I got up early this morning and got ready for the day. Wanangwa is headed to the shop and Mbwenu to check on the progress of the car. We are so hoping they have been able to fix it.
Flora and I go and pick beans. I pick some turnip greens and turnips for dinner. This is a new food for everyone here. Seeds sent from America. I am not sure that they like them yet. When we get back we sit on the mat and shell the beans. I really enjoy these times of sitting with the ladies doing everyday things and I know that I am going to miss them. That was a quick job and I set them on the propane stove to slow cook for lunch.
WBS
I helped Lawrence put together almost 100 packets for students who have been waiting on lesson two! Then I joined the sewing group while he continued to work on WBS, an all-day job.
A Sewing Workshop
A sewing workshop. Lawrence met a couple of weeks ago and talked with the elders about the possibility of setting up a sewing workshop in this area. They talked about how many men and women leave their homeland and go to South Africa for work. (In fact, two local young men have died while working in South Africa recently).
Men and Women
The decision was made to open it to men and women. First to members of the church and then to others. There was a lot of interest from men and women wanting to learn to sew. The elders took on the responsibility of talking with the people and compiling a list of those interested and working out the logistics.
Day 2
Today was day two of the sewing workshop. The students arrived in the morning and stayed all day. Our teacher is doing a great job getting the students used to the machines. I was surprised at how hard it is to do the treadle. It takes a while to get the right rhythm down to be able to make it sew.
The more advanced students were measuring and being instructed in cutting out shirt sleeves. This is done without a pattern, just with measurements! They also worked on collars and the trim on sleeves. They did a lot of observing but also some measuring and sewing. Three school shirts were completed today. There is still a lot of excitement in the group.
Hand Sewing
While all of this was going on I had a group of ladies hand sewing cloth sanitary pads. This might seem silly but this gives access to everyone whether they have a machine or not. Some are more skilled than others but all of the pads are useable.
Beans
I periodically check on my beans and when they are done I add some leftover ground beef with peppers and onions. They smell wonderful. Lawrence, Esther, and I have lunch in the house. I wish I had enough for everyone.
The students stay all day learning and no one eats or drinks anything. The boy next door has been looking for ways to make money. So after he finishes taking care of the livestock, I ask if he wants to go to Manyamula and buy snacks for everyone. He is very happy to do this.
Nsima and Greens and Snacks
Meanwhile, two of the ladies prepare some nsima and greens to share with the group. I give everyone a slice of a peeled turnip. The turnips receive mixed reviews. Some like them and some do not. Soon the boy returns with some kid’s snacks and cookies for everyone. They are all happy and appreciative.
Our workshop teacher brings the news that three school shirts are finished. Everyone gets ready to go home and the clean-up begins.
I start washing the turnip greens and chopping a turnip. Esther will cook the chicken and rice tonight. We get dinner ready just before we hear a car pull up! We are so excited the car has been repaired and is running well!
Someone is on the porch and has come to talk to our host family about a family problem. We finish dinner and then head to our room to give them some space to talk.
Lawrence and I make one last trip out to the toilet and stand and look at the massive sky. We enjoy finding constellations we can recognize. Esther comes out and stargazes with us for a few minutes. We head to our rooms for a second time. Esther sends me a text that Lawrence and I are talking too loud. I tell her I will try to control myself. Goodnight everyone!