If you have been following closely I may have not always posted everything on time. But now the month is complete, and I promise I didn’t get to half the things I set out writing. I hope this helps tell some everyday stories from here though.
January was a good month. I have had to start dealing with the fact while days aren’t always easy, I love it here. That this is my life and these people and stories have made is possible for me to truly live in South Africa. I listen to traffic reports now and know where all the areas are. While my American accent is still a dead give away, I know the diversity of communities in this area better than a lot of South Africans. So while this is home and I feel strong it, I also have to prepare to take the next steps in my journey.
In less than a month I leave this place I love. Some people are saying its going to be so strange I’ll never see you again. I ask how do they know that, but for people that have never traveled away from the town they are from I understand the concept. Its far and a ticket can be half a years salary. Others look at me and say I know you will be back.
The song Hear I Am Lord has been coming up a lot and the line I have been thinking of is “I will go Lord if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.”
Sometimes it is a rough and beautiful thing when you realize how serious all these words are…
31 January 2011
30 January 2011
Central Methodist Chuch
Freddy and I went to Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg this morning. WE have all been a few times before, but to the French service because some of our students and colleagues from SHADE from DRC attend there. And it is always nice after getting used to the singing and dancing during church, then going back to more of the white traditions in church to come back to our Congolese friends.
But again on the list I had really wanted to go to the main service. Central is a pretty controversial place, because its extreme welcoming hospitality to refugees and immigrants had put tremendous stress on the resources of the church and general conditions. So different people I work with are in different camps about that. Believe me I have had to talk out protocol many a time in the last few weeks, but also how do we serve as we have been called to.
This Sunday happened to be when all of the youth society stewards were being appointed for the whole circuit. As you will see in the video the Youth wear blue and can be very strong in the leadership of what we would consider youth/young adults. Adults wear red as church uniforms in the Methodist church. (Sorry it’s a bit shaky, other clips have better songs, but I was swaying and dancing too much and don’t want you to get sick…) actually too big to upload now, but soon.
Anyway it was a wonderful service to be part of. And standing there knowing the night before the same sanctuary had been filled with sleeping people that had left their own homes and families. People on a hard journey, just needing a safe place to sleep. It’s not as simple as all that, but as you look around imagine all the people that have been in the sanctuary and for all the purposes.
And there are successes too. The school connected to Central that mainly serves Zimbabwean children, many who risk their lives traveling over borders and struggle everyday to stay in this country, many without the care of their own families, passed their international examines with over a 73% pass rate. (High for most South African school) And a 100% pass rate for subjects like English literature and Divinity. This Albert Street School has been a real inspiration to me while I have been here. I encourage you to keep it and these learners in your prayers.
29 January 2011
Cradle of Humankind
We have lists. Yes lists of things we want to do and people we need to see before we have to leave South Africa. Rachel calls it her bucket list.
The Cradle of Humankind was on both of our lists. My mom and I had actually wanted to go when she was here, but I finally got the hint the last day she was here it was more important just to sit around talking then getting all the sites in.
So we called Lucille, fetched her in Pretoria, and headed out to Maropeng. This is a site where many fossils have been found especially of pre human primates. So I was imagining more outdoor type things etc. And we had heard about a boat ride…
Well there is another cave sight you can go to, but the museum is supposed to be very good so we opted for that. I was quickly reminded of my anthropology classes, the museum of natural history, and a fancy interactive science museum.
The boat ride was through all the four basic elements, but it was dark right before you got something, and I am sure many children come out the other end crying. I may have been a bit frightened a few times, so didn’t get the full appreciation of the development of elements.
What I was most impressed with however, was the social awareness that was evident throughout the museum. The contributions modern humans are making to speed up the next extinction phase. Sort of a where we are from, how we have developed, and the good and bad coming from it. And of course how important bi pedalism is… but also communication etc.
It was a good day for the ladies to be out and thinking…
28 January 2011
Amen Sisi
Sometimes you just connect with people. Some days I just want to be doing more at Bula. I want more projects, but I also want to respect the balance. And sometimes I just need to be there waiting for who drops in.
Some days it is someone who just really needs someone to listen. We have counselors, but sometimes they don’t make it to the appointment. And I have the time to just be patient and listen. I have the luxury of getting back to what I was doing later and listen.
Sometimes everything out of a person’s mouth is what they think I want to hear and a lie. Some days it is important things. On days like today I wish I was certified as a counselor, so I could keep the trust people start building with me often in the reception area. But I have the ability to be straight with people or listen or give little ideas in the role I play.
Some days people come in and see me speaking English and avoid me like a plague. My colleagues are often disappointed in these people and know they could speak English if they wanted to. But the issues people come to Bula Monyako with are personal, so no one needs to be my best friend. I try to give them space and have other people work with them. In other situations I’d want to build more understanding, but I have no judgment for them. They are already judged enough or worrying what their status is.
Sometimes grannies and old men come in. Some that struggle with English or writing, but we communicate beautifully. We connect and I am able to assist them, or they are able to explain something.
Today some cans fell out of food parcels so I went quickly to the two pensioners that had been given parcels to check. I guess I grabbed one of the bags quickly and the man said “ohh do you work for the police.” I said no I don’t. He was playing some but said, “That’s the type of thing they used to do, they could just grab things from you or do anything they want.” I apologized and explained I just wanted him to get everything he was supposed to. I apologized a few more times after that and he said he knew he was just explaining about the police. As we were finishing the conversation I said very sincerely, “Well, Mkhulu I am very glad that this country has changed since then.” And he said, “Amen Sisi (Sister).”
Some days we learn, sometimes we pray. Some days we connect and things move forward. Amen.
Some days it is someone who just really needs someone to listen. We have counselors, but sometimes they don’t make it to the appointment. And I have the time to just be patient and listen. I have the luxury of getting back to what I was doing later and listen.
Sometimes everything out of a person’s mouth is what they think I want to hear and a lie. Some days it is important things. On days like today I wish I was certified as a counselor, so I could keep the trust people start building with me often in the reception area. But I have the ability to be straight with people or listen or give little ideas in the role I play.
Some days people come in and see me speaking English and avoid me like a plague. My colleagues are often disappointed in these people and know they could speak English if they wanted to. But the issues people come to Bula Monyako with are personal, so no one needs to be my best friend. I try to give them space and have other people work with them. In other situations I’d want to build more understanding, but I have no judgment for them. They are already judged enough or worrying what their status is.
Sometimes grannies and old men come in. Some that struggle with English or writing, but we communicate beautifully. We connect and I am able to assist them, or they are able to explain something.
Today some cans fell out of food parcels so I went quickly to the two pensioners that had been given parcels to check. I guess I grabbed one of the bags quickly and the man said “ohh do you work for the police.” I said no I don’t. He was playing some but said, “That’s the type of thing they used to do, they could just grab things from you or do anything they want.” I apologized and explained I just wanted him to get everything he was supposed to. I apologized a few more times after that and he said he knew he was just explaining about the police. As we were finishing the conversation I said very sincerely, “Well, Mkhulu I am very glad that this country has changed since then.” And he said, “Amen Sisi (Sister).”
Some days we learn, sometimes we pray. Some days we connect and things move forward. Amen.
27 January 2011
Playing the Enemy by John Carlin
People forget Invictus and read this book. It is the book Invictus is based off of, but goes into all the ways Mandela has to learn about Afrikaaner culture (including Rugby) to win over his jailers and the government. And then after that to unite a nation. Well written and a gem for a peace and conflict resolution kid like me.
Mandela is getting out of Milpark hospital today. The hospital we know well from Emily and Joanne’s stay in July. And I must say Madiba is truly a leader, a father, and an uncle to this country. And I have more than become South African in that respect. I hope the country does not fear what happens to Mandela too much though, he is still a man. And his work will live in this country and with so many people. With people I meet, but they must not be afraid to see this in themselves. You see we all have a bit of our parents in us.
So get well Madiba, but we were listening even if we are afraid sometimes.
End of the intro to Playing with the Enemy by John Carlin
"More than once people remarked that the book I was going to write felt like a fable, or a parable, or a fairy story. It was a funny thing to say for those who had been the real-life protagonists of a blood-and-guts political tale, but it was true. That it was set in Africa and involved a game of rugby was almost incidental. Had it been set in China and the drama built around a water buffalo race, the tale might have been as enduringly exemplary. For it fulfilled the two basic conditions of a successful fairy story: it was a good yarn and it held a lesson for the ages.
Two other thoughts struck me when I took stock of all the material I had accumulated for this book. First, the political genius of Mandela. Stripped to its essentials, politics is about persuading people, winning them over. All politicians are professional seducers. They woo people for a living. And if they are clever and good at what they do, if they have a talent for striking the popular chord, they will prosper, Lincoln had it, Roosevelt had it, Churchill had it, de Gaulle had it, Kennedy had it, Mar¬tin Luther King had it, Reagan had it, Clinton and Blair had it. So did Arafat. And so, for that matter, did Hitler. They all won over their people to their cause. Where Mandela - the anti-Hitler - had an edge over the lot of them, where he was unique, was in the scope of his ambition. Having won over his own people - in itself no mean feat, for they were a disparate bunch, drawn from all manner of creeds, colours, and tribes ¬he then went out and won over the enemy. How he did that - how he won over people who had applauded his imprisonment, who had wanted him dead, who planned to go to war against him - is chiefly what this book is about.
