Warm Hearts, Friendly Attitudes

It has been two weeks that I have been living, exploring, and enjoying my host community of Masealama. I have had some great experiences and met several amazing people. Through these experiences there are numerous individuals that are incredibly welcoming to me. Walking through the village, I am greeted by each person saying, “thobela.” They all want to know how I am doing and what they can help me with. One might think that they are only doing this because I am foreign or new to the area, however each person is inviting to all the people in the village. It is wonderful how hospitable everyone is.

Every individual I have interacted with wants to be a mentor for me. They all want to show me around the village, or how to take a taxi into Turfloop or town (Polokwane). I am and have been invited to several different events, from soccer matches to singing with the church choir to weddings and funerals. No matter the event, their intentions are to show me the way their customs and culture and how they are prevalent in the event. They are excited to show me their way of life, and I am excited to learn.

One of the most difficult things for me has been getting used to their language. Thankfully, everyone wants me to learn Sebedi, so they are constantly teaching me how to say certain things. Unfortunately, it is complicated and I can only say a few things as of now. But soon, I will know and understand, or so the locals tell me. My favorite word so far is “sho,” as it is slang for “I am fine.” I enjoy this because all the children at the crèche I work at continually say it to me, and then give me their thumb (kind of like a high-five, which I of course have taught them). As soon as one child says it, there are ten more running over to me saying it and giving me their thumb. I cannot help but to smile.

What I have found intriguing with this idea of mentorship, is it does not matter who the person is, what their occupation is, how old they are, or whether they can or not afford to show me around or invite me in. I have had people, young and old, male and female, employed and unemployed, available and busy; all wanting to take me around, invite me into their homes, and to cook for me. They also want to visit me at my home in Masealama, to hang out with me, get to know me, and teach me more about themselves.

I have now attended four different church services at four different sites in South Africa. At each one, I am greeted by several people, all shaking my hand and inviting me in. They all help interpret the service for me since most or all of it occurs in Zulu or Sebedi. They share their hymnals so I can sing along. At some point in each service, I have been brought upfront and introduced to the entire congregation. They “shine” me (a sign of respect) and clap for me as if I am doing something exceptional and great. They make me feel extremely welcome.

If there is one thing I have learned in my first few weeks in South Africa, it is that all the people I have interacted with have warm hearts and friendly attitudes. All are very welcoming to me and to all individuals. There is a real sense of community and love for one another. The saying, “make yourself feel at home” is not necessary, for the community members have already made me feel at home.