Homestay 101

Life with the Tembo's was more than wonderful. William is a farmer and also works with the local Clini. He and his wife Olipha live in the village of Old Kalingawallow. The have five children, in a 2 bedroom brick house. Next door lives Mary and her mother, Donearia along with little Patricia." A" and I were fortunate enough to spend 3 whole days with them. Its hard to put into words all that we learned just from those 3 short days. The video really gives you a good picture of what it was like, and what we did everyday, so be sure and watch it. Our hardest day was probably the second day, We woke up very early to go to the fields to pic cotton, without breakfast. We had been eating a wholesome breakfast for a month, and then to not have it for a day and expend energy , it was hard to concentrate on the cotton. When we got back, all they fed us was tea and bread with lunch not til almost 130. the bathroom also presented its challenges. We dont mind swatty potty, but filled with flies is another story. Day 2 I also go sick on the dinner that night, we had kapenta ( dried sardines cooked with tomatoes and onions). I really think it was my malaria meds that triggered the upchuck. "A" was nice enough to old the "choo" bucket ( you see in the video) for me, and rub my back. Not fun. "A" always had to go in the middle of the night, oh the "choo" bucket was both of our friends ( we washed out before she used it again of course). We learned a lot about the role of men and women as well. Now warning: this is just what I observed, all chores and such are done by the children. They had a sixteen year old daughter who did everything. I felt sorry for her, how much she had to do. Mom does a little, but Dad does nothing. He always gets the chair while women sit on the mat. He always gets fed first as well, even down to getting his dandruff picked out of this hair, its done for him. He is the bread winner, so therefore thats his role. Now dont get me wrong, William is a very nice man, and would do anything for his family, and provides for many people other than the 6 that live in his house. We also got a dose of culture when the last night at their home we were asked to come inside with just William and his wife, very sad to see us go, but said if there was anything we had done to offend us, or wrong then to let them apologize for it. This is pure culture, even if they know they haven't done anything wrong they say this anyways ( I had this happen more than once in another setting). "A" and I were very grateful for all the hospitality and love we were shown. It was an experience we will never forget!

http://vimeo.com/24319696