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
