tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70339741918102611902024-03-19T05:27:04.388-07:00Andrew in South AfricaDumelang! I served as a volunteer for a year in Bloemfontein, South Africa, through the Young Adults in Global Mission program through the ELCA. My term of service was August 2010-August 2011. This is where I detailed some of my experiences.Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-8827648300831234622011-07-10T14:45:00.000-07:002011-07-10T14:45:46.520-07:00Goodbye, The Beloved Country<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzKbTmjjoABHlMiEi-7TlE6uVVgZ43eznYhrXPhPn75O5AfgO89UVzoq8UxAJa6JPvitdeFc5lLZCDE-d1DCDB9Og6hCGZmOqf8KJdtUV8U3WdqFdhQ53fQ3dL7Igm-VebKR88Tx7FLo/s1600/DSCN3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzKbTmjjoABHlMiEi-7TlE6uVVgZ43eznYhrXPhPn75O5AfgO89UVzoq8UxAJa6JPvitdeFc5lLZCDE-d1DCDB9Og6hCGZmOqf8KJdtUV8U3WdqFdhQ53fQ3dL7Igm-VebKR88Tx7FLo/s320/DSCN3357.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In August 2010, I boarded a plane to Chicago in which would be the beginning of my year living abroad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to say goodbye to all my friends and family, knowing that I wouldn’t see them on Christmas, my birthday, Easter, or any other special holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time, it was the hardest goodbye I’ve ever had to experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was leaving all that I knew, and leaping into an unknown world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now, a year later, the goodbyes I have to experience with my South African hosts hurt worse than those a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find difficulty leaving the people who have supported me during my most vulnerable times, and I cannot grasp the reality of this experience coming to an end.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I left to come to South Africa, I didn’t expect to fall in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have felt a love stronger than any love I’ve felt in my past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve fallen in love with the generosity, hospitality and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu </i>seen in every South African I’ve met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve fallen in love with Jesus like never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I’ve fallen in love with the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the golden <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">velds</i> of the Free State, and the crashing waves along the coasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve fallen in love with the world’s most marginalized people who have taught me so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my love for the majestic Maluti Mountains of Lesotho has been renewed, and so has my love for its people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now my heart truly belongs to Africa.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5iRWlc_IoKbFTg7w2FV6g1vdmk_JZ5brCNa_ufcdmc7H0div3g0NNEaDo8ZF-ACMOyTxsAfCGyFeBFduJKMzfwidkK0M-dWvnub4lbIWp4Wg1y4f_Bv602UJo7DAT5_IY-aJCWpJdWI/s1600/DSCN0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5iRWlc_IoKbFTg7w2FV6g1vdmk_JZ5brCNa_ufcdmc7H0div3g0NNEaDo8ZF-ACMOyTxsAfCGyFeBFduJKMzfwidkK0M-dWvnub4lbIWp4Wg1y4f_Bv602UJo7DAT5_IY-aJCWpJdWI/s320/DSCN0265.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past year has been the most challenging, difficult, stressful, agonizing and unpredictable year of my life...and it’s been the best year of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite the numerous hurdles that presented themselves this year, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I never faced them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was challenged in ways I never could have imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw things I never saw in the flesh before, and felt emotions I didn’t know I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked alongside those I once ignored, and I felt the presence of the Lord in places I’ve never known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was at my most vulnerable this year, but fell upon a plethora of grace and love by my hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this year I lost someone very important in my life, but gained so many new wonderful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I admit that in the beginning of my experience here, I wasn’t quite sure how what I was doing benefitted the ELCA and the partnership with ELCSA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as the time progressed, I began to see how my presence here was impacting those around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to see how accompaniment was a powerful tool and a way to break down cultural barriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I began to see how relationships with our fellow human beings are the true wealth in life, and without them I am nothing.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am forever thankful for the love, compassion, grace and hospitality I experienced from my South African hosts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot express how blessed I feel to have experienced what I have with the people I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed with the most loving and caring host family anyone could ask for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed with the most amazing supervisors at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed with a spiritual church parish full of love and praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blessed with wonderful co-workers who are now simply my brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And despite these people being “assigned” to me or stumbled upon, I now consider them family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I must say goodbye to the beloved country, but thankfully I will say hello to a new life as a more globally formed and informed person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a better understanding of the realities and pains of this world, and know how to live simply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told when I first arrived in Bloemfontein a saying that says, “You cry twice in Bloemfontein; once when you arrive and once when you leave.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not only shared those tears at those times, but many others in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had tears of joy of the wonders of life, but also tears of sadness for so many people in despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot, and will not, forget the tears I’ve shed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will hold dear to me every happy experience and every painful one, for it made me who I am today.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is an endless list of the things I’ll miss when I leave this Rainbow Nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know that despite leaving Africa, Africa will never leave me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will carry with me all that I’ve learned this year and will share my experience with all those around me at home.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you South Africa for shaping me into the man I am today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart will always long for your sunsets, clear night skies, hospitality and inherently beautiful essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always carry your spirit with me.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzFBxhs16v3pkPY6qFMWffiDNPPQWhndSXFVvWk_bX3Yg6ZLkhbSz2OpW2wW-wcO9rmMOPospVJm4H06RhRja8KLUSRUHgouQdXUSyIyPRUlk-0Iei5rBMVg03pwGpJ5LTlSsFeLsbPw/s1600/Africa+Trip+2009+1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzFBxhs16v3pkPY6qFMWffiDNPPQWhndSXFVvWk_bX3Yg6ZLkhbSz2OpW2wW-wcO9rmMOPospVJm4H06RhRja8KLUSRUHgouQdXUSyIyPRUlk-0Iei5rBMVg03pwGpJ5LTlSsFeLsbPw/s320/Africa+Trip+2009+1034.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-75682684754848841902011-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:002011-07-06T09:39:42.795-07:00I Am An AfricanThe following poem was shared with us at YAGM orientation in August, 2010. But it wasn't until recently that I fully grasped its meaning and found myself deeply connected to it.<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I Am An African</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By: Wayne Visser</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not because I was born there</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But because my heart beats with Africa’s</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not because my skin is black</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But because my mind is engaged by Africa</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not because I live on its soil</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But because my soul is at home in Africa</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Africa weeps for her children</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My cheeks are stained with tears</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Africa honours her elders</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My head is bowed in respect</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Africa mourns for her victims</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My hands are joined in prayer</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Africa celebrates her triumphs</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My feet are alive with dancing</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For her blue skies take my breath away</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And my hope for the future is bright</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For her people greet me as family</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And teach me the meaning of community</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For her wildness quenches my spirit</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And brings me closer to the source of life</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the music of Africa beats in the wind</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My blood pulses to its rhythm</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I become the essence of sound</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My senses drink in its rainbow</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I become the palette of nature</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the stories of Africa echo round the fire</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My feet walk in its pathways</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I become the footprints of history</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because she is the cradle of our birth</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And nurtures an ancient wisdom</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because she lives in the world’s shadow</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And bursts with a radiant luminosity</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an African</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because she is the land of tomorrow</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I recognise her gifts as sacred</span></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-90675540347462661392011-07-01T04:34:00.000-07:002011-07-01T04:34:38.529-07:00Jesus Behind Bars<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Hebrews 13: 3</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I had the opportunity to spend a day at the religious center of the Mangaung Correctional Center here in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mangaung Correctional Center is a maximum security prison and the second largest private prison in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months ago I was given a tour of the facility, which I blogged about here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://andrewsteelesa.blogspot.com/2011/03/beyond-prison-wall.html"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">http://andrewsteelesa.blogspot.com/2011/03/beyond-prison-wall.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But on my recent visit, I spent the day in the religious center of the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within five minutes of arriving, I was brought to a general Christian bible study where 15 men were singing before starting the bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shown my seat and left alone with the inmates in a classroom-type atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the singing was done and some prayers were said, I was asked to come to the front and talk about myself and share some scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked how much time I had, they said, “You have about 20 minutes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost fell over as I did not anticipate having to give such a talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as many situations this past year have taught me, I had to think on my feet and make the best of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I got up in front of them and basically gave a sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving a sermon to my congregation in South Africa was hard enough, but I really had no idea how to preach to maximum security inmates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the Holy Spirit must have grabbed a hold of me because before I knew it, my 20 minutes were up and I was receiving many smiles, “Amens”, and “Hallelujahs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My second session of the day was another bible study, this time for the Assemblies of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time there were over 30 inmates in attendance, and I was much more of an observer this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, towards the end I was again invited to the front to share some of my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They treated me like a guest in their home, and were every courteous the entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leader of the bible study said towards the end, “Brother Andrew, know that you are family here and your family will always be ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all family in Christ.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were powerful words, especially coming from a man such as him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the bible study had ended, every inmate came and shook my hand and thanked me with “God bless,” as they left the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until after everyone had exited the room that I remembered I was in a maximum security prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hands I just shook have killed, raped, and robbed other human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the most dangerous men in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But none of that seemed to hit me, not when the Holy Spirit was so strong in each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the afternoon I observed a Zionist Apostolic worship service held outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a religion that combines Christianity with traditional, ancestral beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a large traditional drum, lit candles, and an object made of various string, rope and wool hanging above the candles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The men would occasionally dance and spin around the candles when singing was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fascinating to observe such a service, so unlike anything we have back home in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as the service went on, they tried to translate into English to accommodate me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t have to do this, but they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the end of the service, one of the inmates who was translating into English came up to me and started talking with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained to me what was happening in the service, the history of their church and what the leaders wished for me to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued to come and assist me in following the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed me some of their documents, which showed that they were recognized as an independent church and registered with the national church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing to see how these inmates had created their own church and gone so far as to register it officially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The singing was beautiful, and I couldn’t help but tap my foot and clap my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was such passion in the voices of the men who preached, and so much enthusiasm for God in their bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the service came closer to an end, the same inmate who had been helping me had a conversation with me that I’ll never forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked where I was from, where in South Africa I’ve been, and other basic questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then started to talk about his life in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that most of the inmates worshiping there had found God once inside the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That he, along with the others, lived lives “on the outside” they were ashamed of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke eloquently of how they have changed and become new people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He assured me that if and when he would be out, he would live a life with God as its central point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After exchanging more words and dialogue, we stood up and embraced each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I was, hugging a man who has created such a horrific crime that he is in a maximum security prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we shared the love of Christ and it was so strong that I was never afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the service was winding down, we said our goodbyes and he leaned over and said, “I want to leave you with some scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t ever forget it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah 29: 11-12.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly wrote it down on a piece of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got home that night, the first thing I did was look up the verses I was told by the inmate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when you call upon me and come pray to me, I will hear you.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeremiah 29: 11-12</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat there dumbfounded by the day I had just experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had spent the day with some of the worst sinners on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But these men are humans, and their remorse and dedication to their faith was inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the most spiritually fulfilling days of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit amongst the prisoners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see how their lives were no longer surrounding crime, but now surrounding God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For people who are forever judged by others, they still welcomed me with warm hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fair to say that Jesus is behind bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lives in each and every one of the inmates in the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the strength they receive each morning to wake up and the peace they need to sleep at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that God’s grace will shower the inmates with the peace, comfort and repentance that they will need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always have the memories of the bible studies and services from that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will never forget two verses in the book of Jeremiah that, for some, is the hope and strength to live each and every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-39734708757531096962011-06-27T12:23:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:23:26.528-07:0010 Suggestons for Helping your YAGM Return Home<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><em><span style="color: black;">Written by Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, the <country-region st="on"><place st="on">Mexico</place></country-region> Country Coordinator</span></em></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;">1. Don’t ask the question, “So how was it?” Your YAGM cannot function in one-word answers right now, especially ones intended to sum up their entire year’s experience, and being asked to do so may cause them to start laughing or crying uncontrollably. Ask more specific questions, like “Who was your closest friend?” or “What did you do in your free time?” or “What was the food like?” or “Tell me about your typical day.”<br />
