our handiwork

SHARING THE STORY

2012-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

Please join me for a 4-week educational series at St. James Lutheran Church, where I will describe many aspects of my journey to Southern Africa and back again with the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. Bring your questions!

St. James Lutheran Church is located at 1315 SW Park Ave. in downtown Portland. Worship 9:30am-10:30am, Discussion 11:00am-12:00pm. All are welcome!

Jan. 29 Being a Missionary: An Overview

Accompaniment. Servant-Leader. Solidarity. Ubuntu. What do they mean? Come and find out how these words shaped my journey and the work that I did as a missionary! I will also be the guest preacher during worship, so if you've had a hankering to see me behind the pulpit this is your opportunity!

Feb. 5 HIV & AIDS in Southern Africa

Discover just how much HIV & AIDS affects life in Southern Africa, and what steps the church, the government, and non-profit organizations are taking to eradicate this disease.

Feb. 12 Race & Socio-Economic Status in the Rainbow Nation

Black, White, and every other Color in-between. My thoughts about being white in a racially mixed country as I learned about labels and racism in a way I never expected.

Feb. 19 Spirituality & Faith: Here and There

Dancing in worship? An attitude of daily prayer and regular thanksgiving? Hear about how living one’s faith looks different in Southern Africa than it does in the USA.

THE IN-BETWEEN TIME

2011-11-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have been suffering from a severe case of writer’s block ever since leaving my host family in Swaziland almost four months ago. Even writing that makes me cringe; four months? But yes, it has been four months, almost to the date. And I have felt paralyzed, trapped, neither here nor there since then.

A few weeks ago, I attended a Re-Entry Event for all newly returned volunteers who participated in the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. We talked about our stories, our experiences… where we had been. We talked about our fears, our current reality, our tears… where we were. We talked about our hopes, our dreams, our future… where we were going. But for me, most importantly, we talked about the transitions between each of those stages; the in-between time.

Our program director described this time as being similar to learning how to be a trapeze artist. Slowly, painfully, throughout the last year we have learned how to hold onto the trapeze by ourselves, carefully advancing from simply hanging on for dear life to swinging confidently through the air. But now, at the height of our confidence, we must let go of the trapeze. We must let go, soar through the empty air, and trust that a big burly man will be on the other end, ready to catch us in his arms and swing us to even higher heights.

I was quite happy to be swinging away on my trapeze. Now I find myself in mid-air, looking frantically for my big burly man to appear and catch me. I don’t know where he is, I don’t know what he looks like, I don’t know if I will even be able to grasp his arms. But I do know that I cannot go back; it is not possible to turn around in mid-air; I am in motion. I have let go of my trapeze.

I focus on the feeling of wind in my face, the light in the distance, the gentle murmurings of promises to come, the confidence that assured me it was okay to let go of my trapeze in the first place. I know there is a safety net below, but I will myself not to look at it; it is enough to know that it is there. I am waiting for my big burly man. He will be there, I am sure of it, just as I am sure that the trapeze I left behind was solid and real and not a figment of my imagination.

As for now, the in-between time, I will wait, and soar, and fly.

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

2011-07-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t feel like so long ago that I first wrote about the words Beautiful and Strenuous as descriptors for Africa, and yet at the same time September of 2010 seems light years away. I wrote then about those two words and how they create a rather intense tension. Now that I’m solidly in July 2011, I understand more fully how such tensions have truly shaped my experience. Am I a visitor or a local? Am I a child (young) or an adult (old)? Am I dependent or independent?

I’ve realized that during the course of this year I have been all those things, and that reminds me of the well-known passage from Ecclesiastes 3: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. You know the one... a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, etc. Whether you’re familiar with this passage because you’ve read it in the Bible or because you’ve simply sung along to the 1960s version by The Birds makes no difference. The profoundly simple words of wisdom are still relevant today, and I find it extremely comforting as my journey comes to an end... or is it just beginning?

I can relate each of the examples listed in the Ecclesiastes passage to something that I have experienced this year. And I’ve learned many important lessons that I feel I would have failed to receive elsewhere.

born – die / plant – pluck up what is planted / kill – heal / break down – build up / weep – laugh / mourn – dance / throw away stones – gather stones together / embrace – refrain from embracing / seek – lose / keep – throw away / tear – sew / silence – speak / love – hate / war – peace

Experiencing how South Africans are daily reminded of their violent and brutal history of killing each other as they attempt to reconcile and heal their country is not something I will easily forget. I’ve planted a lot of little green seedlings in the garden, but I’ve also done my fair share of plucking them out. I’ve mourned with many grieving families, and have danced with them as they lower their loved one’s casket into the ground. I have made difficult decisions regarding things to keep and things to throw away. And I’ve learned when it is culturally appropriate to keep silent, and when it is suitable for me to speak.

As I am busy saying goodbye to the people and places I have grown to love and my emotions change daily from sad to happy and anxious to confident, I’m not worried. I’ve learned that life is tension, and that there truly is a time for everything under heaven. And, yesterday in my last siSwati church service we just happened to sing Send Me, Jesus, the very same song that St. James sent me off with when I left Portland one year ago. It seems I have almost come full circle... which means that I'll be starting again soon. Thanks for coming along on the journey.

JULY SUPPORTERS

2011-07-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well friends, together we have come almost full circle! Big thanks to my supporters for July!

4- Alex Zimmer
Happy Anniversary!

18- Charlie & Ann Tohlen
Happy Anniversary!

20- Rev. Joe & Judith Smith

Previous trip to SA in July

21- Margie Antico

Happy Birthday

TEN MONTHS

2011-06-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

Wow. Ten months of this amazing experience and I've:

Obtained 3 new pairs of shoes
Filled up 7 pages in my passport
Developed a nice caffeine addiction thanks to drinking so much black tea
Had my hair cut twice, which means it's rather long at the moment
Mastered the art of storing my cell phone in my bra
Only used 1 bottle of sunscreen
Read all my books and am trying to make the last one stretch as long as possible
Lost 2 pair of sunglasses
Long stopped converting S. African rand and Swazi emalangeni into US dollars
Decided that I am definitely sad to be leaving... but so excited to be going

Please keep me and all YAGM in your prayers as we enter the last final weeks of service. Ten months! Isn't that crazy?!

DAILY BREAD

2011-06-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

"One shall not live by bread alone"... but I come pretty darn close! In fact, I recently estimated that I eat an average of six slices of bread per day! However, although a bit high, this is not unusual; I have always loved bread. Even in the USA, my default snack was a nice crispy piece (or two) of peanut butter toast.

But looking back, I realize I inhaled most of those pieces while leaning on the kitchen counter, in too much of a hurry to even sit down.

I don't eat my bread like that anymore.

I sit down. I take my time. And I pray before eating, thanking God for providing yet again, food for me to eat.

The Lord's Prayer says "give us this day our daily bread". I pray that just as my body is nourished and sustained by physical bread, my spiritual self will also be fed with the Word of God. I think of it like the spiritual version of "if I had a nickel every time I..." If I pray every time I enjoy a slice of bread, I'll be talking to God a lot more. And that means that He'll probably talk back. The combination of eating and praying leads me to a more fulfilling relationship with God... and makes me feel a lot less guilty about indulging in another slice!

JUNE SUPPORTERS

2011-06-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all my June supporters!

11- Folin Family

Memories of a Moroccan feast

16- Keith & Joyce Amundson

18- Don & Lori Neptun

Happy Birthday Lori!

21- Tom Schmidt

Summer Solstice

24- ELCA-Oregon Synod Global Mission Committee

FEELING APART

2011-05-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

During my recent foray back into South Africa, I had the opportunity to visit Apartheid Museum in Soweto. I would say I had a good time, but good seems to imply some sense of joy, rather than respect that such a heavy topic requires. It was simply an experience (rather hard to swallow, at many times) that showed all too well the terror and injustice that ruled South Africa officially (and unofficially) for so many years during the Apartheid era. I couldn’t help but wonder, “How would I have acted if I had been here during this time? Would I have supported the system? Would I have fought against it?” More chilling were the similarities I noted about the South African policy of apartheid, the German extermination of Jews, and even America’s unjust treatment of Native Americans. All of these scenarios included one group of people who assumed they were superior to another group of people. All were afraid of those they were persecuting. And most decisions made during those various “campaigns” were made out of fear. Don’t believe me? Just change the word township to ghetto to reservation… they mean essentially the same thing; a way to keep “them” away from “us”.

