Words cannot truly express how much St Marks and the people here have changed my life. They continue to inspire me everyday. The resiliance, approach to life and maturity of most of the students is far beyond their age. Dont get me wrong, they are not all angels, we have our fair share of trouble makers but in general the kids are amazing. The schools commitment to education and spirituality is truly inspirational. These two factors are the key to true success in life and this is reinforced to the kids everyday. Each morning we have assembly at 7:30am. There is a reading from the bible and then we sing some hymns. Their voices give me goosebumps. It is the best way to start the day. Most of the songs are in Sepedi but i have learnt most of them and its so nice to be able to sing along with them in their home language. I have learnt a fair bit of Sepedi; the basics and the greetings. It is important to greet everyone you see, even if you dont know them, it is an imporant sign of respect. People get very surprised but really appreciate that I have learnt their language.
Last week we were visited by the Mayor of Limpopo and the Arch Bishop of South Africa. It was such an honour to meet them both. They both have brilliant visions for the future of South Africa, especially for the youth. I was also truly honoured as i received my praise name last week. Some of the elder woman from this area were visiting the school and after talking to them (in Sepedi) and introducing myself as Carly, they looked at me and said Aowa (No), from now on you are known as Mosopyadi (pronounced Mo-shop-piyardie). It does not translate to a specific Sepedi word but is a very respectful name and is the name of one of the princesses from a local tribe. I was totally blown away. It was so exciting, one of the most humbling and special moments of my life! So now I am known here as Mosopyardi Carly Bindon.
Thankyou to all those who contributed to the money i was raising in Australia for the school here. I have put some of it towards buying sports uniforms for both a girls and boys team. There is sooo much talent here in netball, basketball and soccer, but just not many opportunities to use and show it. I hope that now they have some uniforms we can hopefully go and play against another school. Seriously if some of these kids, especially the boys, were in Australia, i swear they would be in the national teams for both basketball and soccer. The court and fields are in pretty poor condition but they still practice all the time. Most dont have sports shoes so play barefoot, but it doesnt bother them. I cant wait for the uniforms to be ready. I will post some pictures of th
e kids wearing them!
Last weekend was the Matric Dinner (Grade 12 Graduation dinner). I spent most of last week organising that and all of saturday cooking and setting up the hall. It was a very nice night. The grade 12's all looked so handsome and beautiful. We had a lovely meal and there were some speaches and then we danced the night away. It was so much fun!! Didnt get to sleep until 3:30am but it was worth it!
This week is my last week of teaching and then on friday we break for september holidays (10 days). However due to the teacher strike at the end of last term the department has cancelled the holidays for grades 10, 11 and 12. Thus they have to stay at school and only the primary and grade 8 and 9's can go home. We still get 10 days off though. We are thinking of going to Mozambique. It should be great! I am excited to see another culture and scenery! Excited for the beach too! We are only going for about 6 days though so that we can come back to help the grade 10, 11's and 12's with preparation for their final exams.
Anyhoo, all is gabotse (pronounced ha-boo-tsey, it means 'well') here! CAnt believe how quickly time is going though. Makes me sad to think that i am almost have way through my time at St Marks. The glass is half full though, not empty.
lots of love
Mosopyadi [haha, Carly :)]
p.s. i would love to get a msg from y'all at home. My number is 0765304711. Cant wait to here from you!
God Bless
Last week we were visited by the Mayor of Limpopo and the Arch Bishop of South Africa. It was such an honour to meet them both. They both have brilliant visions for the future of South Africa, especially for the youth. I was also truly honoured as i received my praise name last week. Some of the elder woman from this area were visiting the school and after talking to them (in Sepedi) and introducing myself as Carly, they looked at me and said Aowa (No), from now on you are known as Mosopyadi (pronounced Mo-shop-piyardie). It does not translate to a specific Sepedi word but is a very respectful name and is the name of one of the princesses from a local tribe. I was totally blown away. It was so exciting, one of the most humbling and special moments of my life! So now I am known here as Mosopyardi Carly Bindon.
Thankyou to all those who contributed to the money i was raising in Australia for the school here. I have put some of it towards buying sports uniforms for both a girls and boys team. There is sooo much talent here in netball, basketball and soccer, but just not many opportunities to use and show it. I hope that now they have some uniforms we can hopefully go and play against another school. Seriously if some of these kids, especially the boys, were in Australia, i swear they would be in the national teams for both basketball and soccer. The court and fields are in pretty poor condition but they still practice all the time. Most dont have sports shoes so play barefoot, but it doesnt bother them. I cant wait for the uniforms to be ready. I will post some pictures of th
e kids wearing them!Last weekend was the Matric Dinner (Grade 12 Graduation dinner). I spent most of last week organising that and all of saturday cooking and setting up the hall. It was a very nice night. The grade 12's all looked so handsome and beautiful. We had a lovely meal and there were some speaches and then we danced the night away. It was so much fun!! Didnt get to sleep until 3:30am but it was worth it!
