3 Men and a Little Lady

Last week I hosted three American guys who I actually went to university with but we never knew each other then. Two of the guys, Dan and John, I met in Tanzania this past July (they have been doing ministry in Zambia)…they were joined in SA by another friend from Seattle, Andrew. Having guests means that I get to also enjoy and discover the many tourist sights all over again. It often reminds me of my former life in London…touring people from all over the world around my favorite city…giving dozens of tours around the National Gallery and visiting Big Ben for the millionth time…but continually loving every moment of it! Perhaps it’s sharing the joy with someone and getting to see their first impressions of a spectacular city. Anyway, for 4 very packed days I enjoyed Dan, John and Andrew’s companionship. I can’t remember the last time I got to enjoy a “triple date” for an entire weekend…meals, petrol and other commodities covered as I was their ‘guide’.

The greatest accomplishment for me over the weekend was climbing to the top of Table Mountain, an endeavor I hadn’t had the privilege of completing yet! Now, I’m not the most athletic girl…as most of you know…but to the surprise of many, I do enjoy hiking (especially if I can stop and take pictures along the way and pause for MANY breathers too!). Well, these dear guys were fantastic, letting me lead and holler out “I NEED A BREAK!” after each bend up the mountain. We took the Platteklip Gorge route which is the shortest (1-2 hrs) hike up but also the steepest. I will proudly say that I made it to the top with my faithful friends behind me all the way. We celebrated on the top with a bottle of SA wine (a good motivation while I was climbing!).

Will I do it again?...Yes! Anytime soon?...No! But, perhaps in the New Year…and I might pray that the Lord flies over some more American men to be my companions!...ummm, or any men as a matter of factJ!

Sweet Home Farm

What an idyllic name, one would think…but Sweet Home Farm is one of the many ‘informal settlements’ that weave their way in and around this vast city. The informal settlements are unlike the many townships…for these settlements never started with city planning or basic infrastructure…they consist of shack dwellings made with wood, metal and other found objects, not brick and mortar. In this way people can up and move when they need to (or are forced to). Generally, there is no running water or electricity, however some settlements, like Sweet Home, are slowing gaining basic commodities.

Due to many relationships, The Warehouse and a couple of its key staff members started to get involved in the Sweet Home community around 2004. It was also in this year that I visited Sweet Home Farm for the first time with my family. We spent the day there walking around, meeting people and playing with children. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit once again, with a group of new trustees and their families from The Warehouse. We had the privilege of eating lunch at a new restaurant in a shack…just started by a woman named Christine. We were honored to support her new entrepreneurial business and eat her fantastic food! We had roast chicken, rice, beets, sweet potatoes, bean salad, green salad and lots of fizzy drinks.

Despite the daily hardships these families face…there is a great sense of overcoming difficulties and an immense spirit of joy, that is not only evident on their faces, but also in the way they cherish community and the life around them. Women take pride in their shacks, sweeping debris away from their entryways and creating ‘homes’ out of others rubbish. I was blessed that day to witness children of different colors and backgrounds playing together, a new business sprouting up, and heartfelt programs that are actually working and bringing hope into people’s lives! I have little to teach these brothers and sisters, but so much to learn from them in the days and months ahead…

Caroline with a new friend

A georgous view of Table Mountain-

no matter where you are in the city!

Ready to eat at Chritine's new restaurant

Eliza made a new friend

Two new friends pose outside their 'home'

Old & New Friends

Mid-October brought the arrival of dear friends, Mike and Cindy Riches. They were former pastors of mine from Tacoma, who are now living and ministering in London. They came down to Cape Town for two weeks to do some teaching at various churches here. It was a blessing to sit under their teaching again, but also fun to tour around this fabulous city with them too. Near the end of the month I was thrilled to have Michael & Jessica Green and Alan & Louie McCormick in town, with their children. Both families have been friends of mine for years, and it was rather refreshing to be with people who have known me for almost 15 years!

I have recently been blessed with a car to use for my last 6 weeks here in Cape Town and have loved to use the car to serve others, as I was so taken care of by friends for the 6 weeks I didn’t have a car. The Lord continues to bring fellow Americans and other non-Africans my way who are new arrivals in this city like I was. Here are some of my new and old friends:

Breakfast with Mike & Cindy Riches and my beautiful housemates

Daisy McCormick with friends from church

On a boat ride with Jessica Green and Elijah and Apollos

Champagne toast with Cathy Cordle

Visit to Hout Bay with Elizabet from Sweden

Ice Cream with Allison from N. Carolina and Judi from the UK

With Noomsa at a Diversity Celebration at church

Dancing Queen!

The title is not from the musical Mama Mia, although I will admit that I have seen the film a total of three times in the movie theater here. A friend of mine said the other day, “I don’t think I would tell people you saw that three times…it sounds pretty sad”…But he doesn’t know me that well and the fact is I LOVE musicals! Ok, back to my main story…the reason I am now known as the dancing queen is because I danced in front of the church this past Sunday! Surprising I know, but to be honest Africa has restored some beat in me and I actually find myself dancing quite frequently…especially in church! Well it was a normal morning of worship at Khanysia, as the young and old were out of their seats dancing in praise to Jesus around the room. At one point our pastor, who is originally from the UK, began to tease the Brits in the room on how they dance, swaying ever-so slightly and barley moving their feet or lifting their hands. We all laughed. Then he asked the English within the room to come up front and prove him wrong…we laughed more and danced while the music started up again. After, Nigel looked directly at me said, now let’s see how the Americans can dance…ahhh I was stuck and knew that I had no choice but to bravely go up front and have fun with this amazing congregation. I was no longer a visitor, but a friend to many, and I think the only American who is regularly attending Khanysia at this time. As I stood up front, I looked around and wondered if anyone else would join me, for there are always American visitors coming and going on Sundays…just then two others came up and the music started. Thankfully I was wearing a fun skirt and twirled and danced across the stage, while everyone was up on their feet clamping as they rooted us on. Once we were finished, they did the welcome and had newcomers stand and introduce themselves. I was shocked to find that not only did we have a few American visitors that morning, but 15 people from a church in Atlanta, and about 4 others besides them! Well, I guess I was the brave one and thankful for the opportunity as that was definitely an experience I will never forget, nor the church!

Monet in a Township

My church Khanysia, decided to end there normal cell groups for the rest of the year and start focus cells to allow people to meet new church members doing various activities they enjoy. One could join cells ranging from cooking, drama, dance, music, drumming, learning Xhosa and art. Of course I joined the art cell and have loved attending every week. It is taught by a university student named Mel, who chooses a basic assignment and brings supplies each week. We have done drawing and painting the few weeks. Physically doing art and not just appreciating it is something I rarely take time to do…but it is one of the most relaxing activities…stimulating my mind while calming my spirit. I often laugh when I’m at the cell because no one is talking to each other as we are all engrossed in the paper and paints before us. The group is full of all ages. My pastor Nigel comes with his wife Lisa and their two children…I have really enjoyed getting to know them better. Creating art is not only therapeutic, but it draws in a wide variety of participants. Even though so-called ‘artistic talent’ is varied…everyone has the ability to apply paint to a canvas and create a personal expression. Each one of my weekly masterpieces has made its way home onto my bedroom wall, although I’m not proud of every creation, they symbolize to me a joy and a peace I find while creating something new!