Ma bhuti

Molo Molweni, greetings from Stellenbosch. So, second week of school has come to an end and all 4 of my classes were a delight and knowledgeable. I dropped the "Political and Cultural Change" class and in its place I'm taking, Truth Commissions, self-explanatory.
Time for the fun stuff. Today was the first day of my after-school program in Kayamandi. The best way I can put it, is that, I have fallen in love!!! Only one day, but all my dreams and all of my love for kids have come true!! There were around 30 some students from Stellenbosch who went today and volunteered for around a total of 75 kids. Their ages range from 12-14. I was put into the class 7D which was a great experience. It was also nice to have some of my buds from school with me. Helped ease their nerves. I went in and immediately opened up, which kind of scared me.
What we did:
1st, we took class attendence and then went up to the cafeteria and had a snack provided by some of the elders in town.
2nd, we went back down to the classroom and got into groups of around 4-5 kids and 2 Stellenbosch students. It was funny how me and another American named Morgan were put, on purpose, with the "trouble makers/class clowns." They're not bad kids but they knew he and I could handle them. Our boys picked out the group name "Crazy Dogs" earlier on in the week, so we had a fun time with that. We have to get them to bark every time they say it though, it's so funny!!
3rd, we played an ice-breaker game to try and get to know the kids better. Didn't really work because the Stellenbosch students couldn't really be involved in the game. We'll think of something better next time. haha
4th, we went back to the classroom and had "coloring" time. All me and my Crazy Dogs: Sive "aka lil Weezey", Tebuho, Asadihmo (forgot how to spell it) and the other boy, also forgot his name, they're complicated names, did was joke around about the pretty girls from school and the college girls and talked about sports. Basically all guys talk about anyways. haha
5th, we went out into the courtyard and hung out with the kids and just had fun. The kids had to give all of the volunteers Xhosa names. I was named "ma bhuti" by my Crazy Dogs. ma bhuti means "my brother." I was so happy!!! :D It was also cute how all the little girls and boys were running around and writing their names on our arms so we wouldn't forget them. Some of the names were Leejoy, Nikelo and Vuyani...The kids were so happy and so open to us and welcomed us with open arms, litterally. I'll take some pictures with the kids soon, but I want to earn their trust first. Don't think that will take long though. :D

I can't WAIT to go tomorrow for basketball and also next Thursday for the after school program. I'll also post more details of what we are doing, this is very broad.

I love you all.

Cheers,
Ryan/R.J.