So... Africa...
We've been here for three days now, but it feels like weeks. Not in a drawn out, we've been here doing nothing sort of way, but only because we've done so much.
Already I've met way more people than I can remember, been to two vastly different church services, and seen more than I've ever seen... all in three days.
So far, a little update on what's happened so far: On Thursday we flew from Hopkins in Cleveland to Dulles in D.C. WE spent our afternoon lay over visiting the sushi bar, news stands, and watching in longing as fellow passengers enjoyed the massage bar inches away from our gate. We boarded our flight and two movies, one game, one Tylenol PM, one stop in Dakar and 19 hours later, we landed in Johannesburg.
From there, we had to rush out of the international gates, get our luggage, and rush over to our domestic flight to Cape Town. As we were running fown the last flight of stairs, "final boarding call for all passengers going to Cape Town" rang out, and we all broke out into an all-out run.
We ran up to the gate, and were greeted with: "Sorry, sir, flight's closed" Buzz kill.. we had made it all the way here only to fail at the last moment!
After and hour with Sam and Mary negotiating, the airline put us up at a local hotel for the night.
The next morning,we woke up at the crack of dawn to make a 9 am flight. No luck, all full. After almost missing the next flght out, we were all finally able to board. Oh yeah, in first class, courtesy of SAA!
We got our bags and met the Nodars and Kate outside of baggage claim, along with Keith, the head of the youth program for the diocese, and Vivian, his assistant.
As we drove along with Keith, Vivian and us cracking jokes, listening to the music on the radio, all was well. Then I saw it: Khayeltisha, one of the largest black townships. I had heard about it, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. It was rows and rows of scrap metal shacks as far as the eye could see. I almost didn't realize what it was until I saw people playing on roofs of the shacks. It has been the only time where I have been genuinely speechless.
(received for posting 21 July 2008)
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5 comments:
Matt, Thanks for the update. What an amazing three days so far!
So it only took the largest slum in the world to make Matthew stop talking? That sounds about right :)
I may not understand why you're doing this, but I do admire your dedication. Be careful!
Thanks, Matt! Your travel narrative made me feel like I was right there with the group, running down that airport concourse! Sorry your arrival was complicated ... but that was just the beginning of a great adventure. Speechless ... yes, I agree, there aren't words to communicate the vastness and desolation of Khayelitsha. Thanks for the witness of your "speechlessness" as well as your words.
Hi Matt,
Thank you so much for sharing about the trip with us. As I am reading all of your blogs, I am struck with great gratitude for all that we have in this country. And gratitude for you all representing SPC in SA with such wisdom and grace!
Hi Matt-- thanks for your post. it was a great virtual "arrival" for all of us who have been following your trip. I look forward to hearing/reading more of your narrative! --Lisa+
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