Joined AVIVA House July 4. First time sleeping in a bunk bed in years. Not too bad. Reminds me of summer camp. (Thanks Mom) Nice house old world charm with modern conveniences. Nice hot showers! Yay! Cause it's kinda cold here, but it is their winter after all. Monday I headed to the Waterfront to do some banking. The dollar is pretty strong here. Walked around took in the the World cup atmosphere and some entertainment. Met a nice local who helped me get a cell phone. Beautiful atmosphere, many languages and lots of energy. Fetched (called)a taxi to get home in time to buy groceries.
Started work on Tuesday with three of my housemates at Masigcine Chilren's home in Mfuleni township. One of the "better" townships most houses are made of brick, unlike the tin shacks the are common to most townships. Was greeted very enthusiastically by the children! They call everyone "Mama", and are very affectionate. Freeeeezzzing in Mfuleni, but I'll survive. The volunteer room/beds are comfortable. Daily activities include helping with bathing, feeding, playing, teeth brushing, just commom interaction. Love to here them speak there language Xhosa, with the "clicks". But they know and speak English, too. I tried to help chage a diaper, but they don't have Pampers, so that was fascinating to see the CC's the Child Care Workers use a square towel, some special fastener, and some plastic cover-up. Needless to say, I've had many wet bottom sit in my lap.
Short shift this week, because we went on the Cape Peninsula Tour on Fri. Drove through some neighborhoods, took a boat ride out to one of many seal islands, had a wonderful seafood lunch, strolled down to the penguin colony right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Then head to the Cape of Good Hope, at the tip of SA. We were hoping to see some baboons along the way, but managed to see an ostrich on the way home. Absolutely gorgeous day! I am blessed!
