gypsy for a day
Did you know I can speak Afrikaans?
(It’s one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, in case you have no idea what I’m talking about.)
I can. Well, just enough to get me into trouble hold my own in a conversation.
I’m pretty rusty since I’ve been Stateside for over a year now. But apparently I can still speak it well enough to impress a South African.
I don’t remember how I first wandered over to The Gypsy Mama’s website, but I’m so glad I did.
She basically lives the inverse of my life—a South African living in America. And she’s a beautiful writer. Simply beautiful.
We moved from met-on-the-net to hugging-in-real-life when Lisa-Jo came out to my Starbucks meet-up in DC last November. And I couldn’t resist busting out some Afrikaans for the occasion. So fun to have someone to speak it with!
Well, Lisa-Jo gracefully rolled out the welcome mat for me over at her blog today. I’m honored to be her first guest poster (poster?) ever!
So come on over to hear about some differences between South Africa and America.
(Don’t worry. I wrote in English.)
And while you’re there, spread some Gritty love to The Gypsy Mama.


































I would give anything to hear you speak it! Preferrably in May! ;o)
@gritandglory says:
you have no idea how much it makes me smile to see your fish face and “BM” here again!
I might have SOME idea. ha!
Do you speak Xulu as well?
@gritandglory says:
i wish. i know VERY little sesotho, which is the language of the people group our ministry is focused on… and that’s about it.
I know how you feel. Half my neighborhood speaks Spanish. I know clearly that I am here by God’s will, I am like, “Lord, I don’t even do well with English… much less Spanish.”
Still… I have seen God’s glory even when we don’t understand each other’s words :D
I found your blog via Gypsy Mama’s and I’m so glad I did! I look forward to reading more and visiting often.
@gritandglory says:
thanks, stacy! welcome to the Grit! ;)
@ventigrace says:
I’ve been a lurker on her site for quite awhile… it’ll be nice to read you there… :)
PS: I bet you and Silas could chat it up… he’s learning SO FAST… so much for his school being “english”. HA.
@gritandglory says:
tell siloh his aunt lizzy can’t wait to talk some afrikaans with him!
Thanks for sharing…I love to find new blogs.
I love that I am actually in your town as I read this. You are lovely. In real life and in print. Thanks for “Kuiering” with me!
Love you,
LJ