The second thought I caught myself having was that, beyond a history, beyond even a fairy tale, this might also turn out to be an unwitting addition to the vast canon of self-help books offering people models for how to prosper in their daily lives. Mandela mastered, more than anyone else alive (and, quite possibly, dead), the art of making friends and influencing people. No matter whether they started out on the extreme left or the extreme right, whether they initially feared, hated, or admired Mandela, everyone I interviewed had come to feel renewed and improved by his example. All of them, in talking about him, seemed to shine. This book seeks, humbly, to reflect a little of Mandela's light."
26 January 2011
The Price of Avocados
When I was visiting my friend Katie last April in Malawi, we had lots of avocados and friends of hers sent me back with some that I carried on the 40 hours bus ride home. And then we ate guacamole. After this I decided I needed to stop being cheap and enjoy avocados. This took a bit of time but by the time we moved into joburg and had street markets to get more avocados. The way I saw it 3 rand was much better than $3 in the US. (3 rand is about 40 cents USD)
Then they started going out of season – but I got to accept that 5 or 6 rand would be okay everyone once in a while. And I began to say what am I going to do without avos.
Well today as few vendors still sell them, I saw them in the store. They looked about, but this out of season thing I try to take seriously and I walked right by the beautiful green with little heartache.
I don’t miss my avocados as much and I was worried about. And I must remember the blessings of living places where you eat what is in season, instead of what’s been shipped across the world to be in season.
I really believe there is a lot to be said environmentally and culinary creatively to be said for eating in season. So maybe it’s the price of avocados… but I’m enjoying new things and will have to go back to avocados as a special treat.
Then they started going out of season – but I got to accept that 5 or 6 rand would be okay everyone once in a while. And I began to say what am I going to do without avos.
Well today as few vendors still sell them, I saw them in the store. They looked about, but this out of season thing I try to take seriously and I walked right by the beautiful green with little heartache.
I don’t miss my avocados as much and I was worried about. And I must remember the blessings of living places where you eat what is in season, instead of what’s been shipped across the world to be in season.
I really believe there is a lot to be said environmentally and culinary creatively to be said for eating in season. So maybe it’s the price of avocados… but I’m enjoying new things and will have to go back to avocados as a special treat.
25 January 2011
24 January 2011
i believe in dancing
MIs and US-2's will recognize this from training. I had hopes to do some edits and add some things, but then it just sits in my journal. So why not publish rough drafts. So its not writing, as writing is the art of rewriting what has already been rewritten. But my friends, if you read this you know the blog is far from that. more getting ideas out, and running off for the day. But here goes, an idea:
i believe in dancing
i believe the spirit dances weaving all together
i believe light can dance upon darkness
i believe we can stomp or sway in the struggle
i believe we never dance alone
i believe in the harmony uniting the different movements of the dance
i believe we turn and forget to feel the truth in others dances
i believe dancing can be painful and ache
i believe our laughter is joy dancing
i believe our dancing can be quite or loud
i believe God already knows our steps and takes delight
i believe our dance can change and can transform
i believe in dancing
i believe in dancing
i believe the spirit dances weaving all together
i believe light can dance upon darkness
i believe we can stomp or sway in the struggle
i believe we never dance alone
i believe in the harmony uniting the different movements of the dance
i believe we turn and forget to feel the truth in others dances
i believe dancing can be painful and ache
i believe our laughter is joy dancing
i believe our dancing can be quite or loud
i believe God already knows our steps and takes delight
i believe our dance can change and can transform
i believe in dancing
23 January 2011
A big pot of pea soup
I am sick today. So I stayed in bed and was told not to think. And that is what I did. I stopped and despite wanting to be better, I just was. Despite my list of joburg things yet to do and the Sunday's slipping out from under me. I stayed at home and watched a movie and made pea soup. And other than being sick, I was a much more delightful person for it. And I thought of my pop pops who used to make pea soup, and despite years and miles and ages - we are all connected through a big pot of pea soup. Even that part on the bottom that burns a bit but tastes so good.
So I was sick, but I was doing just fine.
(The next day being sent home from work, and then having to stay home, weren't as fun. There comes a point when you are ready to be useful again.)
But there was a big pot of pea soup and light dancing in my room.
So I was sick, but I was doing just fine.
(The next day being sent home from work, and then having to stay home, weren't as fun. There comes a point when you are ready to be useful again.)
But there was a big pot of pea soup and light dancing in my room.
22 January 2011
The Christmas Present
Some of you know my love for Mama Judy’s. And I use her name, but it’s for the whole family and the place. In a strange way it’s our little homestead.
We brought Prince and Priscilla back and enjoyed a giant pot of samp and beans on the concrete outside the house, and our family mat. We were celebrating Mama Judy and Papa Gs birthdays. Then the ice cream and cake a cards to follow. It is amazing how hard it is for children to eat a whole bowl of food, but a whole bowl of ice cream or two is nothing.
The kids and Rachel and Freddy went to play jump rope, but my sore throat was getting worse. So Mama Judy and I like we were 16 lay on Prince’s bed and just talked. There is something about talking to her that makes it all a bit easier to understand. Complaining doesn’t really exist. Things just are the way they are, but we learn what strength is as we talk. The hopes and dreams peak through, but most of that joy and pride gets transferred to the children. And even when there is no money and things seem like pipe dreams, there are still possibilities and plans.
A few short weeks before we were celebrating Christmas there. Mama Judy showing my mom and Sarah how to make pap. The giant game of keep away that landed me in the pool (okay I jumped). A table full of people, who all got up to dance after dinner. Silly jokes and swimming in a pool in the dark. Mom giving Freddy swimming lessons and Judy and I dancing on a ledge in the pool. Papa G’s jokes.
And in our American tradition, presents. The kids got books it seems from everyone and art supplies. I thought we would overwhelm them. But for all of Christmas I was waiting for one gift. I had decided in all these conversations with Mama Judy, where little plans and dreams came in what this gift would be. I had talked to Rachel and Jen and they agreed.
Mom ad Rach played it off well, and the last big box went to Mama Judy. I was already excited and at peace and where I was supposed to be. But my excitement was with her. And she slowly opened it until she knew what it was, then in less than ten minutes it was up in running. Robert Papa G’s brother that sews for a living was there and the lessons were already started. Oh course Freddy went over the safety lesson first. And she remembers all the little tips everyone gives her, like my moms on the iron being sewing’s best friend.
She calls it our sewing machine and teaches herself a bit everyday. I don’t know if there was anything I would be so excited about, and she teaches herself so that she can have a future to provide for her family in another way. We are very proud of the new pillow cases and she has put ties on my piece of fabric to make it a skirt. (Papa G's instructions during the process were priceless, and I shall remember every stitch with pride.) But she provides for all of us with a joy in the diligence. So we all learn together on “our” sewing machine.
And that my friends is my best friend Mama Judy and our best tangible Christmas present. Always so much to be thankful for at the ‘homestead’.
We brought Prince and Priscilla back and enjoyed a giant pot of samp and beans on the concrete outside the house, and our family mat. We were celebrating Mama Judy and Papa Gs birthdays. Then the ice cream and cake a cards to follow. It is amazing how hard it is for children to eat a whole bowl of food, but a whole bowl of ice cream or two is nothing.
The kids and Rachel and Freddy went to play jump rope, but my sore throat was getting worse. So Mama Judy and I like we were 16 lay on Prince’s bed and just talked. There is something about talking to her that makes it all a bit easier to understand. Complaining doesn’t really exist. Things just are the way they are, but we learn what strength is as we talk. The hopes and dreams peak through, but most of that joy and pride gets transferred to the children. And even when there is no money and things seem like pipe dreams, there are still possibilities and plans.
A few short weeks before we were celebrating Christmas there. Mama Judy showing my mom and Sarah how to make pap. The giant game of keep away that landed me in the pool (okay I jumped). A table full of people, who all got up to dance after dinner. Silly jokes and swimming in a pool in the dark. Mom giving Freddy swimming lessons and Judy and I dancing on a ledge in the pool. Papa G’s jokes.
And in our American tradition, presents. The kids got books it seems from everyone and art supplies. I thought we would overwhelm them. But for all of Christmas I was waiting for one gift. I had decided in all these conversations with Mama Judy, where little plans and dreams came in what this gift would be. I had talked to Rachel and Jen and they agreed.
Mom ad Rach played it off well, and the last big box went to Mama Judy. I was already excited and at peace and where I was supposed to be. But my excitement was with her. And she slowly opened it until she knew what it was, then in less than ten minutes it was up in running. Robert Papa G’s brother that sews for a living was there and the lessons were already started. Oh course Freddy went over the safety lesson first. And she remembers all the little tips everyone gives her, like my moms on the iron being sewing’s best friend.
