allyson and bryan

Goodbye, Baphumelele /



I will miss sassy Ayabonga,
because she chose to write her homework assignment letter to Cameron Diaz.

I will miss gorgeous Viwe,
who has the curliest little eyelashes I ever did see.

I will miss overacting Awezipho,
the master of a million excessive expressions.

I will miss clever Asanda,
the smartest little three-year-old this side of the Nile.

I will miss pretty Nikiwe,
whose face shone with pure joy at being made-over into a stunning teenager.

I will miss naughty Nana,
toddler of a thousand clever tricks.

I will miss smart Lwando,
who taught Bryan to play five different games of African soccer.

I will miss kind Nosipho,
who stays after class to help put away the pens.

I will miss laughing Luthando,
of whom I could take a thousand photos.

I will miss nutty Neliswa,
who laughs harder and more maniacally at the simple pleasure of bubbles than any child legally should.

I will miss sweet Sinazo,
who lets you see right through to her heart of gold.

And I will miss precious Pissa,
who made us understand why you'd want to be a parent.

I'll also miss Paula, Katie, and Lani, the three super gals who finished out the last half of our shifts with us. We have a special bond, sharing these special children. (And yes, Jayney, I already miss you!)

But most of all I will miss the fact the Baphumelele is a place of happy, happy children who defy the odds every day. It's not a place of pity, or maudlin, or despair -- but one where a hundred smiling faces welcome you with open arms the second you step inside. The older kids are tough and kind and eager to learn. The younger are genuine and open and trusting when they have every right to be the opposite. I don't want to think about the fact that I might never see them again, but even if I don't, I'll surely never forget them.

Goodbye, Baphumelele.

stars, they're just like allyson @ 6:55 AM  

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