Family Farewell Function

We knew the day would come when it would be time to say good-bye to our host family. They hosted Michelle and I for two months while we completed training with the Peace Corps. When we first arrived, we referred to them as our “host family”, but shortly thereafter we dropped the “host” part of it because they truly became our family. We affectionately called our host-mom “Mama” (and still do).

Joe, Mama, & Michelle

As a way of saying thank you to our family, along with all of the other families that hosted volunteers during Pre-Service Training, Peace Corps, the volunteers, and we coordinated a farewell function that consisted of traditional Zulu attire, dancing, singing, speeches, awarding of certificates, and, of course, food. The families had a wonderful time.

Several of the male volunteers and I surprised our families by wearing traditional Zulu pants to the function. One of the language instructors found a tailor who could make the pants, which was really cool. When I walked out of my bedroom on the morning of the function, Mama was giddy to see me wearing the pants. Mama surprised me in return by getting me a (faux) traditional Zulu shirt (I say faux because the real ones are made using animal skin, which apparently is very expensive). Mama also got Michelle a traditional Zulu shawl, necklace, and headband.

Joe & Michelle in Traditional Zulu Attire

Several local, youth performance groups came to the function to sing, dance, or both. The children were quite talented. Many of them performed a dance called “gida”. Historically, Zulus performed gida before they engaged in battle. It was the equivalent of “puffing up one’s chest”, which was meant to intimidate their opponent. Over time, though, gida evolved to become a dance. Now, gida is a great show of pride for the Zulu culture.

The "Gida" - A Traditional Zulu Dance

Michelle sang a rendition of Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles with a group of volunteers. It was great! Two volunteers within the group translated some of the lyrics into isiZulu so that all who listened could enjoy the song; even if only a small portion.

Rendition of Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

I was selected by the language instructors to give the speech of appreciation to the families. I was honored to be selected, as well as nervous because the speech was entirely in isiZulu. After a couple of months studying the language, I have learned many words; however, looking at the speech, I saw that there are many more to study. I rehearsed the speech many times; sometimes alone and sometimes in front of the language instructors. The instructors were able to give me feedback, which helped immensely because I got better after each rehearsal.

Joe Giving the Speech of Appreciation in isiZulu

The speech went over very well. I heard from several families that they could understand me. Some of them even commented that they thought I had been speaking isiZulu for much longer than a couple of months (if only!).

The function ended by awarding each family a certificate. They were excited to come up to the stage to be recognized. When Michelle and I spoke with Mama after the function, Mama shared that she was initially afraid to bring strangers into her home. She went on to say, though, that she was glad she did because she loved getting to know us. She soon thought of us as her own children.

Mama, our family, Michelle, and I were sad to see the day come when we had to leave for our permanent site. Many happy memories were made with our family. Michelle and I are excited to say that we’re going to visit them over the summer holidays (Dec-Jan). We look forward to seeing them again.