Sunday February 15, 2009
as I sit at my window and hear the "Cape Doctor" wind roaring outside, temporarily blowing away all the pollen that aggravate my allergies at the absolutely and amazingly beautiful time of the year, I reflect on a few things. Class has begun, eleven women full of desire to learn to sew and acquire some computer knowledge.
I am as thankful for them today as I was that first c;ass day in 2006 when this all began. Just two weeks into our schedule, the taxis went on a three day strike. I barely noticed except I wondered why the suburbans streets around which I drive, were so quiet. However, while the strike did not affect me, it made it very hard for the three ladies from Sweet Home Farms to come. What moved me even more was their concern for my safety. As I drove them to the train station that afternoon, they asked me to drop them off, away from the sight of the taxi stand to avoid any danger. I was amazed to think that, because I gave the women a lift, a cab or bakkie driver as they are known, would be incensed, but sadly, that is the reality here and I did well to listen to them. Later that evening I attened a poetry reading by one of Cape Town's celebrated poets. Sindiwe had just completed a book about HIV and AIDS and she is most concerned that freedom in her beloved land has not brought about transfomation and harmful traditional beliefs contribute greatly to the spread of HIV and AIDS, expecially among women. As I read her book, I learn even more about the conditions and world view in the townships and all the more I appreciate the women in our group. Soon I will attend a Missions Conference in Pretoria and I look ahead to all I will learn there. Tony Campolo will be the featured speaker and I look forward to that.
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