|
|
|||
|
|||
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
March 4, 2004, Life Is Bhutiful, by Bevin and Corrina
We are in love. With Bhuti, the sweetest, brattiest Jack Russell terrier in the Drakensberg. And there are a lot of Jack Russells to choose from. As we write this update, Bhuti is curled up on Bevin's lap, somewhat impeding the typing process, but creating a nice warm spot on her lap that will be missed when we leave Underberg in less than a week. If only Bhuti were a little better behaved, he might pass as carry-on for our 30+ hours of travel back to Edmonton.
Two weeks is too short of time to spend here. Because the project is just in its beginning stages, there is lots to do. We are self described generalists willing to try our hand at anything. Chris has found a number of interesting tasks for us and we've created a few for ourselves. In particular, we've begun a market garden project with seeds donated from Canada, and have been brain storming and researching possible craft projects for the community in Ndawana to create.
The biggest impediment to getting all the work done (other than staring at the breathtaking scenery) is the interesting people who are also here to work. We may all be from the Edmonton area, with the exception of Chris' mother Marg, but none of us have met before arriving at Douglas Drift/Montana, five kms from Underberg. Nonetheless, we have discovered a number of connections ranging from favourite entrees at the High Level Diner, to an appreciation for the music of Edmonton's Banjo Busters, to a cousin living several blocks away from Larry and Marg in Camrose.
There are commonalities to be found with many of the people in Ndawana as well. A shared love of singing (well, they can sing well and we can't but we both like singing!) and smiles make Ndawana seem a welcoming place as soon as you arrive. And subsequent conversations were interesting as we shared ideas about crime prevention, employment, politics, and recipes for chocolate cake, and we laughed while Corrina learned how to drive on the left hand side of the road. The poverty of people in Ndawana is financial, not in spirit. Certainly it is not in setting as the scenery that surrounds Ndawana as it is picturesque and beautiful. Cameras flashed not only for dancing but also for the rolling hills in which Ndawana is situated.
We have been expressly told not to describe this as a vacation, so we won't. But it sort of feels a bit like that after 6 months in Cape Town for Bevin, and a month in Taiwan for Corrina followed by a few weeks in the Western Cape. It's so peaceful here, the company so pleasant, and the work so enjoyable that it is easy to feel at ease and part of a community. Unlike in the cities, doors are rarely locked and it feels safe, away from the hustle and threat of violence that often lurks in urban settings in South Africa. And here we feel part of a team, rather than short stay dilettantes. This is in large part because of the welcoming nature of Chris and Jim, and also their colleagues in Underberg and Ndawana. We wish we were able to stay longer and are flattered that a couple of our new friends told us they wished we would stay longer. High praise indeed.
Now about getting Bhuti to stay quiet long enough to sneak through customs...
|
|