Chapter 38 Summary

Back at the hospital Nhamo questions Dr. Masuku about the ceremony. The doctor, Mother in Nhamo's mind, talks about how hard it is to forget the old ways when one learns about Christianity. Mother tries to suggest to Nhamo that it is time she start searching for her relatives—this time not from frustration with Nhamo, but from caring. Nhamo is afraid they might make her go back to her village and get married, as promised. Mother gasps that she will not let that happen. Letters are sent with every possible messenger, but routes of communication are not sophisticated here, and months go by.

During this time, Nhamo learns math and reading and writing. She learns to wear such civilized things as underpants and a bra. She learns to care for her hair and skin to make them soft. She even drinks...