Update #29

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

After traveling throughout Africa without incident, I have finally been "Inducted" (notice the capital ‘I’). My bag arrived in Cape Town the same time I did (thank God), but had been pilfered…extensively. When I pulled my bag off of the belt it was partially unzipped with one of my scarves peeking out at me. It was a surreal experience – my first thought was "How did that get there – it was zipped in an inside pocket".

Further investigation revealed that my hair stuff, makeup, scarves, belts and jewelry had been dumped into my bag and then all the contents (even those in zippered side pockets) had been stirred up creating absolute chaos. (Oh boy…I really need an iron now!) After reporting the theft to the airline authorities, and being given a four page document to complete, they assured me that they were taking all the necessary steps to recover my stolen possessions.

After going through everything I am sad to say that most mementoes and gifts purchased in JHB are gone (sorry friends). The thief also made off with several bracelets and all but one set of my earrings (they left the most valuable pair! Ha!). The positive side of this experience is that the pieces that are really important to me I was wearing or were left in the bag…except for a pair of earrings given to me by my employer a few Christmas’ ago.

I am not mad. I am not even really upset – it is surreal and hard to believe. Most of what was stolen was costume jewelry (my favorites, but not all that valuable). I am more saddened that there are those people that feel a need to steal, that need to pilfer and take, in order to feed their families and sustain their lifestyle. I lost some costume jewelry and my supporters won’t have tangible mementoes - in the big scheme of life, it’s not a big loss. I think I still have most of my clothes and shoes – suitable/matching accessories will just be lacking!

This experience opened my eyes further to the reality of Africa. One of my fellow passengers smiled when he noticed the scarf and commented in a thick Afrikaans accent "Welcome to Africa". It saddens me that this occurrence is accepted as normal and it is shrugged off as a common place. This incident just emboldens me to keep praying for Africa’s eventual transformation.

Speaking of prayer - thanks for yours. The post-venture fatigue is starting to lift and I have a bit of ‘zip’ back. I have been conking out about 3:30 everyday for about two hours and sleeping like a log every night…sleep has been delicious! I had a great time catching up with the Porters…and bonus…James Ball (JB) was there too (I stayed with he and his family in Botswana last November).

As you remember me if you could chat to God about the following:
Safe travels: As I drive and move around Cape Town
Family: My parents made is home safely from California
Protection: We’ll start praying now that God will protect my bag from further pilfering on my return trip to JHB and then the US!
Computer: I will have limited internet access until I am installed at the Cape Town B&B (Saturday) – pray that I get a hold of anyone that I may need to with the absence of connectivity.
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. Please ask that my endurance will be up to ‘venture maximum’ by Saturday.
Fun: That I will enjoy my time with the Olivier’s, and that I will have the time to see a bit of the touristy stuff in Cape Town.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

Blessings to you!

Dena