The evolution of language...and some cool cats

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I find the evolution of language and culture quite fascinating.  Perhaps it is my love for history the need to categorize things in my OCD mind that make me look for patterns in the world, but I just love to see how different factors fit together like a puzzle.  I had observed recently to my supervisor at the organization with which I am working with that I thought I heard the influence of the Portuguese language in xiTsonga.  He informed me that I am not incorrect, and told me a most fascinating story about his people.  According to my supervisor the Tsonga lived among the Zulu under the reign of Shaka.  After Shaka was killed by his half-brother, Dingane, the Tsonga decided to high-tail it out of what is now South Africa, taking their cattle with them.  A village was even named for the cloud of dust made as the Tsonga and their cattle ran toward Mozambique.  Mozambique was a Portuguese colony, which is where the Portuguese influence on xiTsonga likely came in, most notably in the pronunciation of the letter X.  The Nguni influence can definitely be seen in the language as well, with many words having just one letter difference between siSwati and xiTsonga.  For example, the word for “go” in siSwati is “hamba” and in xiTsonga is “famba.”  I am excited to see how the cultures have influenced one another over the next year.  The music alone could make for a great study!

I am still finding my niche in the village.  Some days are fabulous, and some are not.  The children are definitely enjoying having me around. Who knew that teaching red rover and duck, duck, goose would be such a hit?!  I am having a blast playing games with the children, but am definitely forced to establish boundaries.  The children come over every day and want to play, and sometimes I am just exhausted after working all day and living in heat and humidity.  We have received a few teaser rain drops, but we are still waiting for the rains to come.  Hopefully we will get a good rainfall soon.

While there are many challenges during service, there is occasionally the amazing experience that one would never dream of having.  One such experience took place recently when I was at a workshop with other volunteers.  The leader of our workshop surprised us with a trip to a predator park where we were able to enter the enclosures of lions.  It was amazing.  I was able to see a misogynist capuchin monkey freak out at the idea that his male caretaker would even put his hand near a woman, which was so entertaining I secretly wanted to taunt him more.  I was able to play with baby lions and bigger lions, which was incredibly fun and terrifying at the same time.  Never in my life did I dream that I would be able to say that I pet a lion! 

This experience is quite often emotional roller coaster.  There are times when being so far from home can be difficult, but I think for now I will fasten my seatbelt and stay on the ride.