here, there, well everywhere! There are many moments of laughter here, which may be of humor only to those of us here, perphaps some day they'll come up in detail during casual conversation, until then, sorry they are all mine.

*I have a new Sesotho word, it's masepa. In addition to learning this new word, I did my part in cultural exchange to teach the English translation, shit. Both my friend and I have spent countless hours using our new vocabulary in as many situations as possible. Yes, very childish, but isn't it fabulous to be able to look at the world through the eyes of a child! Go ahead if you haven't lately and just give it a go. Let it go! ( my new mantra!)

*Bosotho women (aka bo'me') are amazing because...
-they can balance anything on their heads, I mean ANYTHING!
-they can argue over your size and say how fat you are, thinking it is a compliment
-they wash by hand, standing and bending tat the hips (I on the other hand sit with my back supported)
-they make these grass brooms and once again bend at the hips to sweep each day, even tidy the dirt around their house and any place they use to sell various things ranging from delicious fried fat cakes to fruit to clothing on the sides of the streets
-the use everything, I mean EVERYTHING! They eat the stalks of the corn, they even dry masepa and use it as fuel to keep warm and to cook over. ( I saw a woman collecting masepa one morning, and the image will be with me for the rest of my life)
-While treking along, unlike me who can trip in my hiking boots, they maneuver gracefully in high heels, all the time!
-in lieu of music from the radio, get a few bo'me' together and they make harmonious music, doesn't even matter if I can understand it, it's beautiful.
-they know all, I mean ALL! Not only do they ask "where are you going?" and "where are you coming from?" but they retain this info.

Hope you enjoyed the snipetts, I will post pics in a week or so. Take care!!
Love you all,
Paballo (Security)
Oh yeah!! Teaching is still spectacular, my new push has been on literature and getting the teachers to use cardboard to create books!