okay...

Well, my time in Harare is officially over. We left yesterday, mid-morning.

Goodbye was more difficult than expected: three weeks sounds much shorter than it is, I think. The Tshoma family was so wonderful to Tim and I. On Saturday, Mama threw a party for my 21st birthday. All sorts of great food and friends...and laughs, etc. After dinner, we all went over to Andiswa's house to listen to loud music and watch world cup (this is how it's done in Khayelitsha). Had a drink to celebrate...yes, just one drink.

Sunday was a day with the family. Another great dinner. Afterwards, Mama insisted that she pray for us. Normally I get a little uncomfortable with situations like this, but Mama's faith is something quite unlike those people who make me cringe so much at home. We stayed up quite late, and she woke us up at 6:00 before she left to catch the train into town for her job as a domestic. Mwezi, Xolani, Samy, Uncle...it was one big parade of goodbyes.

To be quite honest, I haven't processed it all. I'm still in a bit of shock. We're now back in Hout Bay. I have my own room here and indoor plumbing, privacy, etc. And you know what? It kind of sucks.

I've got a lot more emotional unpacking to do. I wish I had something more insightful to say...perhaps later.