Nothing to Lose

Why bother?
There are so many vexing questions as to why South Africa has the highest incidence of HIV.
During my time here, four years going on five, I have come to believe that some of the biggest reasons are traditional ways of behavior that allows men to dominate women, poverty and a lack of education and consequently a loss of hope. If there is no hope, why bother to change your behaviour. I have also come to believe that transformation among those most affected by the virus, poor, black Africans, must come from within their own communities. People like me bring hope, but lasting change must come from within. I read with great interest a recent newspaper article with the title, Safe sex rings hollow if you have nothing to lose. The writer argues that in South Africa, those with nothing to lose have no reason to change the risky behaviours that lead to HIV. He says that: "the incidence of HIV spikes sharply when young people leave school because they feel aimless and unsupported. Unless we can give them a real sense of imminent possibility they will keep taking the risk because the alternatives do not provide much opportunity either.' What is the answer? Those involved with HIV must address these economic and social problems and not leave them to the government or even the business sectors. In other words those of us in HIV work must have a holistic approach. And then he makes the other point with which I strongly agree. "We should nurture a new leadership of young people drawn from the most marginalized communities. There are thousands of young people who are local leaders who have chosen to avoid the risk of HIV infection. They are the torchbearers for a new generation of South Africans who have decided that the risk is just not worth it."

Red Hill Children

Red Hill Children
A week ago, the children from the informal settlement of Red Hill faced a school bus crisis. There were too many of them to fit into the available school transport. Because of their situation there is no local school so they have to be taken to school as many as ten or more miles away. They get up early and trek down the hillside and then walk about 15 Min's to get the bus. They did this one morning only to find there was no room on the bus. While the school district was working to solve the problem, the children swung into action. They held a concert to raise money to help pay for the taxis until the school board fixed the problem.On Friday night I joined a few other people and was charmed and thrilled by the singing and dancing of these. Red Hill is aptly described as a hill full of red dirt occupied by squatters who have come from other parts of the country looking for a better life. They have one of the most scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean appreciated by few because they need toilets and running water and every thing else. I recall my first visit there in 2005 with Sandy Haegert the Living Hope nurse. Since then I have written about the fires there and the homes rebuilt by All Nations. For years now Living Hope has run a thriving after school children's club and we have trained one woman in our sewing program and hope to add some more. As I looked at the kids who sang and danced as if their lives depended on it, I was encouraged to believe they will have a better future than their present circumstances now seem to deny and I thank God for all of the volunteers who bring hope and health and purpose to the lives of these youngsters.

A wodnerful Valentine's Weekend

Valentine's Weekend
This is one day that, frankly, I dread. Not because I feel unloved, far from it, but the truth is that no handsome or otherwise looking man sends flowers and chocolates to me, nor I to them. As a single woman, you learn to avoid some traps like Valentine's Day but this year was quite different. On Valentine's eve, I joined with these women, (l-r) Juliet, Dorothy, Jansi and Connie for a Valentine lunch for single women. It was a well planned event with special touches and this was all the more remarkable because it was held for women, most of whom are very poor. I was one of the speakers and I shared my guidelines for living a happily single life. I loved hearing the other women speakers, all four of whom are Bible College students preparing for ministry. Dorothy is from Malawi and her smiling face is a reflection of the joy she feels after being what she described herself as a 'bad girl" and finding the transforming love of Jesus Christ. I left there with chocolates and gifts, but even more, the joy of being with women who know how much we are loved by Christ. That luncheon was the start of my Valentine celebrations. On Sunday evening I attended a dinner at church and again celebrated with all who were there the love we have for each other in the Body of Christ and the greatest love of all from the One who gave His life for us. Yes I had a great Valentine's day and I hope you did too. And remember, every day is special because we are loved. And yes, I am still praying and looking for you know who!