She calls it our sewing machine and teaches herself a bit everyday. I don’t know if there was anything I would be so excited about, and she teaches herself so that she can have a future to provide for her family in another way. We are very proud of the new pillow cases and she has put ties on my piece of fabric to make it a skirt. (Papa G's instructions during the process were priceless, and I shall remember every stitch with pride.) But she provides for all of us with a joy in the diligence. So we all learn together on “our” sewing machine.
And that my friends is my best friend Mama Judy and our best tangible Christmas present. Always so much to be thankful for at the ‘homestead’.
21 January 2011
THE Sleepover
Prince and I come up with ideas and plans and for the most part they work out. Like for Christmas we decided we had to all play soccer a few weeks in advance. (We celebrated with Mama Judy’s family on the 26th, and there was so much soccer I even ended up diving into a pool fully clothed for the ball. I also love to see Prince and Priscilla laugh).
So our latest scheme was a sleepover all the way in the tall flat in Jo burg. Prince is seven and I am pretty sure this was his first sleepover. Convincing Mama Judy and Papa G was not a challenge as they trust us and these kids are very grown up. So off we headed after work and driving to Walkerville to fetch our young brother and sister. And a song filled ride back with the obligatory are we there yets, and the kids set out to play.
We made home made pizzas, danced, ate grapes, and watched Finding Nemo. I read parts of The Little Prince, and Prince and Priscilla read Dr. Seuss for Rachel and my bedtime story. Then woke up as young children do early enough for early morning cartoons (so Hannah and Rachel didn’t have to jump to it too quickly). Then more fun in the kitchen with homemade pancakes and a cake to bring with us for their parents.
During this time I may or may not have been starting to get sick, which is the other explanation for the tardiness in blogs. However, as we got deeper into the Little Prince’s story, I would ask should I keep going and Prince would look at me and say, no you need to go and sleep or rest for a little bit. But we always continued with another chapter anyway.
So our latest scheme was a sleepover all the way in the tall flat in Jo burg. Prince is seven and I am pretty sure this was his first sleepover. Convincing Mama Judy and Papa G was not a challenge as they trust us and these kids are very grown up. So off we headed after work and driving to Walkerville to fetch our young brother and sister. And a song filled ride back with the obligatory are we there yets, and the kids set out to play.
We made home made pizzas, danced, ate grapes, and watched Finding Nemo. I read parts of The Little Prince, and Prince and Priscilla read Dr. Seuss for Rachel and my bedtime story. Then woke up as young children do early enough for early morning cartoons (so Hannah and Rachel didn’t have to jump to it too quickly). Then more fun in the kitchen with homemade pancakes and a cake to bring with us for their parents.
During this time I may or may not have been starting to get sick, which is the other explanation for the tardiness in blogs. However, as we got deeper into the Little Prince’s story, I would ask should I keep going and Prince would look at me and say, no you need to go and sleep or rest for a little bit. But we always continued with another chapter anyway.
20 January 2011
Heading Home
So after all this moving, Rachel picks me up and we head on home.
They are doing major road work on the main route back to the city. I have been telling you about the sunflowers too. So some of this road work is taking over the sunflowers. And I was about to kick myself because I didn’t have my camera with me, to photograph the juxtaposition of the concrete and work equipment to these pesky sunflowers. As we are driving the earth is being scooped up heading toward the line of sunflowers.
Then just a bit further down the road we hit almost standstill traffic. We aren’t even halfway home and are planning to go serve soup on the streets that night with an organization Rachel had volunteered with a few times. (Our commute home is generally at least 45 minutes)
And we see another patch of sunflowers and start joking about going to grab some. Rachel is in the middle lane at this point but we are moving pretty slowly. We miss that group of sunflowers, but soon cross a bridge and come to a few more. Rachel has a chance to get in the other lane and there are some up ahead, so I jump out when the car isn’t quite stopped. But catch my footing and start running for a nice one (as traffic is moving faster than the standstill now). Luckily the flower is against a stomp so I brake it pretty easily, then start running trying to grab one or two more on the way, with only a raw hand to show for it. (We didn’t have a knife in the car or anything to assist with the tough stems.)
Rachel is a bit father up, so I continue my run noticing a group of guys in the back of a truck obviously thinking this girl running down the side of a highway holding up a sunflower was a bit funny. Rachel found some space to stop and I jumped in. Turns out Rachel decided she could stop because the guys behind us were laughing their heads off.
And thus our new little friend brightens up the flat and will not be taken by any heaving machinery. Not that we saved it, as I tour it out, but it does really brighten our day and it entertained a lot of people heading home on the N12 west.
Cheers,
Hannah
They are doing major road work on the main route back to the city. I have been telling you about the sunflowers too. So some of this road work is taking over the sunflowers. And I was about to kick myself because I didn’t have my camera with me, to photograph the juxtaposition of the concrete and work equipment to these pesky sunflowers. As we are driving the earth is being scooped up heading toward the line of sunflowers.
Then just a bit further down the road we hit almost standstill traffic. We aren’t even halfway home and are planning to go serve soup on the streets that night with an organization Rachel had volunteered with a few times. (Our commute home is generally at least 45 minutes)
And we see another patch of sunflowers and start joking about going to grab some. Rachel is in the middle lane at this point but we are moving pretty slowly. We miss that group of sunflowers, but soon cross a bridge and come to a few more. Rachel has a chance to get in the other lane and there are some up ahead, so I jump out when the car isn’t quite stopped. But catch my footing and start running for a nice one (as traffic is moving faster than the standstill now). Luckily the flower is against a stomp so I brake it pretty easily, then start running trying to grab one or two more on the way, with only a raw hand to show for it. (We didn’t have a knife in the car or anything to assist with the tough stems.)
Rachel is a bit father up, so I continue my run noticing a group of guys in the back of a truck obviously thinking this girl running down the side of a highway holding up a sunflower was a bit funny. Rachel found some space to stop and I jumped in. Turns out Rachel decided she could stop because the guys behind us were laughing their heads off.
And thus our new little friend brightens up the flat and will not be taken by any heaving machinery. Not that we saved it, as I tour it out, but it does really brighten our day and it entertained a lot of people heading home on the N12 west.
Cheers,
Hannah
19 January 2011
Moving Day
We made pretty good time to work, so I was a bit early. Soon after I was called because a young white man was looking for some clothes. I am often the one they call to deal with the homeless guys that come in, and often the white people as the only white staff person. Then again I can’t speak other South African languages fluently so there are a few clients I can’t assist, thought most speak English.
This guy was very gracious with the clothes assistance we could give and hoping to get into rehab. I spent a few minutes talking to him, because he was open and seemed pretty lonely.
Then I get back into the office to find everyone else there has mobilized and moving is in full force. So I jump in as well. We have been moving our office from the old building that was part of the old church manse (parsonage) into a new building on the other side of the church. I made the mistake of having heals on the first day our manager decided to take some things over.
Imagine a bunch of people carrying all sorts of office things on their own or in trips with two shopping carts. It was back and forth all day long and lots of questions of where everything goes. This may be South African of me, but I finally got a tea break, that I had missed the chance for before we started the moving.
We had a lot to do so didn’t want to take too many break. Finally when people took a chance for lunch, I just laid down under someone’s desk. They were buying food or getting food ready, and a bit applaud when I joined them and just ate my soup cold. I appreciated a few moments of being lazy.
I didn’t mind so much the weight of things, and it is always funny doing trips with shopping carts and the humors I work with. But I found a problem in the edges of things being so small that they put too much pressure in one spot of my hand.
And then what do you do when you have to pass the church moving stuff while a funeral is going on? I had serious dilemmas about this, but we tried to time things appropriately. As all the furniture was already outside. The guy from the funeral home stopped us at one point and said, “Pick ‘n Pay (one of the major grocery chains here) called me and wants their cart back.” Took me a second to realize he was making fun of us.
And somehow by our own manpower and “job creation” as everyone joked, we managed to move our offices ourselves. Which is the second organization I have now helped move offices since I have been here. But major difference in distance (one the same block, the other across the country.) But hopefully we will get all set up and more space will help everyone be able to have the resources to accomplish all we are trying to. Though I feel like everyone did a very good job of having to work onto of each other before, so we’ll see how all adjust.
(Day continued in next blog)
This guy was very gracious with the clothes assistance we could give and hoping to get into rehab. I spent a few minutes talking to him, because he was open and seemed pretty lonely.
Then I get back into the office to find everyone else there has mobilized and moving is in full force. So I jump in as well. We have been moving our office from the old building that was part of the old church manse (parsonage) into a new building on the other side of the church. I made the mistake of having heals on the first day our manager decided to take some things over.
Imagine a bunch of people carrying all sorts of office things on their own or in trips with two shopping carts. It was back and forth all day long and lots of questions of where everything goes. This may be South African of me, but I finally got a tea break, that I had missed the chance for before we started the moving.
We had a lot to do so didn’t want to take too many break. Finally when people took a chance for lunch, I just laid down under someone’s desk. They were buying food or getting food ready, and a bit applaud when I joined them and just ate my soup cold. I appreciated a few moments of being lazy.
I didn’t mind so much the weight of things, and it is always funny doing trips with shopping carts and the humors I work with. But I found a problem in the edges of things being so small that they put too much pressure in one spot of my hand.