Apartheid in South Africa officially ended in 1994. The German holocaust is taught in history class, as is the slaughter and eventual removal of Native Americans from their land. But with such a scary thing happening so many times the world over (and the three I’ve noted are but a few examples) I can’t help but think “Where is the injustice happening now? What people are being tortured, detained, jailed, beaten, persecuted; just for being different, right now, in my lifetime?”

Look for those that are Apart. Don’t be afraid of them. Welcome them. Or the world will be ruled by fear and a constant sense of Apartheid.

MAY SUPPORTERS

2011-05-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to all my fabulous May supporters!

1- Huetteman Family

Happy May Day!

5- Annie & Alex Karel

Happy Birthday, Annie!

5- Montgomery Family

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

8- Donna & David Rundquist

Happy Anniversary!

14- Jen Wright

Memories of a fun trip to Rockaway Beach!

23- Dick Wegner

Thinking of the last St. James Bach Cantata of 2009-2010 season!

THE FLIP SIDE OF EASTER

2011-04-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, Palm Sunday was one of my favorite worship services. All of us children would gather in the back of the church and be given large palm fronds, then we would joyously march in at the beginning of the service, waving our palms with much enthusiasm and loudly singing 'Hosanna! Hosanna!' It truly felt like we were part of the crowd two thousand years ago who greeted Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. However, in recent years Palm Sunday has also become known as Passion Sunday. Now, in addition to reading the festive account of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, the entire Passion story is read, including the Last Supper, the betrayal of Judas, the trial before Pilate, the crucifixion of Jesus, and finally, his death.

What a downer! Can't we just wave our palms and shout 'Hosanna'? Do we have to hear about death, too?

Unfortunately, that attitude is exactly why Palm Sunday is now Passion Sunday. Not too many people are excited at the notion of Jesus dying on a cross... so they don't attend worship on Good Friday. They just skip all that nasty death stuff, because at the Sunday following Palm Sunday there will be trumpets and lilies and hoorah! The miracle of Jesus' resurrection!! Of course, in the northern hemisphere tempting signs of new life are everywhere- tender green shoots are bursting forth from the cold ground, buds are suddenly apparent, and how can you not believe when the days are warmer, longer? It's an exhilerating time of year!

However, in the southern hemisphere exactly the opposite thing is happening. Days are growing shorter, the wind more cold and blustery. Plants are dying, green things fading to brown. New life seems like a long ways away. The worship service that I will be celebrating this Sunday morning is an afterthought to the real event- Good Friday. Jesus becomes the most real, the most human, through his death. Everyone in my African community has experiencd death. Not many have seen miraculous resurrections. They know what death looks like, and they know it cannot be avoided. It is an integral part of their life. And they will not miss the death of their Lord.

This weekend, I challenge all of you to look beyond the lilies and the brass bands and even the Easter bunny and the brightly dyed eggs. Look beyond to Golgotha, The Skull, and see the crucified body of Jesus. Hear the mourning cries and the weeping of his loved ones. It's uncomfortable. It's awkward. But this is why we celebrate Easter... because of death.

A MOVING EXPERIENCE

2011-04-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

Oct. 30: My host dad is elected as Bishop of ELCSA-Eastern Diocese. As the Diocese is based in Mbabane, Swaziland, a move is required for his new position. Move estimated to take place early January. We begin to pack non-essential items from the kitchen.

Dec. 5: Discover that the move has been postponed due to lack of funds. Tentatively plan to move sometime in March.

Jan. 18: Visit Swaziland Dept. of Home Affairs, who insist I need a full visa to volunteer in the country. Rather than go through the hassle, it is decided that I will enter Swaziland as a visitor, which means that every 30 days I must leave the country for a few nights and then re-enter. Begin to unpack and use kitchen items previously boxed up. Start thinking about the move in terms of “if” rather than “when”.

March 20: Consecration! Once the big day is finally behind us we all wonder when (or if!) the move will happen.

March 29: Last day of school in the first quarter. I assure my coworkers at Sobhuza Primary that I will “definitely see them” when school resumes on April 11.

March 31: Notified that we will be moving “now now”… as early as April 6! We begin packing in earnest. We also complete a mandatory inventory of all items that we are taking with us- a requirement for Customs at the border.

April 5: Due to mechanical problems with the moving truck, our moving schedule has been pushed one day. Here is the plan: The truck will depart Mbabane SD at 10am on April 7, arrive at the new Dean’s home in Mayflower. They will load his belongings and drive to Carolina. We will then unload his things and load our things, cross the border, and be in our new home in time for supper!

April 7, 10am: Frantic packing continues. We box up all the food and remaining kitchen items. Expect word of moving truck whereabouts at any time.

April 7, 3pm: Truck still has not left Swaziland. We unpack food, pots and pans, and prepare food.

April 7, 5pm: Truck finally leaves Swaziland.

April 7, 8:30pm: Truck has gotten lost on the way to Mayflower. Movers contact the new Dean and get accurate directions to his home. We discuss if we will be sleeping in Carolina or at the border post.

April 7, 10pm: We have evening prayer without Bibles and almanacs as they are already packed. We talk about the story of the wedding guests who must stay awake for the arrival of the bridegroom. We are exhausted. Swaziland border closes.

April 7, 11:30pm: The moving truck arrives. We unload in the dark and wisely decide to sleep in the house in Carolina before loading morning. I sleep on a single mattress on the floor of the sitting room, surrounded by boxes. Even the movers get bread and tea before catching some sleep on extra mattresses.

April 8, 7am: Moving Day begins (for real!) My first task is to recreate from scratch our entire moving inventory. The movers forgot their copy.

April 8, 7:30am: Neighbors materialize to help load the truck. All are introduced to the new Dean and his family.

April 8, 9am: Moving truck departs Carolina and heads for the border. Neighbors and friends gather for a final prayer with our family.

April 8, 10am: We depart in two vehicles- Bishop and Ma Bishop in the car, my brother and I in the bakkie. We see our moving truck in the long queue when we get to the border. We get our passports stamped, then wait two hours for all the truck’s paperwork to be completed.

April 8, 1:30pm: Proceed to the Swaziland side of the border. We have boxes in the bakkie and are told to wait until an official is available to search us and the moving truck at the same time. We wait over an hour. I mark thirty days off in my calendar while we’re waiting, so I know when I will need to leave the country.

April 8, 4pm: We arrive at our new home (finally!) It is 5k north of the Swaziland capital of Mbabane, and just 2k away from the ELCSA Eastern Diocese Center. It is a nice house with terraced lawn, guest flat, and spectacular view. We are absolutely exhausted. What an experience!

I am glad to be here in Swaziland, and I look forward to seeing what surprises and lessons this new country has for me in the next few months! Most of all, I am thankful that my host family was willing to bring me along with them in this new chapter in their lives… it’s exciting for all of us!

TAKE A HIKE

2011-04-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

I’m used to thinking of public transportation as a well-designed system of buses, trains, and light-rail that get you where you need to go. Public transportation in Africa looks a lot different! The main component of “taking public” here are taxis, but they’re not the bright yellow sedans I’m used to. They are actually small vans (like VW buses) that seat 14-16 people and go just about everywhere around the region. These taxis can be local or long-distance taxis. Each driver owns their own vehicle, drives the same route regularly, and charges the same fare as other drivers (while also equipping their vehicle with eye-grabbing decals and ear-splitting sound systems). These taxis are a good reason why time in Africa is so flexible, as they don’t run on a set schedule, like a bus. They only leave when they’re full, which could take minutes or hours, depending on your destination and the time of day you are traveling. For this reason, some people prefer the other main component of African public transportation: hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking here is a very common practice that many people utilize to get around. Especially in Carolina, where many people cannot afford their own cars and where the only taxis take people between town and the township, hiking is essential for getting into and out of town. Each town has unofficially designated hiking pick-up spots, where people stand to signal to drivers their intended destination. There is also a complex series of hand signals to let people know where you want to go. If you need to go to Swaziland, just wave your passport. If you’re headed east, point your hand in that direction. If your car is full, tap your closed left fist with your open right palm. It’s a rather fascinating system!

