Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Sights and sounds in cape town airport

After spending the night at the felixes home cliff took me to the airport. He pointed out the proximity of shanty towns and better off suburbs. I think that is true everywhere-the rich and poor live close together. Cliff showed me several spots where people are planting gardens only a few feet from where someone has dumped trash. He see hope amidst despair in this-people making a better world wherever they are.
I had time in the airport to watch people coming and going before my flight to port elizabeth. I heard so many different languages etc. Airports are always centers for diversity but south africa is certainly the rainbow nation - almost from its beginning it has been home to a multitude of races and ethnicities. There are 9 official langugaes and I could hear snippets of several that morning.
I had a chance to visit with peter, a retired priest in port elizabeth and friends with nick and diana white before I got to reading camp. Through the network of the church I am making new friends and depending on their hospitality and good will. I find myself wondering how to repay such kindness and realize the best I can do now is to be open to the blessings and grateful for whatever comes my way.
A pilgrim is hopeful.

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