A Glimpse of Calisile

I had the good fortune to see Calisile last November in Mhlosheni. She was one of a half dozen children trooping around, Pied Piper-like, behind Dave. He'd visited all the children sponsored by Sherry, himself, Tyson, and Stacey, and at the outdoor picnic they stuck to him like glue.

Her image came to mind again as I transcribed Dave and Sherry's letter for this post.

[Calisile writes:]

Dear David + Sherry

Thank you so much for stickers, panties, bracelets and candy you sent me. I enjoyed reading your letter. My mother is working away. She is washing clothes for my headteacher's family. I now live with my brother in my grandmother's home. We go home when my mother has come to visit us. I will sing for you Sherry!

[Calisile's caseworker, Jele Sebe, writes:]

Calisile is now living in her [grand]mother's home. She is still schooling in the same school. She walks a long distance from home to school. Her mother is working for Calisile's headteacher. She is in the headteacher's area which is almost 10 mkilometers away from Calisile's home. She visits her children month end. They are all well although Calisile is always missing her mother. She thanks you. She wasmore than happy when I told her that Dave and Sherry had giiven her a a gift. She even cried.

Thank you -- Jele Sebe


As I look at her picture I can't help but see her following Dave across that bright hilltop in Mhlosheni!