Twinky was learning Spanish from her Cuban friend, Manuel, when i first met her in Cape Town, which made me feel embarrassed when i could not even pronouce the most simple Xhosa words, nor did I speak any Spanish after living in California for the past few years.

She was the nanny of my boss, a mother of 2, a divorcee, a re-entry elementary school student, and someone who cared for her community enough to have the vision to start a after-school program to pull the kids away from the alcoholics and druggies.

When i left Cape Town, i said the only way to be in touch with me was through email. She said she would learn and 2 weeks later I got an email from her.

© Wun Yip 2001