And then what do you do when you have to pass the church moving stuff while a funeral is going on? I had serious dilemmas about this, but we tried to time things appropriately. As all the furniture was already outside. The guy from the funeral home stopped us at one point and said, “Pick ‘n Pay (one of the major grocery chains here) called me and wants their cart back.” Took me a second to realize he was making fun of us.
And somehow by our own manpower and “job creation” as everyone joked, we managed to move our offices ourselves. Which is the second organization I have now helped move offices since I have been here. But major difference in distance (one the same block, the other across the country.) But hopefully we will get all set up and more space will help everyone be able to have the resources to accomplish all we are trying to. Though I feel like everyone did a very good job of having to work onto of each other before, so we’ll see how all adjust.
(Day continued in next blog)
17 January 2011
Walls and Constitution Hill
"They told you your life was over beyond this gate" -Nolundi Ntamo
Entrance to the woman's prison at Constitution Hill. Former site of prison within Johannesburg leading up to and during Apartheid. Now home to NGO's and the Constitutional court.
Walls change us and our freedoms at times. And walls and jails can be said to break people. These walls tell stories that could have broken so many. But there are ideas greater than walls, so behind these walls great leaders slept. Some broken and some changed, but ready to work for freedom. I don't know how, but even behind these gates and walls, all life was not lost. And the very same walls are now used to uphold the human rights that weren't even considered within the very same bricks before.
"The city was a dangerous place if you were black. Women going about their business shopping or trying to make a living selling fruit or other food were vulnerable to arbitrary arrest. They were randomly accosted by the police, herded into kwela-kwela bans or marched on foot to this jail for transgressing petty apartheid laws. With babies on their backs, shopping bags in their hands and dreams in their hearts, their daily lives were regularly disrupted." -Constitution Hill
'My Grandmother taught us to say goodbye every time we left because we never knew if we would come back or not. We used to say, "If you don't see me, check for me at Number Four." -Nolundi Ntamo, pass offender, 1980 and then repeatedly
scattered thoughts on MLK Day and love
I am not always full of school spirit. Maybe it is that it is easier for me to relate to people and be proud of ideas than institutions. It’s a funny thing as I was my Jr, and Sr, Class President in High School and I ran for student government in college.
But last week I got an e-mail about a group of protesters from Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) coming to DC to protest at the Kennedy Centre, the Islamic Centre and American University. And this is where I got defensive for my school, for the staff I know there or crossed paths with, and the students I studied with or are studying since. I got defensive for everyone and wanted to go and say no one should interrupt the important work you are doing, no one should disrespect you, especially in the name of God.
Today in MLK Day. Harder to remember this in South Africa, but still an important day and an important leader globally. I think of the leaders here that died, but also the ones that didn’t and brought South Africa forward. What if MLK hadn’t died so young where would his ministry have taken the United States if it continued? How do we continue it?
And so I remember messages of love and how do we use them with the epic strength there can be in love…
Protesters came to American University to use wrath and judgment in the name of God. I personally have some pretty large issues with people who take the name of God to discriminate and question and harm. American University is a place full of faith and where faith is questions. Personally it is a stop on my faith journey if you want to travel back on the map. There are many types of faith present and radically different beliefs. I think the largest attack at AU was towards the entire community towards acceptance of different types of sexuality. We have a very strong GBLTA community at AU and an even stronger social justice community. And it is not a bubble where no one faces problems, acceptance and truly seeing another person is not cakewalk. But it is a step closer to walking towards a just place. It is on the path to understanding what love is and how to love our neighbor.
So yes I got defensive, because it was an attack on people and a community I am part of. A community that I stand with and I defend, because all people need a safe place and too many people just asking to be themselves especially in the GBLT community face hate or violence. I have many other blogs to write on the perspectives I have seen from Africa. And truthfully sometimes on my blog I am not as vocal as I could be. The situations I have faced here require face-to-face conversations, and do not always produce understanding, but many misunderstandings can come from my spouting.
Truthfully I know everyone at AU is an adult, but it still felt like adults coming to interrupt school and a place of learning. Though I think everyone at AU stepped forward to take a bigger lesson than a class can offer. (This is maybe a frequent occurrence in some ways at AU; the learning is definitely not all in the classroom.)
The entire community worked hard to respond through love. The United Methodist theme for the week was Oscar Romero’s words “Let us never tire of preaching love… love must win out; it is the only thing that can.”
For more information on all the ways the campus responded visit http://www.aumethodists.org/wbc/ “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” – MLK. And they stood together to spread love instead.
Let us never tire. I will work on my defensiveness that has more turned into pride. I will continue to hope the WBC people can see and really see the people around them, or some face-to-face conversation will plant more seeds on understanding. I will wear my Oscar Romero bag this week and remember this power of love (and try to explain who Oscar Romero is to the stares I get at the bag.)
Let us love. When it is an injustice far away and when it is one that targets us and comes knocking at our doors. And let us make sure no one has to stand alone in the face of hatred, love should not have to be a lonely place.
Happy MLK day, let love direct our actions. Let love be the ‘force that will overcome the world.’
Besides, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
With love,
Hannah
But last week I got an e-mail about a group of protesters from Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) coming to DC to protest at the Kennedy Centre, the Islamic Centre and American University. And this is where I got defensive for my school, for the staff I know there or crossed paths with, and the students I studied with or are studying since. I got defensive for everyone and wanted to go and say no one should interrupt the important work you are doing, no one should disrespect you, especially in the name of God.
Today in MLK Day. Harder to remember this in South Africa, but still an important day and an important leader globally. I think of the leaders here that died, but also the ones that didn’t and brought South Africa forward. What if MLK hadn’t died so young where would his ministry have taken the United States if it continued? How do we continue it?
And so I remember messages of love and how do we use them with the epic strength there can be in love…
Protesters came to American University to use wrath and judgment in the name of God. I personally have some pretty large issues with people who take the name of God to discriminate and question and harm. American University is a place full of faith and where faith is questions. Personally it is a stop on my faith journey if you want to travel back on the map. There are many types of faith present and radically different beliefs. I think the largest attack at AU was towards the entire community towards acceptance of different types of sexuality. We have a very strong GBLTA community at AU and an even stronger social justice community. And it is not a bubble where no one faces problems, acceptance and truly seeing another person is not cakewalk. But it is a step closer to walking towards a just place. It is on the path to understanding what love is and how to love our neighbor.
So yes I got defensive, because it was an attack on people and a community I am part of. A community that I stand with and I defend, because all people need a safe place and too many people just asking to be themselves especially in the GBLT community face hate or violence. I have many other blogs to write on the perspectives I have seen from Africa. And truthfully sometimes on my blog I am not as vocal as I could be. The situations I have faced here require face-to-face conversations, and do not always produce understanding, but many misunderstandings can come from my spouting.
Truthfully I know everyone at AU is an adult, but it still felt like adults coming to interrupt school and a place of learning. Though I think everyone at AU stepped forward to take a bigger lesson than a class can offer. (This is maybe a frequent occurrence in some ways at AU; the learning is definitely not all in the classroom.)
The entire community worked hard to respond through love. The United Methodist theme for the week was Oscar Romero’s words “Let us never tire of preaching love… love must win out; it is the only thing that can.”
For more information on all the ways the campus responded visit http://www.aumethodists.org/wbc/ “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” – MLK. And they stood together to spread love instead.
Let us never tire. I will work on my defensiveness that has more turned into pride. I will continue to hope the WBC people can see and really see the people around them, or some face-to-face conversation will plant more seeds on understanding. I will wear my Oscar Romero bag this week and remember this power of love (and try to explain who Oscar Romero is to the stares I get at the bag.)
Let us love. When it is an injustice far away and when it is one that targets us and comes knocking at our doors. And let us make sure no one has to stand alone in the face of hatred, love should not have to be a lonely place.
Happy MLK day, let love direct our actions. Let love be the ‘force that will overcome the world.’
Besides, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
With love,
Hannah
16 January 2011
Water
And hear I am complaining or noting the weather. It this time of year that the earthquake hit Haiti last year and it shook us here. By us I mean Jen and Rachel and I. We had just moved to Drumblade from Cape Town and out in the country with no good internet access, hearing bits of news was devastating. I just kept thinking why such places of poverty, yes its natural disasters but also political and human disasters when you look at the differences that people go through in natural disasters.
Maybe it was because I have lived in Cuba and feel connected to the region and was in a new place feeling unconnected. Or maybe it just felt like every time I turned there was another disaster somewhere. Then when you know people where the disaster is it brings it home again. So at this time I have two strong things to share.
One is a remembrance of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb from UMCOR and GBGM, all those in Haiti, all those affected by Cholera and all the other places that faced earthquakes last year.
And at this time it is for all the rain and flooding. For Australia, Brazil, parts of this country (South Africa). For all the people being displaced by flooding.
I think of how much rain is so important in all of our lives. At the centre I focused on water for the devotions and in our Nutrition and Hygiene class one week while I was teaching. I used a water study for groups written by Beth Norcross for some guidance. But we looked at all the major passages on water in the bible. We went through each and decided when was water life giving and used in a positive way for people, when it was used for the earth, and when was water destructive. It was one of my favorite devotions in fact and I am brought back to it now.