Hiking in this fashion becomes more valid as a public transportation option as it is not free. People seem to have agreed on standard fares between locations, so I know that it is appropriate to give a driver R25 if they take me to Ermelo, no questions asked. This makes the whole system seem a little more legitimate.

In fact, I had a nice discussion the other day about this very topic with a driver who picked me up to travel to another town to catch a bus. We were debating the similarities and differences between African and US public transport. In many ways, I think that the African system actually makes it easier to get around. It may take more time, but the options are truly endless. Leave your front door, walk a few blocks, and raise your arm when a car approaches. If they’re not going in the right direction, wait for the next one. The system makes it possible to literally hike anywhere around the country, and because payment is expected it significantly reduces the risk of foul play (which, thanks to American cinema, is about the only thing hitchhiking is associated with these days). For people who do not own cars it provides the ultimate sense of freedom and the necessary means to travel.

Although hitchhiking isn’t recommended when other options are available, I am glad that I’ve had the opportunity to utilize this means of transport. Once you’ve done it a few times (and have also been in a car that picks up hikers) you truly begin to understand how hitchhiking fits into the African concept of community. If I pick you up today, maybe you’ll pick me up tomorrow. The entire system relies on the kindness of strangers… a true experience in having a little faith in your neighbor! I’m glad I’ve had the chance to really and truly Take A Hike!

APRIL SUPPORTERS

2011-04-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your ongoing support!

2- Russ Finley

Happy Anniversary!

4- LRS Architects

Christine’s LRS Anniversary

10- Debbie and Duane Meagher

Memories of Easter Egg Hunts

24- John and Marlaine Doidge

Blessed Easter- He is Risen Indeed!

30- Dar and Mary Ellen Isensee

MY AFRICAN BIRTHDAY(S)

2011-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

For those of you who remembered my birthday: Thanks!

For those of you who didn’t: Don’t Worry!

For those of you who have been asking about African birthday traditions: This Is For You!

I had the treat of being with the other MUD3 volunteers in Pietermaritzburg over my birthday, where we had gathered for our second retreat of the year. They surprised me a day early with two big tubs of ice cream and the biggest birthday candle I’ve ever had to blow out! We all enjoyed the ice cream, and it didn’t take long to disappear! The following day our Country Coordinator’s son was baptized, and we enjoyed cake and other baked goods in honor of the newest Child of God. After the baptism, we headed to a local recreation area for a game of soccer and some time in the pool. I’m fairly confident that I have never been swimming in an outdoor pool on my birthday (or an indoor one, at that!) so it was my first ever Birthday Pool Party! Afterwards, we headed out for (you guessed it) more ice cream; my fellow volunteers know me so well! It was a joyous, relaxing day, and unlike any other birthday I’ve had. So, there you go. A great birthday!

I thought all the celebrations were over, but on my first day back in Carolina my host family surprised me after our Morning Prayer with a big chocolate cake and a special African Birthday song and dance (I’ll sing it to you when I return to the US!) I was touched that they wanted to celebrate with me, even though my birthday was already many days past. Their family has a birthday tradition of eating chocolate cake and then reading the Psalm that corresponds to your age (they don’t buy gifts, but reading and discussing the special Psalm is their way of blessing and ushering in the next year with wisdom and grace). Therefore, we read Psalm 28 in honor of my birthday. It is entitled Prayer for Help and Thanksgiving for It, and verse 7 is especially meaningful for me:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts;

so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

I will throughout this year continue to reference this Psalm and give thanks not only for the comfort it provides but for my host family, who “gave” me this Psalm as their special gift on my 28^th birthday.

So… ice cream, a pool, chocolate cake, and a birthday psalm? My African birthday(s) was perfect! For those who sent me birthday wishes via email, your heartfelt messages were truly the icing on the cake. Thanks!

MARCH SUPPORTERS

2011-03-04T23:23:00.000-08:00

March-ing ahead, and still so grateful for your continuous encouragement!

8- Colin and Darcie McConnaha

International Women’s Day

13- Kathleen McDonald

13- Cody and Emily Black

13- Laura Cumming

Happy Birthday to Christine!

31- Lia Makousky

Happy Birthday Lia!

Q&A: UNUSUAL THINGS & BIG SPIDERS

2011-02-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

These are a few questions I’ve received that I’d like to share with all of you. Please remember that my answers are based solely on my own experience; I know from talking with the other volunteers that we are all seeing and doing very different things. Please think of them as the Christine version of Africa!

What is the most unusual thing to happen to you so far?

Not so much one thing stands out as being unusual, but rather a combination of things that together just makes things different than what I’m used to. For example:

Time is kept by a 24, not a 12 hour, clock. I still have to use my fingers to convert time (17:00 to 5:00).
Date format is DD-MM-YEAR, not MM-DD-YEAR. This has been the most confusing when trying to file documents away in the church office. Is 02-06-2009 February 6 or June 2?
Driving directions are reversed, which still throws me for a loop. Thank goodness I can’t drive, or I would always be on the wrong side of the street!
Pedestrians do not have the right of way, in any situation. I have to consciously remind myself to get out of the way as vehicles absolutely will not stop for you.
Forget strollers or baby carriers. Small children are usually tied onto their mother’s lower backs with towels or blankets. I don’t know how they are able to keep their knots tied (and babies fully secured!) but I am always impressed when I see it.
Personal space does not exist in public areas. It’s not unusual to be standing in line for something and be in full contact with the person both in front of and the person behind you.
Hitchhiking is an integral part of the public transportation system. I have “hiked” twice by myself and have had no problems.

My own follow-up question: What is usual- what things are similar to the US?

As surprised as I was by the unusual things, the usual things are even more surprising.

Celine Dion really is an international phenomenon.
KFC is by far the most popular American fast food chain. I have eaten more fried chicken this year than in my entire life. I don’t know if this better or worse than McDonald’s, which is the only other chain I’ve seen here.
Oprah is on TV, as are numerous other American TV shows (Fear Factor, As the World Turns). They even broadcast the reality celebrity choir show that aired over Christmas time. Nothing like hearing an American choir sing, I’ve Got Friends in Low Places while living in South Africa.
Music is where the most cross-over happens. Especially in the R&B and Hip Hop Worlds, American musicians are intensely popular here.
Unfortunately, the 80s fashion craze has also hit Africa. So much for missing out on all that neon, geometric, shoulder-pad fun.

Are there big spiders or weird insects? Actually, yes, there are some very big spiders! One day I was working in the garden with the Circuit Clerk, Lindiwe, when a huge spider scurried out from a hole beneath my fingertips. I said something like “Blech! That is a big spider!” to which she replied, “Ah, yes. That one will kill you.” I laughed, thinking she was making a joke, but then I looked at her face and realized she was serious. She explained that indeed, that big spider is extremely deadly, and would most certainly kill you if bitten. I decided to start wearing gloves while working in the garden after that!

I’ve also eaten roasted bugs, a surprisingly tasty delicacy. After a few days of hard rain, my host sisters called me outside as night fell to help them collect insects. I have no idea what they’re called, but the bugs are fairly big, with large, lacey wings. We were able to gather them as they flew near an outside light, then dropped them in a large bucket of water to drown them. Once we had enough, we went inside, pulled off their wings, then dropped their bug bodies into a skillet. Add a little salt and high heat, and we had ourselves bugs for a snack! They tasted kind of like popcorn, actually; not bad! Unfortunately it took much more time to catch them than to eat them!

FEBRUARY SUPPORTERS

2011-02-03T01:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks for you love, commitment, and support!

10- Jules and Carol Auger

13- Kutschera Family

Happy Birthday Rachel!

14- Ken and Dena Turner

Memories of Skiing at Trillium Lake

IMPOSING SANCTIONS

2011-02-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

Ironically enough, as I was at the internet café yesterday attempting to post my We Are All The Same blog entry (see below), I had another very disturbing encounter with racism. So disturbing, in fact, that it inspired me to take action. There is a dial-up internet connection at my host family’s house, but it is slower than molasses and doesn’t fit very well with my very American mentality of instant gratification. There is, however, a small computer repair and copy shop in Carolina that has four computers for Internet access. Though the machines are fairly old, the internet speed is much better than at home, so I like to use the computers there when I need to load image-intensive pages or download files. In fact, I’ve come to view these “internet trips” as little treats to myself. I tend to feel extremely disconnected and frustrated with the barely there dial-up at home, but feel much more in tune with the world when high-speed internet is at my fingertips, even if only for a short while.

