November Happenings

Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool Graduation

During the first weekend of November, a month before the end of school, the 5 year class celebrated their 'graduation', anticipating their move to Grade 1 in the new year. I was blessed that my housemate and friend Caroline said yes to joining me out in Khayelitsha for the memorable afternoon. I must say that it was quite a typical African event! We were told to arrive at noon, so sure enough that is just when we came! The rented hall was already full of familiar faces as my young friends greeted me with hugs and their family members stood by smiling...however the principal and teachers were no where in sight...we waited and waited...and finally by 1:30 the event was almost ready to begin.

I was asked beforehand to share as I was 'the volunteer'...and also a white face, perhaps giving the preschool better status? I was excited by this opportunity as I really wanted to publicly bless the school and teachers I had gotten to know so well! Caroline and I had a laugh for when the programs were handed out there was clearly a type-o inside...I looked to find when I was speaking and it shockingly said “Brenda/Caroline: Traditional Dance”...hmmm we thought, maybe we could do Michael Jackson's Thriller dance. In the end there was a lady who danced after I spoke...praise the Lord! Another hilarious aspect was the gospel singing 'guest performers'...they seemed professional with matching outfits, a scratchy sound system and a keyboard...but I was shocked they lip synced all their songs?! What made me laugh the most was the main singer insisted on holding a mic which was appeared broken, but held it as a prop. Caroline and I stayed til 3:30 and tried to slip out quietly, as we had another event to go to...but I was thankful we left when we did as I heard the ceremony and meal went on until 8:30pm. Needless to say it was definitely an experience!

A Visit from My Best Friend

Stephanie arrived the second week in November. Her trip was a whirlwind of 6 full days...as a mother of 3 she couldn't be gone too long, but I was blessed she made the trip to see me and experience my world! Here a few pictures to give you an idea what we were up to:

We put together clothing packs at the Warehouse
to give to the Preschool teachers for Christmas








We had lunch in an informal settlement called
Sweet Home Farm (Christina standing in the back is the chef)









We played with the 60+ kids at the
Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool









We enjoyed lots of indoor wine tasting
(especially as we had an unfortunate week of rain)






We toured the Cape and prayed together
for greater Hope in our lives at the famous
Cape of Good Hope!






Camping on the Coast
During the last weekend in November I joined 27 others for a big camping trip in Onrus...this small holiday town is on the coast about an hour and a half from Cape Town. I was thankful to enjoy the sun while I still have it and get so much one on one time with friends in my community that I love. I have probably done more camping in South Africa the past year and a half, then the last 15 years of my life! We barbecued, had marshmallows, swam, napped, played games, sang by the fire and told stories. Here are a few pictures from the weekend: