Cape of Good Hope

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Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

This was one of those "I can't believe we are really here" moments! Incredible beauty. Thank you God for blessing us with your creation!

Mfuleni Township

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Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

After a wonderful worship time with the YWAM family in the morning, we headed out to visit the townships with our friend Gabriel and his fellow pastor, also Gabriel. They have planted a church in the Mfuleni Township.

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Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

Jess joined the youth group for their meeting while we went to three other townships, to visit people and see the area where Gabriel is going to build a much needed community center. The land has already been purchased and they are just waiting on the funding to come in.

We were warmly welcomed by the people we met on the street and invited into the "homes" of others. A few of the homes were built of brick and had cement floors, while others were mere shacks that leak in the frequent rain, without plumbing or electricity. There are so many challenges to the people who live in the townships: no jobs or income, lack of basic health care, lack of food, substandard living conditions...we realize how much we have and take for granted. And yet, to hear the youth group praise the Lord, with laughter, singing and dancing. They certainly have a vibrancy and sense of God's presence in their lives.

Pastor Gabriel told us some heartbreaking stories of the youth in the township. One story, where a boy and his brothers hadn’t eaten in two days. The following story happened in the Mfuleni Township:

We pulled up in our Toyota Venture in front of the community center to visit some youth. I was greeted by calls from the children “molungus”! ( which means whites). As I exited our vehicle some of the youth came up to shake my hand. “Hi, I’m Thandiswa,” she also greeted me in her local tongue of Xhosa (clicking sounds). Soon Gabriel drove up with many youths from a neighboring township. Then I met Zola, and his oldest brother Thabo. This is Thabo’s story.

Thabo introduced himself to me, with a quiet spirit, and soft spoken voice. I asked him where he was from and he told me a neighboring township. I asked him about his family and he let me know that the young man I met earlier was his little brother. “He is just 17, and I am 22 as of last week”! “Do you have any other brothers or sisters I asked"? He told me he has another brother who is eighteen, and a sister who has passed away from AIDS in 2006. His sister has left a 12 year old daughter behind who lives with a friend. I asked about his parents and he told me that his father died in 1994 and his mother died in 2006. So for the last year Thabo has been responsible for his brothers and his niece. I asked him if he works. He told me at this time he is attending school to receive a certificate for first aid. Then he will continue on taking courses so he can eventually become a paramedic.

I asked how he makes money to live and go to school. “Pastor and the church help me” he told me. “They give me about 200 Rand a month.” (200 Rand is about $30.) “How much does school cost? And how about books?” I asked. He said that Pastor has also paid for school and someone from the USA has given him money for books.

He shared with me his dreams and passions. How he has a love for his people in the township and really wants to help them in tangible ways. He spoke of his love for medicine and how they need basic medical care in the townships. I asked him about health care. He stated that it was too expensive to get transport to go to the doctor. He told a story of a man who recently was stabbed in the arm. Thabo came to the man’s side with his first aid kit (donated again by someone in the States), applied pressure to stop the bleeding, then cleaned the wound with hydrogen peroxide, and bandaged him up. He said with tears in his eyes that the people just need some love and care.

Later in the evening I went to Thabo’s home. It was a three room place smaller than most backyard sheds. Gabriel said that this home had just been rebuilt and was a thousand times nicer than it was before. There was no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom. A tin roof, old carpet floor, and a small kitchen area. There was no stove and no lights.

As I returned to the community center, I said goodbye to Thabo, and handed him a little money. I was also able to speak with Thabo’s pastor. I asked him why he is caring for this young man. He stated that Thabo is very “clever” and has the potential to go to college and make something out of his life. "So how much would it cost to send Thabo to college, I asked." Pastor said to me, about 12,000 Rand for school and books. This is about $1700. I told Pastor that that would be a good investment. He said there are a lot of good investments, but investing in young peoples’ lives is one of the best. I agreed. Oh yes, did I mention that Thabo and his brother were the very boys Pastor was telling me about earlier in day that went without food for two days.