However, after my experience yesterday, I have decided to forgo these little trips, and will try to make do with what I have available to me at home. As of yesterday, I am self-imposing sanctions on the computer shop, and will be doing my best to not support them with my business. Why? Because yesterday the store was very busy, and there was a rather nasty altercation between two black boys and an Afrikaaner employee. I had already paid for my internet time, so I (along with everyone else in the shop and probably a few doors down) overheard the entire exchange. It was clearly a White vs. Black argument, and it made me feel awful and humiliated because I somehow felt caught in the middle as an unwilling participant in the system. Though I know that if asked what “side” I was on, I would proudly have said, “Black!” but no one asked. In fact, most people probably assume that I would say, “White!” because the Afrikaaner owners treat me like a white Afrikaaner. They seem to expect that I share in their derogatory view of the black population, looking at me to support their discriminatory remarks. And, if what I overheard yesterday is true, they charge black people much more to make copies than what I was charged just a week ago. Because they are Black. And I am White. But they don’t seem to know that I’m not that kind of White. It was an extremely uncomfortable situation and I was (and obviously still am) upset by this blatant display of racism.

All I know is that I do not want to support such a business anymore. Giving up the luxury of occasional high-speed internet will be difficult for me, but I want to do it. I recently read these words by Eleanor Roosevelt, and I believe they sum up my motivations pretty well:

Where, after all, do human rights begin?

In small places close to home-

So close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map in the world.

Yet they are the world of the individual person;

The neighborhood he lives in;

The school or college she attends;

The factory, farm, or office where he works.

Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination.

Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

This is a little thing; in the grand scheme of things it won’t mean much at all. I am not making my boycott public, nor will I confront the owners about their racist attitudes; I will simply stop walking through their door. I am doing this for me, because I don’t want to be a white person who knowingly supports a business that treats black people unfairly. But more than that, I am doing this for my black neighbors and friends who are treated with hostility, disdain, and disrespect, simply based on the color of their skin. Giving up my high-speed internet is the least I can do to support them, as South Africans continue to discover what it means to provide human rights for all humans everywhere- even in little computer shops in Carolina.

WE ARE ALL THE SAME

2011-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Kao Fela Rea T’Soana. We Are All The Same. I saw this message painted on the side of a community center while in Lesotho over the holidays, and liked the message. It’s a happy, feel-good kind of message. Except unfortunately, I don’t think it’s true. All too often in Africa, people are treated based on their differences, rather than their similarities.

I am judged by the color of my skin on a daily basis. Children who are born with darker skin than those of their siblings are teased mercilessly. People of coloured or mixed descent are caught in the middle as they aren’t either White or Black. It makes me want to cry (and it has) over the sheer unfairness of it all.

One night during evening prayer, we read Acts 10, where after seeing a vision from God, Peter says, “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.” This led to a rather lively discussion about apartheid and racial discrimination. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have ever had. I was literally the white elephant in the room. I have never had anyone throw stones at me. I have never had anyone command their dogs to attack me. I have never had to be in a certain geographical area by 6pm or risk being thrown in jail. And yet, all of these things have happened to members of my host family. One of my host sisters explained that even at her prestigious university in Cape Town, the students segregate themselves by race. Whites sit with whites, blacks sit with blacks, etc. It’s not a mandatory requirement, but students do it naturally. She explained this matter-of-factly, without batting an eye. Apartheid may be officially over, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone.

I certainly expected to encounter racism during this year, but never quite like this. It’s not just recent history; it is now, and it is very much alive. Maybe one day, I will believe that We Are All The Same. But right now, reality tells a very different message.

TRANSPLANTED

2011-01-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever paid attention to the process a plant goes through when it is transplanted? In its original soil it is usually healthy and happy, though something catches your attention and makes you think, “Hmm… something isn’t right here.” So you move the plant to new soil, and at first there is no noticeable sign of change. Things appear different than they once were, but only because the plant is in a new location. Generally though, the plant looks okay, until you suddenly wake up one morning to find your happy plant not looking so happy anymore. The leaves are wilting and maybe even turning a sickly shade of yellow. The plant is getting used to its new environment, although it doesn’t look like it’s enjoying the process. However, after looking pretty sad for awhile, the plant begins to thrive anew, growing new leaves that are even fuller than before. It might even produce flowers or fruits that you didn’t even know it was capable of.

I’ve had the opportunity these last few months to transplant many plants in the garden, and I am always amazed by the fruitful results. It’s not so hard then, to apply this same process to what I have been going through myself. When I applied to YAGM, I had the uncomfortable sensation of having ‘outgrown my pot’, and was ready to try something new. Once transplanted to my African environment, I was so overwhelmed and excited that I didn’t notice much of a drastic change in myself. Then, December arrived, and I found myself feeling strangely… yellow. I was unsettled and restless. I felt a bit droopy as I settled in to my daily routines; my new exotic environment didn’t seem so new or even exotic anymore. The novelty had worn off, leaving me prone to face a sometimes disappointing and frustrating reality. No, I don’t know what you’re saying when you speak in isiZulu. Yes, I was really looking forward to moving to Swaziland in January. No, I don’t think I can watch another minute of WWE Wrestling on TV. I felt confined and trapped in my new container.

However, just as abruptly as it arrived, one day this wilting feeling of discontent left. I woke up to a renewed appreciation of my surroundings; once again I was basking in the sunlight, noticing things I hadn’t before, and enjoying the people, places, and yes, even plants, alongside me. Yes, I recognize that face! Yes, I know where to buy that! Of course I can pick spinach for you! As I write this, signs of new life are everywhere- flowers are blooming, vegetables are growing, and the weeds are sprouting like crazy. All is as it should be. As for myself, I feel rejuvenated and joyful in my home environment. I know that I too am producing blossoms and fruits that though are growing now may not be harvested for some time. But without being transplanted, they might never have been at all! I was afraid when I recognized the signs of sad yellow leaves in myself, but I shouldn’t have been. They were merely a herald of the fruitful things which are to come! Hurrah for being transplanted!

Q&A: ENTERTAINMENT & EXPLORATION

2011-01-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

What do people do for entertainment? Watching television is probably the primary form of entertainment. My family cannot afford to eat out, go to sporting events, or see shows. My 24 yr old brother has never seen a movie in a theater and can’t even tell me where the closest one is to Carolina. Most nights we watch at least 1.5 hours of TV: English news, then Xhosa news (which I don’t understand) and then Generations, a soap opera played during prime time that is followed by practically EVERYONE in South Africa. You can almost guarantee that wherever you are at 8pm, you’ll get invited to sit down in front of the television so you don’t miss an episode! We get three channels on our TV; two of them are run by the SA government. My family does not follow soccer; their sport of choice is WWE Wrestling, imported straight from the USA. Truthfully, this is a bit disappointing, as soccer means so much in this country, but there’s not much I can do about it, except watch hours of wrestling instead! Although I don’t enjoy watching this much television I know that just sitting together during the evening is very important to my host parents. It is acceptable to bring a book or some other activity with you to the living room, as long as you’re there!

We don’t have any board or card games, and I haven’t seen anyone in my family pick up a book. Also, just visiting with friends over tea and cakes is a good way to pass the time (and check up on your neighbors!) I have been able to read a few books while here- some I brought with me, some I’ve borrowed from other volunteers, and some I’ve checked out from the public library. It’s nice to have options! Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the presence of music in African entertainment. There is almost always some kind of music playing at our house, and usually some kind of musical show on television… Gospel reigns supreme!

Have you had time to go exploring on your own or just have time to relax and reflect? I haven’t really done much of what I would call exploring, but I do walk to and around town. All of the places to which I walk I was shown by my host family. “This is the grocery store, this is the post office, here is the internet café,” etc. Granted, Carolina isn’t that big, and all of these things are on the same street, so it’s very easy to learn your way around! There is a small man-made lake on the north side of town, located below a natural bluff and beside an open meadow. I have found that this is probably the most peaceful and quiet place in town. Although you can’t get very close to the lake from the road, I enjoy walking there and just listening to the birds and the frogs sing away; one day I even saw a few horses in the meadow. Unfortunately, there are no benches, curbs, or even trees to sit on here, so it’s walk-by entertainment, rather than seated contemplation. It’s probably the closest thing Carolina has to a city park.