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2. If you wish to spend time with your YAGM, let them take the lead on where to go and what to do. Recognize that seemingly mundane rituals, like grocery shopping or going to the movies, may be extremely difficult for someone who has just spent a year living without a wide array of material goods. One former YAGM, for example, faced with the daunting task of choosing a tube of toothpaste from the 70-odd kinds available, simply threw up in the middle of the drugstore.<br />
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3. Expect some feelings of jealousy and resentment, especially if your YAGM lived with a host family. Relationships that form during periods of uncertainty and vulnerability (the first few months in a foreign country, for example) form quickly and deeply. The fact that your YAGM talks non-stop about their friends and family from their country of service doesn’t mean that they don’t love you, too. It simply means that they’re mourning the loss (at least in part) of the deep, meaningful, important relationships that helped them to survive and to thrive during this last year. In this regard, treat them as you would anyone else mourning a loss.<br />
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4. You may be horrified by the way your YAGM dresses; both because their clothes are old and raggedy and because they insist on wearing the same outfit three days in a row. Upon encountering their closet at home, returning YAGMs tend to experience two different emotions: (1) jubilation at the fact that they can stop rotating the same 2 pairs of jeans and 4 shirts, and (2) dismay at the amount of clothing they own, and yet clearly lived without for an entire year. Some YAGMs may deal with this by giving away entire car loads of clothing and other items to people in need. Do not “save them from themselves” by offering to drive the items to the donation center, only to hide them away in your garage. Let your YAGM do what they need to do. Once they realize, after the fact, that you do indeed need more than 2 pairs of jeans and 4 shirts to function in professional American society, offer to take them shopping. Start with the Goodwill and the Salvation Army; your YAGM may never be able to handle Macys again.<br />
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5. Asking to see photos of your YAGM’s year in service is highly recommended, providing you have an entire day off from work. Multiply the number of photos you take during a week’s vacation, multiply that by 52, and you understand the predicament. If you have an entire day, fine. If not, take a cue from number 1 above, and ask to see specific things, like photos of your YAGM’s host family, or photos from holiday celebrations. Better yet, set up a number of “photo dates,” and delve into a different section each time. Given the high percentage of people whose eyes glaze over after the first page of someone else’s photos, and the frustration that can cause for someone bursting with stories to tell, this would be an incredible gift.<br />
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6. At least half the things that come out of your YAGM’s mouth for the first few months will begin with, “In Mexico/Slovakia/South Africa/etc…” This will undoubtedly begin to annoy the crap out of you after the first few weeks. Actually saying so, however, will prove far less effective than listening and asking interested questions. Besides, you can bet that someone else will let slip exactly what you’re thinking, letting you off the hook.<br />
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7. That said, speak up when you need to! Returning YAGMs commonly assume that almost nothing has changed in your lives since they left. (This happens, in part, because you let them, figuring that their experiences are so much more exciting than yours, and therefore not sharing your own.) Be assertive enough to create the space to share what has happened in your life during the last year.<br />
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8. Recognize that living in a very simple environment with very few material belongings changes people. Don’t take it personally if your YAGM seems horrified by certain aspects of the way you live – that you shower every day, for example, or that you buy a new radio instead of duct-taping the broken one back together. Recognize that there probably are certain things you could or should change (you don’t really need to leave the water running while you brush your teeth, do you?), but also that adjusting to what may now feel incredibly extravagant will simply take awhile. Most YAGMs make permanent changes toward a simpler lifestyle. Recognize this as a good thing.<br />
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9. Perhaps you had hopes, dreams, and aspirations for your YAGM that were interrupted by their year of service. If so, you may as well throw them out the window. A large percentage of returning YAGMs make significant changes to their long-term goals and plans. Some of them have spent a year doing something they never thought they’d enjoy, only to find themselves drawn to it as a career. Others have spent a year doing exactly what they envisioned doing for the rest of their lives, only to find that they hate it. Regardless of the direction your YAGM takes when they return…rejoice! This year hasn’t changed who they are; it has simply made them better at discerning God’s call on their lives. (Note: Some YAGMs spend their year of service teaching English, some are involved in human rights advocacy, others work with the elderly or disabled, and at least one spent his year teaching British youth to shoot with bows and arrows. The results of this phenomenon, therefore, can vary widely.)<br />
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10. Go easy on yourself, and go easy on your YAGM. Understand that reverse culture shock is not an exact science, and manifests itself differently in each person. Expect good days and bad days. Don’t be afraid to ask for help (including of the pharmaceutical variety) if necessary. Pray. Laugh. Cry. This too shall pass, and in the end, you’ll both be the richer for it.</span></span></span></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-47108467104923110652011-06-24T01:07:00.000-07:002011-06-24T01:07:29.327-07:00Will You Be My Friend?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I was grabbing a quick snack at a place in town when I experienced something quite common in South Africa but unfamiliar to the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young lady sitting at the table to my left asked if the letter I was reading was a song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that it was simply a letter someone had written me and that I wasn’t talented enough to write a song as long as that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then asked if she could sit with me, and I didn’t see a reason why that would be a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After scooting over to my table, she asked my name and where I was from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(My accent is quickly noticed by everyone in South Africa, although not everyone can pinpoint its origin!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after the initial points of the conversation, she asked me something that used to startle me a bit earlier in my term here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said, “Will you be my friend?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Of course I’ll be your friend,” I said with a smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face lit up and she seemed elated that I agreed to be her friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that our newfound friendship would only consist of the immediate conversation we were having, but for her it meant more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It showed that we could accept each other and enjoy each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversation only lasted about 15 minutes, but she opened up and told me things she may not have told me if I didn’t say I’d be her friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trust was established, and even though I was a white man she found it easy to confide in me as her new friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we both went our separate ways, I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty of the acceptance in people’s hearts here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been asked “will you be my friend?” by strangers a number of times this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mainly, the question comes from children I work with or come across during my experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This question coincides with how most of the children I work with act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children in this part of the world are not shy and not afraid of “strangers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We in the United States are taught from an early age the “stranger=danger” scenarios, and rarely will go up to people we don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here, children will run up to you and give you the biggest hug they can muster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will grab you hand, walk with you and ask you if you’ll be their friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes all they can say is “Papa!” or “Mama!” when they greet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is because the sense of community here is so strong, and such a part of the people’s foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it plays to the concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu,</i> where “people are people through other people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter if you grow up in the township or rural area, everyone around you is considered family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why the children call any person older than them “papa” and “mama.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s why the children are unabashed to literally run up to you and embrace you in a loving hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s why holding hands with someone you don’t know, even a white American, is simply part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s why everyone is accepted for who they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The powerful sense of community here is something we can all learn from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of growing up in fear of the dangers that others may bring, why not grow up loving and accepting everyone in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children here don’t see race or economic status, they see people as people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us learn from this and start asking the question, “will you be my friend?” a little more often. </span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-17913327551233962592011-06-16T13:21:00.000-07:002011-06-16T13:21:33.860-07:00Breaking Barriers By Being<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17 years after the end of Apartheid, there are still very strong cultural barriers throughout South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a YAGM volunteer, you are immediately thrust into the middle of them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my time here, I have certainly participated in many “barrier breaking” activities, but most have come by way of simply being, not doing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a YAGM volunteer means that you are not allowed any driving privileges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, this can seem annoying at times and take away some of that independence we have cherished since teenage years as Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my rides in the taxis have produced some of more fruitful experiences during my time in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taxis in South Africa are very different from the ones back in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, the taxis are really minibuses, or “15 seaters” as we commonly refer to them back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, you squeeze in to capacity (and sometimes far over capacity!) and head to one common destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get off where you want, and you have to know the lingo and hand signs to get where you want to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taxis are quite cheap, and virtually travel everywhere and anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the common use and convenience, the taxis are rarely ridden by white South Africans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often referred to as the “black taxis,” many white South Africans would rather walk than ride in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, whenever I step on to a taxi, the heads turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People stare in amazement and for many I may be the first white person they’ve ever shared a taxi with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But shortly after aboard, I try to start a conversation with whoever is seated next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the conversations have usually been wonderful, rich, fulfilling ones in which I learn a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see a lot of people smile when they see me on the taxis, perhaps enjoying the fact that race is not the issue it once was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And all this by simply being.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My host family lives in a very safe, comfortable suburban neighborhood called Fauna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The streets are generally quiet and I spend a lot of time outside with my little host brother and sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down the street there is a little neighborhood shopping area, with a mini supermarket, a fish & chips place, a butchery, a dvd rental and other retail stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So whenever I am feeling for a walk or need something quickly, I head down to the shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As is often the case, my host brother or sister will accompany on my walk, (they do this because they usually get a chocolate or some ice cream out of it for keeping me company!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tend to make these walks quite often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time we make the walk, we get stared at as if we had five heads and twenty arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the stares became so intense that my host brother and sister started to refuse to accompany me because they felt so uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As unfair and rude as it is, it proves that there is still a stigma surrounding people of different races spending time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only smile and laugh it off, for I know that our presence by just walking is making people think and contemplate the realities of the new South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are slowly showing people that it’s no big deal for a white person and black person to walk together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And all this by simply being.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Either for work or leisure, I spend a lot of time in downtown Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Covered with street vendors and markets selling spices, produce and other miscellaneous goods, downtown Bloemfontein has the hustle and bustle of a true African city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bloem has character, and it’s something you need to experience firsthand to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s because of this lively atmosphere that I sometimes just go for a stroll downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, when I am walking around downtown, I am the only white person in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get stared at as much as in other places, perhaps because it’s a city and people are more focused on their next destination or where the best avocado dealer is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I certainly get the looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably get the most astonished looks when I purchase something from the markets, or buy some of the food from the street vendors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been many times when I’ll bite into a fat cake (doughnut like bread ball sold almost everywhere,) freshly purchased on the street just to have people literally stop and stare at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve even had people tell me that they’ve never seen a white person eat something that they’ve just witnessed me happily devour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And despite hearing from many people how “dangerous and unsafe” downtown Bloemfontein is, I have never had a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I am just a drop in the ocean of people in downtown Bloem, I cannot help but think that my presence there triggers people’s thoughts about race, acceptance and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And all this by simply being.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After spending over ten months in places and situations that are against the racial norm of the area, I see how powerful a presence can simply be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I think, how present have I been back home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How have I gone about my life in the cities and towns back in the U.S.?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not unlike many white South Africans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my hope is that after this year, I will continue to “simply be” amongst people unlike myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve learned that you don’t have to do something tangible or big to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You simply have to be in ways you’ve never been.</span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-46666470467334092632011-06-13T06:15:00.000-07:002011-06-13T06:15:14.317-07:00South African Slang WordsIn order for many of you to understand me when I return home, I thought it would be a good idea to list some of the commonly used slang words from South Africa. A more comprehensive list can be found at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_South_African_slang_words">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_South_African_slang_words</a>, but the following are ones you will most likely hear me utter once or twice:<br />
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<em>bakkie</em> - a utility truck.pick-up truck, now a mainstream word in South African English. Can also refer to a small bowl. <br />
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<em>biltong - </em>dried meat, similar to jerky (a mainstream word) <br />
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<em>boerewors</em> - spicy sausage (Afrikaans) farmer-sausage, used as a mainstream word in South African English <br />
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<em>bokkie</em> - (diminutive of <i>bok</i>, literally meaning "goat" or "doe") a popular term of endearment, comparable to "sweetheart", "honey", etc. <br />
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<em>braai - </em>to barbecue (from <em>braaivleis</em>), used a mainstream word in South African English <br />
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<em>china</em> - a friend; as in the greeting <i>howzit china</i> (likely origin: Cockney rhyming slang "China plate" (meaning "my mate"); from early British immigrants. <br />
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<em>lekker</em> - nice, good, great (lit. tasty) <br />
