To all my long lost friends and family. First, sorry that it really has been a month since some of you have heard from me. Yes I'm alive and things are going fine here in Pretoria. For those of you who want the quick and easy update this is it: enjoying the new flat, work is busy, still thankful to be here, saw a giraffe and rhino, I miss doing Yoga class, and I'm spelling things the European way now. For those of you with either more time on your hands or more curiosity...here we go!
The weeks since last time have really flown by but some very significant things have been going on. My step-mom Margit came for a visit for a week and we had a great time exploring just outside of town. We went to the Hartesbeepoort Dam area and stayed in some great little backpackers. After getting lost a good number of times, we found ourselves at Pilanesburg National Game Reserve and spent the day on Safari. Safaris are HOT! It was a blast searching with the binoculars for zebras, springbokke, rhinos, and giraffes. I cannot even start to describe how beautiful the park was and how much fun we had shrieking when the hippos would pop their noses and eyes out of the water, or when we finally at the end of the day spotted a "tower" of giraffes in the trees. Margit nearly jumped out of the car to get a better look. Good thing we didn't see any lions. We also got to go to a musical at the Market Theatre in Jo'Burg featuring Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo who are both significant and world famous jazz musicians who did a lot during the Apartheid Struggle. It was amazing! Pictures will be coming soon. The trip went very quickly but I think she got a taste of the reality, beauty, and variety of South Africa. I am so thankful that she could visit, it was nice to have a bit of home here!
Why has it been so long? Thank you first to those of you who have been so dedicated in keeping in touch and sending your encouragement, it means a lot. The last night that Margit was here we returned from dinner to find my laptop gone from the flat that Siri and I stay in. It was stolen from our lounge and the person had to have come in through my bedroom window. In the tradition of police officers, they arrived and went on to ask me what they should do! Furious, I told them to search the flats that were also in Museum Park since no one else would really know I had one there and other valuables were not taken. No luck. The computer is gone and that greatly limits Siri and my chances of writing any sort of emails, blogs, or posting pictures. The pictures are also all gone. God is still good and quickly reminded me that things are things, and people are what matter. 4 days later, another of the volunteers here was attacked just outside our gate. She is, thankfully and miraculously doing alright now but it led to a very hectic and traumatic day and week for many of us. But as I said, things are plastic and people are priceless. The police are still investigating the case so if you like, please pray that justice will be done and the person will be caught. Also for her recovery and all of our attitudes. There are a lot of new security measures in place for Museum Park now and the changes seem to be limiting the number of people coming and going so that is good.
All of these things, along with some others really seemed to be a Spiritual as well as physical battle and were challenging much of the work that is being done. We are all reminded that as we work towards furthering the Kingdom of God, there are forces that do not want this to happen. The Counter-Human Trafficking Coalition took a big hit, with people getting sick and information being lost, meetings confused and schedules disrupted but we are back on track now. I will post more next time with exactly what we are busy doing.
Last night, Mashadi, Sheryl and I went on the night outreach to Pretoria Central and it was so nice to be back out on the street. The ladies were pretty friendly and were joking around and talking with us about how things have been going. Sometimes, they are only interested in talking if we have soda or tea or coffee in hand but last night they were really willing to chat. It is always interesting to just sit down and talk about work with a woman who's industry has so many stigmas around it. Some women to be praying for specifically are: Mavis, Olivia, Lizette, Linda, Sibongile, Moshudu, and Polly.
Finding space in the city is difficult and this past week, it was brought to my attention how different life is here than at home and how much this still affects me. So, it has been my new challenge to try and find some spaces to escape to and breathe. Last weekend some friends and I found one! A great big park just outside of town to hike, bike, and ride horses in! There are giraffes and zebras running around, tall grasses, and beautiful trees. Still looking for others, but the list is growing. In the next month or so, I am hoping to do some traveling again. My cousins Pete and Shelley just moved to Gaborone,Botswana and Siri and I are hoping to visit over the Easter Holidays. At the end of April, the plan is to do a hiking trip in Lesotho (there may even be snow there by then).
A new favorite person that you should check out is: Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche Communities. His words and work have been very encouraging and challenging lately and we all could learn something from his life!
http://www.larche.org/home.en-gb.1.0.index.htm
Okay, more to come in a week or so...maybe even some pictures!
But I love you all and pray that you are well.
Peace that continues to surpass understanding and grace that keeps us serving Him,
Robin
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Better World....is coming!
A BetterWorld…is coming….
Jah rastafari! Bless i….salasi i….Jah provideth! Amen man. Amen. That’s my new greeting in the morning from the old Rasta who runs the stand on the corner. Frank has moved to the other side of town (actually just the other side of the park in front of City Hall). Last week, I picked up a three drawer stand on the side of the street and was struggling with it back to Museum’s Park when Rasta came up to me and offered to help. We walked and chatted (yes, every sentence ended with “I”) the rest of the way home and now, we are good friends. Maybe it helped that I was wearing an colorful beaded armband that he had made. Sorry Rasta I will not smoke with you though. Yesterday, he offered me his chips with a cheery “bless I”! I don’t even have dreads, wonder how he found out that I have some Rastafarian tendencies.
The three drawer stand is now nicely sitting in the corner of my new bedroom. I had to clean out the cockroaches and hammer a nail or two into the bottom drawer, but now it’s decent, and does a fine job holding my socks. Siri and I spent this last week organizing the final details of the new flat then cleaning, scraping, mopping, cleaning, and painting. It’s really amazing how different the place looks now from when we first did our exploring of the other flats in this compound. It feels like a home. People have been so generous to lend us the necessities and even the frilly decorations (like lacey curtains…sick). No, we have zebra stripped fabric covering a wall, painted 3 walls in the living room Argentina blue, my room is peach with fabric hanging everywhere, our kitchen has a collaged map of South Africa over one whole wall, and Siri’s room now has a yellow floor and is decorated with her wardrobe. The house is beautiful! Who knew how many uses milk crates could have. Currently, they are the structure of our coffee table, stove, bookshelves, dresser, end table, bathroom cabinet, footstool, and I’m sure in a few weeks we’ll discover many more uses. We are so thankful to have some space, some peace, and a place to welcome others into. Already it has been so fun to have people drop by for tea or lunch or a movie! One downfall, the toilet is outside. The middle of the night potty stop still requires a pep talk to actually get out there. We’ll get used to it though.
And now for something completely different.
“Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.” Isaiah 1: 5-7
About a month ago, after one of our Wednesday night street outreaches. I was reading the Bible, bumped into this verse and had to stop. That night I had been talking with a woman named Petunia who I had met a few weeks earlier. When we met in Marabastad (another location in Pretoria), her finger was swollen to the size of about 3 fingers, there was a gaping wound that was severely infected. I talked with her about what happened and she said that a client had bit her. She had gone to a clinic and they had given her stitches but a few days later, due to infection, they were taken out and she left the wound open. Now we bring a first aid kit with us each week and the women are very open to letting me do first aid if they have minor cuts or wounds. We talked about how to care for it and she asked if she could do it on her own. Petunia took some supplies and did a great job of taking care of it. A few weeks later, her finger looked almost normal again. Praise God. The point though, is that that night, after meeting her again, then reading this verse, so many images came to mind. These women are wounded and beaten and often do not comprehend (or have taught themselves how not to comprehend) the depth of their injuries. It speaks of the state of the city as well as the people in it. We do not realize how much our rebellion damages us. For the women working on the street, some of the afflictions are simply closer to the surface. It struck me how infected our lives are with sin and selfishness. We are just like these women in many ways. A few verses later though, the Bible says this:
“Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool…Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” Isaiah 1:17-18, 26
There’s hope! We have hope that things can change. This is what I pray for this city, for the people that I meet on the street, for those impacted by abuse, fear, oppression, entrapment, and addiction. There are so many in this city who are seeking justice and are going to the dark corners and forgotten buildings to let people know that this justice and freedom is for them too!
This past week, I attended a training hosted by World Hope, a Christian organization working against Human Trafficking in South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique. It was really an amazing opportunity to be challenged and taught about what is really happening in the world, just beyond our vision. The facts are devastating but the movement that is growing and awareness that is being raised about Human Trafficking is incredible. TLF has launched a Counter Trafficking Campaign for the city of Tshwane and as we have been working towards the World Cup, we have continued to discover and be invited into the plans of other organizations and groups of people. I’ll describe briefly what our plans are (in cooperation with many other organizations).
*Street Outreach; TLF partnering with a few other organizations will be doing street outreach and awareness raising at taxi ranks, bus stations, taverns, salons, train stations, and a few other locations outside of the city. We will use public theatre, posters, one on one conversations, and trainings to talk with people about what trafficking is and how they can play a role in preventing it as well as helping them avoid becoming trafficked themselves.
*Public Spaces: We want to partner with the School of Creative Arts to put on performances, use art and public interaction in the shopping malls and public squares in town to start the conversation with people who may not be aware that Human Trafficking is happening here in their city.
*Protection/Aftercare: The Potters House, Lerato House, and other shelters will make beds available to temporarily house victims of trafficking, especially during the World Cup. Social workers will be on hand to handle the cases and try to get people back to their homes.
*Trainings: We want to work with the property management of the residential flats in the city to offer trainings for all of the caretakers who will be working; giving them the information of what to watch for and resources on how to deal with potential situations that may be taking place in the flats, right in front of them.
*Being a part of BetterWorld Village: During the World Cup, TLF and it’s partners will be hosting a fan park in Burgers Park where there will be stages to discuss social issues such as homelessness and Human trafficking. This is a great opportunity to continue to raise awareness creatively and empower people to step out and start making changes in their communities in very practical ways.
God has really been confirming that this new role, is where I need to be for the next 6 months here. I am still at the Lerato House 2 days a week and I really enjoy my time there with the girls. Right now there are 6 new girls and they are adjusting pretty well. One girl ran away but was brought back by the police.
If you are still interested in learning more about Human Trafficking and the different campaigns that are working to fight against it, check out these websites and articles or feel free to email me or comment your questions and I will try to find out some answers or resources for you:
Justice [ACT]s
www.justiceacts.org/
StoptheTraffick
www.stoptheTraffik.org.za
TLF’s Better World
http://www.betterworld.org.za/index.htm
Time Magazine’s Article on Trafficking in South Africa
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1952335-1,00.html#ixzz0ckJxtjsa
The Ultimate Goal, South Africa
www.theultimategoal.org.za
World Hope South Africa
http://www.whsa.co.za/
Sorry for being sort of slow lately to update you all about what’s happening here. Time is running and the days really fly by. On a more personal note, I’ve been thinking about home a lot lately and will be excited to come back. Right now, that seems far off but I know that July 25th will sneak up on me. Yes, I have a plane ticket. Washington state, here I come! Oh no…that’s scary to think about. One day at a time.
Jah rastafari! Bless i….salasi i….Jah provideth! Amen man. Amen. That’s my new greeting in the morning from the old Rasta who runs the stand on the corner. Frank has moved to the other side of town (actually just the other side of the park in front of City Hall). Last week, I picked up a three drawer stand on the side of the street and was struggling with it back to Museum’s Park when Rasta came up to me and offered to help. We walked and chatted (yes, every sentence ended with “I”) the rest of the way home and now, we are good friends. Maybe it helped that I was wearing an colorful beaded armband that he had made. Sorry Rasta I will not smoke with you though. Yesterday, he offered me his chips with a cheery “bless I”! I don’t even have dreads, wonder how he found out that I have some Rastafarian tendencies.
The three drawer stand is now nicely sitting in the corner of my new bedroom. I had to clean out the cockroaches and hammer a nail or two into the bottom drawer, but now it’s decent, and does a fine job holding my socks. Siri and I spent this last week organizing the final details of the new flat then cleaning, scraping, mopping, cleaning, and painting. It’s really amazing how different the place looks now from when we first did our exploring of the other flats in this compound. It feels like a home. People have been so generous to lend us the necessities and even the frilly decorations (like lacey curtains…sick). No, we have zebra stripped fabric covering a wall, painted 3 walls in the living room Argentina blue, my room is peach with fabric hanging everywhere, our kitchen has a collaged map of South Africa over one whole wall, and Siri’s room now has a yellow floor and is decorated with her wardrobe. The house is beautiful! Who knew how many uses milk crates could have. Currently, they are the structure of our coffee table, stove, bookshelves, dresser, end table, bathroom cabinet, footstool, and I’m sure in a few weeks we’ll discover many more uses. We are so thankful to have some space, some peace, and a place to welcome others into. Already it has been so fun to have people drop by for tea or lunch or a movie! One downfall, the toilet is outside. The middle of the night potty stop still requires a pep talk to actually get out there. We’ll get used to it though.
And now for something completely different.
“Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.” Isaiah 1: 5-7
About a month ago, after one of our Wednesday night street outreaches. I was reading the Bible, bumped into this verse and had to stop. That night I had been talking with a woman named Petunia who I had met a few weeks earlier. When we met in Marabastad (another location in Pretoria), her finger was swollen to the size of about 3 fingers, there was a gaping wound that was severely infected. I talked with her about what happened and she said that a client had bit her. She had gone to a clinic and they had given her stitches but a few days later, due to infection, they were taken out and she left the wound open. Now we bring a first aid kit with us each week and the women are very open to letting me do first aid if they have minor cuts or wounds. We talked about how to care for it and she asked if she could do it on her own. Petunia took some supplies and did a great job of taking care of it. A few weeks later, her finger looked almost normal again. Praise God. The point though, is that that night, after meeting her again, then reading this verse, so many images came to mind. These women are wounded and beaten and often do not comprehend (or have taught themselves how not to comprehend) the depth of their injuries. It speaks of the state of the city as well as the people in it. We do not realize how much our rebellion damages us. For the women working on the street, some of the afflictions are simply closer to the surface. It struck me how infected our lives are with sin and selfishness. We are just like these women in many ways. A few verses later though, the Bible says this:
“Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the cause of the widow. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool…Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” Isaiah 1:17-18, 26
There’s hope! We have hope that things can change. This is what I pray for this city, for the people that I meet on the street, for those impacted by abuse, fear, oppression, entrapment, and addiction. There are so many in this city who are seeking justice and are going to the dark corners and forgotten buildings to let people know that this justice and freedom is for them too!
