Most recently I found myself needing a place to stay and I am exceedingly grateful to have been lodged at the Catholic Training Center in Mafeteng. I arrived rather late one evening, exhausted by a series of nights having not slept. All I wanted to do was rest, rest, rest. I put in earplugs and earbuds and blasted Emanual Ax playing followed by watching two episodes of "Modern Family" (there is electricity at the Catholic Training Center).
The next morning the Mother of the Catholic Training Center asked me if I wanted to accompany her to Shoprite and this was beginning of my adventures with newfound friends with whom I hope to stay connected for many years. We shopped for the youth attending workshops on HIV/AIDS at the CTC and filled three pushcarts with food. It was such a pleasure shopping with her as she really treated me as a friend asking me to help her load dozens of cans, bottles and bags into the shop cart. Once we arrived home (see, I even feel at home here), I could not resist helping her put this large amount of groceries away. Shortly thereafter she invited me to have tea. I really felt a sense of family here.
That afternoon I returned to my room where I was able to wash all of my laundry. You truly have no idea how liberating it feels to have completed this and to have the clothes feel fresh. At my original site the clothes line is directly above the fire pit and I dreaded hanging my clothes out to dry. While waiting, I ended up in the community room with the Bo-'Me" who clean the facility, clean and iron the bedding and work in the dining hall. This is their place of refuge, especially in this heat which exhausts us all. The Bo-'Me' decided they were going to help me with my Sesotho lessons and we spent the afternoon laughing and dancing and living the full Basotho life. By this time, I was truly taken in to this wonderful entourage of smiles, laughter and all around goodness.
I accompanied the youth for dinner in the dining hall which was mostly spent having them smile at me and giggle, and then smile at me and giggle. I was very grateful to have met the facilitator of the program with whom I hope to stay in touch as his enthusiasm for getting the youth of Lesotho to understand the issues and learn about the details and situation in a fun and active environment is unmatched here in Lesotho. I would love to see this man go far.
After dinner, the Bo-'Me' come collecting the dishes and one could see the sweat dripping from their heads. I jumped up and joined in. The evening of doing dishes and laughing and dancing and further instructing me in Sesotho could not have been better spent.
As I say, if you need anything in Lesotho - or if you just want to have a big belly laugh - just ask the Bo-'Me'.
Great story looking forward to hearing more!
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