Little Tidbits of Impilo Yami (My Life)

1.       It might be the village boredom that’s getting to me. Or, I may be catching on to the South African view on hairdos, changing weaves and styles every couple of weeks. Whatever the reason, I have had three dramatically different hair styles in my 9 months in South Africa. I started with my long brown hair (as you all fondly remember me), switched to dreadlocks (where I was highly regarded as-mah rasta ladayyy), and then chopped off the locks to experience a life with short hair.  Unfortunately, there aren’t many changes I can make from here so I guess I’ll have to find new ways to release the boredom and my need to assimilate to the local culture by constantly changing styles.  Let me just say, in terms of bucket bathing, short hair is a whole new and glorious world.

2.       Yesterday, a child pet me like an animal. He came up to me and started scratching underneath my chin while saying, “muhle, muhle” (pretty, pretty). At least he thought I was a cute animal to play with.

3.       I went for a long run (around 6 miles) and was impressively accompanied by four village kids.  Three ran without shoes, one ran with knock-off crocs that were falling apart.  At the end of the run, the kids ran off towards home with pep in their step while I dragged myself home tiredly.  To top it off, I got a huge blister with my fancy running shoes.  I must conclude that I (and probably most Americans) am a diva.

4.       In the Zulu culture, people are given names with meanings that the family deem important. Some of these names, in my opinion, are quite comical.  You have: Sanele (enough), Zama (trying), Ayanda (increasing/multiplying), etc.  While doing an after school help session with Grade 11, they asked me what “Norah” meant.  I explained that it was just a name and that usually English names don’t have meanings like Zulu names.  I used my name as an example, “Kristen Clauss”. Kristen means nothing; Clauss means nothing.  They struggled to pronounce Clauss and I told them it is originally German. Then, they asked me if I knew Adolf Hitler and was around during the war.

5.       I just got a cat to protect me and my produce against the rats.  Well, I didn’t really get a cat…I’m long-term leasing him from my host family.  Since my host family just calls him “Pussy”, I decided it was my duty to name him.  I’m in the process of trying out names but am leaning toward Man Cub (inspired by the Jungle Book).  Name suggestions are welcome! As most of you know, I’m not much of a cat person and this cat has been a learning experience.  When he looks at me and keeps meowing, I just don’t know what to do.  People have reassured me that all he wants is a nice ear scratch. Now, Man Cub just can’t get enough. I can’t walk anywhere without him rubbing against my legs and I can’t do a crossword puzzle without him trying to nuzzle me with his head. I’m going to have to get used to all of this lovin.

6.       I’ve been working on my organization’s website. Check it out—www.ourhope.org.za.

That’s all for now! Miss you all.