I am fortunate, however, to have time for reflection while I am at home. I certainly don’t have much of a formal schedule, and so I frequently get to enjoy quiet moments with a book, journal, and hot cup of tea! In fact, just having time to think is one of the biggest surprises I’ve had this year. I didn’t realize how busy I used to be until coming here and having little to no scheduled obligations. It’s a real treat for me, and I can tell that my spiritual and mental state is much stronger and healthier because of it.

I also get to travel with the Bishop when he goes to various communities for Sunday worship, so even though I’m not exploring on my own I really enjoy it. Seeing different parts of the region and meeting new people is always a new adventure!

JANUARY SUPPORTERS

2011-01-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

2011 already! Thanks for your support in the new year!

1- Don and Judy Nielsen
Happy New Year!

18- Bob and Gerry Grover

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-20T04:53:00.000-08:00

So, this is Christmas!

I find myself surrounded by family, singing Christmas carols, eating cookies, and making paper snowflakes. Just like any other Christmas, except of course, it’s not! I am also working in the garden, applying lots of sunscreen, and not worrying about buying that perfect gift! Although Christmas promotions have been in the stores and on the television for weeks now, the typical “American” sense of Christmas has yet to invade our household, of which I am very grateful! There has been no mention of buying gifts for each other or even a special holiday meal. It is obvious that the real gift for their family is simply being together for a few weeks, and I am fortunate to be included in that family. I was the one who decided it was time to bring out the family Christmas tree, but that’s only because I’ve been sharing my room with it (fully decorated!) for the last few months. And I did catch a neighbor baking a fruitcake the other day, but we certainly didn’t order one! The truth is, my host family doesn’t need trees or gifts or fancy foods to put them in the holiday spirit, as it is the same spirit of generous goodwill that they have year round. They remember the primary reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and that is what they celebrate!

And what have you done?

Sometimes, I still can’t believe that I am in Africa. After waiting and praying for so long for the right opportunity to come my way, I am so thankful that I was accepted in the ELCA’s Young Adult in Global Mission Program. I took a risk, made the leap, said lots of prayers, and relied heavily on all of you for support! I said Goodbye. I made new friends, joined a new family, learned the basics of a new language, and crossed international borders. I said Hello. I learned a lot about Africa, myself, and my faith. I tried new things, missed old things, and understood what it means to be truly grateful for what you have. I said Yes.

Another year over…

As 2010 winds to a close, I find myself reflecting on the varied adventures I’ve had over the last year. To be certain, many of them involved the YAGM program, and it is astounding to think that one year ago at this time I did not know just how profoundly my life would change in 2010. But I am so glad it did!

A new one just begun!

2011 will bring even more profound changes to my life; I know that the adventure is merely beginning. I am learning a lot about being patient here, and learning that God’s time is not always our time. I do not know what He has planned for me in 2011, but I can’t wait to find out!

So, Happy Christmas!

I hope that all of you have a most festive and joyous Christmas and New Year. Thanks again for traveling with me on this journey of faith, especially during this time of year when we celebrate the coming of Jesus, Immanuel, which means God With Us. Enjoy those delicious holiday treats, make time to celebrate with family and friends, and know that I am thinking of you with love. Happy Christmas!

Lyrics from John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War is Over)

THOUGHTS ON RAINBOWS

2010-12-16T00:39:00.000-08:00

I heard these comments about rainbows at the ELCSA Eastern Diocese Synod a few weeks ago and wanted to share them with you, in light of South Africa’s National Day of Reconcilation, celebrated on Dec. 16. First, a rainbow is composed of multiple colors, not just one or two. Second, all those colors tend to blur together where they meet, creating endless possibilities of color. Third, a rainbow appears when both rain and sunshine are present. All of these things are true not only of rainbows, but of the Rainbow Nation itself. Even here in small town Carolina, the diversity of people and cultures is astounding. Blacks, Whites, Indians, and Chinese people all live and work in the community. Zulus, Swatis, and Afrikaaners maintain their cultural heritage while proudly being South African at the same time. At the moment, jobs and living areas are still strongly defined by race, but they are starting to blur; in urban areas they are blending even more noticeably.


"Rainbow Wall" at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Most importantly, South Africa is in the midst of good (sunshine) and bad (rain) times, simultaneously. Many tourists who never get out of the city may well presume that South Africa is a fully developed country with reliable infrastrucutre and services, however the South Africa outside touristed areas looks much different. As our Pietermaritzburg hostel manager told us during orientation, “South Africa is a first world country with third world problems.” It is my hope that the people of South Africa not only continue to take intentional steps towards reconciling themselves on matters of race and inequality, but recognize that they need each other’s diversity and color in order to create the perfect rainbow.

DECEMBER SUPPORTERS

2010-12-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

I wish you a Merry Christmas- thanks for the support!

6- Brad and Sue Tucker

8- Vicki Terri
Grandon's Birthday

16- St. James Choir
Another Thursday night rehearsal

25- Rosie and Tracy Ebmeyer
Merry Christmas!

GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL

2010-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I had much to be thankful for. My experiences in Africa thus far have certainly opened my eyes to the larger global community, and I find myself truly grateful for the opportunity to embark on this accompaniment experience. Plus, I got to spend the day with my MUD3 family, playing soccer, swimming in an outdoor pool, and yes- even eating turkey, stuffing, and apple pie!

I am grateful for:
G: Global Mission, allowing me to see the world and share it with you
R: Role Models, who inspire me to lead a life of service
A: Awareness of God's presence in my life
T: Time to reflect, grow, and live in the moment
E: English, which allows me to communicate with those around me
F: Family and Friends, both near and far
U: Understanding more about myself and the world in which I live
L: 'Love God, Love Your Neighbor', which is what got me here in the first place!

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

2010-11-11T23:48:00.001-08:00

The rain has come. It is not a gentle, caressing mist, but rather a wild, powerful force that takes my breath away. It can be sunny and warm one moment, then in the next the clouds have gathered and a torrential downpour begins. Our electricity flickers and finally shuts off, and we rush around the house to place large buckets underneath areas prone to dripping. It is hard to predict just when the storms will come, and when they will go.

Today, after the rain ceased, I walked to town to purchase some bread, collect the mail, and stretch my legs after being indoors most of the day. I had almost forgotten about the stormy weather until I stood in the doorway of the grocery store and looked out. Big drops of rain were beginning to fall, gaining in intensity as I debated whether to venture out or stay in. Truthfully though, it wasn’t much of a debate; I didn’t have far to go, and what’s a little rain? I zipped up my jacket, put on my hood, and set for home, for once not walking faster than everyone else, as people everywhere were dashing for cover. The rain poured down, turning the gravel streets to mud and carving deep gouges in the earth. The clouds were racing across the sky and lightning flashed all around me, followed closely by booming thunder.

Suddenly, a flash of yellow caught my eye, and a man rode right in front of me on his vintage road bike. He was wearing a bright yellow rain suit that covered him from head to toe. It reminded me so much of Portland that I laughed aloud and couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across my face. After all, it’s one thing to get caught in the rain unawares, but something entirely different to plan on it. I, like him, was wearing my rain jacket and so was maybe subconsciously hoping to get wet. A little crazy? Yes. Happy? Most definitely! I smiled all the way home, thinking of the unexpected ray of sunshine that had crossed my path, even though my pants were soaked, the mail a little soggy, and my feet splattered with mud.

Once home, exhilarated from my wet walk, I found myself singing this hymn: When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul!” Welcome back, Rain. You nourish the plants, provide cheap entertainment, keep things exciting, and make things well with my soul!

As for all you cyclists saddling up for another wet winter, just think of all that rain flowing across your back as many drops of peace, flowing like a river. Your dedicated ride in the rain is probably just the piece of sunshine that someone is looking for. I am riding with you in spirit!

DEATH IS A WAY OF LIFE

2010-11-10T00:10:00.001-08:00

The very first day that I was in Carolina, we were visited by a couple from a neighboring town who are hosting a German volunteer for one year in their home. As the others began to converse in SiSwati, Jana and I attempted to make conversation in English. We asked the usual questions of each other, “What is your name? Where do you come from? What are you doing here?” I discovered that Jana had arrived in August, and was teaching math at a primary school. I, of course, being the fresh recruit, was eager to hear about her experience in South Africa thus far. So when I asked, “What do you think of Africa?” I was shocked to hear her reply, “There are a lot of funerals.”

