I have loved how lately my relationships are growing even deeper with the people I have met here in Jeffrey’s Bay. Nomsa is one of the women that I work with at Ithemba and she has become one person that I always look forward to spending time with. Yesterday I took her out to a Valentines Day lunch, and it was one of the high lights of my week. I love the time we spent together walking and talking. She is one of those people that you have a lot to talk about with, but it is also so great when you can just sit in silence. Sometimes I think she has impacted my life more than I have impacted hers. When I think about leaving in May, my heart breaks at the thought of leaving my friend behind. Nomsa has taught me so much about the culture, and the ways of life around here. Her life has been full of struggles, but she has taken all of those things and used them for good. I admire the mother she is to her daughter Candy, and the two other girls that are not her own. She is only 26 and she has much more knowledge then people her age in America. I have grown to love her daughters as well. On Saturday Nomsa was sick with a stomach virus that was going around so I took the girls for the afternoon. They came to our house and hung out all day. We watched a movie, listened to my ipod and spent time at the park. The way that Nomsa has raised them is apparent in their actions and manners. Although they are not all sisters they treat each other as though they are.
Valentines Day was a great day this week at Ithemba. We decorated cookies with the kids, painted rocks, made cards, and at the end of the day we had a dance competition. The kids were all dressed in their best red and white outfits. When I went home I was covered with paint and frosting, but I loved it. I love those kids so much. I love that being here has just become a part of my life. I feel so comfortable in my house and in my ministry.