Celebrating Mandela's Freedom

Celebrating Mandela's Walk to Freedom
Twenty years ago today,Nelson Mandela walked out of prison to freedom. When he marched out of the confinement which he suffered for 27 years, he carried on his shoulders the hopes for the millions of non-white South Africans, imprisoned in apartheid's grip, and those of white South Africans who lived behind prison walls of shame and separation. I well remember one year before Mr. Mandela was freed how a taxi driver in Johannesburg told me that "blood will flow before apartheid ends." I joined the millions of people in and out of this country who watched this great man as he emerged from this long imprisonment free not only from his chains, but from bitterness and with his legendary determination to see the freedom he now had, fully realized for all of South Africa. He said: "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. A few short years later, when all South Africans had a free vote, he became the first President of a free country. Since then he went on to garner too many awards to mention including the Nobel Peace Prize.
The children in this photo are the ones who have reaped the benefit of Mandela's freedom. When I saw them two years ago at one of South Africa's most beautiful places called the Potholes, this was the first time they had seen these mountains and waterfalls and canyons as free children.
Today I was so pleased as the women shared what this day meant to them. Some of them were children and others old enough to join in the grand celebration and then cast their first vote. There has been much build up and historical and all other kinds of reflection to mark this day. Truthfully South Africa has made some progress but many argue not enough, but as i told the ladies, whatever their circumstance today, they are free. They are free to live anywhere they desire and be what they want to be. We also shared what it means to enjoy the freedom that Christ brings to our lives as we trust Him. So with the rest of the world, I celebrate this day of freedom and even more, the fact that I am in South Africa, since, 20 years ago, I never would have dreamed i would be here as a volunteer missionary.

The Ministry of Presence

Wednesday February 11

I am so happy to be away from the unrelenting snow that is making life one big challenge for my friends in the Eastern seaboard in the United States. Here I am, loving the way our new sewing class has started. Here is Rachel with one happy student and there is another, Nolubabalo, the first to finish the first assignment-making seat covers for cushions to make their hard chairs more comfortable.

All of this is so satisfying but this is just one big part of what God has called me to do here in South Africa. I spend much time helping others edit their work, and from time to time teach a basic Writing course. But there is something else that perhaps is most important. Some time ago I wrote about the ministry of presence. It is being here open to what God wants to help people He sends my way. This week I was so encouraged to meet two women from Zimbabwe who I helped months ago when they were at a point of such need. Now they were so happy as one had just started a very good job in the city which opened the way for her to help her family and the other was waiting on the results of her job interview. In another very different case a former student came to me in distress because of her personal situation and asked for help. this happens so often and I am so glad we have a Savior who helps us in these difficult moments. The personal needs are huge and constant and I and others here seen as people who can help. It is this ministry of presence every day that reminds me of my reason to be here-to help people in many different ways. Of course it is a burden which I do not always bear easily but the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that this is perhaps the greatest reason that I am here. I think that must be true of each of us wherever we are.

Off to a Good Start

Our first class for 2010

Today was the start of our first class for 2010. We welcomed a diverse but eager bunch of ladies and that included Andiswa and her new baby girl Imitha who already knows how to smile for the camera. As always it was a delight to hear from the ladies some of their reasons for wanting to spend the next six months learning how to sew. I was so moved when one young woman said: I want to learn a skill so I no longer have to be ashamed. Another wants to be a fashion designer."I thank God and you I have a chance to be here" she said.

I was especially pleased to introduce our new teacher Rachel who brings a wealth of experience that we have not had before. When I first met her, I just did not know how we could use her but then when Khumi died,this opened the door for Rachel to join us. I marvel and am so grateful at God's timing. Since we began this program in 2006, 65 students have completed courses with us. One of our biggest challenges here now is to organize businesses so they can put their skills to use. Please pray with me about this and for these women who have come to us for help.

Summertime here

No Snow Here
It is summertime in South Africa, with none of the snow that is now blanketing my home towns of Falls Church and Haymarket. Cape Town is hot by day and good, sleeping cool weather by night. It is the best time of the year to be here and even before the 2010 June-July World Cup, there are plenty of visitors and regulars here to enjoy this lovely weather. I live within walking distance of Fish Hoek beach and you can hardly find a spot these days as people stroll on the beach,many enjoying ice cream cones and watching the surfers and yachts and other enjoyments of the sea. I too love to walk on the beach when I can. But sometimes, all is not as perfect as it seems. Our famous beach is not only famous for its beauty but also for the great white sharks that swim in chest deep and even shallower water. A few weeks ago, a visitor enjoying a swim was devoured by one of those sharks. You know when you go in the water here, you do so at great risk. So with the joy comes sometimes great pain. I think that is the way life is. In the midst of this marvellous place, where thousands come every year, is the constant pain of poverty and violence. Those women with whom I work are affected by all of this and more and they take so little time to enjoy the beach or anything else. This morning as I read the Scripture in Philippians 2:4, as always looking out at the False Bay, I was reminded again by the Lord that I am not here for my own interests, but the interests of others, to bring them hope so that they too may one day have the time and some money to enjoy the grandeur of their surroundings and realize how blessed they are to be in this place. With this in mind I joined our teaching team and spent the day cleaning and scrubbing and getting ready for our big day tomorrow, the start of our 2010 classes.