We arrived at the gate to Kruger National Park just before dusk. Enough time to see a few animals on the way to our campsite just inside the park. We played a game throughout the course of our days here: who can predict the first animal we will see every morning? Needless to say I won the entrance by saying a bird or a deer. Excuse me for being boring but it was a good guess. Naaa... the prize went to Diana. She made a guess that was more "legitimate". AKA - she guessed something more extravagant. Something that we wanted to see more than just something that was inevitable to be seen.
Over the course of our four days and three nights we saw over a thousand Impalas, roughly 150 Elephants, 40 Giraffes, 100 Hippos, 10 Warthogs, countless Cape Buffalo, birds of every shape and colour, 160 Zebra, and all sorts of small creatures. I can't even describe to you how beautiful it was to be in the presence of so many animals. Ever since I was very young I loved animals and this was a wonderful experience for me. Somewhere amongst my possessions back in WI there is a large tub of plastic animal figures that I would play with on the floor for hours. There's something about the animal instinct, natural hunter-hunted scenarios, sounds, shapes, colours, and reproduction that just makes one wonder how big our God is that He could come up with all these things for us to live amongst. Mind you, most of them have been put into rather large "cages" (parks, reserves, etc.) but they still live and function as they would without us. Every thing on this planet is a testimony to the vastness of our Lord. Go beyond this minuscule celestial ball and you find things that are beyond comprehension. It's all screaming intelligent design, Creator, One who loves His creation enough to leave it there for them to fall in love with Him. Breathtaking...
If we had wanted to drive through the entire park in one day it might have been possible. Highly unlikely though if you actually want to see things. So we stopped at Punda Maria, Olifants, and Skukuza rest camps to sleep and relax before continuing. Mike and I slept in our tent while the girls enjoyed the other tent and it's confinement. There is a confession to be made on my part. One night, Mike and I slept in the car. Don't even say anything, feeling bad enough about it as it is. Not really though, we thought it ingenious. In the morning there was nothing to take down. All we had to do was but the seats back into the upright position so the girls could get into the back seat. May no one take this as grounds to say I'm not an outdoorsey person. Bring on the wild.
Have you ever seen a sunset with giraffes in the foreground? Perhaps elephants? A riverbed with crocodiles laying on the bank? I can proudly say that I can now. This part of the trip blew me away and I shall never forget all of the things I've seen.
On October 8, 2008 we left Skukuza and departed from the glories of Kruger National Park. It was odd being outside the gate and seeing people walking on the road instead of elephants or springboks. We kept expecting to see a wild animal off to the right or left but nothing. Eventually we were back to the normal thinking of people on the road. Music, laughing, fussing, "singing", and fellowship. What more could one ask for on a long trip than Ken, Judy, Barbara, Sandra, Tara, Sasha, Diana and Mike? For me it was just fine to be with them.
And now on to the landscape capitol of my world. I say my world because I'm not a world traveler... yet.
SWAZILAND! OH MY GOD, YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT!
The mountains and the sunsets. The people and the smells. The cows on the road? Oh yes, just like when I was young and we would have to stop on the way to church to put a cow back into it's designated pen. This reminds me of my dad shaving on the way to church in our big van. The sound of that Remington. Probably why I use one. Don't worry, not while I'm driving.
To my merry pleasure we were visiting Dick Van Dyke and family. Take the figure of that famous actor and reverse it. That's what this Dick looked like. Short, stocky, and bearded. Personality wise you could relate them however. He was a very jovial person. Something everyone should strive for more of... JOY! His house was one for the books. The scene off the back veranda was one of white geese over a small bridge to an island with the mountains in the background. Lush green grass and flowers at your feet in the lawn. Absolutely stunning. The girls stayed here, of course. Mike and I got to stay up at the African Christian College with one of the instructors. The first night in we went to the Van Dyke's house and had a study. It was very cool to hear him speak on biblical matters with his experience. Ken and Dick go way back and that's how we came to visit them.
Our time at the college was wonderful. They have a large Macadamia nut orchard. The view with the orchard in the foreground and the mountains in the back was something to wake up to and go to sleep to. Never a day that's not filled with splendor here. Everywhere there's splendor, one must know how to look for it.
We stayed with the Platt family (Kurt, Wendy, Christy, and Karen). Mr. Platt is an instructor at the college and we had some very interesting conversations about the Holy Spirit. Very intelligent fellow. While we were visiting I finished the book The Shack and it was brought up how our relationship with God looks. He really prompted some question asking and thought. I truly appreciate that about my time with him. I left wanting more. Not every place you visit does that to you. For me, the ACC did.
In Manzini where we were located we visited a primary school to speak to them about the curriculum. Kena and Judy have had contact with them for some time and wanted to catch up on a couple things. The principal at Tubungu Primary School, who is also the personal tutor to the Queen mother, has connections in the department of education and it's possible that someday Lessons To Live By will be in every primary school in the country of Swaziland. Pray for this...
For all you Monroe people out there we went to a homemade chocolate place called Chocolate Temptations. It was right next door to the Swazi Glass Factory and an old man's shop where he makes rocking horses. I have only seen glass being made once before going to the factory and I was, once again, fascinated by the process. The works that are on display in Cafe Claudeen by Gabriel Breadon's son come to mind. So many beautiful pieces that seem impossible to accomplish. If given the opportunity I would just sit and watch them all day. It's very hot in the shop, though. The workers wear overalls too. A mad props to those guys. So, a couple of chocolates, a chat with the rocking horse maker, and a few glass pieces later we're on the road again. This time to Durban.