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<em>sies</em> - expression of disgust, disappointment, annoyance, as in: <i>ag, sies, man</i><br />
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<em>eish!</em> - an interjection expressing resignation <br />
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<em>gogo</em> - grandmother, elderly woman (from Zulu, <i>ugogo</i><br />
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<em>hhayibo!</em> - wow! (from Zulu, 'definitely not') <br />
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<em>laduma!</em> - a popular cheer at soccer matches, "he scores!"<br />
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<em>Mzansi</em> - South Africa (<i>uMzantsi</i> in Xhosa means "south") <br />
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<em>ubuntu - </em>compassion or kindness, humanity <br />
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<i>yebo</i> - Zulu meaning yes <br />
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<i>wena</i> - Zulu meaning "you". Commonly used in a sentence "Haw <i>wena</i>!" <br />
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<em>chop</em> - idiot, <i>doos</i> <br />
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<i>just now</i>, sometime in the near future, not necessarily immediately. Expresses an intention to act soon, but not necessarily immediately. (as in 20–90 minutes time) <br />
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<i>now now</i> - an immediate but not literal declaration of impending action, may be past or future tense. From the Afrikaans expression "nou nou". (as in 5–60 minutes) <br />
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<i>isit</i> - (pronounced: \izit\) the words "is" and "it" put together. Short term for "Is that so?" (For example: John: "Bra, I just found out I have a million dollars!" Charles: "Isit?"; or: John: "Bru, you would not believe how amazing it felt to footskate in front of all those people." Charles: "Isit?") Also, it can mean "really?"<br />
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<em>shebeen</em> - illegal drinking-establishmentAndrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-73137141686770557622011-06-09T13:58:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:58:32.295-07:00Tears of the Street<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week I had the opportunity to spend the week serving at Towers of Hope, a NGO that focuses on providing resources to the homeless, especially homeless youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towers of Hope is located in the heart of Bloemfontein and serves three meals daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to providing meals, clothes and food parcels to the homeless of the city, Towers concentrates on rehabilitating homeless youth, or “street kids.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent most of my week meeting many of the homeless youth in the streets, as well as working with some of the teenage boys who are now off the streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week was an eye opening, yet heartbreaking experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every morning Steven, an employee of Towers and a former street kid himself, does his rounds around Bloem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time, he has developed quite a rapport with many of the youth, and knows them all by name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would take me to all the usual spots where they spend their days, as well as where they sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two main areas where the homeless youth sleep are under a bridge in the center of town and in the “white house.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both locations are ironically placed and in unimaginably harsh conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bridge location is directly down town and right next to a shopping area called ‘Central Park.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The irony lies just 50 meters away where the Central Park police station is located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The police used to allow the boys to bathe there until they deemed them “too old to bathe at the police station.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now the boys remain unclean, relying on the flow of water under the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the boys sleep under this bridge, where running water flows from city run-off and drainage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are copious amounts of garbage heaps and the only way down or up is to climb the steep stone wall and jump over the palisade fence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for more than a dozen teenage boys, this is home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “White House” is a place that I will never forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also in the center of the city, it is located in a large plot normally used for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Macufe Festival</i> in September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a large brick house, after an uncontrollable fire it was condemned and abandoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no roof, no windows and no doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But inside, young girls make it their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls living here, some as young as 13, prostitute themselves at night for survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the waking hours of dawn they have to come back to a house of ruin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their rooms, if you could even call them that, are dark, damp and full of soot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mattresses are lumps of garbage, and their blankets are tattered and torn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart ached upon seeing this and imagining the daily struggles these teenagers and children have to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked out the front entrance of the house, Steven pointed something out to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To our right across the street, loomed a tall and powerful building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the government building for the Department of Social Development, starring down at this structure that embodies so much struggle and pain on the streets of this city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could these people go to work every day and peer out their office windows and not do something about this place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This extreme irony and apathy from the general public sadly encompasses more than just this scene.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As my week continued and I met more and more of the boys of the streets, I started to see them in a more human way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the homeless have lost all dignity and humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t see homeless people as people, we simply don’t see them at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a universal problem, not just a South African one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But despite the boys seeming to be dangerous, constantly huffing glue, wearing tattered clothes or sleeping under a bridge, I felt their youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see in their eyes and youthful smiles that they are just boys, many of whom have been abused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love playing soccer, dancing and creating art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I constantly thought back to my years as an adolescent, and how much I took for granted but also for how blessed I’ve been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After experiencing this, I will never see a homeless person the same again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every night since I’ve left Towers I pray for the comfort and peace for the children living on the streets in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I hear the rain, I can feel it as it falls on the boys under the bridge and sweep away their only comforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I huddle under my many blankets at night, I feel the bitter cold on the emaciated bodies of the girls in the White House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not deserve anything I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been blessed by God’s grace, and I can only pray that His grace will befall the children on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But until then my tears will continue to fall, and my fight for the hope of the poor and marginalized will rage on.</span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-12702720985488613022011-06-02T13:00:00.000-07:002011-06-02T13:00:11.545-07:00The Unifying Power of Sports<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sports in South Africa are huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a country that loves their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">braais,</i> (BBQ) loves their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wors,</i> (Spiced sausage) and loves their sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a true national pride in the beloved Springboks (rugby team), and Proteas (the name for all other national squads.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>History has shown how sports in South Africa have acted as a cultural and racial divide, and in some respects it still exists today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my many experiences here, as well as some recent national sporting events, have proven that sports play a powerful role in uniting people of different backgrounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the era of the apartheid regime, nothing escaped the grasp of racial divides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rugby and cricket were the main “white” sports, and soccer remained the “black” sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This not only meant the kind of players in each sport, but even the fans who support the games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rugby and cricket were played at all-white schools while soccer was the dominant sport at all-black schools in the locations, townships and rural areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There weren’t many more segregated areas than professional sporting events, and this generally remained the case until 1995.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1995, something amazing happened, a turning point in South African sports and national identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Rugby World Cup was being held in South Africa, and Nelson Mandela was a newly elected president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The South African team wasn’t favored to win and many had them at long shots to be champions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Mandela saw this as an opportunity to unite South Africa for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got behind the Springboks, and openly became a fan of the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This enabled other South Africans, especially black South Africans, to feel alright about cheering for the team that symbolized white supremacy in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Invictus</i> beautifully portrays, South Africa won the World Cup and the entire nation celebrated their victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a turning point for sports in South Africa, and would open the doors for the mutual love of the game.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A more recent and obvious example of South Africa unifying behind sports is the 2010 World Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2010 World Cup has been considered by many to be the best World Cup in history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event electrified the African continent, and the world’s eyes were on South Africa for over 30 days last June/July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>South Africa proved that it was capable of hosting such an event, and South Africans of all races and creeds played gracious hosts to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they didn’t disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the South African team, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bafana Bafana </i>(Boys, Boys), not performing like some wished, the event was still a success and widely supported by all South Africans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The theme song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Waka Waka,</i> seemed to be the theme song of the nation, and can still be heard in the streets almost daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The World Cup proved that South Africa is capable of coming together as a country in support of their sport, which is very promising for the future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of my most memorable experiences here this year revolve around sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During orientation, all of the volunteers were taken to a soccer match in Durban.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all played our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vuvuzelas </i>loud and proud, and eventually befriended many of the African fans around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early in my year, I attended a soccer match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended the match with the Monama’s, my eventual host family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember high fiving, hugging and celebrating the epic 1-0 victory by Celtic with them and the people around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also played a lot of soccer at my placement sites and in the streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often the case that I am the oldest and the only white one playing the game when I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although we don’t speak the same language or share the same pigment in our skin, we share the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly believe that soccer is the international language, and it has played an intricate role in accompaniment for me during this year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 2011 Cricket World Cup in India also occurred during my year here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed to see the national unity during the World Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nation all wore their Protea jerseys on Fridays, and everyone was glued to the action on television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The news would often show people of all different races enthusiastically talking about the national cricket team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I also noticed during that time that kids in the townships were playing cricket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once thought soccer was the only game played by kids in the townships, but all of a sudden there were cricket matches going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautiful to see this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to play cricket on the beach with some of the orphans who I went to the sea with for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a sport completely foreign to me, it was now a game I could discuss with the arbitrary person in town and play with people completely different than me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sports play a big role in lives of South Africans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a strong love and passion for the national teams, and I’ve seen firsthand how large scale events can bring this nation together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are obvious barriers and divides in the history of sports in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, those barriers and divides still exist in parts of the game today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, sports have been able to unify this nation like nothing else before it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrating a national victory or event is something that all South Africans can relate to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that sports can act as a catalyst for South Africa moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If sports become more integrated on the local level, it will resonate to the professional levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as people become more understanding and accepting of the different sports, their acceptance of one another won’t be as difficult. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hope is that South Africans continue to embrace their rich love for sports and let it evolve into a greater love for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve seen how the Rainbow nation can come together as one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victory for a unified South Africa is not out of reach. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This blog was written as a monthly reflection for the elca-mud blog, which can be found at: </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://elcamud.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc3300; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://elcamud.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></i></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-28262490249755420172011-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:002011-05-30T11:16:37.068-07:0050 Days<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seriously?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I was walking around downtown Bloem this afternoon, I started to think and realized that I have exactly 50 days left until I leave South Africa.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn’t believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually stopped in my tracks, quickly did the math and realized that I was in fact correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hit me like a brick from the sky, and I immediately felt a bit of sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I started to think of all the things I am going to miss once I leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss my host siblings starting our nightly prayers with, “Thank you Lord for the world so sweet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss the warm African sun and the way it introduces me to a new day as I walk to my taxi in the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss the everyday excitements and twists and turns that have made my life exhilarating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss the spontaneous conversations between complete strangers that open my mind and heart to things I’ve never before conceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The list goes on and on, but I will save that for my blogs closer to my departure!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so I began thinking to myself, “Ok Steele, you have to live it up your last 50 days here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to spend every minute here in a worthwhile way and not take anything for granted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I realized that I’ve pretty much lived this entire year like that so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is guilty of taking things for granted, and I have been no exception throughout my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have lived so differently this year, and can honestly feel good about how I’ve spent my time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been so blessed to be here, and truly understand what a privilege it is to serve my community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So all I could do was smile and promise myself to really embrace my remaining days here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My hope is that this newfound attitude towards life, time, and each waking day will stick with me when I am back home in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also hope that some of my experiences, stories and reflections will inspire others to see each day as a blessing, and to seize every opportunity in front of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget the day a friend here asked me, “Druza, are you ever in a bad mood?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could only simply answer, “Well, I am alive and am loving my life, so no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let a bad situation or mood get in the way of you embracing and loving life, the most awesome gift God has given us. