It was minus 2 yesterday morning when we went our separate ways to 3 different churches across the Diocese. Joe and I travelled with Bishop Steve Diseko to Tigane, to a township church where they were having a special confirmation service. We had left early, with temperature below freezing but blue skies and golden sunshine. As we travelled, we talked about South African history, industry and politics and it was humbling to be so welcomed, given the history. We drove along noting the enormous Afrikaner farms and the contrasting townships for people of colour. Although government policy has changed and there is now democracy- it's as if in practise, apartheid is still in place here, with people segregated by ethnicity into different geographical areas. While some people of colour move into more affluent areas, it's by no means 2 way traffic and the inequalities stare you in the face. But while there is massive material poverty in the black community we visited, the sense of community, welcome, hospitality & generosity is absolutely amazing... we have so much to learn about welcoming people who are different...
The service lasted well over 5 hours(!) and was full of 4 part harmonies, dancing, incense, children, celebration, more incense and more harmonies. Talk about surround sound...it was amazing and would have been overwhelming but for the amazing welcome...After negotiations about the distribution of blankets- it is very cold at night here- we then got spontaneously invited with Bishop Steve and Brenda to someone's home where we ate a wonderful feast. Sorghum porridge was the 'soulfood' on offer along with meats, salads, vegetables, pasta, rice and so much more.
After a braai back at home later, the 4 boys (Leruo, Sam, Andrew and Joe) played pillow fights, wrote journals and chilled out and we had the real privilege of sharing with Father Daniel (the Dean), Flora-mma, Bishop Steve and Brenda. We laughed and shared stories, asked questions and shared sorrow at terrible situations...Who are we that we should be allowed 'in' to what it feels like to be here at such a time as this? It feels like post-apartheid there is potential for such enormous changes in this land where there still needs to be so much more justice and reconciliation...and yet there are so many challenges. It felt like such a privilege to sit with these warm, godly, compassionate people and ask together what God is saying at this time and what part can churches play in meeting the enormous needs that are here.
Monday
After a much longer night's sleep in our jumpers and socks we've had a quiet morning because neither vehicle will work and the plans have all changed...write soon...
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