We bid a very fond farewell to the Platts and headed towards Durban. We already had contacts here because of the SABS Lectureship. Mike and I stayed at a house straight out of the OC. For all you who don't entertain yourselves with dramatic, mindless rubble it's a television show. The Orange County is what it stands for. Lots of rich people with dumb problems. But their houses are beautiful. This house was beautiful. A large pool in the front and an entire other house in the back for the people's mother and grandmother to stay in. It was nice to be able to go for a swim the next day and relax in a comfortable bed. On Sunday morning at the Queen Mary Avenue Church of Christ the preacher talked about guilt and why we do things. One point he made that stuck with me was:
Rationalize = Rational Lies
Think about it. What do you do when you want something to be okay and know it's not?
In the afternoon we went to the beach, a braai for the journalist of the year of some publication, Angie's house, and small group that night. It was a video series called The Truth Project.
That was it for Durban. Just one night. At this point we're headed to Kokstad and the final night of our trip. This was great fun because our purpose for going was fellowship. The people who live there aren't part of an established church so they're starved for consistent Christian fellowship. They were delighted to have us and we were happy to stay. That night before supper Sasha, Mike, Diana and I play croquet. It had been a long time for me but oh, what fun. Mike had never played before and yet he won the second game. That night I had the opportunity to sleep on a down-feather bed and I took it. So soft and big I almost felt swallowed by this colossal pillow type thing. Waking up in the morning to breakfast and packing up again. This was sad but inevitable. The man of the house works for Clover (a dairy company) and, we initially met him at the factory before his house, it felt a little like home. {There's a lot wrong with that sentence}. He bid us go and we went. It's a nice feeling knowing that just being around has brightened someone's day, week, maybe even month! God is so good like that.
And now we come to journey's end...
Tuesday 14 October 2008
8:00 AM departure.
On the way back to PE we hit up East London(EL) to get some "American supplies". Kind of sounds like we're playing Oregon Trail or something. A suburb has a special Spar that imports stuff so whenever anyone goes near EL supplies must be gotten. I myself didn't buy much, but it was a hay day for others.
Now we hit the final leg of the journey. I drove with Sasha, Tara, and Diana in the passenger seats. We screamed really loud, talked about nice things that we like about each other, and played "freeze out". It was pretty chilly but not freezing outside. "Freeze out" is where you crank the air conditioner and roll down all the windows while driving fast. It was intense and lots of stress, screaming, and shivering ensued. Eventually someone gave in and we rolled up the windows. Fun none the less. After much picture taking and talking we hit PE around 20:00 PM. Brittney, Lize, Auntie Kathy, and Auntie Ethel all met us at the nest. Arrival at Ken and Judy's was sad but good all at once. This trip was such an experience that we never wanted it to end, and yet it was time to move on.
So, we got our stuff separated and headed our own ways. Brittney and Liz gave us a ride to our place since our car was being taken care of by Lindsay. She even took it in to get serviced while we were gone. Sweet of her. Especially since it was doing something funky, she said. The next morning we wouldn't have a car right away but the positive: we have a vehicle that is fully ready to be used. Mike and I hit our cottage and proverbially dropped to our knees. Our own beds. Our own showers. Wonderful... so very wonderful.
This is the conclusion of our trip. It's long and if I ever cross paths with you, my reader, someday then you must ask to see pictures. Love you all. Sorry it has taken so long to finish.
Cheers!
Showing posts with label Upcountry Trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Upcountry Trip. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
CONT. of the Trip. "SABC to Kruger"
The lectureship in Benoni - Johannesburg ended with a banquet. We didn't go to this event and for good reason. That night at the Monte Casino a musical was being performed on stage. The opportunity to see the Broadway rendition of Beauty and the Beast arose and we took it. For only R400 we had third row seats. It was beautiful! Colourful, fun, dramatic, lively, and overall a very enjoyable evening. The Casino was set up like a small village and the theater was accessed by going outside and walking past a big, open square. As we were waiting for the show to begin, I remember sitting on a bench and it started to sprinkle. If I hadn't been prepared to sit through a performance I would have danced in the rain. God made it for our enjoyment just as He made the sunshine. For all you oldies: "I love a rainy night".
The next morning we were packed and ready to go. As soon as Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra showed up at the dorms with the van and trailer we got ourselves organized, said our goodbyes, and hit the road. Another lengthy leg of the trip. The windy, mountain sections of road up to Venda (a tribal region in the Limpopo province) were magnificent. The scenery in this country is breathtaking. We planned to go up this way because the church there was celebrating it's 50th Anniversary and Lessons To Live By was going to be distributed to the body as well. When we arrived that Saturday afternoon there as a large tent at the top of a hill down a red-dirt road. They had an interpreter but the regional language was what was predominantly spoken. After 'service' we had a meal cooked in large pots over open fires and watched as some of the older ladies did a traditional drum and dance. The dresses they wore while performing this dance were vibrant and almost identical to one another's. I believe there are some pictures on one of the girls' facebook pages. Check it out.
Mike and I had the pleasure of staying with a family that fed us, bed us, and let us be. Seems like most houses have a family devotional every night. We got to participate in two that night; one at "HQ house" and one at our hosts house. Just a thought and some songs. It's quite fun to sing in a foreign language that you can't speak, read, or understand. God has something for those who try though.
Sunday morning was an affair. The amount of people congregated in one place was just astounding. You see, here in Africa, one of the biggest issues is transport. So, the people who attended (for the most part) were from the area. Quite a few traveled for the festivities too, but that's how it is. Transport is a daily issue and we deal with it as a team and a body here in PE as well. The singing, the sermon, and the fellowship was so encouraging. I was drawing pictures for the children during the lesson (don't tell!) and they loved it. Their faces would brighten if I drew a stick figure of them sitting on a chair outside of a tent. If you want to communicate with those who don't speak good English, just draw pictures. Some kids were rolling tires around to play with and a lot of them didn't care to wear shoes. But why would they? The dirt is so red it destroys the bottom of pants, socks and shoes. I could live there. No doubt, it's a place I would find very warm and comfortable.
