What We Did This Week
By Alicia
So, Monday and Tuesday, I was sick, so we had to cancel some plans that had been made for us, but on Tuesday I sent Ben to hang out with people wihtout me- there was no use in him sticking around ot watch me sleep all day. Pat, the housekeeper at the church came in and checked on me a couple of times, so I wasn't all by myself.
Wednesday morning I spoke on "The Suffering of Women Worldwide" at the Women's Day breakfast. "Women's Day" is a Public holiday here, started in honor of the women who were the first to protest the "Pass Laws"(racist laws prohibiting colored or black people to be out in certain areas at certain times, very much like Nazi policies of the past). The year escapes me that the protest happened- I'll let you know though.
After the breakfast, one of the families from the congregation took Ben and I on a beautiful hike that ende in Kirstenbosch Garden, the botanic gardens in Cape Town. We were supposed to go to dinner at their home, but I was still feeling sick, so they took Ben and I back to the church so I could rest.
Thursday we spent the morning at the church (their offices are always busy and there are always tons of people around to talk to). And then Ben and I went to Robben Island. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, who were then referred to as 'treasonists' and 'terrorists', were held during apartheid. Mendela was there for 18 years, and then in other prisons for 6 more years, totaling 24 years in prison. Our tour guide had been an inmate- he was actually one of the original seven ANC members who was captured with Mandela and tried & convicted of 'treason.' As a history major, I can appreciate the fact that this man was the one who gave us our tour and not some 17 year old who needed a summer job and doesn't even remember what apartheid was. The attitude that this man has, and the people who established Robben Island as a museum, is incredible. They do not want to highlight the abuses and point fingers at the perpetrator's, but they truly do see it as an opportunity to educate future generations and dispell the rumor that "history alwasy repeats itself." There forgiveness is exemplary and apparent.
Ben and I then went straight to St. Micheal's Academy- a home for girls just around the corner from the church. There are 9 girls living there, all of which have been badly abused in some form. You can sense their hurt and their fear, but their desire to be loved and sought after. One of the cell groups from the church (cell group= City Pres community group) goes there once a month together, so we got to go with them. Some of the people from the group have kind of adopted some of the girls and meet with them outside of Thursday nights as well. While we were there, Jeremy, Ben and I prayed for Simone, a girl who has been on meth (they call it 'tic' here) for 6 months and has been cutting herself. Ben and I made an appointment to come back and meet with her the next morning.
Firday morning we went bcak to St. Michael's and met with Claudia, who is in charge of the facility. She made it perfectly clear to us that Simone already had a counselor (as well as 5 other professionals of some sort) treating her, so that we were not allowed to provide her any 'counseling' per say. But then she said that she was glad that we were there and that the girls need spiritual direction and encouragement, so please talk to her as much as you can about that. It was a weird experience for us considering we've neve had an authority figure in America ask us to please give the kids they were in charge of spiritual guidance. Our time with Simone was short, and Ben and I found it difficult b/c we're used to such long term relationships with kids, but I think that we were able to give her some hope and encouragement. You could see the battle within her of wanting to know more, but the walls of protection and fear being hard to overcome. I shared with her from Jeremiah 29:11- "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. She gave us her address so we can write her once we are home. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, adn I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you', declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity.'" Her eye lit up when she heard this- my heart hurts and crys for her as she has a long road of recovery before her.
Ben and I then went to the head quarters for Ambassadors in Sport, a ministry that is sharing the gospel through soccer internationally. Our friend jeremy used to play professional soccer here, and he volunteers for them every few years, going on international tours. He actually stayed and coached at Boulder Valley Christian Church the last time he was there, four years ago. Small world.
We finished the afternoon by have coffee and lunch a Anthony's house, one of the member of the church. Pastor Theo and jeremy were there with us. We sat around and talked for hours, Ben and I just picking their brains and asking a million questions about the church, outreach, politics, history, education. It was a great discussion.
