Siyahamba

Monday:

We hooked up today with a new guide, Sipho, as the rest of our group headed to Phinda Reserve (ph in Zulu is pronounced /p/). Our goal was to bring school supplies that Martha and I had brought from the US to the Nompondo Primary School. The others in our group contributed too so we had quite a nice pile of treasures. Sipho, Martha and I got along so well—we laughed nearly all day long trying to out do each other with quick humor.

In the community of Nomfondo, Mdo explained to us that there is 70% unemployment. People are farmers or work in stores. The poverty is high. In our time here, we met very gracious people.

The primary school is chock full of beautiful children who really want to have their picture taken.

We arrived at recess. We met the principal and gave her the treats and some US dollars which she had never seen before and didn’t know what to make of them. Everywhere we went, the doorways and windows filled quickly with curious dark eyes wondering what was happening. We visited one classroom. They stood when we entered and said “Nice to meet you” In perfectly precise English. They sang two songs for us and I promise you that no sweeter sound could be heard than these voices harmonizing in a room that seemed to be built to bring out the best in each note. In one of our Zulu language “lessons” Mdo and I had sung Siyahamba together as we walked up the hill in the town and he encouraged me to start this song for the children. I began, Mdo joined me and then, after a few phrases, the children stood and sang with us, alternating lines with me and singing the English as well. I will never forget this moment.

The afternoon drive in the reserve was relatively quiet and beautiful. Many giraffe were in full view and not at all skiddish. We added some new birds to the list including a Burchell's coucal.

The warthogs began to dig into the hillsides and bed down for the night and now it is our turn. 

We're off to St. Lucia tomorrow.