Pressing on from Venda to Kruger National Park. This is the largest game park in Southern Africa. It was astounding how many of God's creatures we were able to see. Being in nature has a way of refreshing one's soul. I felt that God touched me while were drove through the park day by day. The opportunity to bond with my teammates was fun too! I shall put together a separate post for Kruger. Get back to me tomorrow :)
The next morning we were packed and ready to go. As soon as Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra showed up at the dorms with the van and trailer we got ourselves organized, said our goodbyes, and hit the road. Another lengthy leg of the trip. The windy, mountain sections of road up to Venda (a tribal region in the Limpopo province) were magnificent. The scenery in this country is breathtaking. We planned to go up this way because the church there was celebrating it's 50th Anniversary and Lessons To Live By was going to be distributed to the body as well. When we arrived that Saturday afternoon there as a large tent at the top of a hill down a red-dirt road. They had an interpreter but the regional language was what was predominantly spoken. After 'service' we had a meal cooked in large pots over open fires and watched as some of the older ladies did a traditional drum and dance. The dresses they wore while performing this dance were vibrant and almost identical to one another's. I believe there are some pictures on one of the girls' facebook pages. Check it out.
Mike and I had the pleasure of staying with a family that fed us, bed us, and let us be. Seems like most houses have a family devotional every night. We got to participate in two that night; one at "HQ house" and one at our hosts house. Just a thought and some songs. It's quite fun to sing in a foreign language that you can't speak, read, or understand. God has something for those who try though.
Sunday morning was an affair. The amount of people congregated in one place was just astounding. You see, here in Africa, one of the biggest issues is transport. So, the people who attended (for the most part) were from the area. Quite a few traveled for the festivities too, but that's how it is. Transport is a daily issue and we deal with it as a team and a body here in PE as well. The singing, the sermon, and the fellowship was so encouraging. I was drawing pictures for the children during the lesson (don't tell!) and they loved it. Their faces would brighten if I drew a stick figure of them sitting on a chair outside of a tent. If you want to communicate with those who don't speak good English, just draw pictures. Some kids were rolling tires around to play with and a lot of them didn't care to wear shoes. But why would they? The dirt is so red it destroys the bottom of pants, socks and shoes. I could live there. No doubt, it's a place I would find very warm and comfortable.
Pressing on from Venda to Kruger National Park. This is the largest game park in Southern Africa. It was astounding how many of God's creatures we were able to see. Being in nature has a way of refreshing one's soul. I felt that God touched me while were drove through the park day by day. The opportunity to bond with my teammates was fun too! I shall put together a separate post for Kruger. Get back to me tomorrow :)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Days 4-7
September 28 - October 2, 2008
This entry brings us through the South African Bible College (SABC - but commonly referred to as SABS (South African Bible School)) Lectureship: “Spread the Flame”.
We left Maseru and headed toward the border. The body wasn’t meeting that morning because so many people were leaving. They had planned an evening worship so we just packed up and left. The plan being to meet some of the members from Maseru there and caravan to Johannesburg where the school is. Turns out they left late and the line to get through immigration at the border was long and we passed through a shorter line (“ignorantly”) and pressed on. 5 hours later we’re driving in the hustle and bustle of busy Joburg. We didn’t arrive at the Benoni Church of Christ until after the opening ceremony had started but not much was missed besides the formal initiation words and the singing on the anthem. Oh yes, that song we all know and love so well . . . 728b.
A sermon, some singing, bread and wine, and formal introductions all accomplished in a fairly short time span. Team 1 had driven up (or some of them) with Shawn Fortuin from Fairview CoC and we followed them to the school. Mike and I got a dorm room to ourselves and went to sleep. The next morning we turned in a voucher we had purchased for breakfast. Mind you, there’s isn’t a fancy cafeteria there, it’s just a big pot of oatmeal, hot water for coffee or tea, and some other dishes for your dining pleasure. I will now give you a basic overview of each day at the lectureship:
8:30 - breakfast
9:00 - opening lesson and dismissal of youth to alternate building for separate lessons
9:15-11:30ish - class, quiet time, small group, and singing (for the youth classes that we worked with)
11:30 - lunch break
12:00 - return to classroom for afternoon session
12:00-14:00ish - final session
14:00is-19:00 - time to be spent as one wills
19:00 - Meeting of all people involved with the lectures at the Benoni CoC building for worship, sermon, and evening closure
Now I may not be remembering the times correctly but that’s just about how it went. The first day I didn’t go to youth and sat in on some of the men’s classes that were really well done. The rest of the time I was in the youth room and headed a small group. Daniel was the book that was gone over through the week. Luke Wright from Oklahoma, USA did the class and I enjoyed his approach so much. He covered the first 6 chapters and presented in a way that wasn’t drab or boring but it was easy to relate to. I’d sit in on those classes again if I could.
The week was encouraging and lots of swell things happened. Someone found Dr. Pepper at the Spar down the road (regrettably I didn’t have one) and we contacted and met some great brothers and sisters from the northern part of Suid Afrika. One day at lunch a man named Freddy Mayala came up to me and just asked for my email out of the blue. I had never really talked to him but recognized his cute children that I had played with the day before. So, now I’m in correspondence with him and at least one other student at the South African Bible College.