The truth is I live on the 7th story right now and in my head I can’t quite comprehend flooding here. I can’t comprehend it at my parent’s houses; yes water damage, but not evacuating where I live. I have thought about it many times, living on Islands, doing work in New Orleans, and thinking about water levels rising internationally and coastal areas and Island nations. But I can’t comprehend the feeling.
I sort of feel the way that saying goes about hunger. If only the places that needed water could get some and the places with too much had less.
Maybe it was because I have lived in Cuba and feel connected to the region and was in a new place feeling unconnected. Or maybe it just felt like every time I turned there was another disaster somewhere. Then when you know people where the disaster is it brings it home again. So at this time I have two strong things to share.
One is a remembrance of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb from UMCOR and GBGM, all those in Haiti, all those affected by Cholera and all the other places that faced earthquakes last year.
And at this time it is for all the rain and flooding. For Australia, Brazil, parts of this country (South Africa). For all the people being displaced by flooding.
I think of how much rain is so important in all of our lives. At the centre I focused on water for the devotions and in our Nutrition and Hygiene class one week while I was teaching. I used a water study for groups written by Beth Norcross for some guidance. But we looked at all the major passages on water in the bible. We went through each and decided when was water life giving and used in a positive way for people, when it was used for the earth, and when was water destructive. It was one of my favorite devotions in fact and I am brought back to it now.
The truth is I live on the 7th story right now and in my head I can’t quite comprehend flooding here. I can’t comprehend it at my parent’s houses; yes water damage, but not evacuating where I live. I have thought about it many times, living on Islands, doing work in New Orleans, and thinking about water levels rising internationally and coastal areas and Island nations. But I can’t comprehend the feeling.
I sort of feel the way that saying goes about hunger. If only the places that needed water could get some and the places with too much had less.
15 January 2011
Once upon a Christmas Eve… (part 2)
(Continued, see see part one first on the day before.)
Now I have been talking a bit about walls and here is where I faced mine for Christmas Eve. There is nothing quite like being locked outside the church on Christmas Eve. The church is in downtown Benoni and it was after 8pm at night so we take safety pretty seriously. I had jumped up to get Joyce on autopilot and hadn’t told the guard or anyone I’d be right back.
We left Freddy with the car and tried to go check the other gates. Then I started phoning my mother hearing the hymns playing hoping she would see and could get help. I was tempted to call the pastor, but he was almost at his preaching. Mom had begun to get worried in this time, mothers just sense things. So I finally directed her out the door of the church and talked to her through the gate, trying to explain to her who could help, though she had never met anyone. One of the stewards finally came not realizing the gate was locked and tried to help then went back again for more help.
And in we finally walk during the middle of the sermon on not being caught up on running around but making time for the baby Jesus. I walk right to our seat and we almost made a pewful. The rest of the service and one last song were nice. I was just happy everyone that was there had got there. And that my friend could share in Christmas not loneliness. The truth was all of us had had the potential to be lonely, but mom had come all the way from the US, and Freddy had joined us, and we had had the time to bring Lynn as well and all was as it should be.
Except that I was not supposed to be running around on the chance of missing the baby. But see the way I see it we were just running around so more people could see and share and I think Jesus understood. Hilton, the pastor, did at least.
So amidst all the running around, I was finding peace in my own way, especially aided by my mother who instead of saying Hannah too much, helped all the pieces fit.
We dropped Joyce back off, and it was very special for me to see her for Christmas and headed back to Rachel and Sarah. We were a merry band in Lynn’s hotel room talking about many numbers of things. But alas we had to love and leave.
Though I miscalculated time for goodbyes and such and we had to get 20-30 minutes past where we lived to get to Trinity the church Rachel and I worship at for a communion 11:30 service. It was lovely to spend the time with Lynn as we had been at the same church it all seemed fitting. (The next day mom and I went by the hospital to see her and her Dad and skyped with her family that was gathered waiting for her in London.) We also had great news I forgot to mention that the problems we were worried about with her Dad were misread so he was closer on his way to going home. Quite a Christmas Eve blessing.
So again almost as if Rudolph was guiding us, though more it was the lightening. We were never where the rain was falling that evening, but every time we went outside the energy of lightening came forth. Not quite the magic of snow falling on Christmas Eve, but still definitely something there.
And somehow we made it to Trinity at 11:30pm exactly and walked in right as Rev. Ike started welcoming everyone. And I sat down and opened myself for Christmas. They did a litany for all of the advent candles. Soon I noticed tears running down my eyes for the peace candle. I always think of the Prince of Peace and peace to the world around Christmas. Of the soldiers that met in the trenches for Christmas, but somehow peace struck a deeper cord this year. Somehow I felt the violence and what it does to people’s hearts much more and yearned for the beauty of true struggles for peace. And surrounded by people I loved and with the possibilities for peace in my heart I let the tears fall, until I took communion.
After the service that sense of magic that I couldn’t quite reach last year had come. And the band of tired hope filled travelers made our way back into the quite downtown of the city, over the Mandela Bridge and up to the 7th story flat. And sat in candlelight and talked until it was finally time to sleep to be able to wake up for Christmas morning.
Every part of the evening, I was right where I was supposed to be...
Now I have been talking a bit about walls and here is where I faced mine for Christmas Eve. There is nothing quite like being locked outside the church on Christmas Eve. The church is in downtown Benoni and it was after 8pm at night so we take safety pretty seriously. I had jumped up to get Joyce on autopilot and hadn’t told the guard or anyone I’d be right back.
We left Freddy with the car and tried to go check the other gates. Then I started phoning my mother hearing the hymns playing hoping she would see and could get help. I was tempted to call the pastor, but he was almost at his preaching. Mom had begun to get worried in this time, mothers just sense things. So I finally directed her out the door of the church and talked to her through the gate, trying to explain to her who could help, though she had never met anyone. One of the stewards finally came not realizing the gate was locked and tried to help then went back again for more help.
And in we finally walk during the middle of the sermon on not being caught up on running around but making time for the baby Jesus. I walk right to our seat and we almost made a pewful. The rest of the service and one last song were nice. I was just happy everyone that was there had got there. And that my friend could share in Christmas not loneliness. The truth was all of us had had the potential to be lonely, but mom had come all the way from the US, and Freddy had joined us, and we had had the time to bring Lynn as well and all was as it should be.
Except that I was not supposed to be running around on the chance of missing the baby. But see the way I see it we were just running around so more people could see and share and I think Jesus understood. Hilton, the pastor, did at least.
So amidst all the running around, I was finding peace in my own way, especially aided by my mother who instead of saying Hannah too much, helped all the pieces fit.
We dropped Joyce back off, and it was very special for me to see her for Christmas and headed back to Rachel and Sarah. We were a merry band in Lynn’s hotel room talking about many numbers of things. But alas we had to love and leave.
Though I miscalculated time for goodbyes and such and we had to get 20-30 minutes past where we lived to get to Trinity the church Rachel and I worship at for a communion 11:30 service. It was lovely to spend the time with Lynn as we had been at the same church it all seemed fitting. (The next day mom and I went by the hospital to see her and her Dad and skyped with her family that was gathered waiting for her in London.) We also had great news I forgot to mention that the problems we were worried about with her Dad were misread so he was closer on his way to going home. Quite a Christmas Eve blessing.
So again almost as if Rudolph was guiding us, though more it was the lightening. We were never where the rain was falling that evening, but every time we went outside the energy of lightening came forth. Not quite the magic of snow falling on Christmas Eve, but still definitely something there.
And somehow we made it to Trinity at 11:30pm exactly and walked in right as Rev. Ike started welcoming everyone. And I sat down and opened myself for Christmas. They did a litany for all of the advent candles. Soon I noticed tears running down my eyes for the peace candle. I always think of the Prince of Peace and peace to the world around Christmas. Of the soldiers that met in the trenches for Christmas, but somehow peace struck a deeper cord this year. Somehow I felt the violence and what it does to people’s hearts much more and yearned for the beauty of true struggles for peace. And surrounded by people I loved and with the possibilities for peace in my heart I let the tears fall, until I took communion.
After the service that sense of magic that I couldn’t quite reach last year had come. And the band of tired hope filled travelers made our way back into the quite downtown of the city, over the Mandela Bridge and up to the 7th story flat. And sat in candlelight and talked until it was finally time to sleep to be able to wake up for Christmas morning.
Every part of the evening, I was right where I was supposed to be...
14 January 2011
Once upon a Christmas Eve… (part 1)
Come back in time with me and I’ll tell you a story about a Christmas Eve in South Africa. My lovely mother came to spend three week in South Africa for Christmas, after the two of us were apart for over a year.
More on our adventures during the rest of the trip later... But then there was Christmas Eve. I particularly like Christmas Eve. It’s something about the anticipation, but finding peace in a kind of magic at the same time. Slowly down is not something I am always good at, but I have gotten better in the last year.
