We leave Capetown this morning for the township of Guguletu and will likely be out of contact for the three days while we’re there staying with host families. We have had a blessed week of introduction and orientation to beautiful South Africa and to the incredible issues facing the people of this country, particularly with regard to the AIDS epidemic and issues still resulting from Apartheid laws. The laws have gone away, but the racial and economic disparities are so tremendous, even 20 years later that there are many townships in which people are in such a state of poverty that water and electricity are not even an option. We will be going to visit, worship with, and learn from those in a community where there are positive steps being taken to in order to create hope and continue forward. The people of Guguletu were forced out of their homes and off of their land decades ago, because of the color of their skin. Whites wanted “white only” neighborhoods and cities and under Apartheid laws, it became legal to simply kick others out…check out the blog on Wednesday for more info, updates, and photos!
We would love to post more photos, but this has been difficult due to our internet connection (or lack thereof).
Much love to all of you–we love to read and share your comments and are looking forward to many more!
Peace and blessings be with you,
Karen (and the entire South Africa global justice trip group)
What an eye opener for you all. Your patient listening could well make a difference in someones life — including your own!
Love and wisdom be yours as you ponder and process what you see and hear. How will you bring these realities to your ministry calling—how will your call absorb the truths you discover? I am so grateful to read your posts and walk with you!
“Teach your children well,
Their father’s hell did slowly go by,
And feed them on your dreams…” CSN&Y
I am glad that the trip has been such a positive experience so far. I know this may not be possible but I have read that the making of textiles, yarn etc has become a large part of the cottage industries taking place in poorer parts of South Africa. If you notice this and can take pictures or relay information about this part of life there I would be really grateful. Thanks! and many blessings and prayers for all of you. Kendall
This, I’m sure, will be a wonderful time …. so many great experiences coming in such a short time…awesome!
Dear Chris and Karen and Scott and all,
You are in our prayers, along with the home stay families who will be your hosts, as you experience their hospitality and their gracious invitation to enter into their lives and their homes. Thank you for the efforts to post your entries when you can, using precious time and energy on a demanding schedule. The trip sounds astonishing and we look forward to many reflections and stories and memories of this incredible time in South Africa. Love to all of you, and safe journeys. Helen and John O’Brien
Greetings and blessings to all! I have been thinking of your group daily and for some reason, yesterday I felt called to pray for each of you by name but I don’t think I have a complete list. When someone has a chance, would you please post a list of your names (first names is fine). In the meanwhile, I will continue to pray for you as a group.
Peace be with you as you continue your journey.
Dear Chris, Renee and all,
Although we have not had the privilege of traveling to South Africa, we can from the experience of previous trips, imagine both the blessings and the challenges that are coming your way. We trust and hope the blessings far out weigh the challenges. We have seen and assume you are experiencing so many common threads of economic inequality, the adverse impact of global capitalism, working on behalf of the West, particularly the elite white and yet the warmth, generosity and hopefulness of the people. Amazingly, people continue to live as if what they do will make a difference, even when it appears nothing much is changing. That is courage and that is hope. Those are powerful gifts to be received. You are in our prayers. Be blessed.
Tim and Michele