This young girl was struggling up the steps and I helped her with her bag only to find out that I would be staying at her house in Swaziland just a week later. God has a funny way of connecting His people young, old and otherwise. Glorious.
Jerry Hogg. Someone to note. This man has been on the board, a teacher, and administrator at SABC for a number of years and is now going back to Texas, USA to work with Sunset as the ambassador (some position name here) to all of the African extension schools. There are currently 17 and he will be overseeing and working with them all. I look forward to hearing about the work God will be doing through Him.
KCK
This entry brings us through the South African Bible College (SABC - but commonly referred to as SABS (South African Bible School)) Lectureship: “Spread the Flame”.
We left Maseru and headed toward the border. The body wasn’t meeting that morning because so many people were leaving. They had planned an evening worship so we just packed up and left. The plan being to meet some of the members from Maseru there and caravan to Johannesburg where the school is. Turns out they left late and the line to get through immigration at the border was long and we passed through a shorter line (“ignorantly”) and pressed on. 5 hours later we’re driving in the hustle and bustle of busy Joburg. We didn’t arrive at the Benoni Church of Christ until after the opening ceremony had started but not much was missed besides the formal initiation words and the singing on the anthem. Oh yes, that song we all know and love so well . . . 728b.
A sermon, some singing, bread and wine, and formal introductions all accomplished in a fairly short time span. Team 1 had driven up (or some of them) with Shawn Fortuin from Fairview CoC and we followed them to the school. Mike and I got a dorm room to ourselves and went to sleep. The next morning we turned in a voucher we had purchased for breakfast. Mind you, there’s isn’t a fancy cafeteria there, it’s just a big pot of oatmeal, hot water for coffee or tea, and some other dishes for your dining pleasure. I will now give you a basic overview of each day at the lectureship:
8:30 - breakfast
9:00 - opening lesson and dismissal of youth to alternate building for separate lessons
9:15-11:30ish - class, quiet time, small group, and singing (for the youth classes that we worked with)
11:30 - lunch break
12:00 - return to classroom for afternoon session
12:00-14:00ish - final session
14:00is-19:00 - time to be spent as one wills
19:00 - Meeting of all people involved with the lectures at the Benoni CoC building for worship, sermon, and evening closure
Now I may not be remembering the times correctly but that’s just about how it went. The first day I didn’t go to youth and sat in on some of the men’s classes that were really well done. The rest of the time I was in the youth room and headed a small group. Daniel was the book that was gone over through the week. Luke Wright from Oklahoma, USA did the class and I enjoyed his approach so much. He covered the first 6 chapters and presented in a way that wasn’t drab or boring but it was easy to relate to. I’d sit in on those classes again if I could.
The week was encouraging and lots of swell things happened. Someone found Dr. Pepper at the Spar down the road (regrettably I didn’t have one) and we contacted and met some great brothers and sisters from the northern part of Suid Afrika. One day at lunch a man named Freddy Mayala came up to me and just asked for my email out of the blue. I had never really talked to him but recognized his cute children that I had played with the day before. So, now I’m in correspondence with him and at least one other student at the South African Bible College.
This young girl was struggling up the steps and I helped her with her bag only to find out that I would be staying at her house in Swaziland just a week later. God has a funny way of connecting His people young, old and otherwise. Glorious.
Jerry Hogg. Someone to note. This man has been on the board, a teacher, and administrator at SABC for a number of years and is now going back to Texas, USA to work with Sunset as the ambassador (some position name here) to all of the African extension schools. There are currently 17 and he will be overseeing and working with them all. I look forward to hearing about the work God will be doing through Him.
KCK
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day 3 of the Big Trip
Day 3 - September 27, 2008
I wake up with a shiver and pain in my back that doesn’t allow me to get back to sleep. I had a car pillow and and a shirt on within my sleeping bag. It was chillier than I thought it would be, and my faith in my nice mummy bag was slightly crushed. So I get out of it and grab my bag to take a hot shower. Upon arrival at the “Ablutions” house I knew it was going to be interesting. I turn on the shower hopeful yearning that there will be hot water. The four streams of trickle coming from the head disappoint me and I’m reminded of Paul.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
At this point I just got wet and got out. Now I realize how early it is and how no one else is awake. I sit outside the roudavel that Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra are staying in due to a faulty bed in their original room. Looking across that lake with the sun just peaking over the hills I find myself saying, “Thank You. Thank you God for giving me today to live and allowing me to be in Lesotho right now.” The Kite Runner pops into my mind and I decide to retrieve it from my tent, along with my Bible. After a few chapters in each book I decide to head back to the roundavel and get a cup of coffee. The wait continues, but only for a few minutes this time (I find it rude to knock on an elders door in the morning). A cup of coffee, boerwors and eggs, cereal, and juice grace my appetite. It was a late breakfast but we weren’t expecting a rough day ahead.
Everyone got up and tried to shower but Maseru was going through a water crisis and nothing came out of the tap. No hot, no cold. No nothing (enjoy that double negative father). So, after nobody came to get us we decided to go to town on our own. If you’ve ever been in Chicago during peak traffic times then you’ve experienced a minor dose of Lesotho drivers. I’ve heard stories about the Sri Lanka drivers and seen the people in Mexico city run around. I had the opportunity to drive and watch people step out in front of cars, miss a bumper by centimeters, look at the sidewalk and see a line of people 40 deep to get to the ATM, and try to follow Judy through it. Animals wander freely here and there but mostly it’s just packed and the turn arounds are a lot of fun. If there’s a space a car will fill it, and it doesn’t matter what direction that car is going compared to what direction you’re going. No one really yelled or got angry that I saw. They’ll just honk their horn to be noticed and press in to get on their way.
