Rita Montgomery

Where, Oh Where are my Little Angels....

On Monday, the little ones became little monsters!  They were all picking on each other,  taking each other's things, whining, hitting each other, and all crying!  Tyler and I were exhausted by 9.00 am!  We were anxiously looking forward to the arrival of our preschool teacher, who we soon found out would not be able to make it that day.  Oh no!  I don't know what was up!  We managed throughout the morning by team teaching, and it actually was quite amusing.  We introduced a new concept of "time out".  Not something that is often used over here, however we felt we needed it for all of us. 

The winds were so strong that day and blowing wildly all around the house.  So strong that the contractors had to cancel play outside.  I am sure the winds affect the children in some manner - or I shall choose to blame the winds for their behavior that day.

Later in the afternoon, the four older children had their riding lessons.  They are doing great and really enjoying it.  When we arrived, we found that one of the horses had a baby filly over the weekend.  She is a beautiful little grey filly with lots of spirit.  I thought of you Betty, and how much fun you would have with these horses.  The children are learning on a pony named Surprise, however she has a number of beautiful thoroughbreds on the farm.  You would love it!

We have had two new entrees for dinner - one is samp and beans.  Samp is corn, and more specifically the white kernels.  This dish is mixed with kidney beans, carrots, and onions and is pretty good.  You are able to spice it up with a hot red curry which is very flavorful.  The other one was an African salad made with melee meal (ground samp or white corn) with amas or sour milk poured over it.  I wasn't so keen on that dish, especially since there was a fresh loaf of homemade bread with peanut butter calling out to me.

While the children are in school, we are working on a number of items like preparing a complete inventory for the home, compiling all the children's current sizes for clothing and shoes, and other types of master lists for Lana.  Yesterday Tyler and I took a long walk around the farm with our walking sticks (thinking the vibrations will shoo away any unwanted creatures).  It was very peaceful and afforded a beautiful view of the countryside.  We saw two herons which I later learned are snake hunters - we like them very much.  The walk home was all uphill and I am feeling it today. 

Know we are all well and I am realizing my time is going way too fast with these children.  I will be leaving next week and can't imagine saying goodbye yet.   

I Love Sundays.....

We began our day by taking nine of the children to the interdenominational church in Komga.  Richard and Erna, the pastoral couple, run the parish.  There are a number of churches in this little village, and this one is very welcoming, very passionate, and very inspiring.  I enjoy Richard's sermons as he is very knowledgeable about the Bible and has a way of weaving the readings into today's world.  Everyone is greeted as you arrive, the service is opened with a sharing of the scripture, and then there is a very lively choir who are able to get everybody singing along, dancing and moving however the spirit moves them!  It is very refreshing and uplifting.  After about 45 minutes, the children are invited into another room for activities specifically for them, and then Richard continues sharing the gospel readings.  Parishioners are welcomed to share any testimonials or readings if they choose.  The building is always packed and it is a joy to celebrate God with this community.

When we returned home, we had some excitement!  One of the children noticed a snake slithering under the garage door!  Aaugh!!  None of us like snakes, and I am told there are many poisonous ones in the area.  We all ran way around the garage and called on our friend, Murray, to help us out with the snake.  It was an incredibly windy day today so we played outside for about an hour before lunch.  We also had some cattle that somehow got through or over a fence and ended up in the front yard; so Lana, Tyler, Theodore and I  herded cattle out of our yard.  One was a really big bull, and once they were moving, they found their way out which was the same way they got in.   

Lunch today was our Sunday baked chicken dinner - yummy!!  With sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach, and rice.  It was delicious!  And we had a birthday to celebrate so we made a birthday cake which was enjoyed by all. 

Right after lunch, Murray arrived with two of his friends to assist in the snake hunt.  We weren't sure if the snake was still in the garage or if he moved on.  As we opened the garage door, the snake started to slither out.  He was big and nasty.  Murray and his friends told us it was a poisonous snake, a puffer adder, or something like that.  They were able to kill the snake and take it with them.  We were all grateful and will be able to sleep a little easier tonite.

We all voted for a movie afternoon today, since Tyler brought a number of movies with him.  The Princess Bride was our movie choice and everyone settled in for about two hours to enjoy the movie.