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So later in my day I was browsing through a book in a bookstore when I came across a picture that caught my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The picture was of a painting of an active township scene, with signs above a building displaying a phrase that perfectly sums up how I feel about my year here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It read:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Some say I’m in Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is…Africa is in me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This will never change, not even 51 days from now when I am no longer in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will take the lessons Africa has taught me home, especially the lesson to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Live Life</i>. </span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-27322860071845474592011-05-26T13:21:00.000-07:002011-05-26T13:21:12.148-07:00Two Weeks of Changing Lives<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The last two weeks (or so) have been some of the most rewarding, extraordinary days of my year thus far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had two different but equally amazing experiences, and I thought it was worth sharing with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tshepo Foundation Sea Trip<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On May 8, the Tshepo Foundation (where I volunteer) embarked on a very progressive, worthwhile and awesome project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took 23 orphans and vulnerable children to the sea for the first time in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all packed on a mini bus and left Bloemfontein around 4am and headed south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our destination was Jeffrey’s Bay, a surfing town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeffrey’s Bay is actually considered one of the world’s best surfing locations on the globe, and the plethora of surfer dudes in the town are a testament to its ‘supertube’ waves.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">After our long journey of 11 hours, we finally made it to the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed in a nice Christian operated hostel, only 2 blocks from the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were so excited to be there that they couldn’t wait until the next day to see the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we walked them down to the beach, and their reactions were priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all sprinted to the water from the edge of the beach, and dipped their toes in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t know quite what to do with the waves, and the excited apprehension was a beautiful sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smiles and pure joy were plentiful, and it was such an incredibly special moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">All of the children we took to the sea are in great need, and are either orphaned or living in extreme poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of them had seen the sea before, and many may never have had the chance if not for Tshepo Foundation and this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the week, the kids couldn’t stop smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a week of pure bliss, of forgetting the troubles and struggles back home, and time to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, too, couldn’t stop smiling the entire week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting back and seeing the kids discover the wonders of the crashing waves, endless sand and surplus of sea shells was incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">For me, the beach is a very spiritual place and probably where I feel most connected to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The awesomeness of the ocean and the beauty of the ecosystems along the water are a constant reminder of the power, love and grace of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think the kids got the same feeling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Steele’s come to South Africa<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Immediately after the sea trip, my family arrived in South Africa to spend 10 days with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was elated to welcome them to the Rainbow Nation, and was excited to show them the people and places that have so greatly impacted me over the last 9 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Despite being jet lagged, my family was a bunch of troopers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few hiccups along the way, most notably the manual car with the wheel on the right, all while driving on the left side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to do quite a lot of directing and navigating from Shotgun as my parents adjusted to driving here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Oh and the massive flat tire we got in Lesotho was a bit of a hiccup.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we persevered through all of the adversities and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">made a plan</i> in every situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On May 15, we shared a very special church service with my home parish in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents were in the service, and it was one of the coolest cross cultural religious experiences any of us Steele’s have been a part of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father gave the sermon, my mother baptized two children and they both gave Holy Communion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother, bless her heart, had tears in her eyes the entire service because of how incredibly special, loving and spiritual the day was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, the Steele’s had a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">braai</i>, (or BBQ) with the Monama’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this was a time where my American family got to spend time with my African family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feasted well into the evening, and I was so happy to be able to have both of my families finally spend time together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Later in the week we headed to Lesotho, the place that first changed me and planted the seeds of service deep within my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was important for me to show my family the place that has played such an intricate role in shaping who I have become, and it was an equally inspiring experience for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is just something about those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maluti</i> mountains and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Basotho</i> who live simply but with so much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And to end the week we spent time in Kruger National Park in northern South Africa, a wildlife reserve the size of Wales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent time on game drives observing the wildlife and weren’t disappointed in what we saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw many animal species, from the common Hornbill to the rare Cheetah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And being in Kruger gave us a spiritual feeling, for it is a place of such enormity and endless wilderness, that it reminded us of God’s awesomeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I continue to be blessed during my time here, and the last two weeks have continued the trend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a part of such a unique trip to the sea with such wonderful children was a great opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And being able to share my life for the last 9 months with my family will always be something I cherish and something my family will always share together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to the final two months of my service and will start mourning the approaching departure date from this amazing country.</div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-77075723970523513512011-05-07T02:14:00.001-07:002011-05-07T02:14:40.405-07:00The Amazin' Dr. Rowan<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tshepo Care Center, where I currently volunteer, is a special place for many reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beacon of hope for children in one of Bloem’s poorest townships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provides 155 children with 2 meals every day and a safe environment to learn and play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children of Tshepo Care Center also have a unique chance to be seen by a general practitioner doctor, something many have never been able to do in their lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">A few years ago, the University of the Free State sent its first medical students to Tshepo Care Center to volunteer and conduct a project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At UFS, third year medical students are required to volunteer with a local NGO and help raise funds and awareness for the organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students then present their work to the department, and the project is a major part of their overall grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, a few years back a third year student named Rowan Nichol was assigned to Tshepo Care Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now, several years later, Dr. Rowan Nichol is still making weekly trips to Tshepo.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In March of this year, Tshepo celebrated their 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary as a Foundation and Care Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The anniversary also saw the opening of a wellness center, which provides unprecedented medical attention to the children attending Tshepo, as well as the surrounding community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wellness center is complete with a bed, examination table, desk, scale, sink, and a cabinet full of medical supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Rowan has been coming to Tshepo weekly for two years now, each time seeing at least 8 children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gives the children a basic check-up physical exam, which has proved life saving in some cases.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Many children living in the Freedom Square township have never seen a doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clinics available to the general public in South Africa are commonly crowded and under staffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the opportunity to see a doctor is something many of the people in Freedom Square never have the chance to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Dr. Rowan coming to Tshepo once a week during her busy schedule is no little matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has discovered many ailments, some which are of a serious matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has discovered HIV in some children, TB in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just earlier this week she discovered a tick in the inner year of a child, something that could have ended up terribly if it wasn’t for her early intervention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When Dr. Rowan diagnoses something, she then refers the children to see specialists, something that again would be impossible otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the illness is serious enough, Tshepo will even help with the prescription medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so beautiful to witness her selfless work each and every week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The acts of Dr. Rowan are truly inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does this for no money, just out of the love and kindness in her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the true epitome of a Christian, acting as a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tshepo is blessed to have her services, and the many children whose lives she has saved or improved will be a lasting testament to her loving commitment to equality in healthcare. </div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-25584414501951118182011-05-03T08:01:00.000-07:002011-05-03T08:01:07.672-07:00Young Adults Aren't Sticking With Church<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">An article by Cathy Lynn Grossman appeared in the USA Today titled “Young Adults Aren’t Sticking With Church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The article presents findings by a recent survey on young people’s memberships and involvement in Protestant churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The article states:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="inside-copy" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 2.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 — both evangelical and mainline — who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research. And 34% of those said they had not returned, even sporadically, by age 30. That means about one in four Protestant young people have left the church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="inside-copy" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 2.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is startling news, even though many of us knew that church attendance in Protestant churches was down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally witnessed it at my home congregation in New Jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing up, there was a core group of us regularly attending Sunday School and Confirmation class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But quickly after we were all confirmed, I saw less and less of my Lutheran comrades sitting in the pews on Sundays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always attributed their absences to college, the American rat race or moving away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are other reasons that so many young adults leave the church in their large droves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="inside-copy"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In the article, Ed Stetzer, director of Nashville-based LifeWay Research, states, “"Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are looking for a faith that can change them and to be a part of changing the world."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is true, there is more of a connection to the deep dish supreme than the gospel in youth groups these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LifeWay Research associate director, Scott McConnell puts it this way, “It seems the teen years are like a free trial on a product. By 18, when it's their choice whether to buy in to church life, many don't feel engaged and welcome.”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>There is simply a lack of a connection for many youth in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There lacks the spark that engages people, that gives them feeling in their hearts, minds, souls and faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="inside-copy"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="inside-copy"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I recently read Shane Claiborne’s book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great book in which Claiborne shows how ordinary people can be radical in their faith if they do things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in unique ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And many of the unique ways of being radical are actually quite simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shane discusses simple ways he connected with the poor and his local community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He befriended homeless people in Philadelphia and simply got to know the poor and destitute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes and heart were opened by these unique experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve experienced similar feelings of love and transformation while in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t take any super hero actions, rather simple acts of love, kindness and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps this is what Protestant youth need today, ways of practicing their faith that is completely ‘outside the box.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his book, Claiborne talks about the loss of youth in today’s church:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="inside-copy"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="inside-copy" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“God forgive us for all those we have lost because we made the gospel boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am convinced that if we lose kids to the culture of drugs and materialism, of violence and war, it’s because we don’t dare them, not because we don’t entertain them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s because we make the gospel too easy, not because we make it too difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids want to do something heroic with their lives, which is why they play video games and join the army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what are they to do with a church that teaches them to tiptoe through life so they can arrive safely at death?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="inside-copy" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="inside-copy"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I think Shane hits the nail on the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church has become too complacent with Sunday School lessons and pizza party youth gatherings. What is exciting and intriguing for kids about the Apostle’s Creed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe by providing scenarios in which the youth are challenged and start to understand the gospel by not just reading it, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">living it,</i> will transform their feelings about the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a song that is sometimes sung in church here in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes, “My father was a Lutheran, my mother was a Lutheran, that’s why I’m a Lutheran.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, this was certainly the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a PK², (Pastor’s kid squared,) I have grown up in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to terrorize parishioners, running up and down the aisles as a kid, (so I am told.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I never really questioned my involvement in church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admittedly, when I went to University my involvement decreased a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended chapel on Sundays here and there, and always made it to the “big services.