American-African Mom: Come with me to Tshithithuni

Every Thursday morning Joanne teaches a ladies' bible class in Tshithithuni (pronounced "Chit-ta-tooni"). The Beckleys are leaving for the States on Monday and so today was the last Thursday class at Tshithithuni for the year. I'll be teaching it starting in January until Joanne gets back in March. Being the last of the year, all of the ladies brought food and provided us with a feast!

The church at Tshithithuni meets at the house of one of the members in a converted garage. The Thursday ladies' class meets here as well. This is the house and the open door at the left is the garage/meeting room. Also notice the blue barrel positioned to catch rain water. Much of the valley has no running water and the people rely on water trucks...or rain water, but more about that another time. Sorry about the oversized pictures, but I wanted you to be able to see them properly.

Once you enter that door this is what you see.

Because this was the last class of the year the ladies all brought a dish and we had a little party.

Be sure to wash your hands before you eat, Joanne!

The ladies of the class with all of the good food. And me...feeling conspicuous.

This is the view as you leave the building. Pictures just don't do it justice. Such beautiful land.

Time to head home. Anyone need a chicken? Just R50! (About $6) You'll have to do the killing and plucking, though.

Fast food, anyone?

I just had to take a picture of this one. "Lefty's Driving School"

A primary school. It is difficult to pass this school (and many others) on my way to pick up our children from their school. It's two different worlds an hour apart. You want to help and make things equal, but you can't. Time and development are the things that will really make the difference. So you do what you can to help whoever you can, always being aware that some help can be harmful, and trying to find the right balance.