Fast forward two months later, and I couldn’t agree with her more. In the USA, Saturday is commonly perceived as a free day; people go hiking, work in the yard, do some shopping, and maybe catch a ball game. In South Africa, Saturday is Funeral Day. I was horrified the first time I asked someone what they were doing over the weekend, and they replied, “Probably going to a funeral.” That response implied that although they didn’t have any plans as of yet to attend a funeral service, chances were likely that by the time Saturday rolled around, there would be. Do you think you would look forward to your weekend as much if you knew that you would “probably be going to a funeral?”

According to the UN, about 1,000 people in South Africa died every day because of AIDS in 2008. Five years earlier, in 2003, an estimated 600 people died every day. The number of deaths is increasing, not decreasing. South Africa has more people living with HIV and AIDS than any other country in the world (Bring Me My Machine Gun, Alec Russell, p. 203). Mothers and fathers die, leaving children to be absorbed by other family members. Cousins become siblings, grandparents become parents. The bereavement policy is clearly posted in the teacher’s lounge of the primary school where I volunteer. Commercials on television promote Funeral Policies, and ask the question, “What will happen when your loved one dies?” A young woman proudly showed me invitations she had painstakingly made by hand. When I asked what they were for (thinking birthday parties and weddings), she replied, “Unveilings,” as in Unveiling of the Tombstone after a burial. Death is a way of life.

Although I have encountered death in my own personal life, I have never before encountered death as such an omnipresent reality. As a volunteer in South Africa, I struggle with how to cope when I hear of yet another death, and I usually don’t even know the deceased. But I do know that each and every death has a profound impact on those I do know. It is a frequent occurrence, but the pain is real, and felt anew each time. If there’s anything I’ve learned thus far, it’s that death is a way of life. There is no hiding, denying, or getting used to it. It is real, and it affects everyone, even me, a newcomer in this community.

What are you doing on Saturday?

DEAN/ BISHOP-ELECT/ SHEPHERD

2010-11-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my host dad was elected by his peers to become the new Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of ELCSA. I have known about this election for weeks; indeed, it has been the topic of much discussion and prayer at our house. The position of Bishop is not an easy one, and requires much personal sacrifice.

I recently read that in biblical Greek, the word for Shepherd is often translated as Pastor. A good shepherd tends his flock, seeks out the lost, comforts the weary, and if necessary even lays down his life for that of his sheep. I can’t help but picture the Dean (now Bishop-Elect) doing the same for the people of the Eastern Diocese. By accepting the role of Diocesan Bishop, he is putting the needs of the Church ahead of his own. For one, the Diocese is based in Mbabane, Swaziland. This means that his family must relocate there, leaving behind friends, extensive plans for the future, and of course their magnificent garden in Carolina, South Africa. It means yet another home for their children, who have moved frequently their whole lives because of their father’s ministry.

I am touched that in the middle of this major professional and personal transition he has taken the time to speak to me about my unique position as a volunteer in their household, discussing visa requirements and other preparations that may need to take place before they (and hopefully, we!) relocate to neighboring Swaziland. I feel as though I am a valued member of his flock, one that he will not leave behind.

I respect and admire his courage to face this new challenge with humility and faith, even as he has been discerning God’s continual call for his ministry. The events of this weekend certainly should have erased any doubts- the votes cast for him easily met the majority requirement, and it is clear that the entire Diocese will support him as Bishop. He is a good Shepherd, and I am glad to be a sheep in his flock!

NOVEMBER SUPPORTERS

2010-11-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Praise and Thanksgiving for each and every one of you this month!

3- Gene Maier

25- Shirley Roggen

Happy Thanksgiving!

JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

2010-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am a dork. This means that I like dorky things, like LED flashlights in the shape of Jesus. I purchased such an item when I was still in the USA, as it 1) made me laugh and 2) was practical- it’s small enough to stow in your pocket. A few days ago, my dorkiness paid off; I discovered that it can be really helpful to have “Jesus, the Light of the World” in your possession.

After a long day of pulling weeds and planting still more seedlings in the garden, I was filthy. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, a thunderstorm was brewing in the sky above, bringing (we hoped) much needed rain to the area. As much as I love thunderstorms, I’m not necessarily a fan of bathing while one is happening outside. But on this day I didn’t have much of a choice, as I was covered in dirt. I decided to hop in and get it done with, before something happened due to the storm, like the roof blowing off the house (it’s happened here before)!

So there I am- scrubbing away at my filthy limbs and lathering up my hair when ZAP! There go the lights! I am plunged into sudden darkness, punctuated only by flashes of lightning which I glimpse through the windows. Instead of being afraid though, I laughed aloud; I knew Jesus was with me. I had a feeling that something like this might just happen, so I had brought my dorky Jesus light with me to the bathroom. His Light led me through the darkness, and brought comfort where there might have been anxiety; I was, after all, in a rather compromising situation! After drying myself off and getting fully clothed, I was proud to walk out of the bathroom and show my host parents that Jesus, the Light of the World, had led me through the darkness.

And today, I realized just how much of an impact that little light of mine can have; I was at the store with my host mom when she noticed little mini flashlights for sale at the cash register. She reached over, grabbed one, and said, “Well, you have Jesus with you. I decided I’d better get one for myself.”

Moral of the Story? It’s great when you have a Light, but it’s even better when you can share that Light with others. I wonder when I might need to pull out Jesus, the Light of the World, next?

THESE ARE A FEW OF...

2010-10-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Things That I Brought With Me

~Hiking boots - now Garden boots
~Bible- providing comfort on a daily basis
~Wide brimmed hat- thanks, Liz!
~Knee High Socks and Leggings- it can get much colder here than I expected!

My Favorite Things I That I Forgot

~Stocking Hat- thanks for mailing it, Mom!
~Winter Jacket & Long Underwear- who knew?!
~Slippers

My Favorite African Foods

~Fresh Avocados
~Custard and Jello Dessert- yum!
~Boiled tomatoes and onion
~Ouma buttermilk biscuits- served at teatime and delicious when dunked!
~Peanut Butter Toast- nothing exotic here, but so nice to have!

My Favorite Foods That I’m Craving

~Macaroni and cheese- probably the longest I’ve gone without eating it, ever!
~Chicken Wild Rice Soup
~Granola bars
~Anything with chocolate

My Least Favorite Experiences

~Having dirty feet
~No napkins after eating most food without silverware- but isn’t that what pants are for, anyway?
~Inconveniencing other people to drive me around
~Waiting for the internet to decide if it will cooperate today- or not

My Most Favorite Experiences

~Saying ‘Hello’ to people on the street in Zulu- and the look of surprise on their face when they see that a white person can and wants to speak Zulu to them!
~Meeting new people at Sunday worship- and then recognizing their faces again at Circuit events
~Morning Prayer with my family- and the fact that they love to give hugs!

THE PARTICULARS

2010-10-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you interested in the particulars of my placement site…

Carolina is a small town in rural South Africa. The geography and landscape looks a lot to my eyes like South Dakota, with its expansive grazing land for cattle and numerous grain elevators. The town itself has one main street that contains three grocery stores, banks, multiple fresh fruit vendors, cell phone repair shops, hardware stores, a few clothing stores, a petrol station, post office, and municipal buildings (including library). Off the main street there are also two schools, a hospital, and lots of churches. The largest community in the area is Ermelo, a 45 minute drive away, which has more services and entertainment options. So Carolina is really a pretty self-contained little town; there aren’t even public transportation options here, unless you count hitchhiking as public transportation!

View from my front door

My host parents live on the outskirts of town in a neighborhood formerly reserved for whites. Under apartheid, blacks and coloureds (typically people of Indian or Asian descent) lived in townships built about 1km away from towns in an attempt to keep races separated. Although apartheid has been abolished and townships are no longer regulated by law, its effects are still very much a reality; most blacks and coloureds still live in designated township areas. Carolina has two such townships, a black and a coloured. My family lives between the black township of Silobela and Carolina proper in what is now a racially mixed community that is neither town, township, or country. [interactive moment- find Carolina, South Africa on GoogleMaps and you’ll see Silobela outside it’s southeastern boundary] Also, I still haven’t found anyone who can tell me what the population of Carolina is, mainly because I’ve discovered it’s not that straightforward of a question, given the presence of two townships. By my guesstimate Carolina alone probably has a population of 1,000 residents or so, but I’m going to continue to ask! I haven’t explored Silobela enough to understand its overall size.

