Do you know Beyonce?

In exactly one month, Momma Jayne will be boarding a very large plane! I’m just a little bit excited- I tell everyone! I spent this morning with lots of little ones jacked up on chocolate and sugar sweets while their mothers were attending Masikhanye Women’s Empowerment Group. We usually give them biscuits and one sweet, but today they got two sweets! I took them outside and kicked around a soccer ball – during the heat of the day, which zapped me of my energy. My energy levels drained, and I think the kids absorbed it because they weren’t fazed. Afterwards, they ran to the swing set and yelled out, “Ehmaleee apuush!” Waiting for me to push them on the swings. 

Leap Frog!

I am beginning to wonder if children believe that adults have at least eight arms. Prime example: Yesterday, I was feeding a baby and reading a story to two toddlers, and along came a third toddler. Apparently, he thought there was room enough for me to hold him. He put his arms out and began to climb on top of the baby and myself, using my elbow as a footstool. I quickly began to scan through my selective Xhosa vocabulary to communicate that this isn’t going to work. I kept saying “izapha, izapha!” and shaking my head, thinking that I was saying “sit down”. One of the nanny’s began to snicker and I instantly knew I wasn’t using the right word. She said, “That means ‘come here’.” I laughed and then- due to process of elimination- knew that hlala phantsi was what I mean to say. The second attempt worked a lot better.

I am beginning to plan something very special for the girls in youth, and it’s going to require lots of donations. These girls deserve to be treated like princesses, and the closest thing to a princess that I’ve ever experienced is prom. So, let the planning begin! Reading through John tonight, right in the Lords prayer, I read “Give us our daily bread”. God provides for us daily, one day at a time. That’s the mentality I’m rolling with in putting together this prom. Praying for food donations, dress donations, helping hands, happy hearts, generosity and ultimately a night to remember.

After reading club tonight, some of the youth stuck around to chat for a while. They were asking me lots of questions about my family and life in America. I also couldn’t help myself and told them a tidbit of information about a special event coming up. So, as I was talking about my siblings, one of the little girls asked, “Do you know Beyoncé?” I smiled and thought… I could totally run with this and tell them Beyoncé went to my high school or something. I just replied, “Ah, no dear, America is verrrrry big”. She maintained a serious look and nodded, like she didn’t really understand why I haven’t met Beyoncé.

The conversations just keep getting better. I’m sure I would have more to share if I could understand Xhosa. The kids say things to me in Xhosa, thinking that I should understand. My puzzled look communicates that I don’t understand, so they just speak slower and say it again. I still don’t understand. Day by day!

Mothers Day is coming up! Everybody call your Momma and tell her how much she means to you! I’m extremely blessed because I have secret agents back in MN that will call and message her to share the love. Once you meet my mom, she is your mom too. That’s just how it is. I’m also excited to Skype with my sisters family on Saturday.

Everyone back home is finishing exams and finals this week – yay!! In celebration, everyone should treat themselves to a blended Hazelnut Northern Light Latte at Caribou with a good friend :D Well, that’s what I would do anyways.

Love, love, love all around.