Yesterday was very busy. We started out by going to the diocesan office and meeting with some people who work there. They were really nice. They talked about their work towards HIV/AIDS prevention. After giving us a tour of the building, Father Xola -- the priest at St Francis in Khayelitsha -- took us into the township of Khayelitsha where we saw some toddlers at daycare.
One of the most powerful points in the day was hearing Father Xola speak while we were waiting for the Nodars outside of the church. He spoke of when Jesus turned a few pieces of bread and fish into enough to feed thousands. He told us he did not care about the miracle in the story. What he did care about was the little boy who offered all that he had to help. He didn't have much to offer, but he was gracious in his offerings.
He also explained how some communities in South Africa are like caged lions, now being freed and going wild. Seeing the homes Khayelitsha was hard. They are made out of scrap metal with roofs that are sometimes just tarps held down with anything they can find. It's one thing to see pictures and hear about it, but it becomes more of a reality and you actually see the shacks lined up nearly on top of each other literally as far as you can see. We didn't spend much time there. I wish we could have stayed longer.
Right after we left we went to the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere. That was hard. It just frustrated me that a mall so nice and so large was less than half-an-hour away from a township that holds over 2 million. I was almost angry. Someone pointed out that some of the people working there probably live in Khayelitsha and can't afford to purchase the items in the mall that they are working in. It was very frustrating going from one extreme to another.
After the mall we went to an Agents of Change meeting. This is a program in the diocese here, made to educate teenagers about HIV/AIDS. One of the statistics said that in South Africa the AIDS rate is nearly one-third of the population. It surprised all of us how open all the kids were to talking about it and how involved with the activities they became. We were all very moved by what we saw and what we did.
It feels like we've been here for so long. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, with the experiences that I know will affect who I am as a person for the rest of my life.
(Received for posting 23 July 2008)
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6 comments:
I knew this would be an emotional trip for all of you; I'm so honored that you've been able to see what all these places are like, to see the similarities and differences between people around the world. We're thinking of you all often, and love you!
Thanks, Carolyn! That stark contrast between poverty and plenty is really hard, isn't it? I loved your relating of Fr. Xola's sermon on how sharing (not magical multiplication) was the real miracle of the Loaves & Fishes. That is so powerful!
Thank you for sharing you experiences with us Carolyn. It is really wonderful to get some real time insights into your journey and a glimpse of SA through your eyes.
Thanks Carolyn for your thoughtful comments - I look forward to talking over some of these hard issues with you when you return. Also, I just read a book that I think you would love - The Translator, by Daoud Hari. much love, EB
Carolyn!! We love you and miss you very much. I'm so proud of you; thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I can't wait to hear more from you when you get home. Love, Allison
Hi carolyn-- thanks for sharing your reflection. I knew that you would bring a thoughtful spirit to your time there. I am preaching on the miracle of the loaves and fishes this Sunday at St paul's and may try to find a way to incorporate your description of Fr Xola's sermon. be well!
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