Dinner followed - we had homemade bread - delicious!  Yes, you guessed it.  I am sure I am gaining weight over here!  Everything is so good!!  And then it was story time.  A Pastor dropped off about three boxes of story books and they are great!  The children and I love them!  We have lots of choices to read, and we are getting through the boxes.  Tonite the children definitely wore Tyler and myself out!  We were going to watch a movie but opted for another night!  All our little munchkins are tucked safely in bed!  Good night and God bless!

Troops to the Rescue....

On Thursday, Lana and I picked up a young volunteer named Tyler who is from the states.  He is great!!  He is a recent college grad and will be at Opens Arms Home for five or six months.  The children were immediately drawn to him.  What a great role model for these children!!  And I am excited to have another volunteer to share the children with!

Today was a gorgeous day so we played outside all morning - they love the "hokey pokey", "duck, duck, goose", and "red light, green light".  Musical chairs was a bit more of a challenge as the little ones always cry when they don't get a chair.  We will continue to work on that game.  We also collected and painted rocks.

About half the children assisted with making lunch today which was pizza.  They are great helpers and were involved with kneading the dough, rolling the dough out, shredding the cheese, and sprinkling ingredients on the pizza.  The pizzas were delicious!!

Then we took the nine older children to the sea!  It was so much fun!!  We all ran along the beach, in and out of the waves, collected shells and stones.  Then it was up to the dunes!  Lots of races up and down the dunes, playing in the sand, and just enjoying all the beach had to offer.  The children are great singers and lots of songs are sung as we are riding in the van.  Today was the first time I heard them sing a native Xhosa song which was great!  I hope to record them.  We thought we had worn the children out pretty good, however I think they all got a second wind following dinner!  They sure have some energy!!

I on the other hand do not have a second wind!  It will be a bath, maybe some reading, and I shall sleep soundly knowing all our munchkins are safe. 

Be Careful What You Ask For....

I think it was only day two as I was walking around the farmstead, enjoying the view, loving time with the children, and I found myself thinking what would it be like to run a home like this.......

Well it wasn't long and I soon found out.  And I have to ask, Moms, how do you do it?  I found myself fervently asking for God's richest blessings every morning, every drive time, every evening, and every spare moment for the children's protection.  And also for Lana's (Director of Open Arms) safe return home following her holiday.  At the end of each day, I found myself totally spent, filled with a gratitude for having time with the children and knowing they were all safe.

Most days began around 6.00 and it was nonstop until about 20.00, it was wild!  It is not only transporting the children safely to and from school, making sure they had everything they need (lunch, books, jackets, etc.), you are also assisting the house mothers with everything they need - preparing meals, snacks, any needs of the child, etc.  Then there are our younger children who are so much fun to just have time with - reading a story, coloring, singing, giving a hug, just playing together.  We have contractors working on the property so it is not unusual to have difficulties with our water supply or the need to turn the water off for a period of time, or have your electricity go out.  Everything eventually comes back, it just takes some time.  Add a few visitors to your day, people inquiring about employment, and your day just flies!

One day little Asanda was scheduled to go to the clinic for her blood work.  So after delivering the nine children safely to school, I returned home to pick up Asanda and one of our House Mothers to assist me.  Asanda is no bigger than a minute, weighing in at a whopping 10.7 kg, and is just a tiny little mite.  And of course, her veins are very tiny and very difficult to find. 

After patiently waiting for about 60 minutes, as you just show up and wait your turn, we were finally called.  The health care providers know our children and are very good with them.  They were happy to see Asanda and especially see her progress as she is gaining weight and doing very well. As the doctor said, "She is thriving at Opens Arms."  Well the first doctor patiently worked to find a little vein as Asanda was sitting quietly on the house mother's lap.  The doctor tried unsuccessfully two times and could not draw any blood.  Asanda screamed loudly however was soon consoled and settled down.  Doctor number two was called in (we were told he would be able to draw the necessary blood) and took time to visit with Asanda.  He decided it would be best to draw blood from a vein in her neck.  Now I was nervous!!  Little Asanda was moved to a table and was positioned comfortably on a big pillow.  A nurse and our house mother were called over to assist the doctor by holding Asanda down as she could not move.  As soon as the doctor inserted the needle, Asanda let out a very loud, very long blood curdling scream!  Oh it was so sad!  And I am just standing there with tears streaming down my face!  It was awful!  The Doctor was really very caring and very good, and was successful with one poke of the needle, however it was just traumatic for Asanda and me!  She was once again quickly calmed down and was her little self before we returned home.  And me, well I just hope I don't have to go through that again any time soon! 

