Welcome to South Africa home of the Big Five, Nelson Mandela and the 2010 World cup! South Africa is a beautiful country that is very diverse. There are 11 official languages in South Africa- English, Afrikaan, Nolebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. The cities are 1st world living conditions, but drive 30 minutes out to the more rural areas and you will find yourself in 3rd world living conditions. The difference is crazy. It’s currently winter here, which is similar to fall in Chicago (temperatures are in the 60’s during the day, but drop down to the 30- 40’s at night). The South African Rand is the currency (14 Rand= 1 USD).
This month team Thunderbirds, my new team, worked with the organization Zimele, an organization that empowers Zulu women with the skills, resources and support networks to start businesses and social service projects to sustain themselves, their families and their community. The women already have the craft, but Zimele equips them with the business skills and structure. We were able to see the business groups in action. We attended meetings where we saw the women discuss their business, handle finances and give back to the community. The businesses vary from renting a party tent, to selling produce, grass mats, beaded jewelry or ornaments. The women in these groups have English lessons, learn how to save money and find ways to invest back into their community (ex. provide food for orphans or breakfast for school children). http://www.zimelecommunity.co.za
My team was immersed in the Zulu culture this month. We lived in 3 different Zulu villages (Estcourt, Loskop and Winterton) and spent time learning about the community and the people. We were welcomed with traditional Zulu singing and dancing. We ate soured milk porridge, tomato chutney, pumpkin porridge, pap (corn porridge) in various consistencies, butter and cheese sandwiches, and mystery meat called “wors.” Bathrooms were outdoor latrines or a 5 gallon pee bucket at night and we bathed in big plastic buckets by candlelight. There was no running water and minimal electricity. We learned Zulu, traditional dances and new songs. We attended a 4 hour church service that was filled with dancing and singing. We learned how to craft, carry children on our backs using a blanket and collect water and fire wood the Zulu way. We lived in one small room that was lined with thin foam mattresses and very heavy blankets to sleep with. Our last house was a traditional Zulu Rondeval that appeared to be a Hobbit home from Lord of the Rings! Living in the villages was definitely a unique and sometimes hard experience.
This month’s ministry was to love on the Zulu women who were hosting us and that was hard. It wasn’t hard because the women were hard to love, that’s far from the truth. They’re very loving, generous and took great care of us. It was hard because we had to let the women serve us. I didn’t come on the race to be served, but to serve so being served by the Zulu women was a little uncomfortable. The Zimele staff explained to us that being hosted and taken care of by the community brought the women together and caused them to work together and communicate with one another. We walked around the villages visiting a lot of different people, schools and Zimele business groups. It often felt like we were being shown off and thousands of pictures were taken. It was frustrating at times not having a lot of planned ministry or not physically doing much because it didn’t feel like I was doing anything impactful. The Zimele staff reassured us that spending time with these women was a huge blessing. Helping them with their everyday chores of doing laundry by hand, cooking, collecting firewood and water (and carrying it on our heads) or going on house visits, crafting, visiting Creches (preschools) and teaching a Bible lesson at the local school meant a lot to the women. I had to learn that living life with these women was ministry within itself. The Zulu women did laugh a lot especially when we tried doing things the Zulu way and struggled.
Most of our adventure days consisted of going into town (45 minutes away). We took “taxi’s” or little vans and spent time walking around looking for wifi or other fun things to do. We also had the opportunity to hike part of the Drakensburg mountain range. It was a great day of exploring and the views were amazing! We also enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch by a waterfall. On our last day we visited the Nelson Mendela Capture Site Museum and got to spend the night at an adorable bed and breakfast.
This month was very challenging. There were a lot of transitions and adjustments with the new culture and a new team, which were exhausting at times. Even though things around me were constantly changing, God did not. I learned to lean on him and cling to him more than I have on the Race so far. So many comforts were taken away and in that discomfort I depended more and more on God. I’m so thankful for the unique experience I had this month. Please continue to keep me and my team in your prayers!
