Gone but will never forget

I have been home for a week now and the adjustment has been a bit more of a challenge than expected but we're getting there...

As anticipated, the last week+ at Bobbi Bear was incredibly busy for me. Not only did I have a number of documents to get together for the girls' case, I also had my final Tree and my farewell with the Bobbi Bear staff.

A quick update on the girls' case: court should be next week sometime. I know that even though myself, BB and the police officers pushed and pushed to keep the kids safe that there is a good chance that they may be returned to the hands of their abusers if social welfare has their way. As I was getting ready to leave I was very stressed that there seemed to be nothing more that we could do at Bobbi Bear to keep them safe. Days before I was to leave, I was thrilled to learn that a feisty children's advocate had agreed to take the girls' case (pro bono, cuz there's no money for lawyers!)!!!! Jackie and I went in to Durban on the Sunday (the day before I was to leave) to meet with this lawyer and and 4 hours later I walked out so much more relieved with the knowledge that they may still have a chance now adding a new member to the team to fight for them! I am still in touch with the goings-on and the case so will keep you updated as well...

My Good-byes: I didn't want to go. I found my place in Bobbi Bear quite naturally and in my short time there made very strong connections, not only with the women at BB, but with the all of other people that I had met and worked with during my time in SA as well. The women that comprise Bobbi Bear are a diverse and wonderful group, they stole my heart and I hope that I stole a bit of their hearts too.

When volunteers arrive they are introduced at their first Tree and similarly you have a final Tree where you say good-bye to the women at the Tree and they to you. Of course, the women sing and pray, you're given your Zulu name and as a volunteer you may (try to) dance. As I was leaving a week earlier than the other volunteers, I had my Tree alone....I was a bit nervous to Zulu dance (especially by myself), I'm not as limber as perhaps I should be and you need to be flexible to kick that high!!! I was so pleased and relieved when ALL the CSO's came to my Tree, not only were they all there but they got dressed with me and danced with me too! I knew that they were as sad to see me go as I was to leave.

Some of the CSO's and I were joking around weeks back and they had taught me a song in Zulu that I thought was hilarious, I told them that I wanted to sing it for Jackie at our Bobbi Bear Farewell, figured she'd get a kick out of it too! To my surprise Ladyfair, Thandeka, Sdudla, Mildred, Thuli and Auntie Sweetie had other plans; they wanted me to sing it to Jackie AND in front of all of the ladies at the Tree! Always in for a fun time and having learned that you don't argue with Auntie Sweetie, I happily acquiesced and have the video to prove it. After that performance and some more singing and carry-on was time for my blessing. It was beautiful and very moving for me as all of the CSO's and Jackie encircled me and sang as I was being blessed. The Zulu name given to me was 'Thandekile' meaning 'you are lovable'.


I will be writing a few more posts and adding some more pics (I hope), so don't think it's the end of me yet!

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