This past week, I attended a training hosted by World Hope, a Christian organization working against Human Trafficking in South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique. It was really an amazing opportunity to be challenged and taught about what is really happening in the world, just beyond our vision. The facts are devastating but the movement that is growing and awareness that is being raised about Human Trafficking is incredible. TLF has launched a Counter Trafficking Campaign for the city of Tshwane and as we have been working towards the World Cup, we have continued to discover and be invited into the plans of other organizations and groups of people. I’ll describe briefly what our plans are (in cooperation with many other organizations).
*Street Outreach; TLF partnering with a few other organizations will be doing street outreach and awareness raising at taxi ranks, bus stations, taverns, salons, train stations, and a few other locations outside of the city. We will use public theatre, posters, one on one conversations, and trainings to talk with people about what trafficking is and how they can play a role in preventing it as well as helping them avoid becoming trafficked themselves.
*Public Spaces: We want to partner with the School of Creative Arts to put on performances, use art and public interaction in the shopping malls and public squares in town to start the conversation with people who may not be aware that Human Trafficking is happening here in their city.
*Protection/Aftercare: The Potters House, Lerato House, and other shelters will make beds available to temporarily house victims of trafficking, especially during the World Cup. Social workers will be on hand to handle the cases and try to get people back to their homes.
*Trainings: We want to work with the property management of the residential flats in the city to offer trainings for all of the caretakers who will be working; giving them the information of what to watch for and resources on how to deal with potential situations that may be taking place in the flats, right in front of them.
*Being a part of BetterWorld Village: During the World Cup, TLF and it’s partners will be hosting a fan park in Burgers Park where there will be stages to discuss social issues such as homelessness and Human trafficking. This is a great opportunity to continue to raise awareness creatively and empower people to step out and start making changes in their communities in very practical ways.
God has really been confirming that this new role, is where I need to be for the next 6 months here. I am still at the Lerato House 2 days a week and I really enjoy my time there with the girls. Right now there are 6 new girls and they are adjusting pretty well. One girl ran away but was brought back by the police.
If you are still interested in learning more about Human Trafficking and the different campaigns that are working to fight against it, check out these websites and articles or feel free to email me or comment your questions and I will try to find out some answers or resources for you:
Justice [ACT]s
www.justiceacts.org/
StoptheTraffick
www.stoptheTraffik.org.za
TLF’s Better World
http://www.betterworld.org.za/index.htm
Time Magazine’s Article on Trafficking in South Africa
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1952335-1,00.html#ixzz0ckJxtjsa
The Ultimate Goal, South Africa
www.theultimategoal.org.za
World Hope South Africa
http://www.whsa.co.za/
Sorry for being sort of slow lately to update you all about what’s happening here. Time is running and the days really fly by. On a more personal note, I’ve been thinking about home a lot lately and will be excited to come back. Right now, that seems far off but I know that July 25th will sneak up on me. Yes, I have a plane ticket. Washington state, here I come! Oh no…that’s scary to think about. One day at a time.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Luxury of Life and Space
The Luxury of Life and Space
Welcome to 2010. Happy New Year! Apparently there’s some debate on how this new year is to be pronounced. Is it “two-thousand and ten” or is it “twenty-ten-yourself-around,” or the popular…TWENTY TEN? Here, at the center of all the World Cup hype…it is definitely Twenty-ten. It’s all happening in twenty-ten. I think it’s catchy.
And we are all back from the festive season now. After a beautiful trip to Mozambique, I was very ready to get back to Pretoria. It feels comfortable here in many ways. It’s good to know the streets, to have a bed to sleep in, to know how much fruit costs at the street stands, and to know the language. Moza’s national language is Portuguese; a beautiful language but a bit foreign. Mostly I scraped out attempts at Spanish which were received with smiles and at least some understanding. Me and the man selling baskets in the Central Market had a nice chat about how strong each basket was and what I could use it for…all in SpAn-ortgeGueSe. We had a good time, ending the conversation with a hug and a universal, Caio! Mozambique is distinctly different than South Africa. Maputo, the capitol has very obviously lived through a recent war and not much effort has been made to rebuilt or beautify the streets or buildings. All the buildings are grey cement with flaking paint and broken windows. Streets are full of garbage, broken furniture, and old cars. Just outside of the city, rather than the suburbs here in South Africa, you are instantly in the bush. Nicely paved roads makes way for broken cement then quickly turns into potholes covered in bright red dirt. Mango trees line the road and ladies walk down paths to everywhere wrapped in wonderful combinations of bright fabrics. Houses are huts, food is grown in each small town…there are not many markets. We are spoiled by options most of the time and during this trip, we quickly learned to survive on Mangoes, pineapple, coconut, rice, and Coke.
Since coming back to the city, I have already noticed some differences and it will be interesting to see how things continue to change as the year progresses towards the huge event ahead. Normally, it’s rare to see many white people walking around central, other than the few Afrikaaners who take the bus downtown to work in the large businesses or government buildings. They are quickly gone after work and seem to try and avoid walking the streets too much. But lately, I have seen so many types of people walking around! The other day, I saw a white guy with dreads walking along the street, an Asian guy was wandering Church Square, there was an interracial couple walking along Schoeman street, and a white family walking along pushing a stroller next to the large flats on Jacob Mare’! In any other city, these things are pretty normal…they probably even seem strange to be mentioning…but here, they’re unique…beautiful but different. I am praying that there is a change happening. That the fear of Pretoria Central is thawing and people are exploring from the suburbs or wherever they come from, and finding beauty and value in the inner city. For the past week, as a part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign, I have been walking each street in the city (I have quite a few more to go), to try and identify what types of businesses make up the place so that we can do outreach more effectively. The other day I prayed that God would both protect me as I walked around (looking a little insane I’m sure) and give me a new perspective on the city. As I turned the first corner, a little girl about 4 looked up and gave me a huge smile and waved. I grinned and waved back, just appreciating the freedom and sincerity that is always found in children. Turning the next corner I saw an older man barreling down the sidewalk pushing a shopping cart crazily. It was so bizarre I started laughing out loud, hoping he wouldn’t knock me over. Just before the cart got close enough for me to be really nervous, he stopped, left the cart and gave me a big hug, started ranting something in Sutu that I couldn’t understand, then went on his way. The lady at the fruit stand up the road smiled at me understandingly, sharing that strange hilarious moment with me. It’s interesting to really look at the city, and I’m praying that God uses the information to lead us in our outreach that will be starting in the next month or so. Please pray that we are led to the places where women and children are being exploited and gives us wisdom in how to best offer a way out.
