November Happenings

Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool Graduation

During the first weekend of November, a month before the end of school, the 5 year class celebrated their 'graduation', anticipating their move to Grade 1 in the new year. I was blessed that my housemate and friend Caroline said yes to joining me out in Khayelitsha for the memorable afternoon. I must say that it was quite a typical African event! We were told to arrive at noon, so sure enough that is just when we came! The rented hall was already full of familiar faces as my young friends greeted me with hugs and their family members stood by smiling...however the principal and teachers were no where in sight...we waited and waited...and finally by 1:30 the event was almost ready to begin.

I was asked beforehand to share as I was 'the volunteer'...and also a white face, perhaps giving the preschool better status? I was excited by this opportunity as I really wanted to publicly bless the school and teachers I had gotten to know so well! Caroline and I had a laugh for when the programs were handed out there was clearly a type-o inside...I looked to find when I was speaking and it shockingly said “Brenda/Caroline: Traditional Dance”...hmmm we thought, maybe we could do Michael Jackson's Thriller dance. In the end there was a lady who danced after I spoke...praise the Lord! Another hilarious aspect was the gospel singing 'guest performers'...they seemed professional with matching outfits, a scratchy sound system and a keyboard...but I was shocked they lip synced all their songs?! What made me laugh the most was the main singer insisted on holding a mic which was appeared broken, but held it as a prop. Caroline and I stayed til 3:30 and tried to slip out quietly, as we had another event to go to...but I was thankful we left when we did as I heard the ceremony and meal went on until 8:30pm. Needless to say it was definitely an experience!

A Visit from My Best Friend

Stephanie arrived the second week in November. Her trip was a whirlwind of 6 full days...as a mother of 3 she couldn't be gone too long, but I was blessed she made the trip to see me and experience my world! Here a few pictures to give you an idea what we were up to:

We put together clothing packs at the Warehouse
to give to the Preschool teachers for Christmas








We had lunch in an informal settlement called
Sweet Home Farm (Christina standing in the back is the chef)









We played with the 60+ kids at the
Sisiza Ukhanyo Preschool









We enjoyed lots of indoor wine tasting
(especially as we had an unfortunate week of rain)






We toured the Cape and prayed together
for greater Hope in our lives at the famous
Cape of Good Hope!






Camping on the Coast
During the last weekend in November I joined 27 others for a big camping trip in Onrus...this small holiday town is on the coast about an hour and a half from Cape Town. I was thankful to enjoy the sun while I still have it and get so much one on one time with friends in my community that I love. I have probably done more camping in South Africa the past year and a half, then the last 15 years of my life! We barbecued, had marshmallows, swam, napped, played games, sang by the fire and told stories. Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Living amongst poverty and injustice

Jesus has been opening my eyes to the poverty and injustice that surrounds me like never before. I cannot escape these two looming giants here in Cape Town. But, it's not just here...they will be wreaking havoc wherever I go in the world.

It makes me question...are our eyes OPEN? Do we see what Christ sees...or do we go about ours days, too busy to notice? When we take time to see, there is often a cost...are we prepared to ask the question 'what do I do'? Are we prepared to respond in obedience to what Christ may ask of us? Micah 6:8 states, “...and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.” I have learned while living here that responding can be as simple as making eye contact, or as hard as sacrificial giving such as time, money or possessions. I do not have the answers for this...as I am on a journey and a process with the Lord as he is simply opening up my eyes in a new way. Here is a story of something I experienced last month:

“One afternoon I was taking a walk near my house to the local shopping center. As I walked along I ate an apple. Half way during my walk I tossed my apple core into a dustbin along the sidewalk. Once finishing my errands I headed back home nearly an hour later. As I walked along I could see a woman up ahead of me who was digging inside a rubbish bin; only as I got closer did it occur to me that it was the very bin that I had used shortly before. The woman upon seeing me approach, quickly grabbed something and began walking past me. In a matter of seconds I realized that what she had pulled out was my discarded apple core! A bit in shock, I turned and asked the Lord if I should respond or give her some money for food, but by this point she was far behind me. I walked home stunned, confused and tender as I thought about the moment I had just witnessed. Why God did you allow me to see that? I know that it was no coincidence that I happened to pass by an hour later the very second she found my apple core. My heart broke and something began to happened in that moment and in the days ahead. A new compassion was building up inside of me...a heart for those that are suffering in this city, and a desire to see afresh what often gets missed.”

I think back to that memory and wonder where that woman is...does she have food tonight, does she have a place to sleep, does she have any friends? With sadness in my heart, I wish I could go back to that moment...but it has passed. However it wasn't wasted, it was a part of a deep process that Jesus is doing in my heart...and I need to trust that he is holding that woman wherever she is.

I was once told by a friend that it can often be a dangerous prayer to ask “Lord open my eyes!”...but at this point in my life I am ready to see so much more...and to journey with Jesus as he leads me to respond!