my old friend Maggie

Many of you will remember my old friend Maggie. Maggie has been in my life since 2008 - my first trip to South Africa - and she's one of the reasons my heart stayed here. Last week, my friend Alicia (local Coloured South African) and I took Maggie to McDonalds. This is a huge treat for Maggie AND myself as we both don't eat out and rarely see each other.

Maggie was her normal self - stubborn and hilarious. Many people are turned off by her abrasive attitude and demeanor but I totally embrace it 'give it back' to her... I think that's why we're friends - I can take her! Last time I had dinner with Maggie, I was new in my Afrikaans language lessons. This time, she expected to teach me more, but I surprised her at my growth and knowledge of the language! I'm nowhere near fluent - I'm at early stages still, but I shocked Maggie at my Afrikaans phrases and whit! She told me I wasn't learning 'proper' Afrikaans; I explained that my 'community friends and teens' were my teachers and I'm speaking their slang-street-language. She wasn't impressed but at least got a good laugh out of my knowledge!

I love Maggie. Pray that God continues to grow her into the woman He wants her to be!