Luxury. How would you define it right now; in your current lifestyle, living arrangement, or situation in general? What would seem luxurious? Would it be driving a BMW or being able to get a massage every weekend? Would it be having a pool in the backyard or going on extravagant vacations every year? Would it be having three meals each day? I’ve lived here for 5months now and some of the things that I have experienced are beginning to settle into my mind and heart. At first, they were simply observations or “interesting things about South Africa.” Now, some of these differences are starting to be internalized. One of these is our idea of luxury. I’m sure it would be even more extreme if I were living in some small rural village out in the middle of nowhere, but even here in the city, my concept of wealth and luxury has really been challenged. Most flats downtown are one or two rooms. In these, there are usually at least 3 or 4 people living. If you stay with your family it could be up to 5 or 6. In that room is the kitchen, bedroom, common space, and then a small bathroom. These flats are pricey too. Too expensive for me to stay in here, working as a volunteer so I can imagine that even on a limited income it would be a challenge for people. I’ve driven through the townships, where nice houses are one or two room (all the rooms…not just bedrooms) total size being about the size of a large master bedroom or “regular” American family room size. They usually have a small yard growing maize and a fence to protect the small amount of personal property that’s owned. Even the place that Siri and I live in now is large compared to where most people in the city live. We have our own room, then a hallway, two bathrooms, a dining room, a balcony, and a kitchen with store room. Even though all this space is shared with 8 other people, this is luxury. It’s hard though, to then drive through the suburbs and see all the houses that have always seemed “normal” or decent…and realize that these require a certain level of wealth that most people in the world will never attain. Why has this become the standard, for a family of 2 or 3 to own so much space? I am not saying that it is a bad thing always and there have been many times here that I really miss having personal space or those things that I used to consider basic comforts but when they become assumed right’s or when a standard of living is assumed, it can become dangerous. Space is a luxury, especially space that you have complete authority over.
Something else that has been highlighted as a luxury we usually assume is our life. As you all probably know, the volunteers have been hosting a Holiday Program for the children in the community. The first Monday back after the holidays we did some projects on New Year’s resolutions, goals, and self reflection. It was a small group of kids and they were mostly very young, 5 years to 11 years old. The first activity of the day was to go around the room and write answers to 6 questions on posters on the wall. A few of the questions were, “What is something you’re proud of from 2009,” “What would you like to accomplish in 2010,” “what are you thankful for today.” At the end of the time, we went around and read aloud each answer to really affirm their participation. About halfway through reading, we all started noticing a few themes; these kids realize the fragility of their lives. So many answered, on all the different posters, “I’m thankful to be alive today.” “I’m happy to see 2010,” “I am proud of living another year.” “I am happy that I’m still alive.” These are very young kids holding the gift of their lives dearly. Many of the kids in our program have had parents, siblings, or cousins who have passed away. Some are orphans living in the foster home that TLF runs. Hearing such true answers from little kids was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Devastating that disease and violence have led to death being common in families but seeing that children value their own lives and realize that waking up each morning really is a gift can mean bright things for their futures! If kids value their lives and want to preserve and find purpose in them, this world will really bloom!
While we’re on the topic of funerals, one of the staff at TLF passed away on Christmas Day. Her name was Bongiwe and she worked as a house mother at the Potter’s House. One of the outreach workers for the prison met her when she was in prison and Bongi later came to live at the Potter’s House. Soon, she was given the post as a house mother and worked there for 3 years. About 2 years ago, she was diagnosed with blood cancer and was very sick off and on. This past November she got very ill again and had to move into TLF’s hospice center, she died on Christmas Day. Her funeral was last Saturday and it was a wonderful tribute to her and God’s restoration in her life. Bongi’s family was able to come here from the Eastern Cape and the service was held at the church, then a graveside service followed. Family was given a time to speak and her story was told. What stood out to me the most is how the community really came together; each man taking a turn in filling the grave until it is full and the job is finished. Women sing song after song with such strong and resilient voices. The cemetery is filling, and there are waiting graves on each side of where we stood. People obviously know the routine, they know what to do, when to step forward, when to invite the children, just where to place the flowers, they’ve been through this before. Our lives are precious and the expectation to live until 70 or 80 is a luxury. Can we follow the example of the children in Salvakop, and realize that each day we wake up is a gift to be thankful for, used for a PuRpOSE, and shared generously with those around us.
For those of you praying out there, here are some things that I, TLF, and this community could really use prayer for:
--There’s a new girl at the Lerato House, her name is Lebojang and she is just 13 years old. Pray that she sticks around and gives the house a chance. That she would find healing and community there.
--For Bongi’s family as they are mourning as well as all the others who have lost loved ones or are mourning over the holidays.
--Thank you for all that happened during the Holiday Program
--For Siri and I as we have the option for a new living arrangement. That we would go where God would like us to be
--For provision for the second half of my time here. That I would trust God to provide and realize that when he calls, He also equips
--For the preparations for 2010 and the Better World Village
--That the trend of a more integrated Pretoria Central would continue.
Cute story of the week: At the Holiday program last Monday, there was this little tiny girl, maybe 6 years old. She doesn’t speak much English, so an older girl helped to translate the questions as we went around the group asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She tucked her head into her arms and mumbled something in her native language. Princess, the girl’s translator for the day, looked up at me and smiled big. I asked her what she had said she wants to be….Princess answered; “She said she wants to be a transformer!” I laughed and the little girl looked up and just grinned and giggled. Priceless.
Matthew 6:25-27—Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Welcome to 2010. Happy New Year! Apparently there’s some debate on how this new year is to be pronounced. Is it “two-thousand and ten” or is it “twenty-ten-yourself-around,” or the popular…TWENTY TEN? Here, at the center of all the World Cup hype…it is definitely Twenty-ten. It’s all happening in twenty-ten. I think it’s catchy.
And we are all back from the festive season now. After a beautiful trip to Mozambique, I was very ready to get back to Pretoria. It feels comfortable here in many ways. It’s good to know the streets, to have a bed to sleep in, to know how much fruit costs at the street stands, and to know the language. Moza’s national language is Portuguese; a beautiful language but a bit foreign. Mostly I scraped out attempts at Spanish which were received with smiles and at least some understanding. Me and the man selling baskets in the Central Market had a nice chat about how strong each basket was and what I could use it for…all in SpAn-ortgeGueSe. We had a good time, ending the conversation with a hug and a universal, Caio! Mozambique is distinctly different than South Africa. Maputo, the capitol has very obviously lived through a recent war and not much effort has been made to rebuilt or beautify the streets or buildings. All the buildings are grey cement with flaking paint and broken windows. Streets are full of garbage, broken furniture, and old cars. Just outside of the city, rather than the suburbs here in South Africa, you are instantly in the bush. Nicely paved roads makes way for broken cement then quickly turns into potholes covered in bright red dirt. Mango trees line the road and ladies walk down paths to everywhere wrapped in wonderful combinations of bright fabrics. Houses are huts, food is grown in each small town…there are not many markets. We are spoiled by options most of the time and during this trip, we quickly learned to survive on Mangoes, pineapple, coconut, rice, and Coke.
