Feeling Better

Emotionally, I'm in a much better place today. It was a wonderful day!

Fun would describe the morning at the creche. We sang lots of songs, and played some games. We did puzzles and spent a lot of time outside, since it was so beautiful. It was a little hot, but the kids surely don't seem to mind. I was able to get some pictures of the children today!!

My sweet baby was there today and that is him in the picture with me!

After we got home from placement, we had a traditional African lunch, which was delicious. Simone has given me the recipes to all the dishes! We also had a guest speaker, who just told us about the history, the different clans, the traditions.....it was very interesting.

Then, I called a cab and headed downtown to my tattoo appointment! (this of course was after much research and visiting a couple different shops). I got the word "ubuntu" (pronounced oo-boon-too) on the inside of my ankle. It's a Xhosa word that basically stands for humanity, people helping people, a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu emphasizes sharing, concensus and togetherness. The say it's "too beautiful to translate into English." But after being here and discussing ubuntu with our Xhosa language teacher...I totally get it. Ubunto is how I have always tried to live my life and how I hope my kids live theirs. I just knew I couldn't leave here without it. And you know me....new town...new tattoo! :)

We had another cultural experience this evening. We had a guest at the house named Themba. He works for an organzation that helps people heal their wounds from apartheid. He basically facilitates group meetings with those that have been affected and helps them heal and forgive. He does this through, discussion, poetry and music. He's an incredible man and very wise. The things he said, the poetry he has written really touched me.

It was a really great day!