Well the plans for Christmas Eve began to get more involved. Sarah, Rachel’s best friend was coming in at 5:30pm to the airport. Freddy had gotten off work in time. Mom had helped curl my hair, a tradition at home when I was running late so I could finish whatever else I was doing. And off we hopped in the car with Rachel driving and down the highway we sped (but not over the speed limit).
Until we reached the worse traffic jam I have ever seen on the M2 going east out of Joburg. I forgot to mention I was in the back seat sewing the last stocking to be hung on our TV chimney. And somehow everyone kept calm enough to make it through what turned out to be a traffic stop, hoping Sarah was not worried waiting.
We dropped Rachel to run in and zoomed to our friendly neighborhood car rental place where we park for free (this has saved us hundreds of rands while in SA, with visitors and car issues etc.). I did my quick hellos and explanations while running for the terminal. I sent mom to buy airtime in a system she doesn’t know, and Freddy and I raced upstairs to the food court to get the Christmas Eve feast. (Nando’s chicken and fish and chips.)
We arrived at the meeting place just after Sarah and Rachel had finished hugging and I may have been a bit embarrassing shouting a welcome from across the atrium, but we were a happy band. So then I raced ahead to retrieve the car and give my Christmas wishes to the car rental folks.
And off we headed to Lynn’s hotel. Yes, my friend Colleens mother and grandfather were both unexpectedly in South Africa for Christmas due to some health problems the grandfather faced in the beginning of December while on our traveling tour. We were still a bit worried as Christmas approached with his health and Lynn changed her flight to be with him longer.
I was very lucky to manage the figure out the directions their in the dark coming from a different side, but we got there quickly- just turns out I went to the wrong room, because sometimes I get numbers a bit backwards. But Lynn greeted us and we had our standing 15 minutes Christmas Eve dinner. Then left Sarah to freshen up and catch up with Rachel, while the other four of us headed to Benoni to the church I serve at for a Christmas Eve service there.
Mom and I were discussion turning off phones, when I had to dig through my bag and find mine. That was when I noticed I had a text message from my friend Joyce at work, who I thought had left the weekend before to go back home to Zimbabwe to be with her family. To this I immediately called her and asked her where she was. She said home (she lives very close to the church, while I live a 45 minute drive). More quick planning, which luckily my mother is very good at understanding and assisting with. So I told her to be ready and I was on the way to pick her up. My mom of course sent Freddy so I wouldn’t drive alone and she and Lynn would stay because I especially wanted Lynn to get a whole Christmas Eve service.
So we jumped out of the pews in good spirits. It wasn’t a second thought that my friend couldn’t be alone and needed to be with us at the service. So we jetted to her street and waited in the car for her. Headed back to the church and the gate was locked with no one in sight….
More on our adventures during the rest of the trip later... But then there was Christmas Eve. I particularly like Christmas Eve. It’s something about the anticipation, but finding peace in a kind of magic at the same time. Slowly down is not something I am always good at, but I have gotten better in the last year.
Well the plans for Christmas Eve began to get more involved. Sarah, Rachel’s best friend was coming in at 5:30pm to the airport. Freddy had gotten off work in time. Mom had helped curl my hair, a tradition at home when I was running late so I could finish whatever else I was doing. And off we hopped in the car with Rachel driving and down the highway we sped (but not over the speed limit).
Until we reached the worse traffic jam I have ever seen on the M2 going east out of Joburg. I forgot to mention I was in the back seat sewing the last stocking to be hung on our TV chimney. And somehow everyone kept calm enough to make it through what turned out to be a traffic stop, hoping Sarah was not worried waiting.
We dropped Rachel to run in and zoomed to our friendly neighborhood car rental place where we park for free (this has saved us hundreds of rands while in SA, with visitors and car issues etc.). I did my quick hellos and explanations while running for the terminal. I sent mom to buy airtime in a system she doesn’t know, and Freddy and I raced upstairs to the food court to get the Christmas Eve feast. (Nando’s chicken and fish and chips.)
We arrived at the meeting place just after Sarah and Rachel had finished hugging and I may have been a bit embarrassing shouting a welcome from across the atrium, but we were a happy band. So then I raced ahead to retrieve the car and give my Christmas wishes to the car rental folks.
And off we headed to Lynn’s hotel. Yes, my friend Colleens mother and grandfather were both unexpectedly in South Africa for Christmas due to some health problems the grandfather faced in the beginning of December while on our traveling tour. We were still a bit worried as Christmas approached with his health and Lynn changed her flight to be with him longer.
I was very lucky to manage the figure out the directions their in the dark coming from a different side, but we got there quickly- just turns out I went to the wrong room, because sometimes I get numbers a bit backwards. But Lynn greeted us and we had our standing 15 minutes Christmas Eve dinner. Then left Sarah to freshen up and catch up with Rachel, while the other four of us headed to Benoni to the church I serve at for a Christmas Eve service there.
Mom and I were discussion turning off phones, when I had to dig through my bag and find mine. That was when I noticed I had a text message from my friend Joyce at work, who I thought had left the weekend before to go back home to Zimbabwe to be with her family. To this I immediately called her and asked her where she was. She said home (she lives very close to the church, while I live a 45 minute drive). More quick planning, which luckily my mother is very good at understanding and assisting with. So I told her to be ready and I was on the way to pick her up. My mom of course sent Freddy so I wouldn’t drive alone and she and Lynn would stay because I especially wanted Lynn to get a whole Christmas Eve service.
So we jumped out of the pews in good spirits. It wasn’t a second thought that my friend couldn’t be alone and needed to be with us at the service. So we jetted to her street and waited in the car for her. Headed back to the church and the gate was locked with no one in sight….
13 January 2011
12 January 2011
Money for Candles
Today, during work group of us from work went to pay respects on behalf of the whole office for the passing of a former employees grandfather. The Mkhulu (here grandfather) had often visited at work.
We went dressed in skirts and long enough sleeves. We brought songs and someone to read from the bible. And we brought money for candles.
I have been on one other occasion to go pay respects and that was for my bosses mother in law passing. Both times we took up a collection for money for candles. No matter how hard people are doing financially, they come up with something to give for money for candles. We go to the family and wait till other visitors are away from the family members grieving and then generally enter the bedroom filled with chairs. It is often the elders we pay respects to and sing for, and then a guy from work who hope to one day be a pastor shares a message. We sing some more (my colleagues think I know the songs because I sing along whether I know or understand or not). And then the family often shares something (again very hard for me to understand because it is in another language and I don’t know them well. It is easier for my to understand what my co-workers say even if I don’t know the words, because I know their clues).
And then we each greet the family as we leave the room, to move to another room for tea and cakes.
I love the way we collect money for candles it just sounded so nice, so I asked what it meant. And one of my co-workers looked and me and said, “Hannah, we don’t know.” More saying it is tradition so we don’t worry about it.
When we got back I asked Mr. Brown, our Mkhulu, at the office. He explained before the body came to the house before burial, and white sheet would be spread out and candles would be lit at the two corners. And candles would stay lit at these corners until the funeral was over. So no matter how much money you had you brought something to help with the candles.
The tradition has changed a bit and generally people just do that now for right as the body is brought to the house. But thinking on it there has been a candle in the room both times I have gone to pay respect. Mr. Brown says now it's more to help with tea or cakes for visitors, or just tea if people are poorer. But it is always some sort of collection of money.
Mr. Brown also says it is the only place he takes tea with sugar or cakes. He is diabetic, but in those situations he takes things as the family offers them. I am very humbled in these situations and the level on which you connect with people. For a week or more sometimes people just mourn and receive visitors.
So we always bring money for candles.
We went dressed in skirts and long enough sleeves. We brought songs and someone to read from the bible. And we brought money for candles.
I have been on one other occasion to go pay respects and that was for my bosses mother in law passing. Both times we took up a collection for money for candles. No matter how hard people are doing financially, they come up with something to give for money for candles. We go to the family and wait till other visitors are away from the family members grieving and then generally enter the bedroom filled with chairs. It is often the elders we pay respects to and sing for, and then a guy from work who hope to one day be a pastor shares a message. We sing some more (my colleagues think I know the songs because I sing along whether I know or understand or not). And then the family often shares something (again very hard for me to understand because it is in another language and I don’t know them well. It is easier for my to understand what my co-workers say even if I don’t know the words, because I know their clues).
And then we each greet the family as we leave the room, to move to another room for tea and cakes.
I love the way we collect money for candles it just sounded so nice, so I asked what it meant. And one of my co-workers looked and me and said, “Hannah, we don’t know.” More saying it is tradition so we don’t worry about it.
When we got back I asked Mr. Brown, our Mkhulu, at the office. He explained before the body came to the house before burial, and white sheet would be spread out and candles would be lit at the two corners. And candles would stay lit at these corners until the funeral was over. So no matter how much money you had you brought something to help with the candles.
The tradition has changed a bit and generally people just do that now for right as the body is brought to the house. But thinking on it there has been a candle in the room both times I have gone to pay respect. Mr. Brown says now it's more to help with tea or cakes for visitors, or just tea if people are poorer. But it is always some sort of collection of money.
Mr. Brown also says it is the only place he takes tea with sugar or cakes. He is diabetic, but in those situations he takes things as the family offers them. I am very humbled in these situations and the level on which you connect with people. For a week or more sometimes people just mourn and receive visitors.