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell into a bit of a lull period, where I wasn’t theologically stimulated or involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that changed when my mother was diagnosed with cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a very difficult time for my family, and especially since my sisters and I were all at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is where my home congregation showed me the importance and beauty behind the church community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People started cooking meals for my Dad and sister, cards flooded our house, and the prayers could literally be felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were people I spoke with, cried with, and who supported me during the most difficult time of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then realized how important and special my church family was to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without church, the support system and outpouring of love and support would not have been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then realized how special church can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then my new grown love for church led me to apply for the Young Adults in Global Mission program, where I have been transformed by the people, places and experiences in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My faith has strengthened while here, and I have been engaged in a way that will always keep me involved in my church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have received too many blessings to not reciprocate the love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So the million dollar question remains, what can churches do to keep young people more involved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t claim to have the absolute answer (or a million dollars!) but I have a few ideas that may prove worthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something I’ve learned in South Africa is that we simply have our priorities confused back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s church has become too self concerned with the structures and other material items rather than the youth and lifeblood of their church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much time, energy and money spent on the church “building” rather than the church “life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why have we become so obsessed with the church “building” when the book of Acts tells us, “The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Acts 17:24)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen firsthand that church does not need to be in a building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can worship anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, on our first retreat this year, we worshipped under the shade of a tree outside our backpackers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind was strong that day, and so was the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our offering that day was of personal stories and reflections, and we had Holy Communion to the backdrop of the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the most beautiful, touching and personal services I’ve been a part of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think there is a lot we can learn from this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, a common church service here usually lasts 2-3 hours, if not more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Church acts as a place of great praise, worship and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of rushing through the liturgy in order to get somewhere, people here enjoy church and what it offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should focus more on the fellowship and the church as a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In South Africa, the church community is not one you only spend an hour with one day a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a community you see often, spend time with and share experiences with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need more of this at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also believe that our church needs engaging, unorthodox ways of expressing our faiths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Romans 12:2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should heed Apostle Paul’s message, and become the ordinary radicals that can transform people’s lives, faith and belief in their church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The results of the survey surely pose unsettling facts about the Protestant church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t think it’s too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the church needs to do is return to its roots, and provide the support, engagement and inspiration that it did for early Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of luring the church youth in with pizza and movies, we should begin by being that shoulder to cry on, the best friend you can count on, that life changing experience and live out the examples provided by the Prince of Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This blog was written as a monthly reflection for the elca-mud blog, which can be found at: </span><a href="http://elcamud.blogspot.com/">http://elcamud.blogspot.com/</a></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-24389250745907546612011-04-29T08:48:00.000-07:002011-04-29T08:55:14.325-07:00The Luther Rose<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv1lwXTEgiwEyR4-wkZLhFHCT8QIL9cYSKV1NEFUb9TGDmA_jg0DHiGpB0QAyUj-XLXOUlsKGGT-MX-nhcxxP3Znqito2tLuGXEHfr1jEkGdfmoaON_zvyf8A2lZ8yZnwZ5SgY3rTq5k/s1600/luther+rose+2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv1lwXTEgiwEyR4-wkZLhFHCT8QIL9cYSKV1NEFUb9TGDmA_jg0DHiGpB0QAyUj-XLXOUlsKGGT-MX-nhcxxP3Znqito2tLuGXEHfr1jEkGdfmoaON_zvyf8A2lZ8yZnwZ5SgY3rTq5k/s1600/luther+rose+2.gif" /></a></div><br />
In a world dominated by symbolism, I thought it would be appropriate to look more closely at the Luther Rose, the iconic symbol for Lutherans all across the world. It is a symbol that unifies and solidifies Lutherans in their faith. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Here in South Africa, many ELCSA members have a Luther Rose sticker on their car windows, proudly displaying their religion. On my parish’s program for the Easter weekend, they included a letter written by Martin Luther which explained his reasoning behind his symbol. Luther beautifully articulates his seal’s detailed meaning and provides the foundations for his theology in his response below:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Grace and peace in Christ, Honored dear Sir and Friend:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Since you wish to know whether my seal has come out correctly, I will tell you how I originally planned my coat-of-arms as a symbol of my theology.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">There is first to be a cross, black and placed in a heart, which should be of its natural color [red], </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified that saves us. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A person can only become righteous when he believes with his whole heart. Even though it is a black cross, which mortifies and which also should hurt us, it leaves the heart in its natural color and does not ruin nature; that is, the cross does not kill but keeps man alive. For the just man lives by faith, but by faith in the Crucified One. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">This heart should be set in the midst of a white rose, to show that such faith yields joy, peace and comfort such as the world cannot give. That is why the rose is white and not red, for white is the color of spirits and angels.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">This rose is to be placed on a field of heavenly blue, because such spiritual joy and faith are a beginning of heavenly joys to come, which are even now possessed by faith and understood in hope, although they are not yet evident to the outward eye.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">And, encircling this field is a ring of gold, to signify that this bliss of heaven endures forever, and is more precious than all earthly pleasures and possessions, even as gold is the most precious </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">of </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">metals.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">May Christ, our dear Lord, be with your spirit until it attains to that life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
Amen. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;">Now, who doesn’t want to be Lutheran after reading that!?</span><span style="color: black;"> I continue to be proud of my church and its history, present workings, and vision for the future. After reading Luther’s letter, I can only smile and embrace his theology once more.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-78860338136070921002011-04-25T02:57:00.000-07:002011-04-25T02:57:06.465-07:00A Southern (Hemisphere) Easter<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It was a cold, windy, and misty Palm Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other volunteers and I were not dressed for the weather, but at least we packed some hard boiled eggs to hold us over until the end of the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My start of Holy Week began in Soweto, South Africa’s most famous township and the epicenter of the Anti-Apartheid struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we processed through the streets of Soweto with our palms, I had one of those “awesome moments.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I was, singing hymns in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seTswana</i>, processing with hundreds of South Africans in the place where the struggle for freedom hit a turning point in the 1970s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After walking a few blocks, the cold weather didn’t faze me any longer as I was taking it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then had a Palm Sunday service to remember, including three confirmations, eight baptisms and Holy Communion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four and half hours later, the service was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a blessing to worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, and it was a great start to Holy Week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">My home parish, Bloemfontein South, held a church service every night of Holy Week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could really feel the energy and excitement building as we approached the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always been told that Holy Week and Easter was the biggest Christian holiday in South Africa, even bigger than Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I became a witness to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As there were a lot of similarities between the liturgies and scripture, there were also differences that I have never experienced before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Good Friday service began at 10am on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first time I have gone to a Good Friday service in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I went to the service, I was anticipating the usual somber, silent and grieving themes of a Good Friday service back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was astonished to see people sing hymns with energy and praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were smiles and dancing in the pews and aisles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there dumbfounded, not sure what to make of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am used to a service in silence, with the lights dimmed and people grieving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But instead I was faced with people who were in celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">After a three hour service, we broke for lunch and returned for a ‘seven stages of the cross’ type service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were seven readings accompanied by two to three preachers for each passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The readers ranged from children in Sunday school to elders in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much passion in their preaching, and the resonating “amens” from the congregants was constant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another three hours or so, we finished our Good Friday service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was trying to make sense of the service, I explained to some people how my usual Good Friday services are and asked them to explain theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One person stated, “We understand that Christ died today, and it is sad and we do grieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we want to celebrate the gift of life, and for God sending his only Son to save us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of Jesus’ death, we are able to be here and worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something to celebrate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many things I’ve experienced in the Southern Hemisphere, my thoughts were flipped upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never thought about it that way, and have always carried the North American mentality of extreme grief and sadness during one’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still an emphasis placed on reflection, but rather than on one day, the entire Lenten period is a time of extreme personal reflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The service played to the way funerals are in South Africa, in which there is more celebration of the person’s life than of the sadness of their passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now seeing this side, I was extremely excited for Easter Sunday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And I wasn’t disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easter Sunday was a joyous celebration and our church was filled to capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were numerous hymns and choruses sang celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and our being saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hands were flung into the air praising God, and everyone was smiling and happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time in my life, I could truly sense the meaning of Easter and feel God’s presence and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strength of the Holy Spirit on Easter Sunday was powerful, and the service was a perfect culmination of a Lenten period that will always remain with me.</div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-46877421615429824482011-04-11T04:13:00.000-07:002011-04-11T04:13:46.216-07:00Do A Little With A Lot Of Love<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We can do no great things, just small things with great love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Mother Teresa</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This quote might just be the best quote to sum up my experience in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to South Africa as someone with the mindset of, “I am going to do so many great, big things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to change the world!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I quickly learned that I was not in South Africa to ‘change the world,’ but rather to be formed and informed in ways I never could have predicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have realized that doing some little things with a bit of love have actually done more than any big things could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned that while walking, greeting someone in their native language with a smile on my face can make someone’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to go out of my way to greet people as they pass, and although they are often surprised, I can see how happy it has made them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And over the course of the last seven months, I have witnessed some amazing people do amazing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These amazing things often took the form of little gestures, which may even go unnoticed at some points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for me, as an active learner, I realized that no matter how small or insignificant something may seem it can be filled with so much love that it makes a large impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last several months have given me the opportunity to get to know Peter and Petro Howe, my supervisors at Tshepo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have quickly become like family to me, and I can now say I have two sets of adoptive parents in South Africa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will often get an SMS, (or text message,) just asking how I am doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ask questions, and have given me medicine when I was sick and food when I was hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although these may seem trivial, they are so important to me as I continue to live in a country far from my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also see their continual love in their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Petro is the manager of the Tshepo Day Care Center, which provides 154 children two meals a day, clean and fully stocked classrooms, and a safe environment to play in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of work piled on her plate could discourage her from her work, but each day she tirelessly works for the betterment of the care center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does all of the food shopping for the care center, conducts fundraising and makes sure all of the staff are taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often see her love for the children of the care center when we first arrive each morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gets out of her car and says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dumelang bana</i>!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or “Hello children!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all of the children respond with “Mama! Mama!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children clearly reciprocate the love she showers them with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She takes a genuine interest in the staff and the lives of everyone she knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband Pete is someone of great love as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get a sense of who Peter is when he answers his phone when a local <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moruti,</i> (pastor) calls to discuss their ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shares a jovial dialogue and will always make that extra phone call to make it work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the last week or two, he has been contacting bus companies nonstop about Tshepo’s upcoming Sea Trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is constantly on the move, and is constantly caring for others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We can do no great things, just small things with great love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a lucky guy because the love is all around me, as I am living in a loving home with caring family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My host mother is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not rare for her to get home after work, around 6pm, cook dinner, and then continue working on her laptop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are often times that she is doing something for the prayer women’s league and church as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spends hours after church in meetings and helping assist in ministries in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my host father is constantly doing things for his two congregations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is the little things he does that many people won’t see on Sundays that go a long way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has picked me and fellow volunteers up late at night from the taxi rink down town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has driven people to the bus station who have needed rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will always make a plan and go out of his way to accommodate people when they are in a tough spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does all of this for nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We can do no great things, just small things with great love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since last January I have had the opportunity to attend weekly prayer meetings with members from my parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every Wednesday evening, we will gather at a member’s house and sing hymns and discuss scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time these meetings are in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sesotho</i>, however I tend to catch enough to understand here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each and every week I am amazed by the generosity of the host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hosts make room for ten or more people every week in their homes and always accommodate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after we close, we are always served cool drink and some kind of pastry, cake or sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may not seem like a big deal, but I think it takes a lot for someone to welcome a large group of people into their home, especially people they might not even know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And each week, the hosts put a lot into the meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It serves as a great way for people to gather and spend time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fellowship is wonderful, and there are always smiles and laughter after the meetings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We can do no great things, just small things with great love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We should not forget that without love, South Africa could be a very different country than it is today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Madiba</i>, (Nelson Mandela,) and the other leaders during the transition from Apartheid had love in their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was love for their enemies, for the poor, for the marginalized, and for South Africans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a country where little gestures with great love happen every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see little acts of kindness as being small insignificant acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see them as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">small things with great love,</i> and I think as Americans we can learn a lot from this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We should never forget the power of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should never underestimate love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should never let love disappear from our daily acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our current society of political polarization, economic injustice, and war suggests we have forgotten what love really means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have seen that there is hope when I witness the daily acts I see each day by people who really know how to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Apostle Paul poetically describes love in his first letter to the Corinthians when he writes:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice its wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let us not stray far from Paul’s definition of love, and let us remember that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it is not how much we do, but how much love we put into doing it.