Since coming back to the city, I have already noticed some differences and it will be interesting to see how things continue to change as the year progresses towards the huge event ahead. Normally, it’s rare to see many white people walking around central, other than the few Afrikaaners who take the bus downtown to work in the large businesses or government buildings. They are quickly gone after work and seem to try and avoid walking the streets too much. But lately, I have seen so many types of people walking around! The other day, I saw a white guy with dreads walking along the street, an Asian guy was wandering Church Square, there was an interracial couple walking along Schoeman street, and a white family walking along pushing a stroller next to the large flats on Jacob Mare’! In any other city, these things are pretty normal…they probably even seem strange to be mentioning…but here, they’re unique…beautiful but different. I am praying that there is a change happening. That the fear of Pretoria Central is thawing and people are exploring from the suburbs or wherever they come from, and finding beauty and value in the inner city. For the past week, as a part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign, I have been walking each street in the city (I have quite a few more to go), to try and identify what types of businesses make up the place so that we can do outreach more effectively. The other day I prayed that God would both protect me as I walked around (looking a little insane I’m sure) and give me a new perspective on the city. As I turned the first corner, a little girl about 4 looked up and gave me a huge smile and waved. I grinned and waved back, just appreciating the freedom and sincerity that is always found in children. Turning the next corner I saw an older man barreling down the sidewalk pushing a shopping cart crazily. It was so bizarre I started laughing out loud, hoping he wouldn’t knock me over. Just before the cart got close enough for me to be really nervous, he stopped, left the cart and gave me a big hug, started ranting something in Sutu that I couldn’t understand, then went on his way. The lady at the fruit stand up the road smiled at me understandingly, sharing that strange hilarious moment with me. It’s interesting to really look at the city, and I’m praying that God uses the information to lead us in our outreach that will be starting in the next month or so. Please pray that we are led to the places where women and children are being exploited and gives us wisdom in how to best offer a way out.
Luxury. How would you define it right now; in your current lifestyle, living arrangement, or situation in general? What would seem luxurious? Would it be driving a BMW or being able to get a massage every weekend? Would it be having a pool in the backyard or going on extravagant vacations every year? Would it be having three meals each day? I’ve lived here for 5months now and some of the things that I have experienced are beginning to settle into my mind and heart. At first, they were simply observations or “interesting things about South Africa.” Now, some of these differences are starting to be internalized. One of these is our idea of luxury. I’m sure it would be even more extreme if I were living in some small rural village out in the middle of nowhere, but even here in the city, my concept of wealth and luxury has really been challenged. Most flats downtown are one or two rooms. In these, there are usually at least 3 or 4 people living. If you stay with your family it could be up to 5 or 6. In that room is the kitchen, bedroom, common space, and then a small bathroom. These flats are pricey too. Too expensive for me to stay in here, working as a volunteer so I can imagine that even on a limited income it would be a challenge for people. I’ve driven through the townships, where nice houses are one or two room (all the rooms…not just bedrooms) total size being about the size of a large master bedroom or “regular” American family room size. They usually have a small yard growing maize and a fence to protect the small amount of personal property that’s owned. Even the place that Siri and I live in now is large compared to where most people in the city live. We have our own room, then a hallway, two bathrooms, a dining room, a balcony, and a kitchen with store room. Even though all this space is shared with 8 other people, this is luxury. It’s hard though, to then drive through the suburbs and see all the houses that have always seemed “normal” or decent…and realize that these require a certain level of wealth that most people in the world will never attain. Why has this become the standard, for a family of 2 or 3 to own so much space? I am not saying that it is a bad thing always and there have been many times here that I really miss having personal space or those things that I used to consider basic comforts but when they become assumed right’s or when a standard of living is assumed, it can become dangerous. Space is a luxury, especially space that you have complete authority over.
Something else that has been highlighted as a luxury we usually assume is our life. As you all probably know, the volunteers have been hosting a Holiday Program for the children in the community. The first Monday back after the holidays we did some projects on New Year’s resolutions, goals, and self reflection. It was a small group of kids and they were mostly very young, 5 years to 11 years old. The first activity of the day was to go around the room and write answers to 6 questions on posters on the wall. A few of the questions were, “What is something you’re proud of from 2009,” “What would you like to accomplish in 2010,” “what are you thankful for today.” At the end of the time, we went around and read aloud each answer to really affirm their participation. About halfway through reading, we all started noticing a few themes; these kids realize the fragility of their lives. So many answered, on all the different posters, “I’m thankful to be alive today.” “I’m happy to see 2010,” “I am proud of living another year.” “I am happy that I’m still alive.” These are very young kids holding the gift of their lives dearly. Many of the kids in our program have had parents, siblings, or cousins who have passed away. Some are orphans living in the foster home that TLF runs. Hearing such true answers from little kids was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Devastating that disease and violence have led to death being common in families but seeing that children value their own lives and realize that waking up each morning really is a gift can mean bright things for their futures! If kids value their lives and want to preserve and find purpose in them, this world will really bloom!
While we’re on the topic of funerals, one of the staff at TLF passed away on Christmas Day. Her name was Bongiwe and she worked as a house mother at the Potter’s House. One of the outreach workers for the prison met her when she was in prison and Bongi later came to live at the Potter’s House. Soon, she was given the post as a house mother and worked there for 3 years. About 2 years ago, she was diagnosed with blood cancer and was very sick off and on. This past November she got very ill again and had to move into TLF’s hospice center, she died on Christmas Day. Her funeral was last Saturday and it was a wonderful tribute to her and God’s restoration in her life. Bongi’s family was able to come here from the Eastern Cape and the service was held at the church, then a graveside service followed. Family was given a time to speak and her story was told. What stood out to me the most is how the community really came together; each man taking a turn in filling the grave until it is full and the job is finished. Women sing song after song with such strong and resilient voices. The cemetery is filling, and there are waiting graves on each side of where we stood. People obviously know the routine, they know what to do, when to step forward, when to invite the children, just where to place the flowers, they’ve been through this before. Our lives are precious and the expectation to live until 70 or 80 is a luxury. Can we follow the example of the children in Salvakop, and realize that each day we wake up is a gift to be thankful for, used for a PuRpOSE, and shared generously with those around us.
For those of you praying out there, here are some things that I, TLF, and this community could really use prayer for:
--There’s a new girl at the Lerato House, her name is Lebojang and she is just 13 years old. Pray that she sticks around and gives the house a chance. That she would find healing and community there.
--For Bongi’s family as they are mourning as well as all the others who have lost loved ones or are mourning over the holidays.
--Thank you for all that happened during the Holiday Program
--For Siri and I as we have the option for a new living arrangement. That we would go where God would like us to be
--For provision for the second half of my time here. That I would trust God to provide and realize that when he calls, He also equips
--For the preparations for 2010 and the Better World Village
--That the trend of a more integrated Pretoria Central would continue.
