Monday Evening, Day 12

I opened the curtains this morning to see the low lying, dark clouds covering the mountains. It seemed as though the sea, mountains, and sky have felt my sadness of being with these wonderful students for the last class. Just as we gather in the classroom the sky begins to weep. Our prayers are bittersweet as we begin the class.
Again today, there is a new student who must be quickly caught up. If I have done my job, the instructors will be able to guide her along in the coming days. At tea, I am given a "thank you" card which each have signed. And at class end, we sing "Thank you Jesus" and blessings and hugs are given. It was difficult to keep a stiff upper lip but I did get through. Final waves goodbye, and then off to deliver bags to a new store in Noorhoek that we discovered on our trip there.
A quick trip to Simon Town for delivery to Sebanga and lunch before returning to the flat. Wendy is off to Curves and tonight we go to the Baxter Theater for "The Magic Flute" South African style! Man am I going to need some serious rest when I get home. Let's see if that happens!
Martha, thanks to you and Joe for meeting me and fetching me around home. I'll wait for you in the baggage claim area if that is OK. Its easy to get to and a good place to catch up to each other.
Tomorrow, I'll meet with the four advanced students for some new tailoring skills and review of the lessons. It has been amazing to see these students blossom with new confidence in their skills. I've loved watching their generous spirit as they have assisted others. They are gentle and loving in their instruction.
One of the new instructors is Paul who dreams of becoming a tailor. I know he will make it and be good at it. He is a natural leader and very quick to learn. Sylvia is one of the "mothers" (older women) of the class. She is by far the most skilled of the students, but always open to new ways of doing the tasks. Khumi is the only non Xkosa. She is Wsuto and already is an assistant instructor. Nakumsa is the present teacher and has been a most willing student in class. She has a sewing certificate and has done a superb job of teaching her skills. It has been the small techniques and tricks of the trade that I have been able to share to help improve the quality of the product and speed the construction. Pray for all the students as they move toward an improved quality of life because of their new skills.
Cape Town Seamstress