soweto

There is a red gate that separates my house from the outside world. There's nothing special about it; in fact, you may find more just like it if you take the time to walk around my neighborhood. If you go beyond the gate and walk up our short driveway, you will soon find yourself in my "backyard" of cement. A simple 3-room building to your right, a makeshift doghouse in front of you, and a welcoming, half-open door to your left... a door that brings you into my home.
As you are meandering around outside, you might see my 4-year old sister, Boniswa, running around, shouting a flurry of Sesotho words. Peek inside the door and you might see Matenane, my 23-year old sister. She might be cooking dinner, even though it is only two in the afternoon. Come on in! You are welcome. Be careful not to step on the puppy! He gets under your feet at every chance he gets.

The kitchen is simple, but it is everything we need. We're even lucky enough to have an indoor washing machine! Feel free to move on to the living room and have a seat on one of our two couches. Don't sit in the chair though - that's where Nkhono (our grandmother) sits. If you'd like to explore some more you are welcome to have a look at our two bedrooms. The one on the right is Nkhono's... and Matenane's, Boniswa's, or any other member of the family depending what day it is! The one on the left - yes, the one with the two single beds - belongs to Dikamano (Sarah Grace, my roommate) and I. It's where I'm sitting now, as I write this to you. The plain yellowish walls are completely offset by the vibrant, blue bedspreads Matenane bought for us... she is so generous and kind to us! The room may be small, but somehow we we able to fit all of our things in here. Sipping rooibos, listening to my host family talk outside my bedroom door, looking forward to visiting yet another school tomorrow... I feel at home.

I could go on and list detail after detail about my house, my family, and my lifestyle, but all of that is only half the story.

I find it so hard to believe we've only been here for twelve days; we have already done so much! Five schools, two museums, three churches, two soccer games, one play, lots of meetings, and one 4+ hour tour of Soweto... everything has been go, go, go! Even our "down time" is spent in journaling, studying, and getting to know our family members and their ten billion friends. And that's not even everything we've been doing!

Despite all the chaos, this first homestay has been a wonderful one. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to be here. I can already feel change and growth beginning to happen in my heart - the people I've met, the experiences and conversations I've had, the places I've gone... everything has influenced me so much. I've had good days and bad days, joys and sorrows. Trust me, not everything is sunshine and smiles... even though there is a lot of sunshine here. :) The most encouraging thing for me lately has been my Bible. Just a few days ago I started to really yearn after reading God's word and I am so excited about it! I don't even know how to describe it... my heart has just come alive.

Though the thought of leaving Soweto and everyone I have met here makes me sad, I am very eager to find out what the next part of our trip has in store for us! Lesotho, here we come.

Things I am thankful for:
- unexpected friends
- encouraging Bible verses
- laughter
- my roommate, Sarah Grace
- music and dancing
- patience
- minimal damage after being attacked by the family guard dog
- not being sick
- caring, intelligent leaders
- diversity
- grace
- safety
- learning how to play the djembe
- kind words
- my friends and family back home
- things I don't understand and opportunities to learn
- Matenane - she is just so great
- surprises