Durban North (05/14/96)

Hello Family!!

Sanibona! Ninjani! I've been studying my Zulu! the word for cat is iKati, I don't know for sure how to pronounce it, but I'll find out for sure and let you know.  I'll also find out if there is a better name for her. I'll let you know.
(My family got a new cat while I was on my mission and was looking for a cool Zulu name for her :))

I forgot Bob and Sondra's address.  Dumb, I know!   I just went to sleep and forgot it.  So, I'll just send their letter to you and you can give it to them.

I've been thinking about the money for curios. I'm thinking that maybe you should send it now.  First of all, because the exchange rate is so good right now and also because I'm thinking that if I come across something that I really like then I would like to buy it then instead of not being able to and then never finding it again.  If you could send $200 that would probably be good.  Mom, I'd also need the length of the dining room table to know how much material to buy for you.  Also, if you know how to figure it out in meters, that would be best, but if not, just tell me in yards and I'll figure it out.  Would you also like me to get material for the serviettes? (Napkins) Just let me know what you want.

It would be best to write me a check. That will work the best and I'll just keep the money in my account until I need it.

I talked to Claudia. She was amazed that Mike hasn't recieved her letter.  She is going to fax him a letter in the next couple of days. She is staying with a family of a man who is in our ward.  She will be there for a month.  I don't know the exact details of her trip  I don't know that she does either.  I'm sure she'll say something about it when she faxes you.

Well, I'm going to end.  I love you all tons! It was great talking to you!  Take care!

Love
Michelle :)

(I had just talked to my family early that morning for Mother's Day, that is why there were so many random conversations started in this letter)

P.S. I was just sitting here writing letters and I heard a gun shot in front of our house.  I looked out my window and say quite the drama.  A black man was running down the street with a bag in his hand and then a white man running after him with a gun pointed at him.  The white guy shot the gun off into the air and the black man stopped.  The white man started beating the black guy.  The black guy had stolen the bag from the other man.  They finally walked the man back to the other mans house to phone the police.  Interesting!  Who needs T.V. when you live in South Africa! :)

Good thing I'm a missionary and have angles protecting me! :)

ok, the name for the cat, umntwana = oom twa na, which means child.  The word for cat is iKati, but I like this one better! 

Love ya!
Shel :)