Once we got to the tourist center by the center of town (I think) we parked and took a look around. Before we even got out of the cars ladies came over to us and wanted us to by Basotho hats. This is probably a cultural insult but they look like the rice patty hats of China. Similar, but a little more ornamental and colorful. Of course, Mike, Ken, and I bought one. Across the street to the tourist information center we went. We looked around for a bit, some of us bought things from the ladies sitting outside making trinkets to sell, and eventually we found ourselves in the gift shop across the street. A few purchases were made and we decided to head back to the roundavel HQ right before Tabs (one of the members of the church body in Maseru - there are four congregations I believe) showed up with the family in his kombi (a VW van or one of similar size) and we conversed for a little while. Diana went with them to get water from the Shop-rite and the rest of us went to the camp.
It was now lunch time. Grilled cheese, 4x2 soup, milk, water, and juice. It was delicious and quite satisfying. But really, it was bound to happen that as soon as comfort set in it would be taken away. Tabs and Diana walk down the path to the door and come in. Tabs announces that his neighbors daughter is graduating from University and he wants us all to be there. . . NOW. Well, who are we to deny someone there wishes when their daughter has accomplished something? No one. We gave the rest of the sandwiches to the kids in the kombi and headed out. Down a dirt road that needed at least 8 inch clearance from the bottom of your car to the ground we trekked (we didn’t have that clearance) and arrived at Tabs house where we met Elizabeth (a very sweet old woman who would eventually give us African names), Tabs’ wife Jacquie (an ex-AIMer and very neat person who makes traditional African outfits) and the rest of their children and friends. We sat around and made formal introductions. After everyone was fairly comfortable with each other we went to the neighbors’ party.
And what a party. Never in my life have I experienced a graduation like that one. At the first house we entered to a traditional song and yell going on. It was something else. Women yodel/ee-ee-ee-eeing, men singing, and food for all after. After the meal there was a toast for the graduate and we said our farewells.
The second party was significantly larger. It seemed the entire neighborhood (plus family and the town drunk) showed up for the festivities. Two large tents had been erected in the front yard. One for guests, and the other for food and the honorary table. People were talking and waiting. The graduate wasn’t even there when we arrived. After 15 minutes the tribal yells began and in she rolled. Things settled down after much embracing and loud chatter and organized speeches started. They were quite nice ... I think. They were all in Sotho, minus Ken’s. This was what was interesting. The man, whom none of us knew, asked Ken if he would say a few words and Ken politely obliged. It was a very nice speech thanking them for sharing their traditional ways with us and encouraging the graduate with adoration for her accomplishment and constant trust in the Lord. The camera lady who recorded this all I had payed no mind to until we found out his little speech had made Lesotho national television. What a star!
We returned to Tebs and Jacquie’s house for a few moments only to head over to another families home for a braai. The exhaustion was evident in all of us as we lay around falling asleep and trying to look enthusiastic. I felt bad because we couldn’t bring much energy to the table. It was very nice all they did for us in Lesotho.
That night we went back to the tent and I did not get chilly. Four shirts, two pants, socks, and gloves are what I donned as I crawled into my Mammoth mummy bag. It was warm and oh so comfortable. It’s a shame that there was barely enough water for a decent shower in the morning.
It was an educational day and I’m so glad that God gave us the opportunity to meet some of his people in Lesotho. We met them again at SABS. But that is for another night.
KCK - ILY
I wake up with a shiver and pain in my back that doesn’t allow me to get back to sleep. I had a car pillow and and a shirt on within my sleeping bag. It was chillier than I thought it would be, and my faith in my nice mummy bag was slightly crushed. So I get out of it and grab my bag to take a hot shower. Upon arrival at the “Ablutions” house I knew it was going to be interesting. I turn on the shower hopeful yearning that there will be hot water. The four streams of trickle coming from the head disappoint me and I’m reminded of Paul.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
At this point I just got wet and got out. Now I realize how early it is and how no one else is awake. I sit outside the roudavel that Ken, Judy, Barbara and Sandra are staying in due to a faulty bed in their original room. Looking across that lake with the sun just peaking over the hills I find myself saying, “Thank You. Thank you God for giving me today to live and allowing me to be in Lesotho right now.” The Kite Runner pops into my mind and I decide to retrieve it from my tent, along with my Bible. After a few chapters in each book I decide to head back to the roundavel and get a cup of coffee. The wait continues, but only for a few minutes this time (I find it rude to knock on an elders door in the morning). A cup of coffee, boerwors and eggs, cereal, and juice grace my appetite. It was a late breakfast but we weren’t expecting a rough day ahead.
Everyone got up and tried to shower but Maseru was going through a water crisis and nothing came out of the tap. No hot, no cold. No nothing (enjoy that double negative father). So, after nobody came to get us we decided to go to town on our own. If you’ve ever been in Chicago during peak traffic times then you’ve experienced a minor dose of Lesotho drivers. I’ve heard stories about the Sri Lanka drivers and seen the people in Mexico city run around. I had the opportunity to drive and watch people step out in front of cars, miss a bumper by centimeters, look at the sidewalk and see a line of people 40 deep to get to the ATM, and try to follow Judy through it. Animals wander freely here and there but mostly it’s just packed and the turn arounds are a lot of fun. If there’s a space a car will fill it, and it doesn’t matter what direction that car is going compared to what direction you’re going. No one really yelled or got angry that I saw. They’ll just honk their horn to be noticed and press in to get on their way.