So we always bring money for candles.
11 January 2011
How to get your Macaw to head home with you after a day of work
Just keep calling it and it will eventually climb down the tree and jump on the truck.
10 January 2011
Excited Cook
A few nights ago, Rachel and I were looking in the house for something to cook. We found the bag of black beans my mom had brought for me. Of course I hadn’t had time to soak them overnight, but somehow we decided to head forth on the course.
So I did what I could and then as I started cooking them, I decided to make morros y christianos. That way the beans would have some time to cook with the rice and other ingredients. And I could share a bit of “my” Cuban culture.
Well it didn’t turn out perfectly, definitely edible, but as I wanted to share something I wanted people to have the chance to love it as much as I do. So I started making excuses and warning people before they ate it. Just so they wouldn’t be disappointed. And maybe a bit so they would tell me I was wrong and it tasted good.
Well we had leftovers and a different friend over, so he also got my preface to eating it. And then we discussed why I needed to stop doing that.
When someone is giving a speech we always tell them to be confident and not preface with problems or fears. People will have more confidence in listening.
One of my best friends here, Lucille, cooks with that kind of joy and confidence. So this week, the lesson I decided I needed to take is from her. Lucy will look at the ingredients we have and decide on something that sounds a bit crazy sometimes. Often using tuna in ways I would never think of and at the time aren’t the most appealing. But knowing and cooking with someone over a year, when she starts getting excited about a new creation we all do. She’ll talk about how great it will be and then if she tastes it its pure joy. She’ll say its turning out so well. And then while we are eating she will enjoy it so much, that everyone talks about how good it is.
She doesn’t have to wait for other people’s reactions or being told she did well. No not Lucille, she starts enjoying it before we even get to that, and we enjoy it so much more because of that. And we have come up with some great combinations.
This week I decided, instead of worrying about the food or putting it down, get excited about it. It is going to taste incredible!
So I did what I could and then as I started cooking them, I decided to make morros y christianos. That way the beans would have some time to cook with the rice and other ingredients. And I could share a bit of “my” Cuban culture.
Well it didn’t turn out perfectly, definitely edible, but as I wanted to share something I wanted people to have the chance to love it as much as I do. So I started making excuses and warning people before they ate it. Just so they wouldn’t be disappointed. And maybe a bit so they would tell me I was wrong and it tasted good.
Well we had leftovers and a different friend over, so he also got my preface to eating it. And then we discussed why I needed to stop doing that.
When someone is giving a speech we always tell them to be confident and not preface with problems or fears. People will have more confidence in listening.
One of my best friends here, Lucille, cooks with that kind of joy and confidence. So this week, the lesson I decided I needed to take is from her. Lucy will look at the ingredients we have and decide on something that sounds a bit crazy sometimes. Often using tuna in ways I would never think of and at the time aren’t the most appealing. But knowing and cooking with someone over a year, when she starts getting excited about a new creation we all do. She’ll talk about how great it will be and then if she tastes it its pure joy. She’ll say its turning out so well. And then while we are eating she will enjoy it so much, that everyone talks about how good it is.
She doesn’t have to wait for other people’s reactions or being told she did well. No not Lucille, she starts enjoying it before we even get to that, and we enjoy it so much more because of that. And we have come up with some great combinations.
This week I decided, instead of worrying about the food or putting it down, get excited about it. It is going to taste incredible!
09 January 2011
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around, through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Probably the most important evening and maybe the only one that truly felt like Christmas last year, was doing a hymn sing with Jen's Hymnal.
This year a few weeks before Christmas I was leading a service and was looking through the Faith We Sing (as that is all I have now that Jen and I are in different cities). I was with some friends so we were going through different songs everyone knew, and then I came across the Summons.
So while my mom was here right after Christmas we were signing again one night and of course I kept coming back to the Summons. I really love the tune as well and I think that helps.
I also think its really powerful that every verse ends "in you and you in me" This kind of relationship seems fitting for my understanding, for journeying together and growing. They are not easy questions, though the tune can kind of lull you, but amidst the power of the question is a peace.
The Summons
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
And maybe I also struggle with some of this. "and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?"
But again I think its incredible to ask this invitation of growing in God and God growing in us. Its about answering and changing ourselves and what we portray to the world. But also letting ourselves be cared for, being open for the good and the challenging. its radical stuff, radical lyrical stuff.
Will you love the "you" you hide, if I but call you name?
This year a few weeks before Christmas I was leading a service and was looking through the Faith We Sing (as that is all I have now that Jen and I are in different cities). I was with some friends so we were going through different songs everyone knew, and then I came across the Summons.
So while my mom was here right after Christmas we were signing again one night and of course I kept coming back to the Summons. I really love the tune as well and I think that helps.
I also think its really powerful that every verse ends "in you and you in me" This kind of relationship seems fitting for my understanding, for journeying together and growing. They are not easy questions, though the tune can kind of lull you, but amidst the power of the question is a peace.
The Summons
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
And maybe I also struggle with some of this. "and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?"
But again I think its incredible to ask this invitation of growing in God and God growing in us. Its about answering and changing ourselves and what we portray to the world. But also letting ourselves be cared for, being open for the good and the challenging. its radical stuff, radical lyrical stuff.
Will you love the "you" you hide, if I but call you name?
08 January 2011
the great South AFrican Outdoors
some of the panorama's I was taking on vacation with my mom in December, that facebook told me I was not allowed to post. ohh silly size restrictions.
i dont like restrictions. anyway, truly lovely places.
07 January 2011
unexpected places for real ideas and news
I am very impressed by the way some news is shared in South Africa.
For instance
In the mornings driving to work you hear about the pop stars etc, but the commentary is also on real news with a real interest in it. One day an economist explaining what the strength of the rand means with the intelligence of a true economist, but humor to keep it interesting and accessable. Its not perfect, but the combination of music, fluff, commentary and news impresses me,
In another instance
One of my co-workers had the magazine from a major discount clothing store here. Kind of like an edgy more clothes focused target. So I was expecting the whole magazine to be a catalog of the clothes and discounts etc...
To my surprise less than a quarter was directly advertising their products. There were sections on how to compare prices grocery shopping and tips on savings programs. In another one an explanation of different types of life insurance. Honest pieces on the new information law out lining medias concerns on censorship power of the government or on the new child protection laws here.
I actually learned quite a bit from this catalog, including new healthy recipes. And the crossword puzzles over lunch with my co-workers don't hurt.
There is something refreshing about selling products, but also sharing ideas in a forum that reaches a good portion of the population.
works for me,
H
For instance
In the mornings driving to work you hear about the pop stars etc, but the commentary is also on real news with a real interest in it. One day an economist explaining what the strength of the rand means with the intelligence of a true economist, but humor to keep it interesting and accessable. Its not perfect, but the combination of music, fluff, commentary and news impresses me,
In another instance
One of my co-workers had the magazine from a major discount clothing store here. Kind of like an edgy more clothes focused target. So I was expecting the whole magazine to be a catalog of the clothes and discounts etc...
To my surprise less than a quarter was directly advertising their products. There were sections on how to compare prices grocery shopping and tips on savings programs. In another one an explanation of different types of life insurance. Honest pieces on the new information law out lining medias concerns on censorship power of the government or on the new child protection laws here.
I actually learned quite a bit from this catalog, including new healthy recipes. And the crossword puzzles over lunch with my co-workers don't hurt.
There is something refreshing about selling products, but also sharing ideas in a forum that reaches a good portion of the population.
works for me,
H
06 January 2011
Matric Results 2010
Imagine waiting for your final passing results of lets say your standardized tests, AP exams and final class grades at the same time, as a high school senior. And imagine awaiting these two days before you are leaving for college.
Yes my friends this week matriculants (like the graduating class) are getting there results and finding out whether they passed or not. Imagine being a school, a teacher, a parent, a sibiling... the entire country is talking aobut the Matric results right now. And I do not think we appreciated the intensity of it all like this in the US.
On the radio this morning they announced how many schools got a 100% pass rate in Gauteng, the province we live in. (Fact: Gauteng, means place of Gold in Sotho. Which is fitting as it gained it wealth and populance for the Gold mining.)
But they also talked with feeling for the Matriculants and about how they are the future of things in this country. I think it is also a big deal because college is not always as common nationwide. And the stress of these tests is something that is not forgotten the whole year through. Many are concerned now for the stress and teenagers commiting suicide. Its a scary reality, and makes me worried about how this pressure affects everyone.
Yesterday morning when we stopped for petrol, we got this handed a Citizen Newspaper and this was the photo on the front cover. With a headline aobut the joy of passing, but that only 6 out of 10 Matriculants will find jobs.
Jack Coulter, Jordan Vasani and Andy Petersen from St. John's College jump high up after receiving their results yesterday.
18 schools did not have a single pupil pass their matric exams. And this was the same case for the same schools in 2009. I know it happens, but that fact devisates me. And it devistates me that the discrepancies in education are so vast. here and in many other countries.
There are definately increases in the results this year. 2010 was a hard year for students in South Africa with a long break for the World Cup and a month later a three week long teachers strike. (Mind you there is a lot of private education in South Africa where students and teachers did not feel the same affects.)
