After having been in White River for just over two weeks, my DTS teammates and I all split ways for three days. Each of us spent these days with different families in the community of Mbonisweni learning about a lot of different things: the culture of a community, a country, a family. This is a small part of DTS at Ten Thousand Homes called See You at Home. I admit, I was a little nervous as I walked away from all the people, comforts, and protection I knew with my backpack and food in hand. As it turns out, I couldn't have had a better experience! I got the amazing chance to stay with a girl by the name of Lecrisia, and her parents, sister, and little cousin. I was very lucky, because all of her family spoke English very well and were very hospitable. I learned so much in short amount of time and can't wait to start a growing friendship with this family. I think that they will definitely become my home away from home. While I was in Mbonisweni, I got to learn a little bit more of the Siswati language, a Siswati song, some cultural background, how to cook traditional meals, and so much more! One of my favorite things I did was learn how to cook pap, a meal staple made out of corn (it's similar to mashed potatoes). My second favorite thing was when all the girls from my team and the girls they were paired up with got together one afternoon. We at lunch, watched a movie, and roamed around Mbonisweni for a while, all the while just getting to know each other. To top the day off, we went out for chips (french fries) and ice cream and danced in the middle of a huge crowd of kids and people from the community. To say the least, I had an overwhelmingly fun time! There is really no better way to get to the know the people and culture around you than to stick yourself right in the midst of what they call family.
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AuthorPhoebe Anne Archives
September 2017
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