Cute story of the week: At the Holiday program last Monday, there was this little tiny girl, maybe 6 years old. She doesn’t speak much English, so an older girl helped to translate the questions as we went around the group asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She tucked her head into her arms and mumbled something in her native language. Princess, the girl’s translator for the day, looked up at me and smiled big. I asked her what she had said she wants to be….Princess answered; “She said she wants to be a transformer!” I laughed and the little girl looked up and just grinned and giggled. Priceless.
Matthew 6:25-27—Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
HalF TimE Report---it's IChristmas. :)
Half Time Report
Merry Merry Christmas to everyone StaTesiDe! I do pray that it is a joyful time of year for each of you and that you are experiencing God’s love story of Christ in a new way this year. It is amazing to prepare for the Holiday in a different country, feeling like I get a new perspective of just how BiG our God is; that the same story is being taught and celebrated 10,000miles away at the bottom of Africa. It’s all over the world. We are celebrating here by hosting Christmas in the Park. Most people who live in the city are not actually from Pretoria but rather have come here looking for work or to go to school. So, many people travel home for the Festive Season leaving only those in town who cannot afford to go home or do not have a family to return to. Sunday night, we put on a service in the middle of Burgers Park, singing Christmas Carols and just joining people to get to know how and where God wants to come into their worlds. It was a beautiful sight, the candle light, held by children, families, guys from the street, and staff of TLF, singing Silent Night. This whole week we will have activities during the day for fellowship then on Christmas Eve, there will be a big meal, songs, and Santa in the park. Apart from being with my own family on Christmas, there is no better way to celebrate the life of Christ than being with the family here; brothers and sisters I have not met yet; people who are probably aching for a simple conversation or company during the holidays. Those of you who are lucky enough to be with family this week, please realize how blessed you are to have those people around you. I encourage you also to find ways to include the ones who may not have loved ones near. Look for simple and sincere ways that speak of extravagant love.
Since this year is coming to a close, but my year in South Africa is at about half-way it seems appropriate to do some reflection and summarization of what’s been happening here. Also to let you all know the craziness that’s in store for 2010!
The past 5 months have been pretty documented so I won’t go into too much detail but sometimes its fun to put everything together to be encouraged that God is active.
Lerato House Outreach-weekly day and night outreach to the Ladies of the Night. During the day, a group of us go to the “bad buildings,” to meet with the women, distribute condoms, first aid, and information, and mostly just spend time building relationships that will eventually lead to the women taking steps away from a destructive life and into the one that is waiting for her. 5 women in the last 2 months have signed up for classes at a local organization that teaches sewing, baking, and computer skills. They will start training for other work! Sarah and Lebo are two women that I’ve spent some time talking with and have heard some really incredible stories of what is “normal life” for them. We sit in an old abandoned tavern that usually smells like rubbish and is apparently used as a toilet too. They lay there waiting for the evening’s work to begin. We chat for awhile about men, life, and the world cup, then they start asking about God. About what His love means. These are some of my favorite moments here, sitting in strange places…just talking with my sisters…no strings attached. Walls of social expectations and racial rules that still exist can be broken down. Praise God that He is the original author of reconciliation.
Prison outreach-on Tuesdays we go to the juveniles section of the prison to lead a bible study and do some sort of activity. One of the girls will usually start us with a worship song, and let me tell you listening to the sound of strong voices praising God from the brick walls of a prison is something out of this world. I know that He hears those girls’ hearts and smiles. Last week, they all made Christmas cards to send home to families or friends. One of the girls who was released from prison came to Lerato House and talked of great plans to stay and to turn her life around. Unfortunately, within just 3 days she had run away and is, most likely, back in Sunnyside with her “boyfriend,” who she claimed, doesn’t sell her, just the others.
Policy/Advocacy Unit work- TLF has an advocacy unit which is small but strong! There are two guys that work full time, partnering with the different projects to help them take on events and really spread a message effectively. I have joined them 2 days a week mostly to do research and some foot work when there is an event happening. At the beginning of December for World Aids Day, Rivoningo, the Hospice Center of TLF wanted to do an event and thought that going into the hospitals in the city to train nurses about the myths of HIV/AIDs would be a good idea. Turned out to be an incredible place to talk about this. For about 2 weeks we did workshops then on December 1st there was a parade through town ending at an event near the State Theatre. Lesego, a girl who was originally given just a few weeks to live came to Rivoningo and started getting proper treatment. She now is walking and is generally healthy, living an normal life for a 23 year old. She had the opportunity to speak at the event, telling her story and encouraging others to be responsible, get tested, and stick to the ARV medications. I walked two guys who came to our table afterwards asking to get tested, to the clinic down the road. Talking with them along the way was so interesting, to hear their thoughts and nervousness about finding out their status, they hadn’t been testing in 7 months. I pray that those two guys found out good news and that they will continue to be responsible with their bodies and others.
So, all of these things, along with the everyday conversations, questions, and opportunities that come up are evidence to me that God has brought me here for a purpose and I am so thankful and humbled to be able to carry His name down the streets here, loving people by and with His grace.
With the new year, come new projects. Could you be praying that God would guide and bless these endeavors?
Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition: TLF is joining with a number of other organization in the city, including the city itself to establish a project to stop Human Trafficking. There will be many different facets to it, but it will be outreach based. We hope to get information and training into all of the businesses, restaurants, taxis, hotels, taverns, and bus stations in the city as well as do training for flat caretakers and taxi drivers on how to identify a potential trafficking victim and what to do in that situation. There will also be direct outreach like what is already happening. The School of Creative Arts will be included to do public street theatre and events speaking about the issue. Both potential victims and buyers will be targeted.
Better World Village: During the month of the world cup, all schools are released and many people who are not working (south Africa has a 42 % unemployment rate from what I hear), will be just enthralled with the games going on. There will be fan parks and viewing centers all over the country. One will be just a block away, in Burgers Park. This one will be different though, there will be discussion forums about leadership, homelessness, environmentalism, and abuse. It will be a fan park with a further purpose than just the games. There will also be a street soccer tournament and a youth leadership group working with the kids. The city of Tshwane is partnering with TLF to support and market this and I am so curious what it will turn out to be. TLF is gifted with the ability to dream big and trust in God’s abundance…please pray with us that it will become what He intends it to be.
So, these, along with all of the normal activities that are happening around TLF, it will be a very busy few months. I know it will just fly by. Or, as they say here…time will really run!
Now, I need to say a HUGE thank you for all of you who have contributed to this trip financially and otherwise. Your gifts have completely blessed me and allowed some great work to be done here in Pretoria. May God bless your generosity. Thank you also for the prayers. They are priceless and many times I have really felt the love and support coming from somewhere in the WeSt! I love you guys so much and really hope that this trip has been a bridge in many ways. That is something that would be great to explore for this next few months is how it can become more of a connection between you and this place; between Bellingham and Pretoria, Puyallup and Pretoria, Texas and Pretoria. I would love to see people connecting with projects, learning about this country and the things that are happening around here. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions.