The back door, which is the unofficial "front door"

Thus far I am enjoying the rural setting; one of the first phrases I learned in Zulu was ‘Ngisahamba ngi ya edolobheni’, which means ‘I am going to town’. It is safe for me to walk around by myself here, something for which I am very thankful for! However, being in a rural area means that while I can walk around freely in town, we usually have to drive everywhere else. Rev. Absalom is also the Dean of the Igwa Circuit of the ELCSA, which covers almost the entire Mpumalanga province. His duties to preach around the circuit every Sunday means we often travel great distances to go to church. I enjoy meeting people in each congregation as much as I enjoy getting to see different towns and areas in the circuit.

As for my job here, right now it’s Anything Goes. I have been assisting the Dean and his full-time Clerk Lindiwe with various church tasks (typically involving the computer) and whatever else needs to be done around the house. I work in the garden, wash dishes, visit sick community members, and assist neighbors with homework for their adult education classes. I am also doing a bit of architectural drawing for a church centre in Ermelo that contains a conference center, housing, and HIV/AIDS counseling center. I will visit with the Principal for a local primary school this week to see if I can help there as well.

I am discovering something new each day about myself and the global world we live in. I am also learning to not worry about not knowing all the particulars! I’ll do my best to share the particulars I do know with you, but let me know if I’ve left out one you’re interested in and I’ll respond as best I can!

OCTOBER SUPPORTERS

2010-10-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

October already? Thanking God for all of you this month; I can see the gorgeous fall colors in my mind...

October 10- William & Sandra Arbaugh
Debut of a newly commissioned motet

October 10- St. James Choir
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!

October 31- LaVon Holden
Reformation Day (Yay, Martin Luther!)

BEAUTIFUL AND STRENUOUS

2010-09-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

South Africa is awash with new sights, sounds, and smells. The air is hazy, the earth red and dry. Trees are beginning to bear the first spring blooms, and though the days are hot the temperature drops drastically once the sun has set. It has not rained here in months.

During orientation in Pietermaritzburg we had the opportunity to spend time with Philip Knutson, ELCA Regional Program Assistant for Southern Africa. “South Africa,” he said, “is a beautiful and strenuous place.” I think I know what he means. Beauty is apparent everywhere, but then so is the strenuous reality of apartheid, poverty, social injustice, and HIV/AIDS. I suspect that the longer I am here the tension between these two will only become more apparent. In fact, that tension is probably integral to the very understanding of South Africa, and I will do my best to share this reality with you during the next year.

I safely arrived in Carolina two weeks ago, and have been welcomed into the home of my new family. They live in a house that is located between the town and the township (under apartheid black people were required to live in these townships, which are usually about 1km from town proper). This is now a mixed neighborhood, with Afrikaner and Black families living side by side. So it feels a bit like being in the middle… neither town nor country, black nor white, rich nor poor. Remember what I said about tension? It is present everyday in everything I do, yet I can only hope that with time the tension will ease into familiarity and respect.

I see people walking daily into town from the township, looking for work and food to feed their families. Trees are scarce, and education is prized. The reality of HIV/AIDS is devastating. The rolling hills of this region provide clear grazing for cattle, but also contain multiple cemeteries and informal settlements without any infrastructure to speak of. It is a hard life. For others, it is easier. They own large houses, drive expensive cars, and have more than enough money to survive.

The beauty of my surroundings seems surreal in light of this strenuous reality. As we journey together through this year I hope to be able to share with you just how much this tension shapes the lives and culture of South Africans, and what that means for us as Americans.

SEPTEMBER SPONSORS

2010-09-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to all of my September sponsors for getting me started on the right foot!

September 1- Rev. Jim Flachsbart
One year at St. James...

September 1- Rebecca & Keith Long
In celebration of their wedding anniversary and the beginning of new adventures

September 6- Julie Hatch
In remembrance of her father

September 11- JoAnn Goldhammer
Happy Birthday!

September 12- Carl & Dorothy Cottingham
Happy Anniversary!

September 15- Linda Rickert
Just because...

AFRICAN ARRIVAL

2010-08-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

We have arived! After almost 40 hours of travel (19 hours in the air on 3 different planes with a long stopover in Frankfurt and a 7 hour time difference) the 11 YAGM who are serving in South Africa for the enxt year stepped out of het ariport in Durban, South Africa to the enthusiastic greetings and hugs from Brian and Kristen, our country coordinators!

Internet access has been very limited, but I hope to check in more detail soon- will be traveling to Carolina on Monday!

AUGUST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

2010-08-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to my very first round of generous donors who decided to Support a Missionary for a Day!

August 16- Grandpa Doidge
In celebration of his 85th birthday this year!

August 28- Sue & Jack Hammond
Thinking of you as you walk the mountain this weekend in the annual Portland to Coast relay race!

GETTING ORIENTED, GROUNDED, AND INSPIRED

2010-08-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

All new ideas take some getting used to... although I've known for months that I am headed to South Africa for a year of service, it finally took until this week for the idea to start to sink in.

We've spent the last few days of orientation talking about Accompaniment, Culture, Community, and Mission. We've talked about the logistics of airfare, personal security, and medical assistance. Essentially, we're doing lots of talking and sharing and building relationships. That's a lot of Doing. In fact, it's been mentioned in our sessions that as Americans, that's one of the things that we think is best. Doing.

Take a look at the current ELCA tagline: God's Work, Our Hands.
Take a look at the name of my blog: Our Handiwork.

We like to Do. I need to learn how to Be.

Pastor Jim Gonia, Global Mission Program Director for West Africa, Tanzania, and Madagascar, has been teaching us how to "Pack our Spiritual Backpack". He has been sharing different spiritual practices with us in the hope that they will be helpful to us during our year of service. Many of them focus on revealing our God-given essence through our Mind, Heart, and Body. The challenge lies in recognizing the Mind's control, letting go of the Heart's emotions, and sensing the Body's response. When we do that we will simply Be ourselves, as God intended.

Focused Meditation on an image or word is one spiritual practice that we've been, well, practicing. I find that the image of a tree is very meaningful to me during these exercises. A tree is a great example of Grace, the core Lutheran concept that can be defined as God's Rootedness And Christ's Expansiveness. (Get it? It spells G-R-A-C-E). A tree is rooted at it's base, while also being expansive and open to the world. We should also strive to be grounded in God's love and share that love with those around us. The image below resonates strongly with me because it shows how the tree is supporting life and new growth while continually drawing strength from its solid foundation.

Tree of Life II, Natasha Wescoat

I hope to learn how to Be through this YAGM experience. If nothing else, I'd like to learn to Be a tree. Have you tried focused meditation? What images or words help you? What would you like to Be?

SEE YOU ON THE FLIP SIDE

2010-08-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not quite leaving for the Southern Hemisphere yet... but it's getting close! I leave tomorrow morning for a week of orientation in Chicago, and then it's on to South Africa!

I am looking forward to meeting my fellow participants and forming with them the new community of YAGM 2010 and M.U.D.3. (M.U.D. is the name of the YAGM program in South Africa... if you haven't checked out the group blog, there's a link in the sidebar to the right). My country coordinator has also informed me that my supervisor in Carolina "lives with passion and energy in ways that I have not seen during my time in South Africa". Apparently he has a penchant for trying new adventures... sounds like we may get along splendidly!

Also, in case you're wondering, at this point I'm not too worried about logistics, but am hoping to sit back and enjoy the ride (unfortunately I think all of you know that I don't do that very well, but I'm trying!) Besides, if I forgot something it's too late- I don't have any more room in my bags, anyway! (Though I am rather pleased that I managed to fit a years worth of stuff into a backpack, a duffel bag, and a small satchel!)

I'll be checking in when I can, but for now am enjoying what is probably my last view in awhile of the Northern Sky and the Big and Little Dippers...

THANK YOU, CONTRIBUTORS!

2010-08-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

I asked for many of you to help me raise funds for my upcoming mission trip by choosing to "Sponsor A Missionary For A Day". My goal was to raise a minimum of $4,000, but thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise a whopping $7,982!!

Thank you all so much for your support of this program. I will be recognizing donors on my blog on a monthly basis, but for right now I'd like to say a big thanks to all of the folks below!

