I imagined being placed with a family. A family that was overflowing with young kids that I could play with after work, who would teach me games, and give me hugs every day. A young mother with boundless energy would show me around the village. And, of course, there would also be a gogo living on the compound and she would share her wisdom (even though we could not speak the same language) – maybe she would be a traditional healer?! This would be my host family in South Africa. Doesn’t this sound grand? Well, this is what I thought I wanted. So, when I was told I would be living with a single man….a pensioner who was retired because of a disability?! I wasn’t very excited. This didn’t sound like my ideal South African family.
But then I met Piet. Mr. Piet Thuketane. And my perspective shifted (isn’t it strange how that happens sometimes)? Well, Piet has turned out to be my lifeline. On days that I thought I just couldn’t stand it one more second, I would seek guidance from Piet. He always had answers (granted, sometimes not to the questions I asked but it usually didn’t matter). Along with teaching me about life in South Africa and the people/places/traditions in my community he taught me so many other lessons. He taught me how to maintain my sense of humor. And how to appreciate being quiet and more observant. And how to be less judgmental. As I would walk home from work, I would look forward to my time sitting on the porch talking to Piet. He liked to know about my day. Then he would ask about my family and my friends. I think I told Piet more about my life than I have shared with some of my close friends? When I was going through a break-up…I confided in Piet. When I was frustrated about a project at work, I shared with Piet. When my sister had her baby, Piet was the first to know. And Piet remembered everything I told with him (it was sometimes shocking). And, oh, he loved having my fellow Peace Corps friends visit (like Ethan “the giant” and Megan “the scientist” and Ted “the china boy”!).
I feel lucky now I didn’t get the “perfect” host family. Because, instead, I met Piet. He is an amazing person. Right now, I can’t imagine saying goodbye to him (I am tearing up just writing this…). And, even though Piet will never see me (he lost his sight several years ago), he may know me better than anyone else. Thank you, Piet, for giving me not just a place to live for the last two years but making it my home.
