An African Woman

The first week that I was here I was told that the day that I wear a baby on my back, and carry something on my head is the day that I become a true African woman.
Baby on back: Check

 Bucket on head: Check

 

So I’m an African woman now, right?

While the women that I work with jokingly admit that I am one now, I know that there is so much more to an African woman than babies and buckets on the head!

Living in Masealama, a village that I would say is comprised of about 70% women, I am constantly witness to what a TRUE African woman is! These beautiful women (most over the age of 50!) know the value of hard work, faith and family and there is not a day that goes by that they don’t focus on all of these.

From my experience here, I have seen what it really takes to be an African woman. First and foremost - an African woman is strong; They have a physical strength that is beyond belief.   Everywhere you look there are women hauling water, fetching wood and keeping young, rambunctious children in line. On top of a physical strength, their emotional and spiritual strength is inspiring and is what I believe holds them all together.

Underneath these strong muscles lies loving hearts. The women of Masealama know how to care for people like nobody I have ever known. They open their homes to children who aren’t even their own and raise them by themselves. They provide food, shelter and love for these kids, making a real difference in their lives. 

I am so grateful to have this year,  surrounded by such strong and beautiful women. Their hard work and love for others inspires me every day. I know that I have a long way to go to even come close to earning any title, but after I leave this beautiful country I hope to always strive for and reach my inner African woman!

Hugs from SA!

        Kelly

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.