A Thank You Celebration from Sinikiwe

On Wednesday, 25 May, we were invited by Sinikiwe to a special "Thanksgiving" celebration at the Mokoka Library in Daveyton. We were flabbergasted at the preparations that went into the very formal presentation in our honor and surprised to see the "Grannies" all in traditional African attire and so involved in the Sinikiwe projects.



 

Instead of the Grannies being in their separate conversation huddle, they have become an integral part of Sinikiwe. We were especially surprised when they suddenly started singing a multi-part African chant and then rose to their feet and began marching/dancing in a line as they sang. You must see the video to really appreciate it. The plastic stacking chairs were draped with material and bows, like for a wedding reception, and the women had prepared a luncheon for us. We were so glad we invited Sister Dunn, the Johannesburg Mission President's wife to join us, as she will need to carry on with this worthy cause when Martha is gone in a few weeks. We were all asked to say a few words as part of the program and Martha and Sister Dunn were presented beaded hats, beaded bracelets and beaded headbands in recognition of their assistance to the Sinikiwe organization.

Desiree greeted us in Xhosa dress. Notice the fabric
and bows on all the chairs for the celebration



The bead work went on before, after, and even during the celebration



Martha tries on a beaded hat and scepter

...and the bead work goes on

The Egans with Desiree and her daughter and grandson, all active members of the Church

 

Desiree presented both Martha and
Sister Dunn beaded black hats as gifts

Sisters Dunn and Egan in matching beaded hats...



...and matching headbands

 

Desiree and the car that Sinikiwe bought from our donation, after buying the needed inventory of beads and supplies

 

 The women of all ages took turns coming up to the front and "testifying" of the value of the donation to Sinikiwe and to them and their families and shared their stories about what this organization has done to allow them to "put food on their tables" and become self-reliant. This was another amazing experience with these enterprising women!





 



 

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