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-80689650504252693842011-04-06T10:48:00.000-07:002011-04-06T10:48:06.661-07:00A Hero Lost<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am utterly and incredibly shocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am deeply and greatly saddened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am devastated, and my soul feels an extreme feeling of loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On April 4, 2011, one of my heroes, John Adler, passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continuously shake my head in disbelief whenever I think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could this happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It has been difficult trying to come to grips with the reality of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have struggled during these few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot be with family and friends who share the same tears of loss for John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been difficult.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">John Adler was a long time New Jersey Senator and the former U.S. Representative for New Jerseys third Congressional district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the privilege to intern on his congressional campaign in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became John’s driver, and accompanied him to any and every event he attended in the district during the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent countless hours together, mostly on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rocked out to classic rock, playing the air guitar and air drums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listened to Howard Stern and laughed at the downright ridiculousness of the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate many meals on the road, and had lots of Wawa hoagies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned more about politics, integrity, and life behind the wheel of my car that summer than I had during all my years at school.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I stayed in touch with John after his election, and despite his new position of power, John was still John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would occasionally send him an email saying hi, and I’d always get a response wishing all the best for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget the time I saw John on C-SPAN as the acting Speaker of the House during a session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent him an email telling him I saw him on TV and, of course, John responded from his blackberry, (which I could see him doing on TV,) to tell me how much fun he was having.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I can say that I matured more during my time as John’s intern than I have in any other experience in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am who I am today because of John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wisdom and subtle genius helped guide me and I looked up to him as someone to emulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed interning in his congressional office in 2009 and continued to learn so much about not only politics, but also myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Something that John did indirectly was create lifelong friendships amongst people who never knew each other before working for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I have some incredible friendships with people I got to know while interning for John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are people I talk to on a regular basis, go out for a drink with, share experiences with and consider very close friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are people I’d do anything for and I am so thankful for their friendship, and it wouldn’t be possible without John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will live on in the many friendships I’ve made with some of the most special people in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Through certain experiences in my life, I have come to the realization that everything does not happen for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some things in life that cannot be explained and where there are no good reasons for why they occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not believe that God uses the pain, suffering and deaths of others to “teach us a lesson.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refuse to believe in a God that would do such a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is what makes something like this so difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no explanation for why such a great man was taken away so early in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incredible loss is soul wrenching, and no matter what we do we will not be able to understand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I weep as I write these words, because John was simply a great man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was my hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t just my hero for being such a hard working, self-made success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t just my hero for being a tremendous public servant and for taking a genuine interest in people’s issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t just my hero for being an honest and fair politician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t just my hero because he had a deep love for his country, his constituents, and his staff. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero for being a wonderful father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero for being a loving husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero because he had an unrivaled love of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero because he was hilarious and loved to make anyone laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero because he gave me a chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was my hero because he was my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The pain of losing John will never go away, but neither will the fond memories I have of his service to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul is filled with melancholy for his wife and their four boys, and I pray that the grace of God will bring them some kind of peace during this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am especially upset that I cannot be home right now and am thousands of miles away from my family and friends who are mourning John’s passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am blessed with the peace of knowing that perhaps, now more than ever, I am closer to John than I’ve ever been before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I love you John, thank you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-1615556474521106002011-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:002011-03-25T13:09:21.432-07:00A Village On A Dump<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whenever trash accumulates at the care center where I work, we have to take it to the city dump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have accompanied Peter on a few of these trips, in which we load up the back of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bakkie </i>(truck) and go to unload the rubbish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I visit the dump I am struck by the intensity and enormity of the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also struck by the people who are amongst the trash, living, and doing what is necessary to survive.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As you enter the gates of the dump and approach the dumping area, the sights and smells begin entering your sensory system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The typical ‘trash’ smell fills the air, and bulldozers moving garbage can be seen all across the complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birds fly around the compound searching for their next meal, and the plethora of hills of garbage fill the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what was unexpected for me was the presence of people, many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As we get closer to the dumping area, people swarm our vehicle trying to be the first at the newly arrived “goods.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be a bit intimidating at first, but this is an environment of competition where the concept of ‘first come, first served’ really runs true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they see if there is anything worth grabbing right away or not, you continue until you are ready to dump your trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we are done emptying the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bakkie</i> of trash, people come and inspect what we have just disposed of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">These are images I cannot get out of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere I looked there were people rummaging through the garbage, searching for things that will add to their daily fight for survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind wonders to the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wouldn’t say that we are delivering ‘treasure’ to these people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is simply their last effort to survive, and they are willing to do what it takes to make it until the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure if you asked them if they thought this stuff was treasure, they’d just laugh at you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And as I gaze around the compound, I see little stands with small umbrellas providing shade to women sitting under them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that these women are selling cool drinks, snacks, sweets and whatever else they may have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many people living amongst the trash and spending their days searching for things that there are food stands for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entrepreneurial motivation is both intriguing and upsetting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is great to see such innovation but also so incredibly sad that there is a market for this at the city dump.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Every time we drive away from the dump I cannot help but think about the lives of the people who live amongst the garbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I can complain about not liking food when some have no choice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I complain about there being ants in my house when some have no roof over their heads?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I complain about not having ‘enough’ when some people don’t have anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing people jump for expired food and eat it as if it is their first meal in days is not an image I wish to see daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is one that continues to light my fire to fight for social justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are to believe the concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu,</i> or the idea that ‘people are people through other people,’ than we cannot sit idly while our brothers and sisters are forced to live in such heinous conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The village of people living in the Mangaung dump are not people who will show up on a census.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will occasionally be greeted with police raids to disperse them from the dump and may never experience the luxuries I’ve had my whole life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if nothing is ever done about it, the social and economic inequality will continue to get worse, and the village on the dump will continue to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-12666314556453259802011-03-09T03:38:00.000-08:002011-03-09T03:38:39.765-08:00Beyond The Prison Wall<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tshepo Foundation, my current placement site, has certain companies and people who donate goods, supplies, money, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of their largest partners is the G4S Mangaung Maximum Security Prison in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prison donates surpluses of onions, pumpkins, spinach, among other food parcels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what is special about this partnership is that the prison is also based on a principle of hope. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Today I had the opportunity to tour the G4S prison with Peter, my supervisor, and another local pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tour was led by the prison chaplain, Rev. Dawid Kuyler. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The G4S prison is a private prison which is owned and operated by a British company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prison is the second largest private prison in the world, housing close to 3,000 inmates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it is a maximum security prison, every inmate has been sentenced to at least 10 years of internment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, G4S is unlike any prison I have ever heard of before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They take a very different approach to the justice system, one that could prove to be a pioneer in the criminal justice system.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">At the G4S prison there are no armed guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing guards have on them is their ID card and a walkie-talkie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might think that’s a crazy concept, and you wouldn’t be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the G4S prison, the inmates are treated in a way that makes them not want to commit crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are treated like human beings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The first thing that happens to an inmate when he arrives at G4S Mangaung is he gets a cup of coffee or tea while discussing the prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the very onset the inmates are treated with dignity and not as a menace to society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As is often the case in government run prisons, especially in the United States, is that prisoners actually become more dangerous, violent and aggressive while in prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They then are released into society as a more dangerous person than when they entered prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At G4S, this is avoided.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On all of the employee’s badges, the term “Care and Justice” is written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the concept in which G4S operates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They provide care for the inmates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some of the amenities of the G4S Managaung prison:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-Hospital</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-Basketball courts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-Soccer fields</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-School</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-Pool tables</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-Exercise equipment</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">-A religious and secular library</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The largest and most fascinating and beneficial difference with the G4S prison is that they provide inmates with skills that will benefit them after their release.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, we toured the many workshops at G4S in which inmates were learning woodwork, candle making, arts and crafts, copy machine maintenance, leatherwork, tailoring, and computer literacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are skills that will give the inmates a chance to make a personal income after being released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true rehabilitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many of the inmates, they had no previous knowledge of their newly learned crafts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they now have a valuable skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what is so great is that many of the goods they produce at the prison are either donated to local charities or sold to the community at a low cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is true community involvement and empowerment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Not once while touring the prison did I feel uncomfortable or in danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I greeted many of the inmates who did the same with a smile on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 10 years of operation, there has only been 1 attempted escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very rare that inmates will perform dangerous activities, and there is a good rapport between the inmates and employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This was an eye-opening experience for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never before did I know such hope and potential survived behind prison walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was walking the grounds of the prison, there were inmates playing a game of softball, some cutting the grass, some working out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt as if I was in a little village-a village of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as pastor Dawid said on our tour today, “The great thing is Tshepo provides hope to people on the ‘outside’ and we provide hope to people on the ‘inside.’”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">My hope is that more correctional services emulate the G4S model, and people are given the chance at true rehabilitation which will only benefit our society as a whole.