Finally, last night, Ben and I led the youth group. ( I just can't get away from kids!) We taught them some American games and then we broke up into guys & girls for teaching. We are both struck by the large amount of respect that the kids have for adults. Ben taught the boys how to read the Bible (using some great notes from Mary Jean Powers, of course!) and I taught the girls about our identities in God. There were a few points where I asked for answers to a question, or feedback, or some sort of dialogue, but they were hesitant to the point of silence. Our friend Terry warned us that they are used to being lectured to, and man, was she right. It was really neat though how at the end of our time together when the girls prayed, they prayed for almost everything I had taught on. They were really listening, even though they weren't interacting. we had a wonderful time with them, and know almost all of them by name.
In response to a few questions:
My friend Lauren asked to share a little bit about how they view Americans. Everyone we've met has been incredibly friendly, asks lot of questions about Colorado (especially about the cold and the snow). They don't often share their opinions about America unless we ask, or make them feel like they can be honest about what they think. Almost everybody that we've had longer interactions with has been to at least a few years university, most people have degrees and many people have travelled internationally.
South Africa is trying very ardently right now to establish a National identity that is not molded by the West for them. They want to make sure that they are making decisions b/c it is right and good, not b/c it is what the countries of the West have done. They question everything, and it seems that they are finding some good solutions. Although America, for a long time, has stood for them as a model of everything that a country "should" be, they're not buying that as the answer anymore. They can sense that the bigger/better, keeping up with the Jonses', everybody is in a lot of debt, way of life isn't making Americans happy. They don't want the same materialism, with dis-regard for it's effects on the earth, the world-market and little kids in sweat shops, that we have created.
It seems like they are looking at our politics and our way of life and truly weighing what is good, and using it, and what is bad, and discarding it.
In action, however, there are some funny hipocrisies. It seems that much of S.A. is falling into the materialism merry-go-round. All the teenagers think Hummers are the coolest cars you can own. Purchasing name brands is the cool thing to do (think the early 90's when everybody had the Nike swoosh or POLO plastered across their chest). Also, every store, restaurant and establishment we've been in has been playing American music (mostly Britney and Shakira) and we went to the video store the other day and rented to American new releases (Ben wanted to rent some local SA stuff, but I was too tired to dig through the million copies of american movies to try and find a lcally produced one).
Politically, it seems that most people disagree with the war and think that the US is beginning to step over it's boundaries in the world. It seems like we're starting to be viewed as bullies here, who are unwilling to be taught by others.
Spiritually, it's very similar. People subscribe ot the teachings of good American teachers- some of the names we've heard mentioned in a positive light are Billy Grahm, Rick Warren, John MacArthur?, Tony Campolo. But there are others who they think are a bit ridiculous (Benny Hinn) and even other's that have left more damage than good in thier interactions with them-the recent discovery of the gold mines that Pat Robertson owns furhter North and Bruce Wilkinson's campaign to save Swaziland and SA, when he spoke to the SA's with what they saw as a very condescending tone and in public speeches in both Swaziland and SA told politicians, pastors, media and the public that he believed the AIDS epidemic was God's curse on a sinful nation.
All in all, it seems that they are doing a good job of weeding out the bacd from the good, are teachable, discerning and wise, and have been gracious hosts to us. We've learned a lot about living by faith from them.
Mom Nixon, we can be reached at cell-072-697-0578 or at the church 021-761-8511. From the states you'll have to dial '0' first to conntect internationally.
Kevin- thanks for the story. You made us laugh. A lot. Good luck with the job!
Our love to you all. Please keep sending comments, as they make us feel connected! Also, Lauren thanks for the questions! I hope that the rest of you can keep asking as well so we can share more of what we are seeing here.
So, Monday and Tuesday, I was sick, so we had to cancel some plans that had been made for us, but on Tuesday I sent Ben to hang out with people wihtout me- there was no use in him sticking around ot watch me sleep all day. Pat, the housekeeper at the church came in and checked on me a couple of times, so I wasn't all by myself.