As we said good-bye to the doctor and his staff, we had to enter another building to pick up a prescription.  While walking through the building, I looked into the waiting room and thought I recognized one of our children!  I said to the house mother, "isn't he one of our ours?"  And she said, "yes!"  We found out that he had gotten ill at school and the school nurse brought him over to the clinic.  Our timing couldn't have been better as we were able to get him in to see the doctor and get him feeling better right away!

Never a dull moment!  I think I made five trips in and out of town that day!  I am pleased to tell you that all children are doing very, very well.  And I have finally mastered all 21 names and faces!!  It is not quite as easy as having a Mike, John, Mary, Sue or Bob.  And I am still working on the house mother's names, doing a little better each day.  And of course I have to mention Theodore and Bobby, our dog and cat.

I can't wait to share pictures - hoping to find time at an internet cafe soon - maybe next week.  Know we are all well, and I am loving my time with the children.   

Driving on the Left Hand Side of the Road....

Did I tell you that I am driving over here?  Well I am!!  I am driving a van with a left-handed stick shift and so far so good.  Fortunately I am driving in Komga which would be similar to Ironton or LaValle back home, no stop lights and a stop sign or two.  It is a great place to get comfortable driving on what always feels like the wrong side of the road.   

So let me catch you up.  Lana, the Director of the Home, had been working non-stop for over two months.  The timing of my visit allowed her to take some much needed time off.  After learning the daily routine for the children and the home, Lana is now enjoying a holiday and I am thoroughly enjoying the children.  Today I took nine of the children to a small community church in Komga and they were angels.  The Pastor is very welcoming of all children so last week we took four with us, this week I took nine, and I just can't imagine taking all 21!!  I will keep you posted.  As I was driving back to the home, deep in thought of how well behaved all nine were, I was watching this truck approaching us, and quickly realized I was on the wrong side of the road!  Oncoming traffic does aid in knowing which side of the road to be on..... 

Our road into town is an unpaved, bumpy, pot-holed, rickety road which you can't help but chuckle along the way.  We cross three cattle bridges which are a bit like a roller coasters and the children let out these "oohs"  and "aahhhs", and when we cross a train track, it is "aah zooolllll".  I have asked what that means, and no one seems to know.  So I just join in when we cross the track, "aah zooollll." 

On Saturday, four of the older children had a very big surprise.  They are receiving riding lessons which I believe are a gift from the local riding club.  I was fortunate to be able to take them to the farm and it was pretty neat.  They were introduced to a pony, aptly named Surprise.  They were taught how to approach a horse, how to brush a horse and then how to lead a horse.  Riding lessons will begin this week and they are so excited.  So am I!

You have asked what are we eating.  The children have three well balanced meals every day.  Many of the vegetables are exactly what we have - sweet potatoes, potatoes, squash, beets, cabbage, carrots and onions.  And all the meats are similar - beef, mutton, goat and chicken.  Our Sunday dinner was delicious - baked chicken, sweet potatoes, beets and cabbage.  Last night I was told we had "stiff pup and pritchards."  Stiff pup is mealie meal, which is a very fine ground white corn and is used for porridge.  I am guessing pritchards are a local fish - kind of like sardines.  It was pretty good.  The house mothers bake homemade bread and it is always a treat.

Before each meal, the children fold their hands in prayer and sing the following prayer:

Thank you, Jesus; Thank you, Jesus; For our food, For our food;

Many, many blessings; Many, many blessings,

Amen, Amen.

God Bless!

Molo!

Mole or Moe-low!  Hello and Good Morning!

In this part of South Africa, Xhosa (ko-sha) is the common language.  It is one of about 11 official languages, including Afrikaan and English.  I am trying to learn some words and it is a very tonal, lyrical language.  It has clicking sounds with three distinct clicks for the letters c, q and x.  It is really something beautiful to hear the children speak.  And you guessed it, I don't quite have it down yet!  However I am trying.....