Once we got to the tourist center by the center of town (I think) we parked and took a look around. Before we even got out of the cars ladies came over to us and wanted us to by Basotho hats. This is probably a cultural insult but they look like the rice patty hats of China. Similar, but a little more ornamental and colorful. Of course, Mike, Ken, and I bought one. Across the street to the tourist information center we went. We looked around for a bit, some of us bought things from the ladies sitting outside making trinkets to sell, and eventually we found ourselves in the gift shop across the street. A few purchases were made and we decided to head back to the roundavel HQ right before Tabs (one of the members of the church body in Maseru - there are four congregations I believe) showed up with the family in his kombi (a VW van or one of similar size) and we conversed for a little while. Diana went with them to get water from the Shop-rite and the rest of us went to the camp.
It was now lunch time. Grilled cheese, 4x2 soup, milk, water, and juice. It was delicious and quite satisfying. But really, it was bound to happen that as soon as comfort set in it would be taken away. Tabs and Diana walk down the path to the door and come in. Tabs announces that his neighbors daughter is graduating from University and he wants us all to be there. . . NOW. Well, who are we to deny someone there wishes when their daughter has accomplished something? No one. We gave the rest of the sandwiches to the kids in the kombi and headed out. Down a dirt road that needed at least 8 inch clearance from the bottom of your car to the ground we trekked (we didn’t have that clearance) and arrived at Tabs house where we met Elizabeth (a very sweet old woman who would eventually give us African names), Tabs’ wife Jacquie (an ex-AIMer and very neat person who makes traditional African outfits) and the rest of their children and friends. We sat around and made formal introductions. After everyone was fairly comfortable with each other we went to the neighbors’ party.
And what a party. Never in my life have I experienced a graduation like that one. At the first house we entered to a traditional song and yell going on. It was something else. Women yodel/ee-ee-ee-eeing, men singing, and food for all after. After the meal there was a toast for the graduate and we said our farewells.
The second party was significantly larger. It seemed the entire neighborhood (plus family and the town drunk) showed up for the festivities. Two large tents had been erected in the front yard. One for guests, and the other for food and the honorary table. People were talking and waiting. The graduate wasn’t even there when we arrived. After 15 minutes the tribal yells began and in she rolled. Things settled down after much embracing and loud chatter and organized speeches started. They were quite nice ... I think. They were all in Sotho, minus Ken’s. This was what was interesting. The man, whom none of us knew, asked Ken if he would say a few words and Ken politely obliged. It was a very nice speech thanking them for sharing their traditional ways with us and encouraging the graduate with adoration for her accomplishment and constant trust in the Lord. The camera lady who recorded this all I had payed no mind to until we found out his little speech had made Lesotho national television. What a star!
We returned to Tebs and Jacquie’s house for a few moments only to head over to another families home for a braai. The exhaustion was evident in all of us as we lay around falling asleep and trying to look enthusiastic. I felt bad because we couldn’t bring much energy to the table. It was very nice all they did for us in Lesotho.
That night we went back to the tent and I did not get chilly. Four shirts, two pants, socks, and gloves are what I donned as I crawled into my Mammoth mummy bag. It was warm and oh so comfortable. It’s a shame that there was barely enough water for a decent shower in the morning.
It was an educational day and I’m so glad that God gave us the opportunity to meet some of his people in Lesotho. We met them again at SABS. But that is for another night.
KCK - ILY
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Day 2
Day 2 - September 26, 2008
Another beautiful, God given day. Wake up at 5:30 a.m. for two of the girls to shower. Since the accommodations were made on the spot last night and options were limited our team stayed in the same room. Mike, Diana, and I got our own twin to sleep on while Sasha and Tara shared a queen. Truly an interesting bonding experience. It’s nice to be able to just bunk down and go though.
Once we woke up and packed up we made our way to number 21 for breakfast. It was quick and we hopped out the door to pack up the boot and hit to road. Smooth traveling is something that people here don’t always believe in. Mind you, the bush people either ride horses, drive bakkies, or walk everywhere. So our little Opel Astra (which is the nicest car on the team - the girls’) was just a little bumpy. The pavement ended and we hit the dirt. Thank God for traveling mercies. This was our drive to Lesotho. Before we hit the border we went 8 kilometers too far and had to turn around. But just two hours after leaving Aliwal North (where we spent the night) we hit the Lesotho border. Just over the border we hit blacktop again and the speed quickly picked up. Up and over a hill we encounter a radar trap. Two uniformed men sitting on a wall, one guy waving us down in the middle of the road, and another man standing beside a radar on a tripod. Miss Judy politely apologized and I didn’t even have to say anything, they just waved us on. A few hours later we hit Maseru.
Back country. When you put the canyons of Nevada, the desert of Arizona, and the black people of Africa who cope with where they are you get Lesotho. Now it’s typical for the shepherds and lots of people to wear a Basutu blanket. The people are Basutu, they live in Lesotho, and they speak Sotho. So as well drove along dodging cows and sheep we saw the people. Children smiling and waving at the white people in the white cars, people at the bus stops as we drive buy, and the markets swarming with those who are looking to make a purchase. The people are wonderful though. Friendly faces, outrageous drivers. Think of peak traffic, and then think of peak traffic that’s barely regulated. Aggg man.
Right now we’re at a campsite in Maseru by the Northwestern border. After visiting the church we plan to head up to Joburg for the SABS lectureship. Our time here is only a few days but I will soak it up. Contact has been made with one of the church members and sometime tonight we expect a call. The youth are going to come and we will be spending tomorrow with them as well. Since the call hasn’t come yet, we may just nix the night and settle in.
The sun is setting across the mountains and the landscape is indescribable. I must leave you at this and join my comrades with a cup of tea and God’s splendor.
