I sat in church today and was overwhelmed with how sad I am to leave Langa and Gogo. It is amazing to think I have only been here three weeks. The looks I have received throughout my time here when people hear Xhosa come out of my mouth have been priceless! It is humbling to see how incredibly grateful people are to hear you try and speak their language – especially the mamas! Two special moments happened today that I will be carrying with me as I leave Langa. The first happened on our walk home from church. A black man walking with his family approached us and began speaking: “God bless you, girl…[mixed with some Xhosa]… It makes me happy to see white and black together. To see white here in Langa. We want heaven to come here. God bless you girl.” I was indeed blessed through this man – I suppose he was an answer to his own prayer.
Then tonight as Gogo and I sat around drinking our tea one last time (that’s right, I’ve become a lover of tea!), she told me a conversation she had with of one of her four-year old students this past week.
Girl: Gogo, is Sibongile your daughter?
Gogo: Yes, my dear.
Girl: Where did she come from?
Gogo: Oversears. She studies overseas, my girl.
Girl: puzzled look . . .
O, Gogo and I laugh and laugh together. It’s beautiful. And I’m going to miss it – and her – a lot.
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