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For more information on the G4S prison system, visit: </i><a href="http://www.g4s.com/en/Media%20Centre/Case%20Studies/Government/Beyond%20the%20prison%20walls/">http://www.g4s.com/en/Media%20Centre/Case%20Studies/Government/Beyond%20the%20prison%20walls/</a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-38289076156961041422011-03-01T10:36:00.000-08:002011-03-01T10:36:16.551-08:00My South African Sermon<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">About a month ago, I was handed the preaching schedule for my church parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the schedule showing who will be giving sermons on what Sundays and what the theme of the services will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In our one parish, we have two congregations, and Moruti Monama cannot give the sermon every Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, it is the custom in my parish that involvement from members is important, so allowing others to preach is considered normal.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Well, as I peered at the schedule closely, I discovered the name “Brother A. Steele” listed as the preacher for February 27, 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I thought there was a mistake, because no one had told me (or asked) if I could or would preach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I just smiled and shared laughter with my host Dad, Moruti Monama, since I had a feeling this was one of his plans all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I felt the initial tensions of nervousness, I thought to myself, “At least I have a month to prepare!”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The first thing I did was look up the readings for that Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gospel was from Matthew 6: 24-34, one of Jesus’ well-known sermons in which he tells his followers “Do not worry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what did I start doing as soon as I started anticipating giving the sermon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the more I got into the scripture, and really started thinking about the text, I was settling in with the fact that I’d be giving a sermon for the first time…in South Africa.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Finally the Sunday came when I was to preach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday was a beautiful sunny day, as most days have been here in Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I knew in the back of my mind that the sunny day would mean a hot day, which is never fun when you are wearing a jacket to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, I was excited, and I could feel the adrenaline running through me as we arrived at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Before the service I got to “prepare” for the service with the elders, which is something done every week with whoever is preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sang, prayed and discussed the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The service started, and I sat right in the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nerves started to get stronger and stronger as we got closer to the sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally it was time, and I headed to the pulpit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to ensure that everyone in the congregation could understand what I was saying, we had an interpreter during the sermon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I thought this might throw off the flow, but it actually acted as a good pause for me to prepare the next line.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There were some “Amens” and many interested eyes as I gazed out across the congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heat was causing some perspiration but perhaps it added to the ambiance of the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really was relishing in the moment and getting into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s all the sermons I’ve heard from my mom and dad, perhaps it was the Holy Spirit, but I supposedly sounded like I knew what I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I really loved the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an “awesome” opportunity it was, and to be accepted with such love from my congregation was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll always remember my South African sermon and Sunday February 27<sup>th</sup> will be a service I will never forget.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Below is a transcript of my sermon:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Six months ago I had no idea what tomorrow would bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was leaving everything I knew, and traveling across the world to spend a year of my life serving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was boarding my plane headed towards South Africa last August, I must admit I was worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was worried about leaving home, meeting my new hosts and living in a foreign country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after much prayer and thought, I became accepting of my placement in God’s Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now, six months later, I have never been happier than I am today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my full trust in the LORD’s hands, and he provided a welcoming church parish, a loving host family, and experiences that have changed my life for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My faith in God has strengthened, and I have put my trust in him every step of the way while in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This experience has humbled me, and taught me that trust in GOD is the only way to achieve true strength and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In our Gospel this morning, Jesus tells us not to serve wealth and material goods, and he also tells us not to worry about the many things in life we tend to stress about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How often do we find ourselves obsessing over material goods?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all guilty of wanting wealth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it be new clothes, new CDs, a new computer, or just more money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our society has become one that serves wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus tells us, “You cannot serve GOD and wealth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when will we stop wanting more wealth, and stop spending more time thinking about wealth than about God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will only happen when we have totally committed ourselves to the Kingdom of God and put our full trust in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If our trust is in God, than we will not need fancy clothes or large houses, for we have the gift of God's love in Christ that is greater than anything we can do for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And as we strive to serve God above all else, </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus encourages us not to worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tests to see where our faith is in regard to the every day cares of life. If we cannot trust God in these every day moments, how can we expect to trust God's greater actions?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus tells us we should not worry about what we eat, what we drink, or what clothes we will wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When Jesus says not to worry about what you will<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">eat,</span> he does not mean that food is unimportant; for we have been taught to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what is important, is that we must TRUST in GOD to provide it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without that trust in God, why should we even pray for it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Worrying about things is of human nature. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we as humans also confuse our priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus asks, “</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is life not more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God provides for the animals and plants of the World, surely he will provide for us, for we are the children of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were created in God’s image, we just need to trust in him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It should not just be emotions we feel towards GOD, but rather part of our heart, soul, mind and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave us all that we have, so we must give what we have back in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been blessed with this life by God’s Grace, and this is something always to be thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to love God requires much service and sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shall not only serve our LORD, but also our neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has a motto that says, “God’s Work, Our Hands.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot worry about what we are to do, but instead stay true to our faith in God and perform his works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There will be times in our lives that we must sacrifice for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But instead of worrying about our sacrifices, we can express the love we have for God while performing our works.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Being here today is a testimony to the grace of God, and expresses how blessed we truly are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the awesome gift of life and are here today to express our love for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the essence of true life comes only when life is received as a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not wish us to be anxious about everyday parts of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wishes us to be joyful with his love upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the body and Life are not the only gifts given to us by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave us faith in him, and his presence comforts us with love and compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We must be thankful for what we have, be joyful in our lives, and serve God’s Kingdom in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is a gracious creator, faithful to his creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust GOD with a whole and undivided heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that putting your entire trust into something can be hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has given us his grace, and no matter what troubles we come across in life, we have his grace to save us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as we devote our lives to the kingdom of God, we cannot not be afraid to take a step when the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> steps are not in view.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leaving your comfort zone is not an easy thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to become worried about your future, especially when times are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can a student not worry about a test in the coming days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can someone not worry about their future when looking for a job?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can a mother not worry about the well-being of her young child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you remain faithful to God and put all of your trust into his love for you, you can leave your worries behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There may be times when we go to bed hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be times when the clothing on our body is not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we truly take God seriously, we know God created both body AND Life and will provide for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one who created body and life will surely take care of food and clothing!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As Lutherans, we have a comfort that should never let us get carried away with the stressful situations in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With baptism and by the Grace of God, we are not defined by what we eat, what we wear, what we look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are defined by something much greater: the love and trust we have in our GOD, and we have a prosperous eternal life ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should be comforting and eliminate all worries.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This week a friend of mine shared the following with me:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you live in the past, you'll be depressed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you live in the future, you'll be stressed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you live in the present, you'll be blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God has not given us the strength today needed for tomorrow’s difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today must be fulfilled before tomorrow arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 95:7 reads “O That TODAY you would listen to his voice.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; They are new EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is true that when tomorrow comes there will be new troubles, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">but OH will there be renewed strength!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God will take care of you, so take care of God's justice in the world. There is more to life than concern for daily needs, though this may be difficult to understand at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus expects his followers to do things that give more meaning to life. We shall work to learn how God is working in the world and how to participate in acts of justice on God's behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond that, everything else will take care of itself. Or, as Jesus said, God will deal with the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">AMEN.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-27742882380714075402011-02-24T05:36:00.000-08:002011-02-24T05:36:23.894-08:00Prickly Pears<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have discovered my new favorite fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the winner is: A Prickly Pear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m sure many of you are wondering, “What in the world is a prickly pear?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, some of you may remember a little something about a prickly pear in the Disney classic, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Jungle Book.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following lyrics can be found in the song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bare Necessitie</i>s:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“N</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ow when you pick a pawpaw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or a prickly pear<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And you prick a raw paw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Next time beware<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you pick a pear<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Try to use the claw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But you don't need to use the claw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have I given you a clue?</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Now Baloo has a point when singing about the prickly pear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Prickly Pear is actually the fruit that grows on the cactus plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit comes after a transformation of the buds and flower of the plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit itself is also covered with countless painful little “hairs” that can easily become imbedded in clothing, skin, or anything else it comes into contact with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read more about this interesting fruit at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Thankfully, by the time the prickly pears reach the average consumer, they have been cleaned of all the dangerous hairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is inevitable that you’ll end up with one or two of the painful hairs in your skin after cutting the pear open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the pain is worth the reward, as the fruit is absolutely delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(In my opinion.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fruit is very juicy and succulent and contains hard seeds that are better off swallowed than bitten into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This fruit is plentiful in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, but can be found in other desert-like climates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Once again, I have found another thing that I truly enjoy here in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seemingly almost every week there is a new food that I try, and usually enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to seeing what’s next on my delicious and unique food journey in South Africa. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOpGKQPndFgydSCH5tL7yb0gkujCwQgMtPspi_XJecCkK7o81NodarheLzDNTAv5C-mNGGMKdrDIEJNKHr9ty2OQPNX1YjXjkxk1VF8Jz_6VsqZcpLmmIFbBAhiMGrhe2cuPdkiU_9dY/s1600/DSCN5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOpGKQPndFgydSCH5tL7yb0gkujCwQgMtPspi_XJecCkK7o81NodarheLzDNTAv5C-mNGGMKdrDIEJNKHr9ty2OQPNX1YjXjkxk1VF8Jz_6VsqZcpLmmIFbBAhiMGrhe2cuPdkiU_9dY/s320/DSCN5778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prickly Pear</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXbrDz13tBTZy7rZVX6D1ud0HDTiIBTbohUFV3cW-IfS5_RHB0MKpQwh15pIKN_rqXwlPvU0ZC0ZzSlTOflqk_jLwyKPQiIOHigr6gwZwUqnuNCCxPfgd35eBZpPWraRy7WuQ1tvpbU/s1600/DSCN5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXbrDz13tBTZy7rZVX6D1ud0HDTiIBTbohUFV3cW-IfS5_RHB0MKpQwh15pIKN_rqXwlPvU0ZC0ZzSlTOflqk_jLwyKPQiIOHigr6gwZwUqnuNCCxPfgd35eBZpPWraRy7WuQ1tvpbU/s320/DSCN5783.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wondrous fruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-45466924491621665532011-02-24T05:25:00.001-08:002011-02-24T05:25:49.095-08:00The Effects of the World Cup<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have had a lot of people ask me what South Africa is like now that the World Cup has come and gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I’d like to take some time explaining my observations. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The FIFA World Cup 2010 was one of the most exciting, passionate times for South Africa in its history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2010 World Cup was the first held on African soil, and the excitement filled the stadiums, streets and homes of this proud country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not many South Africans would have believed that only 16 years after the end of Apartheid and many international sports sanctions, they would be hosting the world’s most popular and prestigious tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, South Africa was chosen as a host and had prepared for years for 2010. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In the short-term, the World Cup brought the obvious economic boom for South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a massive influx of visitors to the country, and there were increased profits in many of the host cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New stadiums were built in many cities, including the state-of-the-art facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roads, airports and other forms of infrastructure were renovated and improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the Bloemfontein airport experienced a serious makeover, which has made me a happy traveler when using it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many construction jobs created, as well as security and other miscellaneous jobs pertaining to the World Cup. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">During the month of the tournament, South Africa was united.