With this thank you comes a request. I will lay out my monthly budget for you to see where your finances have been going. There is also an explanation of what my needs still are for the rest of my stay here. I trust that God will provide and there is no fear in my heart that the necessary money will come. He is good and will not lead people without preparing the way for them and supplying them with every gift; material and spiritual that is necessary to accomplish His purpose there. Please ask God if this is something that He would have you give to.
Monthly Budget:
Rent: $70
Internship Fee: $30
Food: $80-100
Transportation: $15-20
Communication (internet/phone/etc):$15-20
Other: $20-30
Total: $230-270/month
This does not include my plane ticket home or the unexpected costs that inevitably come up as life rolls on. Rent may also be increasing as my living arrangement changes. $70 per month is obviously an amazing price for rent and this includes utilities but I am unsure of what the new situation will be. No doubt, it will be slightly more expensive than it has been so far.
Need: 2,000-2,500. Initially my estimate was that the year in total would cost about 6,000 and God provided the initial 3,000 that was needed to get here and support me for the first part of the trip. This estimate still seems accurate and currently, I will need to raise at least 2,000-2,500 more dollars in order to finish my time here and then make it back home (and I would really like to come back home at some point).Plane tickets home are about 1,100 for a one way trip (thank you World Cup). And I am planning on returning at the end of July.
If people want to donate to me, TLF or to one of the projects.
To me: through the website using PayPal www.ibhuloho.blogspot.com or by mailing a check made out to my step-mom Margit Davis, so she can deposit it in the South Africa account in the US.
To TLF or a specific project: details are on the TLF website; www.tlf.org.za
Here’s some suggestions of movies if any of you are interested in getting a peek into South African culture: Sarafina, Tsotsi, Izulu Lami, District 9, and of course, Invictus
For New Year’S I’ll be travelling to Mozambique for a week and am so excited for another breather from the city. Stay tuned for stories from the sea as well as some thoughts about race here in South Africa. That has been one of the hardest things lately…is getting glimpses of how deep the racial devide is. It is so hard to see, but makes the moments when true reconciliation has happened just that much more beautiful.
I love each of you and cherish our friendships---far and near.
God bless you.
Merry Merry Christmas to everyone StaTesiDe! I do pray that it is a joyful time of year for each of you and that you are experiencing God’s love story of Christ in a new way this year. It is amazing to prepare for the Holiday in a different country, feeling like I get a new perspective of just how BiG our God is; that the same story is being taught and celebrated 10,000miles away at the bottom of Africa. It’s all over the world. We are celebrating here by hosting Christmas in the Park. Most people who live in the city are not actually from Pretoria but rather have come here looking for work or to go to school. So, many people travel home for the Festive Season leaving only those in town who cannot afford to go home or do not have a family to return to. Sunday night, we put on a service in the middle of Burgers Park, singing Christmas Carols and just joining people to get to know how and where God wants to come into their worlds. It was a beautiful sight, the candle light, held by children, families, guys from the street, and staff of TLF, singing Silent Night. This whole week we will have activities during the day for fellowship then on Christmas Eve, there will be a big meal, songs, and Santa in the park. Apart from being with my own family on Christmas, there is no better way to celebrate the life of Christ than being with the family here; brothers and sisters I have not met yet; people who are probably aching for a simple conversation or company during the holidays. Those of you who are lucky enough to be with family this week, please realize how blessed you are to have those people around you. I encourage you also to find ways to include the ones who may not have loved ones near. Look for simple and sincere ways that speak of extravagant love.
Since this year is coming to a close, but my year in South Africa is at about half-way it seems appropriate to do some reflection and summarization of what’s been happening here. Also to let you all know the craziness that’s in store for 2010!
The past 5 months have been pretty documented so I won’t go into too much detail but sometimes its fun to put everything together to be encouraged that God is active.
Lerato House Outreach-weekly day and night outreach to the Ladies of the Night. During the day, a group of us go to the “bad buildings,” to meet with the women, distribute condoms, first aid, and information, and mostly just spend time building relationships that will eventually lead to the women taking steps away from a destructive life and into the one that is waiting for her. 5 women in the last 2 months have signed up for classes at a local organization that teaches sewing, baking, and computer skills. They will start training for other work! Sarah and Lebo are two women that I’ve spent some time talking with and have heard some really incredible stories of what is “normal life” for them. We sit in an old abandoned tavern that usually smells like rubbish and is apparently used as a toilet too. They lay there waiting for the evening’s work to begin. We chat for awhile about men, life, and the world cup, then they start asking about God. About what His love means. These are some of my favorite moments here, sitting in strange places…just talking with my sisters…no strings attached. Walls of social expectations and racial rules that still exist can be broken down. Praise God that He is the original author of reconciliation.
Prison outreach-on Tuesdays we go to the juveniles section of the prison to lead a bible study and do some sort of activity. One of the girls will usually start us with a worship song, and let me tell you listening to the sound of strong voices praising God from the brick walls of a prison is something out of this world. I know that He hears those girls’ hearts and smiles. Last week, they all made Christmas cards to send home to families or friends. One of the girls who was released from prison came to Lerato House and talked of great plans to stay and to turn her life around. Unfortunately, within just 3 days she had run away and is, most likely, back in Sunnyside with her “boyfriend,” who she claimed, doesn’t sell her, just the others.
Policy/Advocacy Unit work- TLF has an advocacy unit which is small but strong! There are two guys that work full time, partnering with the different projects to help them take on events and really spread a message effectively. I have joined them 2 days a week mostly to do research and some foot work when there is an event happening. At the beginning of December for World Aids Day, Rivoningo, the Hospice Center of TLF wanted to do an event and thought that going into the hospitals in the city to train nurses about the myths of HIV/AIDs would be a good idea. Turned out to be an incredible place to talk about this. For about 2 weeks we did workshops then on December 1st there was a parade through town ending at an event near the State Theatre. Lesego, a girl who was originally given just a few weeks to live came to Rivoningo and started getting proper treatment. She now is walking and is generally healthy, living an normal life for a 23 year old. She had the opportunity to speak at the event, telling her story and encouraging others to be responsible, get tested, and stick to the ARV medications. I walked two guys who came to our table afterwards asking to get tested, to the clinic down the road. Talking with them along the way was so interesting, to hear their thoughts and nervousness about finding out their status, they hadn’t been testing in 7 months. I pray that those two guys found out good news and that they will continue to be responsible with their bodies and others.
So, all of these things, along with the everyday conversations, questions, and opportunities that come up are evidence to me that God has brought me here for a purpose and I am so thankful and humbled to be able to carry His name down the streets here, loving people by and with His grace.
With the new year, come new projects. Could you be praying that God would guide and bless these endeavors?
Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition: TLF is joining with a number of other organization in the city, including the city itself to establish a project to stop Human Trafficking. There will be many different facets to it, but it will be outreach based. We hope to get information and training into all of the businesses, restaurants, taxis, hotels, taverns, and bus stations in the city as well as do training for flat caretakers and taxi drivers on how to identify a potential trafficking victim and what to do in that situation. There will also be direct outreach like what is already happening. The School of Creative Arts will be included to do public street theatre and events speaking about the issue. Both potential victims and buyers will be targeted.
Better World Village: During the month of the world cup, all schools are released and many people who are not working (south Africa has a 42 % unemployment rate from what I hear), will be just enthralled with the games going on. There will be fan parks and viewing centers all over the country. One will be just a block away, in Burgers Park. This one will be different though, there will be discussion forums about leadership, homelessness, environmentalism, and abuse. It will be a fan park with a further purpose than just the games. There will also be a street soccer tournament and a youth leadership group working with the kids. The city of Tshwane is partnering with TLF to support and market this and I am so curious what it will turn out to be. TLF is gifted with the ability to dream big and trust in God’s abundance…please pray with us that it will become what He intends it to be.
So, these, along with all of the normal activities that are happening around TLF, it will be a very busy few months. I know it will just fly by. Or, as they say here…time will really run!
Now, I need to say a HUGE thank you for all of you who have contributed to this trip financially and otherwise. Your gifts have completely blessed me and allowed some great work to be done here in Pretoria. May God bless your generosity. Thank you also for the prayers. They are priceless and many times I have really felt the love and support coming from somewhere in the WeSt! I love you guys so much and really hope that this trip has been a bridge in many ways. That is something that would be great to explore for this next few months is how it can become more of a connection between you and this place; between Bellingham and Pretoria, Puyallup and Pretoria, Texas and Pretoria. I would love to see people connecting with projects, learning about this country and the things that are happening around here. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions.
With this thank you comes a request. I will lay out my monthly budget for you to see where your finances have been going. There is also an explanation of what my needs still are for the rest of my stay here. I trust that God will provide and there is no fear in my heart that the necessary money will come. He is good and will not lead people without preparing the way for them and supplying them with every gift; material and spiritual that is necessary to accomplish His purpose there. Please ask God if this is something that He would have you give to.
Monthly Budget:
Rent: $70
Internship Fee: $30
Food: $80-100
Transportation: $15-20
Communication (internet/phone/etc):$15-20
Other: $20-30
Total: $230-270/month
This does not include my plane ticket home or the unexpected costs that inevitably come up as life rolls on. Rent may also be increasing as my living arrangement changes. $70 per month is obviously an amazing price for rent and this includes utilities but I am unsure of what the new situation will be. No doubt, it will be slightly more expensive than it has been so far.
Need: 2,000-2,500. Initially my estimate was that the year in total would cost about 6,000 and God provided the initial 3,000 that was needed to get here and support me for the first part of the trip. This estimate still seems accurate and currently, I will need to raise at least 2,000-2,500 more dollars in order to finish my time here and then make it back home (and I would really like to come back home at some point).Plane tickets home are about 1,100 for a one way trip (thank you World Cup). And I am planning on returning at the end of July.
If people want to donate to me, TLF or to one of the projects.
To me: through the website using PayPal www.ibhuloho.blogspot.com or by mailing a check made out to my step-mom Margit Davis, so she can deposit it in the South Africa account in the US.
To TLF or a specific project: details are on the TLF website; www.tlf.org.za
Here’s some suggestions of movies if any of you are interested in getting a peek into South African culture: Sarafina, Tsotsi, Izulu Lami, District 9, and of course, Invictus
For New Year’S I’ll be travelling to Mozambique for a week and am so excited for another breather from the city. Stay tuned for stories from the sea as well as some thoughts about race here in South Africa. That has been one of the hardest things lately…is getting glimpses of how deep the racial devide is. It is so hard to see, but makes the moments when true reconciliation has happened just that much more beautiful.
I love each of you and cherish our friendships---far and near.
God bless you.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Cooked In Africa
First, it must be confessed that I am stealing the title of this blog from my new favorite cook book. You guessed it, “Cooked in
500g self rising flour
340ml
5ml salt
15ml olive oil
Let dough rise for 20 minutes. Bake for 40 minutes.
It’s delicious! This cook book is full of beautiful photos, stories, and flavours from all over
Cooked in
It’s the festive season now, and the city is clearing out. Most people who live in
As far as the past few weeks goes, it’s been quite diverse. Just to break it down a little bit: two weekends ago, 3 of the other German volunteers and I took a road trip east and north to the provinces of Mmpumalanga and
Road Trip! We decided about a month ago that it would be fun to do some exploring by car. Just East of Guateng province is Mmpumalanga (mmm-poo-ma-lang-ga), where the “
Bury the Myths, Save the Patients. Immediately following, this epic road trip was a very revealing week at
A quick update on Kelebongile, the girl that I mentioned before who had come to the Lerato House just out of prison. She promptly ran away after 2 days at the house. We had a few good conversations about her life with Paul in Sunnyside and I will continue to pray that she has the courage to step out of the world that has apparently become so ‘comfortable’ for her. Drugs, abuse, and money are all very captivating things. I must believe that she will someday be free.
“I want so badly to believe, that there is truth, that love is real. And I want life in every word, to the extent that it’s absurd.”—The Postal Service
Last week was Thanksgiving, but as you have read life was full of the exact thing that I am so thankful for so Siri and I celebrated one week later, just 3 days ago. There is a room across
During the retreat, we appropriately talked about Abundance and it was a surprisingly challenging subject to think about and to try and turn into a reality. We are called to live with and in the abundance of Grace that God has given us and to pass that on in tangible ways to the ones around us. God has really been challenging me to think big, to dream and trust that if He provides the vision, He will also provide the resources. There are people here who are doing this in incredible ways and it’s great to watch, participate and learn from them.
In the next few weeks I will write more about this and also describe some of the things that are in store for the new year! Also, I would like to break down what has happened so far this year and really emphasize how much work God is doing here in this city and in the people he has drawn into this community.
For now, will you join in this prayer with me and think about where you can be following His example?
“You are the God of the broken, the friend of the weak. You wash the feet of the weary, embrace the ones in need. I want to be like you Jesus to have this heart in me. You are the God of the humble…You are the humble king.”
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
WanderInGs
*The Blyde River Canyon. Panorama Style--sorry it's so shrunken.
*Some friends at the Yearly TLF Retreat-Tumi, Grace, and Freddie!*The girls! Also at the retreat; Siri, Maren, Rebecca, Me, Relienne
*One of the little boys I made friends with at the retreat, Mike!
*Bathle-this picture is extremely
accurate-arms ready to knock something over, sticky face!
*Mac Mac falls;one of the lookouts we could actually see on the road trips up north.
*The biggest Baobab tree in Africa (at least that's what they claim) Yes, that's me inside of it!
*Eva, Marlena, Carlotta, and I at the lookout over they Blyde River Canyon. So beautiful!
New blog to come very soon. As in the next two days or so!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)