Our days are very busy with the children rising anytime around 6 or 6.30.  Around 7.30 we make our first trip into Gomga (Gom-kah) to drop nine children off at two different schools.  If there are any errands to run, they may get finished after the children are at school.  Today I got petrol, frozen chickens, brown bread and milk, and then headed back home.  My second trip into town was about 11.45 to pick up the younger children from primary school.  The third trip today was around 13.45 to bring the older children home from secondary school, and we stopped at the library to check out some books for the weekend.  Depending on the needs for the home, there may be a fourth trip into town.

In between trips, there are visitors to the home that need to be attended to.  For example, social workers and parents may visit, people may be looking for employment, contractors and whoever.  And in between all of this, is the best part, I get to play with the children.  We have the most beautiful yard that just invites you to run around!  There is lots of room for playing ball, frisbee, and running.  We also have a play set with swings, slides, a wooden bridge, and something similar to a tree house. 

One of the books we brought home from the library was "The Billy Goats Gruff" which was a new story for them.  We read the story first, and then we read the story a second time with the children acting it out.  Four of the children played the main characters of the story and it worked beautifully.  We had a bridge which the billy goats were able to trample across and our troll was amazing lurking beneath the bridge.  I do think we might have a future actor or two in the making!!  Wish us luck as tomorrow we will act out "Goldi Locks and the Three Bears."

The children are little sponges and they love learning!  We are reading stories, playing all sorts of games - Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, Duck-Duck-Goose, Pin the Tail on the Donkey (big laughs) - just to name a few.  They really enjoyed their lollipops - thank you, Auntie Sue!

We just finished a couple stories before bedtime and the children are all tucked in. 

And whether it is Xhosa, Africaan, English or any language; a smile is a smile, a tear is a tear, and a hug is a hug.  We are doing fine.  Sala Kakuhle (Sah-lah Ka-khoo-schlae)!

Welcome to South Africa

Upon my arrival in East London, South Africa, I was greeted at the airport by Lana, the Director for Open Arms Home, Asekhana and Namhla (two young girls), and Theodore, the Pomeranian (we also have a cat, Bobby, more on him later).  The day was sunny and quite warm.  We started out driving along the Indian Ocean, which was beautiful, and then wound inland where the views are spectacular - you can see for miles. 

When we arrived at the home, I was greeted with many little helpers who were much smaller than my luggage and eagerly tried to carry my bags for me.   Lunch was waiting for us and a tour of the home followed.  This home was a family farm house prior to being the children's home.  As you can imagine, there is lots of room outdoors for the children to run freely and expend a lot of energy.  The home sits high up on a hilltop and has magnificent views.  check it out at www.openarmshome.com

As I sat down with the children, they quickly came closer to check me out.  And before you knew it, I had about 25 brightly colored barrettes throughout my hair.  They love to play with my hair.  One of the young boys thought I needed a little conditioning as he very gently patted oil and lotion into my hair, which actually smelled very nice.  We then all, yes all 21 of us, went outdoors to play and had a great time - swinging, playing tag, frisbee - lots of room to run around madly.  The sun goes down around 16.15 and it gets quite cool after that. 

The children are something special.  Nine of them go to primary or secondary school, eleven go to preschool, and one stays home with the house mothers.  I am madly working on trying to remember names and successfully conquering a few more each day.  The house mothers are also very special - loving, caring, giving individuals who reside at the home during their shifts.  Lana, the quarterback, keeps us all on track. 

The hugs and smiles are plentiful, and it is a real joy to be able to spend time with this family.   

Continuing My Dream.....

After a wonderful time with family and friends and enjoying the simple comforts of home, I am back on my volunteer journey.

I departed Milwaukee for East London, South Africa by way of Atlanta, Georgia, and Dakar, South Africa; arriving in Gomga on Saturday the 11th due to a missed connection.  I had the good fortune of meeting two Baird associates, Russ and Tom, on my flight to Atlanta and received big hugs for my travels - thank you, guys! 

I will be serving at The Open Arms Home, which is a christian home for children.  When you have an opportunity, please check their website at www.openarmshome.com .  I was truly welcomed with many open arms!!  There are 21 children with the majority under 7 years of age.  13 of the children are siblings, with one set of triplets, as they work very hard to keep families together.  The children are amazing and yes, I have already fallen madly in love!! 

I will be at the Open Arms Home until early September, at which time I will travel to Cape Town to spend some time with the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity.  I will continue on to a village outside of Johannesburg where I will be serving with Sparrow Ministries until early October.  At that home I will be working with 225 children.

Thank you again for your prayers and support, I will need them.