Mothers Day in South Africa

from Elliott
It is Mother's Day in South Africa. In many ways it is the same as in the US. Greeting cards, Sunday Brunch, etc.

But for many in this country it is very different. With a significant number of orphans, by either death of a parent or absence due to economic conditions, one wonders how children in that context connect with the concept of 'Mother.' We are learning that society has a more broad meaning - well beyond the biological.

Katherine had taken photos of the children in the Pre School and helped the children make what we would call 'Mothers Day' cards. On the front of the card is a picture of the child and inside they could color. The children might share them with a mother, a grandmother, an aunt or just a friend. Katherine has connected so well with the children that many of them might well include her on their list as a mother figure.

It seems their definition captures a wider and maybe richer meaning. A mother seems to be anyone who is a nurturer, caregiver, mentor, encourager, provider and/or protector. It is no surprise that it is a term of respect to refer to a woman as 'Mama.' It speaks to the important role one plays or the impact one makes in the child's life as well as to the amazing resilience of the children.