KCK
Another beautiful, God given day. Wake up at 5:30 a.m. for two of the girls to shower. Since the accommodations were made on the spot last night and options were limited our team stayed in the same room. Mike, Diana, and I got our own twin to sleep on while Sasha and Tara shared a queen. Truly an interesting bonding experience. It’s nice to be able to just bunk down and go though.
Once we woke up and packed up we made our way to number 21 for breakfast. It was quick and we hopped out the door to pack up the boot and hit to road. Smooth traveling is something that people here don’t always believe in. Mind you, the bush people either ride horses, drive bakkies, or walk everywhere. So our little Opel Astra (which is the nicest car on the team - the girls’) was just a little bumpy. The pavement ended and we hit the dirt. Thank God for traveling mercies. This was our drive to Lesotho. Before we hit the border we went 8 kilometers too far and had to turn around. But just two hours after leaving Aliwal North (where we spent the night) we hit the Lesotho border. Just over the border we hit blacktop again and the speed quickly picked up. Up and over a hill we encounter a radar trap. Two uniformed men sitting on a wall, one guy waving us down in the middle of the road, and another man standing beside a radar on a tripod. Miss Judy politely apologized and I didn’t even have to say anything, they just waved us on. A few hours later we hit Maseru.
Back country. When you put the canyons of Nevada, the desert of Arizona, and the black people of Africa who cope with where they are you get Lesotho. Now it’s typical for the shepherds and lots of people to wear a Basutu blanket. The people are Basutu, they live in Lesotho, and they speak Sotho. So as well drove along dodging cows and sheep we saw the people. Children smiling and waving at the white people in the white cars, people at the bus stops as we drive buy, and the markets swarming with those who are looking to make a purchase. The people are wonderful though. Friendly faces, outrageous drivers. Think of peak traffic, and then think of peak traffic that’s barely regulated. Aggg man.
Right now we’re at a campsite in Maseru by the Northwestern border. After visiting the church we plan to head up to Joburg for the SABS lectureship. Our time here is only a few days but I will soak it up. Contact has been made with one of the church members and sometime tonight we expect a call. The youth are going to come and we will be spending tomorrow with them as well. Since the call hasn’t come yet, we may just nix the night and settle in.
The sun is setting across the mountains and the landscape is indescribable. I must leave you at this and join my comrades with a cup of tea and God’s splendor.
KCK
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 1 of the Big Trip
September 25, 2008
A few days ago we found out that Johnathan was leaving due to his support being cut. So, last night (Wednesday) we spent time at Ken and Judy’s after church to say farewell. The night was non-emotional because of the extreme level of fatigue filling everyone’s bodies. Johnathan and mine’s, at least. So we said goodnight and planned to take of this morning for Lesotho. . . the beginning of our “big upcountry trip”.
The original plan was to depart from Ken and Judy’s at 6 a.m. This early morning start was thwarted when we found out that the girls’ car was in need of a tire replacement. This couldn’t be done on Tuesday when the scheduled appointment was for one reason or another, and Wednesday wasn’t possible either due it being a public holiday (National Heritage Day). So we were shooting for around 10 a.m. for our actual leaving time.
I haven’t slept well in the last three days. Risk is a game that we boys have been playing regularly since our arrival several months ago. It’s a fun, strategically challenging game of diplomacy and wit. Exactly what we needed to add an edge and take one away. It added an edge to our game playing times (more tension built up in an extreme way) and took it away because we all were very good sports about losing, destroying another player, or back-stabbing. Things seem to play out fairly in the end. Be very careful what you say, be even more careful about how you say it. So we would stay up until 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m. No big deal. A couple weeks back Mike got an electrical transformer from the girls apartment and now his Xbox is set up. Well, we can’t play JUST Risk now can we. Halo also became a semi-regular event. Two large pizzas from St. Elmo’s for R94.90 and we were good to go. Now that Johnathan is leaving next week, and we’re already on our trip, it’s not going to be the same. Ever. His flight will have to go through Johannesburg and we will get to see him off (hopefully). We’ll be there next week for the SABS (South African Bible School) lectureships. Another teammate transfers fields.
I say all that to say I slept in a little bit and finished packing. Mike and I arrived at Ken and Judy’s a little after 9:30 a.m. and found their car not in the driveway. Apparently this morning, there was a short and their car just shut off. Judy sat by the side of the road and eventually flagged down a police officer to assist her. So, as Ken told me all this, I got a cup of coffee and helped finish packing the trailer. The first team was all there and wished us well. After hooking up the trailer (and Miss Judy finally getting back) we set out on our journey northward. The time: just after 11 a.m.
Mind you the trip to Lesotho is at least 10 hours, plus a border crossing, plus toilet stops, and food. We weren’t going to make it in time to set up our tents and camp before nightfall. That’s what brought us to this chalet we’re staying in. Around 19:30 p.m. we pulled in and unpacked. Once settled we dropped by the Kendallballs room and ate sandwiches for dinner. A light and filling feast.
I cannot finish posting this without attempting to tell about the drive up here. It was absolutely breath-taking. Long,twisting, mountainous roads that dipped down into valleys. Countless cows and goats wandering around in fields, by houses, on the road. Seeing the occasional green tree or patch of grass in a sea of brown and gold. But my favorite part of our drive today was the sunset. Staring at the sky I lost sight of the rest of the landscape (not completely, I was driving). The thought arose that no matter how you ‘say’ it words just don’t do justice to what the Supreme Being of the Universe has given us to show His splendor. 20 minutes before complete dusk the thin wisps of clouds were a deep purple with a soft, pastel peach on the horizon fading into light blue. Just after sundown the sky burst into a brilliant orange, pink, and yellow. The red on the clouds so vibrant it’s easy to see how a painting can be wonderful, but not that glorious.
