My Return to Orange Farm

Saturday we walked from President Nyama's to the grocery store and then to Sister Ellen's near the church. 

 It was so fun to walk through the neighborhood. 

There were so many  pretty yards

When we turned on to the main road we saw  that there were so many people out of the streets. It was Saturday and we noticed some of the homes preparing for guest. They were setting up small tents with chairs in the front of their homes. As we began walking down the main road we I drew a lot of attention. I had one marriage proposal, and one man asked if he could cut a lock of my hair to use for luck when he gambled. Two young men gave me a hard time because they saw me tuck my purse close to my body as they approached us. They had been drinking and just kept laughing at me. When they asked my name and I told them it was Melinda they thought I made that up. They continued to walk with us for a few blocks.  There were several people who just stopped to say hi or shake my hand. It was really fun.

Sister Nyama and I  decided to buy some food to make sandwiches and then go to the church and serve lunch to anyone who came. We stopped at Sister Leah's after we visited with Sister Ellen and while we were there Sister Bathobile called some ladies to join us at the church. Sister Candice, Sister Mazwi, Sister Ellen, Sister Medika and a few other ladies whose names I can't remember,  as well as several institute students met us at the church.  We made sandwiches and fruit salad and just visited a few hours. Several of the children came as well. I had bought jump ropes so they played school in a classroom for a while then  they played jump rope.  It was so fun to see everyone. I stopped at Nduduzi's house but he was playing soccer, his brother was watching TV. When he saw me he got up and came to the door and gave me a big hug. 

I think the children were pretty happy to see me. I couldn't believe how much taller they were.  I had seen Siphokazi at the school earlier in the day and she gave me a big hug.

She seems a little surprised to see me at her school.

 I wasn't sure they would remember me. Siphokazi told me she recognized me right away.  It wasn't long before Rarisang and Siphokazi were holding my hand and walking everywhere with me. 

COME AWAY WITH ME