This week is my last week of teaching and then on friday we break for september holidays (10 days). However due to the teacher strike at the end of last term the department has cancelled the holidays for grades 10, 11 and 12. Thus they have to stay at school and only the primary and grade 8 and 9's can go home. We still get 10 days off though. We are thinking of going to Mozambique. It should be great! I am excited to see another culture and scenery! Excited for the beach too! We are only going for about 6 days though so that we can come back to help the grade 10, 11's and 12's with preparation for their final exams.
Anyhoo, all is gabotse (pronounced ha-boo-tsey, it means 'well') here! CAnt believe how quickly time is going though. Makes me sad to think that i am almost have way through my time at St Marks. The glass is half full though, not empty.
lots of love
Mosopyadi [haha, Carly :)]
p.s. i would love to get a msg from y'all at home. My number is 0765304711. Cant wait to here from you!
God Bless
8 comments:
Hi Carly,
I have just finished reading your latest news and am quite envious of your experience.It doesn't surprise me that you have been welcomed in such a way in Sth. Africa, you have always been such an outgoing person who has sicere empathy for all the people you meet. Your description of life and your experiences so far only reinforce what we see in the media (but no where as confronting for us.) Keep the glass half-full and continue doing those little things which mean so much for those young children.
Continue to stay safe.Much love and God be with you.
Tony Macca
Hi Carly
Good to see that you share a name with my younger sister. Your story sounds so interesting that I wish to turn it into a headline for one of the national papers.
I am a journalist living in Mpumalanga and would definitely love to do a story about your new name. I am with the African Eye News Service (AENS) and my name is Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane (try googling to verify). Tshwarelo is a Sepedi name for Forgiveness. I am a Mosotho as well, but I also don't know the meaning of Masopiadi. I am actually belonging to a stray tribe called the Mapulana, a stray version of Sepedi, which I learned at school.
If you think your story is worth telling, please reach me at my office number on (013) 755 4056 or 083 3350 856 or call my sub-editor Sharon Hummond on 013 755 4118.
Hope tp hear from you.
Tshwarelo
Hi Carly,
I am a student in you fathers religion class and i just read about some of you experiences in South Africa. It sounds like you are having alot of fun there. It would deffinately be something that i would love to do when i grow up.
Well i hope you have lots of fun over there and enjoy the rest of you time. :) xx
From Liana
Hi Carly,
Just read your latest blog and am amazed at what you are doing. Can we just call you "princess" from now on??
I am still hoping that you are coming back to Uni next year and that all these experiences you are having will inspire the many high school students I hope you come in contact with.
Stay safe and enjoy
Cheers
Jaffa
Hi Carly,
Always thought you would make a great PE teacher and now I am certain of it. It sounds like you have adopted an entire school of children who obviously love you as much as you love them. Keep up the great work and continue to live out your dream.
your trip to Mozambique sounds like it will be another part of your amazing journey. Our lives back in Oz sound so boring after reading about yours!!
Take care
love
Phil Merryl Luke & Loz
Hi Carly,
Am loving reading your adventures. Hope the next three months don't go too quickly for you. Looking forward to seeing a million photos when you get back!
Take care,
Callista
Hi Cargs, have been readinbg all about your days in SA Am down at Lennox at the moment for Matt's Grad Mass. It was fantastic and bought back many memories of your day 12 months ago. Not as many trophies though. matt did get a Principals Award which was great. After the mass some went to the pub for lunch and then most of the students went to the lake.
Your mum and dad are so proud of both you and Matt for what you both have achieved so far. I went to Lukes Grad Mass last night. Dad also came to it. Luke got a standing ovation from his classmates after he gave his final speech...so much like a politician. It was also a moving experience for all concerned. I will have a few days in Lennox and then go back to Bli Bli. It won't be too long until Xmas.
Love your new name and hope you have a great time in Mozambique before heading back to jane Furse.
Love you heaps and constantly thinking and praying with you....love Nanny Faexxxxxxxxxx
Hello Carly - On your way back north & it appears you've had a splendid time in C/Town - the jewel of RSA - chatted to Val o'er the w/end and she mentioned you had a brush with a celeb while at Etafeni - great experience - hamba Ghashle - Grant
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