We’re here together as a team for the next three weeks. Two aunties from Texas (Barbara and Sandra who write the Lessons to Live By curriculum that we print and distribute), Ken, Judy and us five. Diana, Sasha, Tara, Mike and I. The females outnumber the males by 100%. No worries, God loves us everyone. Gender makes no difference. And that, my friends, is what will take us through this trip without problems. We may get sick of seeing each other every waking moment. Or we may choose to have a good attitude and take joy in the bonds we have and are strengthening. I cherish everyone on this trip in a special way. Each one has a special room in my heart. That room is where I store my memories of them, the things they’ve taught, and are teaching, me, and every little thing about them that makes me smile, gives me concern, and allows me to see Jesus in their hearts. His exemplary life . . . I see parts of it in each one.
I feel tired. Reading tends to either wake me up or put me down. Reading is where I will leave you. On this trip I plan on finishing the books I have started and never completed. Namely: Catch 22, The Kite Runner, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Epic (to be fully read), and The Shack. Count in the Bible and what a plethora of words to take in.
Good night, and farewell.
KCK
A few days ago we found out that Johnathan was leaving due to his support being cut. So, last night (Wednesday) we spent time at Ken and Judy’s after church to say farewell. The night was non-emotional because of the extreme level of fatigue filling everyone’s bodies. Johnathan and mine’s, at least. So we said goodnight and planned to take of this morning for Lesotho. . . the beginning of our “big upcountry trip”.
The original plan was to depart from Ken and Judy’s at 6 a.m. This early morning start was thwarted when we found out that the girls’ car was in need of a tire replacement. This couldn’t be done on Tuesday when the scheduled appointment was for one reason or another, and Wednesday wasn’t possible either due it being a public holiday (National Heritage Day). So we were shooting for around 10 a.m. for our actual leaving time.
I haven’t slept well in the last three days. Risk is a game that we boys have been playing regularly since our arrival several months ago. It’s a fun, strategically challenging game of diplomacy and wit. Exactly what we needed to add an edge and take one away. It added an edge to our game playing times (more tension built up in an extreme way) and took it away because we all were very good sports about losing, destroying another player, or back-stabbing. Things seem to play out fairly in the end. Be very careful what you say, be even more careful about how you say it. So we would stay up until 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m. No big deal. A couple weeks back Mike got an electrical transformer from the girls apartment and now his Xbox is set up. Well, we can’t play JUST Risk now can we. Halo also became a semi-regular event. Two large pizzas from St. Elmo’s for R94.90 and we were good to go. Now that Johnathan is leaving next week, and we’re already on our trip, it’s not going to be the same. Ever. His flight will have to go through Johannesburg and we will get to see him off (hopefully). We’ll be there next week for the SABS (South African Bible School) lectureships. Another teammate transfers fields.
I say all that to say I slept in a little bit and finished packing. Mike and I arrived at Ken and Judy’s a little after 9:30 a.m. and found their car not in the driveway. Apparently this morning, there was a short and their car just shut off. Judy sat by the side of the road and eventually flagged down a police officer to assist her. So, as Ken told me all this, I got a cup of coffee and helped finish packing the trailer. The first team was all there and wished us well. After hooking up the trailer (and Miss Judy finally getting back) we set out on our journey northward. The time: just after 11 a.m.
Mind you the trip to Lesotho is at least 10 hours, plus a border crossing, plus toilet stops, and food. We weren’t going to make it in time to set up our tents and camp before nightfall. That’s what brought us to this chalet we’re staying in. Around 19:30 p.m. we pulled in and unpacked. Once settled we dropped by the Kendallballs room and ate sandwiches for dinner. A light and filling feast.
I cannot finish posting this without attempting to tell about the drive up here. It was absolutely breath-taking. Long,twisting, mountainous roads that dipped down into valleys. Countless cows and goats wandering around in fields, by houses, on the road. Seeing the occasional green tree or patch of grass in a sea of brown and gold. But my favorite part of our drive today was the sunset. Staring at the sky I lost sight of the rest of the landscape (not completely, I was driving). The thought arose that no matter how you ‘say’ it words just don’t do justice to what the Supreme Being of the Universe has given us to show His splendor. 20 minutes before complete dusk the thin wisps of clouds were a deep purple with a soft, pastel peach on the horizon fading into light blue. Just after sundown the sky burst into a brilliant orange, pink, and yellow. The red on the clouds so vibrant it’s easy to see how a painting can be wonderful, but not that glorious.
We’re here together as a team for the next three weeks. Two aunties from Texas (Barbara and Sandra who write the Lessons to Live By curriculum that we print and distribute), Ken, Judy and us five. Diana, Sasha, Tara, Mike and I. The females outnumber the males by 100%. No worries, God loves us everyone. Gender makes no difference. And that, my friends, is what will take us through this trip without problems. We may get sick of seeing each other every waking moment. Or we may choose to have a good attitude and take joy in the bonds we have and are strengthening. I cherish everyone on this trip in a special way. Each one has a special room in my heart. That room is where I store my memories of them, the things they’ve taught, and are teaching, me, and every little thing about them that makes me smile, gives me concern, and allows me to see Jesus in their hearts. His exemplary life . . . I see parts of it in each one.
I feel tired. Reading tends to either wake me up or put me down. Reading is where I will leave you. On this trip I plan on finishing the books I have started and never completed. Namely: Catch 22, The Kite Runner, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Epic (to be fully read), and The Shack. Count in the Bible and what a plethora of words to take in.
Good night, and farewell.
KCK
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