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whites, blacks and coloureds were no longer defined by their race, but rather by their national identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national team, did not progress to the next round, there was still immense pride in being hosts to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard countless stories from people who explained that during the World Cup, there was so much pride, happiness and excitement surrounding the tournament that there was barely any crime committed in many areas thought to be dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tournament went off without a hitch, and the example South Africa set is now being followed by future host nations.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half a year after the tournament, there are still many reminders of the World Cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost everywhere you go there is World Cup 2010 paraphernalia being sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In every city and neighborhood you will find people sporting their yellow Bafana Bafana jerseys, and wearing them proudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The World Cup’s theme song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Waka Waka</i>, is still as popular as ever and can be heard daily when in town or any public place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The effects from the improved infrastructure has left many roads in excellent condition and travelling safer and more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are still some effects from the World Cup which haven’t been as positive as others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many businesses and municipalities had forecasted too much of an economic impact, and some businesses are hurting after anticipating a huge rise in sales, profits, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also the threat that some of the World Cup stadiums may become ‘white elephants’ due to their large operating costs and lack of events being held in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yet despite some setbacks from the overall impact of the 2010 World Cup, the positive effects far outweigh any negative ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>South Africa has a new look and proven that South Africans are capable of doing great things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be an event cemented in South Africa’s history, and one that will remain in the hearts and minds of South Africans forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-65842234600172534992011-02-15T13:21:00.000-08:002011-02-15T13:21:43.335-08:00Motlalepula<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the past several months, I have been living with the wonderful Monama family in their home in the Fauna neighborhood of Bloemfontein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And over that time, I have acquired a nickname from my host father, Rev. Monama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He now calls me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Motlalepula</i>, which roughly translates into “the one who brings the rain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This nickname has come about because it has seemed that no matter where we traveled as a family, whether it is my travels outside the Free State Province or when I returned home, it always rained wherever I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as in much of the rest of the world, the weather this year has been extraordinarily odd in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had record rainfalls in much of the country, and there has been major flooding in almost every province in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it seems, for better or worse, that I have been the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Motlalepula </i>for all of South Africa.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many North Americans, the thought of someone who brings a lot of rain would come with bad connotations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the United States, we see rain as something that ruins a wedding day, cancels baseball games, or makes it difficult to walk our dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter the time of year, the majority of us look at rain as being a nuisance and something that inhibits our daily life patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here in South Africa, rain is actually prayed for and celebrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pula</i>, (rain in Sesotho,) is something that brings happiness to people here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is said that if it rains on your wedding day, the marriage is blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is rains on your birthday, you will be blessed for the year to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it rains on your funeral day, it is a powerful sign of mourning but also of celebration of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a country where agriculture is so important, so too is rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many people in South Africa, especially those in rural villages and communities, rain is needed for survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been so amazing to think of something as simple as rain in such a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But seeing rain in a different light in South Africa has made me realize other differences in humanly similar instances.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In South Africa, the belief in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu</i> is strong, and is something that people of all races live by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu</i> is a Bantu language word that means “People are people through other people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is evident in so much of my daily life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my time at Tshepo Day Care, the feeling of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu</i> is strong among Petro and Peter, my supervisors, as well as the staff and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a common feeling of purpose and collective compassion, something that shows in the smiles of each of the 140 children at the day care center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu </i>is also seen in the Monamas at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past couple of months, there have been several college bound young adults who needed a temporary place to stay in Bloemfontein as they searched for schooling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Monama’s opened up their homes to some people they barely knew, simply because they are people who love other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu </i>in action has been powerful, especially considering it is such a rare occurrence back in the States.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">South Africa also differs from the United States when it comes to their ways of showing hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In South Africa, if someone is visiting, for any reason, the way of welcoming that person is by bringing them to your home and providing a home-cooked meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People here believe that someone should see who are you and where you come from in order to really know that person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the United States, the common way of welcoming someone to a new community or to your presence is commonly by taking them out to eat at a restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As nice as that is, it is less personal and not as intimate as bringing someone to your home, your special place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, there is so much pride in each corner of the house, and being able to spend an evening with a new acquaintance in your home is a very beautiful thing.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the “similar differences” I have experienced comes during offering in church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back home in the United States, offering usually consists of offering plates being somberly passed around the pews, with soft singing and not much enthusiasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, at my church in South Africa, offering is a time of celebration and excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the offering, songs of praise and joy are sung as people dance up the aisles, smiling brightly as they place their gifts into the baskets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are so happy to give to their church, and celebrate the opportunity to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not saying that people back home aren’t happy to give to their churches, because many people are very generous givers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But seeing offering as a time of celebrating the opportunity to give to God is something that will always stick with me.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as I experience some of the cultural and societal differences here, I am beginning to absorb the South African way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank God for the simple gracious gifts in life, that before I either never noticed or took the time to be thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I see large rain clouds rolling into Bloem, I smile knowing that it is actually a sign of good things to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am more comfortable when meeting visitors and people for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to live each day in a meaningful way of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu</i>, whether I am on a taxi, in a classroom, or at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonderful warmth and love in so many people here is surely contagious, and I look forward to carrying the South African hospitality back home with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year has taught me so many life lessons already, but each day I seem to learn something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing things differently and living with a twist of opposite ideologies has already shaped me into a different person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully experiencing more exciting cultural differences will not only continue to shape me, but also redefine how I live my life here and back home.</span></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-16589250873763646962011-01-19T21:22:00.000-08:002011-03-05T12:09:15.569-08:00Our Brothers and Sisters<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In Desmond Tutu’s book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God Has A Dream, </i>Tutu states, </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">“God’s dream wants us to be brothers and sisters, wants us to be family.”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I’ve said in previous blog posts, I am experiencing a new sense of family while in South Africa. Family is no longer just my Mom, Dad and two sisters. Family is much more than that to me now. And as each day passes with new experiences and created relationships, my family grows. And with that extended family comes the happiness and joys but also the sorrow and pain. Recently, I met one of my newly extended family members, and I felt her pain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I was going about my busy day at Tshepo Day Care center, I actually had to teach a grade R class (kindergarten) for the day, as our grade R teacher couldn’t make it to work. It was quite a stressful day, as I wasn’t really prepared to teach 20 children, none of whom speak English. But the day was going on well, and it finally came to a point where it was nap time for the children. During that time, a woman named Sophie came to the Day Care center, asking for assistance for her and her family. As Sophie waited in our Hall for her food, I sat with her and engaged in a conversation that impacted me like none other.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> As I took a seat opposite Sophie, I could already sense the pain in her heart. We began talking and I started asking how she was doing and what her situation was. Sophie then started telling me her story. Her grandmother had just recently passed away, and her grandmother was her guardian and only person looking over her, her 18 year old sister and 2 year old baby, and her 14 year old brother. Sophie’s parents had passed away, and at 26, she was now responsible for watching over her younger siblings and niece. But the passing of her grandmother was difficult for another reason; her grandmother was the only one receiving a grant from the government. The grant, a measly R1,000 a month, (approx. USD $145) was supporting a family of 5. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">At this point in her story, Sophie’s eyes began to water. She looked out the window, seemingly trying to fixate on something to keep herself from getting too emotional. I felt so helpless. I realized that this was a very difficult point in her life, one that I’ve never had to experience myself. She continued with her story, describing how her brother is in High School and has school fees to pay. She explained how she has a strong desire to work, but can’t get a job because she has Tuberculosis. She told me how she is alone, with no food, no work, and no hope. At this point, Sophie had become quite emotional. I couldn’t help but become emotional myself, as I could see the pain and sadness in her eyes. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do. No matter how hard I could try, I could never relate to the pain and hardships she was feeling. I did what I could to provide comfort and assurance that things would work out. All I could do was think to myself, “What can I do right now to help her and her family? I have to do anything in my power, anything.” But as I searched for comforting words, it was hard to find some that could bring comfort to someone in such pain, with such a hopeless feeling . When I asked Sophie what was the most important thing that she needed right away, she answered, “Food and a bed.” In her one room tin shack in the informal settlement, her and her family have no beds to sleep on. They must sleep on the uneven dirt floor every night. As I sat there with tears slowly falling from my watery eyes, I couldn’t help but think how much I’ve taken for granted in life. How lucky and blessed I’ve been. How this woman, very close to my age, is living a life so contrasted to mine that you wouldn’t think we could be in the same room together. This was the first time I’ve truly felt someone’s pain from such poverty. The empathy I’ve had after reading books or seeing statistics on impoverished situations didn’t even compare to the compassion I was now experiencing. As our conversation came to a close, we stood up and we embraced each other with a hug. As I held her in my arms, and all I could say was, “Everything’s going to be alright.” But I knew that I was lying to myself and her. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whenever I’ve faced hardships in my life, I could always go with the “everything’s going to be alright” mentality because, more likely than not, it was. But that’s because I’ve never had to face challenges like Sophie’s. I’ve never had to go to sleep with an empty stomach. I’ve never had to sleep on a dirt floor in a one room house. I’ve never had to go to someone else to ask for food in order to survive. I’ve never had to take care of my younger siblings on my own. I haven’t even met anyone in a situation like this until I met Sophie. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I continue to move on with my daily life and the comforts that come with it, I can’t stop thinking about Sophie. And what makes everything even more upsetting is that her story is only one of millions around the world. And for the most part, many people like me have never sat down and heard a story from someone like Sophie. But as I’ve learned during my year here, everyone is part of my family, including Sophie. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I will continue to cry for Sophie, and for the millions just like her until there is economic justice in our world. I’ll never forget the conversation that will forever be a part of me. And as I continue to work in solidarity with people like Sophie, my big extended family will continue to increase. Despite the color of my skin or my country of origin, I am making new brothers and sisters every day in South Africa.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">And as Desmond Tutu provides the following questions for reflection, I too provide them to you:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">“What would it mean for you to see everyone around you as a brother or sister? How would you treat them differently? What keeps you from welcoming them into your family? As you see people in the street, and opinions, judgments, and prejudices leap to mind, can you see them as not this or that, but as a child of God, as your brother or sister?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">These questions had a very different meaning to me when I first read them. But today, as I continue to reflect on these questions and others, I do so while remembering Sophie, the newest member of my family. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This blog entry was written for the ELCA MUD3 blog, which can be viewed at: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://elcamud.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cc3300; text-decoration: none;">http://elcamud.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033974191810261190.post-4606627194343241972011-01-19T12:24:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:24:05.078-08:00New Placement, New Beginnings<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As 2011 has come, so too has a new placement site for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over a week ago, I was at home with my family relaxing when Mamoruti came to me with an interesting organization she found while ‘Googling’ organizations in the Bloemfontein area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was quickly intrigued and began clicking around the website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After fruitless attempts of getting in contact with organizations before the holidays, I decided to call the Director the next day instead of emailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the next day I called Peter Howe, one of the founders of the Tshepo Foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise, Peter was able to meet me that afternoon to discuss things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about two hours of meeting with Peter and his wife Petro, I was officially offered placement as a volunteer with the Tshepo Foundation and Judea Harvest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tshepo Foundation is an organization that runs Tshepo Day-Care for children 2-6 years old, as well as conducts in orphan care and community upliftment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Foundation regularly provides food to the surrounding community, as well as assistance to other crèches in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judea Harvest is an organization that Peter works with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They work with pastors primarily in the townships who are without a church structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judea Harvest provides the pastor’s with large tents in order to have a place to worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also conduct weekly computer classes at the Tshepo crèche in which they go over basic computer skills as well as software regarding scripture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This week was my first full week with Tshepo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to do, and I have already done activities ranging from cutting down trees to teaching a Grade R (kindergarten) class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tshepo</i> is a Tswana word meaning ‘hope,’ I hope to learn and interact in solidarity with the staff and children at Tshepo for the next several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited for what lies ahead and can’t wait to share more stories with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">To visit the Tshepo Foundation website, please visit <a href="http://www.tshepofoundation.co.za/">http://www.tshepofoundation.co.za/</a></div>Andrew Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126585498251468084noreply@blogger.com0