Keith & Joyce Amundson, Margie Antico, William & Sandra Arbaugh, Jules & Carol Auger, Cody & Emily Black, Carl & Dorothy Cottingham, Laura Cumming, Joel Davis & Kathleen McDonald, Charles Doidge, John & Marlaine Doidge, Rosie & Tracy Ebmeyer, ELCA Oregon Synod Global Mission Committee, Russ Finley, Jim Flachsbart, Cindy & David Folin, JoAnn Goldhammer, Bob & Gerry Grover, Jack & Sue Hammond, Julie Hatch, LaVon Holden, Carl & Julie Huetteman, Dar & Mary Ellen Isensee, Alex & Anne Karel, Kutschera Family, Rebecca & Keith Long, LRS Architects, Gene Maier, Lia Makousky, Colin & Darcie McConnaha, Debbie & Duane Meagher, Doug & Jayne Montgomery, Don & Lori Neptun, Don & Judy Nielsen, Linda Rickert, Shirley Roggen, David & Donna Rundquist, Tom Schmidt, Joe & Judith Smith, St. James Choir Members, St. James Endowment Board, Vicki Terry, Ann & Charlie Tohlen, Sue & Brad Tucker, Ken & Dena Turner, Dick Wegner, Jen Wright, Alex Zimmer

Many of you have contributed your support in other ways; prayer, travel tips, hugs, journals and maps, book suggestions, etc. These are just as appreciated as the financial contributions (and I've received far too many to keep track of!) Thanks everyone!

GOODBYE, PDX

2010-08-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, City of Roses, I will miss you! After a rather flurried week of farewells, my sister and I drove out of Portland on Saturday July 31 (is that already two weeks ago?!) I'd like to say we drove off into the sunset with the top down, but as we were headed east towards Minnesota (in a car with a roof), the romantic version of cutting town isn't quite the right picture. It is a bit ironic though, that Mpumalanga, the province to which I am ultimately headed to in South Africa, means "the place where the sun rises". So perhaps leaving Portland is not a matter of anything really ending, but rather of many new things beginning.

PDX is an amazing city and certainly will hold a special place in my heart this year that I am away. Rebecca and I managed to squeeze in one more trip to the Rose Garden before we left, and I sadly watched Mt. Hood recede through the rearview mirror as we headed east through the Columbia River Gorge. I will miss my bicycle and the organic food and the "It's Portland" attitude that pervades everything. I will miss the weather and the friends and the community I have called home for five years. I will miss you.

After many days on the road I have arrived in Minnesota and am spending some quality time with family and friends before departing for Chicago on August 18. I will spend a week there in orientation with fellow participants, then board a plane on August 25th for a life-changing adventure!

It has not been easy to say good-bye to the things and people that I love in Portland. Over the next few weeks I will say good-bye once again to friends and family in the Midwest.

Goodbye, PDX; Hello, Rainbow Nation!

PLACEMENT

2010-06-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you, James Taylor. I'm Going to Carolina in My Mind will be the default song in my head for the next few months, as I just heard that I will be living in the small town of Carolina while in South Africa.

According to Wikipedia:
Carolina is a town situated on the Johannesburg to Swaziland route in Mpumalanga province in South Africa. It is a mixed farming and on a small scale coal and precious stone mining community. It was established by Cornelius Coetzee as a permanent outspan for wagons when gold was discovered in 1883 in Barberton and named after his wife Carolina. It was rebuilt after it was razed during the Second Boer War. The Komati Gorge and associated Komati River are situated in the vicinity of Carolina. It has a very small township called Silobela with different sections in it. Silobela houses mostly Swati speaking people. There are Zulus, Ndebele's and a small number of Tsonga people.

Carolina is located in the province of Mpumalanga, which means "the place where the sun rises". It is considered to be one of the most geographically diverse and unbelievably beautiful places in South Africa.

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Carolina is right above the last 'a' in Mpumalanga

I will be serving with the Igwa Circuit of the Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (ELCSA), which incorporates numerous congregations in both urban and rural settings. Service opportunities may include: visitation of neighboring parishes, worship leadership, church administration, young adult’s league, etc. In addition, there are opportunities for service in the greater Carolina community, such as: agriculture development, HIV/AIDS outreach, soup kitchens, and many other things.

Sounds great, eh? I can't find Carolina in a guidebook anywhere, which I think means that I'll be having an authentic community experience without touristy boutiques and hotels. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to travel to the parishes in my circuit, meet new people, and have flexibility in my service placement. I'll be in Carolina before I know it!

ELCA NEWS RELEASE

2010-06-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by ELCA Communications last week for an article about the YAGM program. Global Missions recommended me for the article as they thought I had an "interesting story". I don't think I'm all that interesting... but here's a link to the article! (Guess they thought replacing the E at the end of my name with an A would be really interesting...)

Young Adults Take Leap of Faith

ACCOMPANIMENT

2010-06-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the ELCA's concept of mission work: Accompaniment!

Accompaniment is the ELCA’s central commitment in relation to our global companions. This commitment is illustrated by the image of walking alongside companions in respect and mutuality, together discerning future directions for shared mission. In other words, not converting or saving or fixing! Merely being and learning together.

I first learned this in mid-April, at the Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) Discernment, Interview, Placement weekend. The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Executive Director of ELCA Global Mission, took time out of his busy schedule to speak to us at the event. He told us that the point of our mission is to Restore Community (and not necessarily in the us vs. them way that you might think). To highlight this point he told the Parable of the Lost Sheep, from Luke chapter 15:

So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'

The usual point of view in this story is that the one sheep who was lost really is lost. They need saving, rescuing from danger. But here was Rev. Padilla's spin on things: what if in fact, the sheep who were really lost were the ninety-nine? What if they were not complete because one of them had wandered off? Those of us in the fold have a responsibility to keep the group together; without diversity we are not complete.

A good reminder that during our year of service, we participants may very well find ourselves being the lost ones who need saving, not the other way around.

THE PROCESS

2010-06-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

The ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission Program (YAGM) has been on my To Do list ever since I stumbled upon it perusing the ELCA website more than a year ago. So many things sounded appealing:
living in a new place, growing in my faith, learning from others, serving a new community, and discerning God's will for my life. Applicants were encouraged to be flexible, mature, open to adventure, and curious. Sign me up!!

It was made very clear from the beginning that applicants apply to the program, not to a specific country. So although there are programs this year in the UK, Mexico, Argentina/Uruguay, Jerusalem/West Bank, Slovakia/Hungary, and South Africa, Global Mission staff determined from my application that I would be best suited for a placement in Slovakia/Hungary or South Africa.

I suppose it should be noted here that in my application I spoke a lot about sharing my faith through song, my increasing involvement in my local church (thanks for roping me in, St. James!), my decreasing satisfaction with my professional work as an interior designer, and my heightened awareness of communities in need, thanks to my participation with Architects Without Borders-Oregon. All of these things together made me realize that I genuinely want to help those in need, but that I'm not quite sure how I'm supposed to do that. Should I continue working as a designer and volunteer with other organizations on the side? What if I could combine all my interests into one vocation?

The ELCA-YAGM program will allow me the freedom to explore my other interests outside the world of design, such as experiencing how the global church helps combat such social ills as poverty, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS. But alas, I am getting ahead of myself.

After making it through the first round of application fun, I traveled to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in mid-April for a Discernment, Interview, and Placement event weekend. I met 54 other young hopefuls who had traveled from all over the country, as well as country coordinators who had flown in from all over the world. Over the course of the weekend we got to know each other, learn more about our country programs, and interview with Global Mission staff. At the end of the weekend I walked away with a placement in offer in South Africa, a head full of big ideas, and a surprisingly calm spirit!

The YAGM program typically finds placements for volunteers in one of three areas: working in a church, a school, or another social service type ministry. My preference is for something hands-on in the local community; I know I want to be challenged, but teaching math to 10 year olds may be more than I bargained for! I will know soon just where I will be placed and what I will be doing, but I have long ago accepted my placement offer. I recognize that the biggest challenge at this stage in the game is to let go and trust someone else to make decisions for me. It's been tough. :)

On August 18 I travel to Chicago for a week of orientation, then all participants will depart en masse to the airport and to our country of service. Please keep me in your prayers- the journey is just beginning!