The civil servant strike is also something I have wanted to blog more about. I am happy for unions to strike and for people to get a voice. It just gets so much more complicated when it is nurses and teachers providing necessary services and having such an important role. Also the scare tactics to keep collegues away was sad. But the singing going down our street during the strike was awesome.
Anyway despite all this, Matriculants still passed. And on this day I only hope more solutions are foudn to the education system here and everywhere. And for the furture of these people whether they passed or not, as they emerge beyond high school.
Congratualtions Matriculants!
Enjoy the next step,
Hannah
Yes my friends this week matriculants (like the graduating class) are getting there results and finding out whether they passed or not. Imagine being a school, a teacher, a parent, a sibiling... the entire country is talking aobut the Matric results right now. And I do not think we appreciated the intensity of it all like this in the US.
On the radio this morning they announced how many schools got a 100% pass rate in Gauteng, the province we live in. (Fact: Gauteng, means place of Gold in Sotho. Which is fitting as it gained it wealth and populance for the Gold mining.)
But they also talked with feeling for the Matriculants and about how they are the future of things in this country. I think it is also a big deal because college is not always as common nationwide. And the stress of these tests is something that is not forgotten the whole year through. Many are concerned now for the stress and teenagers commiting suicide. Its a scary reality, and makes me worried about how this pressure affects everyone.
Yesterday morning when we stopped for petrol, we got this handed a Citizen Newspaper and this was the photo on the front cover. With a headline aobut the joy of passing, but that only 6 out of 10 Matriculants will find jobs.
Jack Coulter, Jordan Vasani and Andy Petersen from St. John's College jump high up after receiving their results yesterday.
18 schools did not have a single pupil pass their matric exams. And this was the same case for the same schools in 2009. I know it happens, but that fact devisates me. And it devistates me that the discrepancies in education are so vast. here and in many other countries.
There are definately increases in the results this year. 2010 was a hard year for students in South Africa with a long break for the World Cup and a month later a three week long teachers strike. (Mind you there is a lot of private education in South Africa where students and teachers did not feel the same affects.)
The civil servant strike is also something I have wanted to blog more about. I am happy for unions to strike and for people to get a voice. It just gets so much more complicated when it is nurses and teachers providing necessary services and having such an important role. Also the scare tactics to keep collegues away was sad. But the singing going down our street during the strike was awesome.
Anyway despite all this, Matriculants still passed. And on this day I only hope more solutions are foudn to the education system here and everywhere. And for the furture of these people whether they passed or not, as they emerge beyond high school.
Congratualtions Matriculants!
Enjoy the next step,
Hannah
04 January 2011
Okay the Time of the Sunflower and Rain
You see it is without a doubt also the rainy season. We experienced this last year moving from Cape Town to Joburg. In fact the day we left Cape Town felt like the hottest day of summer and then we got to a cold rainy Josie. And for the most part we see the sun everyday, but yesterday was so dark and gray.
In August and September I was getting so anxious because it was 6 months without rain. The dryness wasn’t so bad, and it would have been miserably cold and wet. But I missed the energy in the air.
And people told me then not to complain, because what would I say in rainy season. Last year was particularly wet. But it sounds like it used to be hotter in the time here. Everyday we seem to get some sun and on sunny days it warms up and is very nice. On New Years Eve we watched fireworks in the lulls of rain.
Ohh yes these rains aren’t like warm summer rains at home, they are cold. And with the rains work gets much slower, because clients have to move through the rain to get to us.
We have had rain for a few months but generally related to epic thunder and lightening storms. Talk about energy then.
On Christmas Eve it wasn’t a light dusting of snow that gave magic to the night… No for hours and going to all our church services, there was always far off lightening. I didn’t see much rain, but the energy of the lightening was so present.
So these strong “sun”flowers on the side of the road stand up to the heavy rains, and somehow ‘sun’ and ‘rain’ fit together. For now. And a cup of tea under the blanket on a cool Jan evening doesn’t feel too different from Arlington.
It may be strange I write about the weather, but nowhere else have a spent a year full of seasons, but now Josie and I have been through it together.
In August and September I was getting so anxious because it was 6 months without rain. The dryness wasn’t so bad, and it would have been miserably cold and wet. But I missed the energy in the air.
And people told me then not to complain, because what would I say in rainy season. Last year was particularly wet. But it sounds like it used to be hotter in the time here. Everyday we seem to get some sun and on sunny days it warms up and is very nice. On New Years Eve we watched fireworks in the lulls of rain.
Ohh yes these rains aren’t like warm summer rains at home, they are cold. And with the rains work gets much slower, because clients have to move through the rain to get to us.
We have had rain for a few months but generally related to epic thunder and lightening storms. Talk about energy then.
On Christmas Eve it wasn’t a light dusting of snow that gave magic to the night… No for hours and going to all our church services, there was always far off lightening. I didn’t see much rain, but the energy of the lightening was so present.
So these strong “sun”flowers on the side of the road stand up to the heavy rains, and somehow ‘sun’ and ‘rain’ fit together. For now. And a cup of tea under the blanket on a cool Jan evening doesn’t feel too different from Arlington.
It may be strange I write about the weather, but nowhere else have a spent a year full of seasons, but now Josie and I have been through it together.
03 January 2011
the time of the sunflowers
I think this year I have had more time to get to know a place. Living and growing up other places before I think something I miss, or others things are such a part of our seasons we know to wait for them.
In South Africa though, I either take better note, or am not used to it so little things stand out even on busy days. One thing is the flowers on the side of the road. Right now its particularly the highway.
Last March(after the rainy Ireland misty morning look) we got into the time of the pink and white flowers that are photoed on this blog from around that time. Or when the jacaranda trees came out and those glimpses of purple would make me stop what I was saying and just look.
But the last three days, I've noticed the sunflowers. I've seen them here before, but now almost as if they are trying to drive down the highway they are right at the edge looking one way or another. And it was totally unexpected that there would be sunflowers there for me. its like little surprises that are little gifts to make the world a little more thoughtful. In the grime and deep rains- there are sunflowers.
So we have reached the time of the sunflowers. not too big, not to small, but friendly and bright.
In South Africa though, I either take better note, or am not used to it so little things stand out even on busy days. One thing is the flowers on the side of the road. Right now its particularly the highway.
Last March(after the rainy Ireland misty morning look) we got into the time of the pink and white flowers that are photoed on this blog from around that time. Or when the jacaranda trees came out and those glimpses of purple would make me stop what I was saying and just look.
But the last three days, I've noticed the sunflowers. I've seen them here before, but now almost as if they are trying to drive down the highway they are right at the edge looking one way or another. And it was totally unexpected that there would be sunflowers there for me. its like little surprises that are little gifts to make the world a little more thoughtful. In the grime and deep rains- there are sunflowers.
So we have reached the time of the sunflowers. not too big, not to small, but friendly and bright.
Walls
Think on this for a bit, Ill write more on walls tomorrow. Lars (my brother) found this before Christmas a year ago from an Apartheid area Christmas card. The applications go far beyond that to many places. As my mom and I toured South Africa during her recent trip she kept reminding me and others of this card.
And at church yesterday as we thought about the wise men, this is what came to my mind. We have so many walls in this world...
02 January 2011
Tree for a moment
The tree on the border of beautiful afternoon sun and intense gray fog. Near "God's Window" Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa
May be more trees to come I really like them. But this one really stood out to me, and when the fog sent us back the way we came, we passed the tree again and it looked completely different.
01 January 2011
Plan Jan
Happy New Year!
Okay, this is my plan for the month: to post something on the blog everyday in January. Currently my internet isn’t working, but yes to post something for everyday. I have so many stories in my head and so much to share, but often the time to write my reflections is hard. But on the days where its not just reflections, I also plan to share photos.
So this is your free pass to give me a hard time if you don’t see something for everyday in January 2011. I shall try.
I was talking with Rachel and at different points shop keepers or sales persons right before the New Year. Rachel and I were saying 2010 was such a big year for South Africa, the whole nation was looking forward to the World Cup (well except those that holidayed away from South Africa to avoid it, and a few others). But some of the store clerks were just tired and ready for a new year.
Somewhere I fit into to all this. 2010 was a big year for me, the bumps and bruises healing and maybe a few small scars to carry forward. And definitely many new twinkles in my eye from all the joy and laughter. Mainly, lessons that will continue to carry me through to be stronger and thoughtful in different ways.
So as I should be looking forward its with some hesitancy I step, I like where I am today. And in a few months, knowing I could so much more in South Africa, I start the next big leg of the journey. I have no idea where I will be serving in the United States, so I dread goodbyes here, but I know soon my journey will take a big turn and I will be excited with energy and passion for it.
So peace to you all. Peace upon all you look forward to and all the unknown and unexpected joys and growing pains. Right now I am not anxious, I just want to be. I want to live everyday right where I am. But today I am calm, I am at peace.
Some days I know I will be more excited, but today I am happy as I just am…
May we all continue to journey together with peace in our hearts and actions and with strength in justice to create that.
Blessings to you,
Hannah
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