End of March 2009 in Port Alfred

Hello everyone,

I am uploading two pictures first to see if I can get the text between photos. I don't know if it will work or not!

Most of the African mothers carry their babies on their backs this way. Reminds me somewhat of the American Indians and how they carried their babies in a similar fashion. They must have a pretty secure way of wrapping the baby. The babies seem comfortable and are often sleeping. The only problem comes when the child is bigger and the legs must straddle the mother's waist. The mothers seem careful to have the babies's heads covered. Pacifiers here are called "dummies."

Oh, well! Didn't work - the photos are still at the top. I guess I will have to wait until a "computer saavy" young elder arrives in Port Alfred to tutor me!

Top photo is of tiny Rosette Mthembu, born on Valentine's day. One of her adoring brothers is watching.

Next photo is of the woman who sells vegetable on a street corner in town. Another photo shows the vegetable stand. I usually buy vegetables in the grocery store, but I wanted to get a picture of the woman with the white powder/salve on her face. We have heard that it is used as sun screen, or that it is considered good for the skin.

The first few times we saw someone in town with the white powder all over the face, it was quite startling! I suppose the reverse is also true - a few weeks ago I stopped at a member's house and she had a relative's child on her lap. The child was fussy, but I didn't think anything about it until I returned a few hours later and the child took one look at me and began crying again! I finally realized that my rather pale face was foreign to her.

One photo is of a Relief Society homemaking meeting where we were learning to make a knitted beanie cap. The two black sisters did well, but I was all thumbs. I think I had better stick to playing the piano at church. I can crochet, but I will need much longer to be proficient in knitting. I should have taken lessons from my Dad, or my brother!

We are well and keeping busy. As I write this at 10 am the temperature outside is 75 degrees. One morning was cool when we went out to walk - about 59 degrees. We enjoy walking on the beach - there are always interesting things that have washed up on the shore.

Don't forget, we are never too busy to hear from you - katherinesgodfrey@gmail.com

Go well,

the Godfreys