09.03.11 First Day in Langa

O my goodness – I give God so much praise for today and my homestay placement. This afternoon I was just dropped off at my Langa homestay and my Langa life began! I already love my MaMa “Gogo” and my new Xhosa name: Sibongile, meaning ‘we thank you.’ I talked and exchanged photos with Gogo upon arrival. In the process I learned that she is Zulu and originally from Zwa-Zulu Natal. She was once married and had three sons – all of whom have since passed away. Her eldest son died in a car crash in his twenties. The second son was in a car accident at age three (disabling him) and then he died in his teens, I believe. The youngest son died of meningitis at age 12. O my heart just hurt to hear her talk about each one (and her husband, Benz) but she followed up those stories with: “God is good all the time. He’s been so good to me. I cannot blame Him for bad things that happen. I must thank Him. He is so good.” Wow, God, I believe, but help me with my unbelief! Make me like sponge of Gogo’s life wisdom and faith in You over the next three weeks.