Family
I was sitting on my sisi’s bedroom floor at my Make’s (mah-gay – my house mom) surrounded by hands stroking, brushing, and pulling my hair when I realized – I am in love. I love them so much. Not only were the little girls there, but also my Make – wanting to get in on the action of playing with my hair. I almost felt tears in my eyes because of the complete joy that was in my heart. I just can’t believe how I’ve been blessed with a home away from home – a family away from my family. And I know it’s not only that I love them – but they really love me.
I thought I should tell a little bit more about my amazing family! Phiwa (Pee-wah) is the youngest, only 4, and she is a constant reminder of my little cousin Izzy. Same crazy personality. Same crazy faces. She always knows just how to make my day. The other day at preschool she called to me from across the yard, “Sister Katie!” (which all of my sisters and most of the kids on the farm call me) and I said, “Hi Phiwa!” and she says, “You’re beaauuuuutiful!” How can your heart not melt at that? Anele is the next oldest, 7. She’s darling. She is probably the shyest of my sisters but once she warms up she is a total cuddle-bug. Anele always wants a hug, or to sit with her head on my shoulder, and unlike Phiwa, she’s content to just sit beside me and let me comb her hair. Notando is next up at 10 years old. She is not the shy one! Though she can be a little quiet at first she soon opens up and will show you a million and one different games to play. Tando – as we call her – is a really bright girl, full of ideas and energy, always, always with a smile on her face. Ncami (with a click) is the youngest of the older girls at 14. She isn’t always very talkative – until you get onto a topic she is passionate about! And then she won’t stop. Ncami is mature for her age so I was shocked when she told me she was only 14. She’s got a “don’t mess with me” vibe that I love – while being a real sweetheart on the inside. Next up is Celiwe (also with a click). Celiwe and I seemed to bond closely from the start. Before I was even placed in her house we had spent time praying and talking together about life. She’s 15 – but like Ncami, she seems a lot older. Celiwe is brave. She loves to speak her mind. She is definitely a social butterfly – and even though she might not agree with me yet – I can see a leader forming in her. Lindo is the oldest of my sisters at 16. Ah, Lindo. Throughout the day when I see her I can always expect her to run over and give me a hug and ask about my day – not just a general question, but like she really cares. She’s always begging me to come over on Saturdays, or to stay for a sleep over, or to stay later on Monday nights when I go over to their house. And Lindo is definitely the comedian of the family – one of those people who is just funny without trying to be funny! She’s great. They’re all great. I just can’t believe how blessed I am to have them. It’s amazing.
Oh and I can’t forget about my Make! Her name is Nomvula, but generally I just call her Make. She is hilarious. She’s not one of those sweaty sweet, doting type of moms and yet you can see that she loves her kids so much. She always has dinner prepared for when the older girls get home from school so that they won’t have to wait, since they’ve had such a long day. She always spends time with us together – playing games (she will never take it easy on me and let me win – I love it!) or playing with my hair or just chatting. And she even knit me a hat to match the other girls’ hats – so I would know I am a part of the family. The other day she called my phone and hung up (which we call “buzzing” here in the Swaz) and so I thought she wanted me to call her back. I hate calling people on the phone so I put it off for awhile, but then decided I should really give her a call. So I did. I asked her if she needed something from me because I had a missed call from her, but no, she said she was just thinking about me so she decided to “greet” me with a buzz. What a Make 
In other news…
For all of ya’ll who think Africa is supposed to be HOT – think again. Africa is a big continent, so while some countries I’m sure are very hot, Swaziland does not seem to be one of them! Okay – it is hot sometimes. But recently (aka the last 2 days) it has been very, very, VERY, cold! As I sit here writing I am wearing socks, slippers, jeans, tank top, long sleeve shirt, sweater, knit vest, touque, and have a blanket wrapped around me with mittens sitting close in case my fingers start numbing again. Cement brick houses are apparently very good at keeping in the cold because I think it’s actually warmer outside right now than in this house. Though it’s pretty cold outside as well. Amy and I have been sleeping in socks, tights, pajama pants or sweats, shirts, and hoodies. And it’s only April! I’m telling you – we are in for some trouble when July hits! (Sorry to ruin your summer Mom and Dad!) And no, being from Canada does not mean we are accustomed to the cold – because in Canada houses are warm!
But I am very thankful Thankful for this huge house God has given us to live in, the blankets here to keep us warm, running water, and electricity most of the time! I know that if I’m cold here in this house with these things – my neighbors out in the community just down the street are a lot colder. Yesterday when it was very, very cold outside and raining, I saw a small toddler walking down the street with just a jacket on – no pants. I can’t imagine how cold they must be during the winters.
