You would think that traveling halfway across the world without knowing one word of sesotho, would inhibit you from connecting with the people of lesotho. But damn were we wrong. Within the first 24 hours of being in Ramabanta we met 3 of the most accepting and trusting kids (Beho-10, Nthabo-5, Tsesho-12) that one could imagine. Because they are so great, even after our exausting daily work is done, we still always want to play with these kids. So our story is how 3 kids, in the matter of 2 hours, were able to instill so much love and happiness into our lives today. We had a half day of work, and were given the oppurtunity to explore Ramabanta in which ever way we desired. Undoubtedly, our mission along with Chelsea and Becca, was to explore the village and find our new friends.
We were beginning to lose hope, so we decided to hike down the mountain, to the river. Along the way, we were lucky enough to come across our friends who were on their way back from retreving water. The feeling of excitment was mutual between both parties. As we write this, its hard to put into words how perfect and life changing this afternoon was. We gathered under the shade on the mountain where we met their friends and paticipated in a couple activites that especially resonated with us.
For Jhena, the bond with Nthabo only grew stronger. Whether it was him running into her arms when he saw her, or when they colored and watched the others dance and he was comfortable enough to fall asleep in her arms; it was a afternoon that will remain timeless forever. And for Maddy, after playing with Beho and Tsesho the excitment only grew futher when she met a woman listening to american music. Ignoring the language barrier and the nerves that were present within her, she stopped the woman and asked if she could show her a song. Within minutes, she was not only dancing with the woman, but with the children as well. When the time came for everyone to leave, the woman reffered to Maddy as her sister and asked to take a picture. Then to our group's suprise, she invited us up into her home. As she was guiding us up the mountain, she put her hand to Maddy's chest and then her own, and said friends. As Jhena followed, she never failed to keep Nthabo in his peaceful sleep while carrying him in her arms as she trekked up the mountain with the rest of the kids. When we arrived at the woman's home, we were greeted by her friends before we got a tour of the house. The trust and kindness the woman gave to us was unlike anything we have ever experienced. She was more than happy to open her home to us, a popular thing for the Besotho to do in their community's, but something that really had an impact on us.
Today, and every other day, this community has continued to change us in ways that we could have never imagined. The people here have shown us kindness, love and trust that has truly made us feel more than included in their village. We feel so thankful and blessed for the opportunity that has been given to us. Ever since we have arrived, we have had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
P.S. To both of our family's and friends, we love and miss you all so much and cant wait to share all of our stories when we return.
XOXO,
Jhena and Maddy