Wednesday morning I spoke on "The Suffering of Women Worldwide" at the Women's Day breakfast. "Women's Day" is a Public holiday here, started in honor of the women who were the first to protest the "Pass Laws"(racist laws prohibiting colored or black people to be out in certain areas at certain times, very much like Nazi policies of the past). The year escapes me that the protest happened- I'll let you know though.
After the breakfast, one of the families from the congregation took Ben and I on a beautiful hike that ende in Kirstenbosch Garden, the botanic gardens in Cape Town. We were supposed to go to dinner at their home, but I was still feeling sick, so they took Ben and I back to the church so I could rest.
Thursday we spent the morning at the church (their offices are always busy and there are always tons of people around to talk to). And then Ben and I went to Robben Island. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, who were then referred to as 'treasonists' and 'terrorists', were held during apartheid. Mendela was there for 18 years, and then in other prisons for 6 more years, totaling 24 years in prison. Our tour guide had been an inmate- he was actually one of the original seven ANC members who was captured with Mandela and tried & convicted of 'treason.' As a history major, I can appreciate the fact that this man was the one who gave us our tour and not some 17 year old who needed a summer job and doesn't even remember what apartheid was. The attitude that this man has, and the people who established Robben Island as a museum, is incredible. They do not want to highlight the abuses and point fingers at the perpetrator's, but they truly do see it as an opportunity to educate future generations and dispell the rumor that "history alwasy repeats itself." There forgiveness is exemplary and apparent.
Ben and I then went straight to St. Micheal's Academy- a home for girls just around the corner from the church. There are 9 girls living there, all of which have been badly abused in some form. You can sense their hurt and their fear, but their desire to be loved and sought after. One of the cell groups from the church (cell group= City Pres community group) goes there once a month together, so we got to go with them. Some of the people from the group have kind of adopted some of the girls and meet with them outside of Thursday nights as well. While we were there, Jeremy, Ben and I prayed for Simone, a girl who has been on meth (they call it 'tic' here) for 6 months and has been cutting herself. Ben and I made an appointment to come back and meet with her the next morning.
Firday morning we went bcak to St. Michael's and met with Claudia, who is in charge of the facility. She made it perfectly clear to us that Simone already had a counselor (as well as 5 other professionals of some sort) treating her, so that we were not allowed to provide her any 'counseling' per say. But then she said that she was glad that we were there and that the girls need spiritual direction and encouragement, so please talk to her as much as you can about that. It was a weird experience for us considering we've neve had an authority figure in America ask us to please give the kids they were in charge of spiritual guidance. Our time with Simone was short, and Ben and I found it difficult b/c we're used to such long term relationships with kids, but I think that we were able to give her some hope and encouragement. You could see the battle within her of wanting to know more, but the walls of protection and fear being hard to overcome. I shared with her from Jeremiah 29:11- "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. She gave us her address so we can write her once we are home. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, adn I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you', declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity.'" Her eye lit up when she heard this- my heart hurts and crys for her as she has a long road of recovery before her.
Ben and I then went to the head quarters for Ambassadors in Sport, a ministry that is sharing the gospel through soccer internationally. Our friend jeremy used to play professional soccer here, and he volunteers for them every few years, going on international tours. He actually stayed and coached at Boulder Valley Christian Church the last time he was there, four years ago. Small world.
We finished the afternoon by have coffee and lunch a Anthony's house, one of the member of the church. Pastor Theo and jeremy were there with us. We sat around and talked for hours, Ben and I just picking their brains and asking a million questions about the church, outreach, politics, history, education. It was a great discussion.
