My work is through

So here I am in my full Pondo outfit - scarf on my head, the vest, the pants, and the decorated stick as an accessory. You should have seen the reactions the folks of the Municipality were giving me when I unveiled it yesterday before our sendoff party. And if you're wondering about all that smoke, that's from the huge braii they threw us at lunch time.

In true Mbizana fashion, they threw Heather and I quite the sendoff, with a celebration in the Council Chamber - highighted with speeches by Managers and by Heather and I, of course everybody joining together in song, and a champagne toast. And then it was out for the braai!

It is really hard to believe that I've already come and gone from Bizana - what a fast 3 months. I really have learned so much and met so many unforgettable people. We have been welcomed into their community and their family, and I hope that I will see some of them again at some point in my life. I hope that I can return to see a flourishing Bizana.

I spent a lot of the week transitioning with the people of my department, having last training sessions. And I spent most of Thursday morning transitioning with my Manager. Words can't express their gratitude to us - it has meant so much to them that we have come so far from our homes and our families to a place we didn't really know before - but now a place we appreciately immeasurably. The Municipal Manager told me I must return home to tell my family that I have a new family now in Bizana, and their homes were open to my family... so when I brought my family and friends back, we always had a place to stay. I really believe that we did accomplish a great deal in short time on the work front. But even more so, we built personal relationships and friendships that I hope can uphold, over email to start (assuming they keep it up after our training!)

By the way, this is where I've been sitting for the last 3 months writing most of these posts - this is the trailer which is my Manager's office... I usually sit right there at the table.

With Hlangabezo, Ncumisa, and Nwabisa - 3 department officers - before I left yesterday

Last few things... we went out during lunch the other day to the village of Nkantolo close to Bizana, which is where OR Tambo is from and where his Heritage monument is located. I drove out with Heather, Tanya (UN Volunteer) and Tanya's husband Scott. About halfway there, we thought we were lost, so I told Heather to pull over and I would ask the woman on the side of the road. They thought I was crazy because she probably didn't speak any English... and I rolled down the window and completely in Xhosa greeted her, asked her where Nkantolo was, and Thanked her and finished the conversation as she pointed us on our way. When I rolled up the window, Scott turned to me and said, "That was amazing. You didn't speak any English!" By far, one of my crowning moments here in Bizana - and the department LOVED it when I told them. Their lessons paid off.

Had dinner and a few drinks at The Estuary last night and said goodbye to all our local Port Edward/Estuary friends. This morning it was up at 530 and driving the hour and a half to Durban Airport. Seeing the sun rise about the Indian made in a memorable drive - I am sad to not be returning to the Estuary. I landed in Johannesburg this morning.

Spent today in Accenture's Johannesburg office - major shock! A proper office. Good lighting. High speed internet - who knew! Talk about a contrast from one day to the next.

So with that, I am done. I am off to travel for a few weeks before my return home on April 15.

I've really enjoyed keeping up the blog and thank you all out there for reading and continually corresponding with me. I hope you've enjoyed as well. I hope it has painted a picture of my few short months here - and it will certainly serve as a timepiece for me years from now when I read what I wrote.

Hope to check in from my travels - and please do check this still in a few weeks. When I have more time, I will probably post one or two more times, and have more time to share a load of pictures.



Cheers! - Brian