The Head Man is a Woman

About noon we - Roy and I, the "Americans" - were officially welcomed by the committee and the head man (who is a woman at the moment).  It is a very big deal to the people here to be official. We packed into a Toyota Helix (old Tacoma) and bounced down the road to her house.  She had a TV and DVD player.  Handshakes and "Mola's" (hello) all around and we were welcomed.

The morning was spent in the classrooms of the school doing AIDS education and Q&A.  No questions!  AIDS is "The Sickness" and is the huge elephant in the room.  No one talks about it and they tend not to face the real issues of sex and abuse.  Crazy superstitions and beliefs surround the subject that only further the cycle.  The leading candidate for the presidency of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, stated publicly that AIDS is of no concern for him personally because he showers... for real!

While most of the team was in the classrooms Rufus, Roy and I went with our guide Ijenjeji (means "my friend") surveyed the neighboring villages to begin assessing where the need is greatest and Birchwood might begin to partner in the endeavor.  The need is overwhelming, hope among the people does not seem to be an abundant commodity.  But God is God... and he's slain bigger giants.

Abbey is a rock star with the kids.  She's doing great and enjoying every moment - except maybe the toilet situation (who is?).

There are constantly three languages at work in any gathering.  Xhosa, Afrikaanz (the JAM team - it's from the Dutch settlers) and English.    It is both confusing and a symphony at the same time.  

All for now.  It's 2pm here and we are back to work.  First an AIDS seminar and then soccer with the kids.      David