“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Hostel housing in Soweto - single sex bedrooms with community bathrooms , kitchen, etc.
Sunday, I went on a bus tour of Soweto. The name is short for South West Township and, for you non-South Africans, is a large black suburb of Johannesburg (3.4 million people reside there). Ours were the only white faces I saw as we drove for three hours past places of historical significance and by Nelson Mandela’s past residence, Desmond Tutu’s home, Winnie Mandela’s fortress.
Besides the apparent mono-raciality of the area, the prosperity, and lack there of, was in huge contrast. There are million dollar homes less than a quarter mile away from a vast areas of corrugated metal shacks lacking electricity, running water, and sewage facilities (in fact, ‘porta-potties’ are shared by 200+ people, and may or may not be emptied once a week). Surrounding the shacks are the ‘middle class’ – housed in small brick plastered buildings – some with, and some without, running water and electricity.
One thing I did notice is that the 12 foot walls, electric fencing, and razor wire were almost non-existent. There were walls (3-4 foot in height) and alarm systems in place but the additives ‘needed’ throughout the rest of Johannesburg were strangely absent. You can draw your own conclusions about that distinction.
As for consulting, we are just about done! The last two P’s were covered yesterday and we are steadily marching toward Thursday’s client presentations. Honestly, I can’t say this has been a ‘fun’ venture but it has been interesting – I have seen God move, change people and situations, and have personally been stretched in new ways. I am very interested to hear the clients take on what they experienced.
On Friday the team is going to the Apartheid Museum (a heavy, thought provoking trek through South Africa’s political past), and Saturday we are hoping to go to a game farm just north of Johannesburg to see ‘The Big 5’.
Thank you for praying for me and for your encouraging e-mails. As you continue to pray…
Besides the apparent mono-raciality of the area, the prosperity, and lack there of, was in huge contrast. There are million dollar homes less than a quarter mile away from a vast areas of corrugated metal shacks lacking electricity, running water, and sewage facilities (in fact, ‘porta-potties’ are shared by 200+ people, and may or may not be emptied once a week). Surrounding the shacks are the ‘middle class’ – housed in small brick plastered buildings – some with, and some without, running water and electricity.
One thing I did notice is that the 12 foot walls, electric fencing, and razor wire were almost non-existent. There were walls (3-4 foot in height) and alarm systems in place but the additives ‘needed’ throughout the rest of Johannesburg were strangely absent. You can draw your own conclusions about that distinction.
As for consulting, we are just about done! The last two P’s were covered yesterday and we are steadily marching toward Thursday’s client presentations. Honestly, I can’t say this has been a ‘fun’ venture but it has been interesting – I have seen God move, change people and situations, and have personally been stretched in new ways. I am very interested to hear the clients take on what they experienced.
On Friday the team is going to the Apartheid Museum (a heavy, thought provoking trek through South Africa’s political past), and Saturday we are hoping to go to a game farm just north of Johannesburg to see ‘The Big 5’.
Thank you for praying for me and for your encouraging e-mails. As you continue to pray…
Safe travels: As I drive and move around Johannesburg and then onto Cape Town – I travel on May 1st
Family: My parents are currently in Sunnyvale, CA moving my Grandpa and my sister just found out that the surgery she had on her ear partially ‘failed’ – we are praying that the ‘failed’ part heals and she won’t have to undergo another more extensive surgery in the future. Needless to say she is a bit disappointed!
Protection
Computer: I am still having e-mail issues (arugh) – but am able to work around most of them!
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. I have been suffering from GI difficulties since Friday night – the positive side is that I won’t be gaining weight this time around!
Fun: Maybe a silly request, but after 2 weeks of super-intense stuff I would like some FUN!
Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
Blessings to you!
Dena
Check out the team photos:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=tjsmart1&aid=576460762398180665&pid=&wtok=I.NP82EZLHZtgT3gacG4yw--&ts=1176794898&.src=ph
Check out the team update: http://www.repurposing.biz/gauteng-april-2007
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