Finally, last night, Ben and I led the youth group. ( I just can't get away from kids!) We taught them some American games and then we broke up into guys & girls for teaching. We are both struck by the large amount of respect that the kids have for adults. Ben taught the boys how to read the Bible (using some great notes from Mary Jean Powers, of course!) and I taught the girls about our identities in God. There were a few points where I asked for answers to a question, or feedback, or some sort of dialogue, but they were hesitant to the point of silence. Our friend Terry warned us that they are used to being lectured to, and man, was she right. It was really neat though how at the end of our time together when the girls prayed, they prayed for almost everything I had taught on. They were really listening, even though they weren't interacting. we had a wonderful time with them, and know almost all of them by name.
In response to a few questions:
My friend Lauren asked to share a little bit about how they view Americans. Everyone we've met has been incredibly friendly, asks lot of questions about Colorado (especially about the cold and the snow). They don't often share their opinions about America unless we ask, or make them feel like they can be honest about what they think. Almost everybody that we've had longer interactions with has been to at least a few years university, most people have degrees and many people have travelled internationally.
South Africa is trying very ardently right now to establish a National identity that is not molded by the West for them. They want to make sure that they are making decisions b/c it is right and good, not b/c it is what the countries of the West have done. They question everything, and it seems that they are finding some good solutions. Although America, for a long time, has stood for them as a model of everything that a country "should" be, they're not buying that as the answer anymore. They can sense that the bigger/better, keeping up with the Jonses', everybody is in a lot of debt, way of life isn't making Americans happy. They don't want the same materialism, with dis-regard for it's effects on the earth, the world-market and little kids in sweat shops, that we have created.
It seems like they are looking at our politics and our way of life and truly weighing what is good, and using it, and what is bad, and discarding it.
In action, however, there are some funny hipocrisies. It seems that much of S.A. is falling into the materialism merry-go-round. All the teenagers think Hummers are the coolest cars you can own. Purchasing name brands is the cool thing to do (think the early 90's when everybody had the Nike swoosh or POLO plastered across their chest). Also, every store, restaurant and establishment we've been in has been playing American music (mostly Britney and Shakira) and we went to the video store the other day and rented to American new releases (Ben wanted to rent some local SA stuff, but I was too tired to dig through the million copies of american movies to try and find a lcally produced one).
Politically, it seems that most people disagree with the war and think that the US is beginning to step over it's boundaries in the world. It seems like we're starting to be viewed as bullies here, who are unwilling to be taught by others.
Spiritually, it's very similar. People subscribe ot the teachings of good American teachers- some of the names we've heard mentioned in a positive light are Billy Grahm, Rick Warren, John MacArthur?, Tony Campolo. But there are others who they think are a bit ridiculous (Benny Hinn) and even other's that have left more damage than good in thier interactions with them-the recent discovery of the gold mines that Pat Robertson owns furhter North and Bruce Wilkinson's campaign to save Swaziland and SA, when he spoke to the SA's with what they saw as a very condescending tone and in public speeches in both Swaziland and SA told politicians, pastors, media and the public that he believed the AIDS epidemic was God's curse on a sinful nation.
All in all, it seems that they are doing a good job of weeding out the bacd from the good, are teachable, discerning and wise, and have been gracious hosts to us. We've learned a lot about living by faith from them.
Mom Nixon, we can be reached at cell-072-697-0578 or at the church 021-761-8511. From the states you'll have to dial '0' first to conntect internationally.
Kevin- thanks for the story. You made us laugh. A lot. Good luck with the job!
Our love to you all. Please keep sending comments, as they make us feel connected! Also, Lauren thanks for the questions! I hope that the rest of you can keep asking as well so we can share more of what we are seeing here.
posted by The Mongoose Chronicle at 4:46 AM
2 Comments:
Hi precious Alicia! It is so fun to read what you write about your experiences. I'm glad that you are feeling better. I am so thankful that God has chosen you to walk through life with Ben. You are a gift, to him, and to me. I love you. Mom
Hey! Thanks for the good info and thoughtful response. I am eager to learn more about this when you return. Hope you are feeling better and I love you both mucho!
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