As I drove back to Muizenberg, I reflected on my time in the townships. I have a broken heart for young men like Thabo, who at the young age of 22 has to become a father, and still find his own way in life. Then I thought about all the other stories I didn’t hear and my eyes filled with tears. I was thinking why am I so blessed in this life, and how can I help. At this time the only answer I have is to love. Love the people, love God, and love this life we have been given.

I am undone. Jerry

Beautiful Cape Town

We arrived yesterday, luggage and all! Thanks so much for your prayers! We are astounded by the beauty of Cape Town. Gabriel, our host, took us on a walking tour of Muizenberg this morning, including splashing in the ocean. We are staying at the YWAM base, just a couple of blocks from the ocean. The YWAM folks are so friendly, and love God very much. We've met students from Germany, Camaroon, Nigeria, Zambia, Holland, Finland and the US (Washington, Hawaii, Michigan).

Today has been a day of rest. We will start our work here tomorrow. In the morning we will be helping out in the office, then we head out to one of the townships in the afternoon.

We did hear that there is a Starbucks in Cape Town. (I'll keep you posted, Book Babes.)

Love, Cathi

Goodbye to dear friends, the Dedricks.

Goodbye to dear friends, the Dedricks.
Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

As we left Mozambique, we had to say goodbye to Ann and David Dedrick. They have become dear friends and mentors. We admire their courage and incredible love for the people of Mozambique. We have been so blessed by them.

Kruger Safari!

Dear Friends,

Wow, we went on our first safari! Our friends/hosts/tour guides, Ann and Dave, took us to Kruger National Park on Friday. Kruger is just over the border in South Africa. What an adventure! We saw so many incredible animals. Dave drove us in his indestructible Land Cruiser. Micah, with his keen wildlife vision, spotted two lions under a bush about 100 yards away. We all grabbed our binoculars and verified his sighting. Later we got to see a huge male lion just 25 yards from the car. We kept track of the animals and birds and came up with over 26 different species. We got so close to a couple of elephants that Ann asked Dave to keep his foot on the accelerator in case we needed to escape! Here are a few photos. See the Kruger National Park slideshow listed under SLIDESHOWS to the left.

On Tuesday we are off to Cape Town. Please pray for safe travel and that our luggage will once again complete the journey with us. We are staying with Gabriel. Please pray that we will be a blessing to him and his ministry.

Thanks so much for all the emails. They mean so much to us!

Blessings,
Cathi

Our Work Week

Hi Friends!

Well this was a busy week of work! It started with a work day at the seminary... installing door closure units, another projection screen, hanging black boards, and moving furniture.



Tuesday was a remarkable day. We traveled out to the villages into real Africa! Dirt roads that resemble deer trails at home. Thank God for four wheel drive! We repaired two doors and a well handle (that still needs to installed). Also, we needed a quick fix to the Landcruiser! Ahh... the joys of African travel. Small block homes decorated the African plain. Gardens starving for water are their main food source. Dust blowing in the wind, the people hard, chapped, and dirty still give us warm greetings as we delivered a little food and medicine. The boys passed out lollipops and were instant movie stars!



Wednesday and Thursday we were once again finishing up at the seminary, but now our job is complete! Tomorrow and Saturday we will get a little rest and relaxation at Kruger Park, home to lions, rhinos, giraffes,water buffalo, elephants and hundreds of bird species.

Capetown is right around the corner!

Jerry

Wedding photos

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Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

This choir sang and danced while the groom got ready. They sang in Shanghan and kept a running musical commentary on the days' events.

Neighbors celebrating the wedding
Originally uploaded by jcvonrtw

Wedding!

Today was a true Mozanbique experience. Dave and Ann (our hosts) were asked to be the "shappas" or taxi service for a wedding. Never mind that they don't know the bride and groom, however they do have two large vehicles that will transport many to the "church". Well it is not really a church... it is a government building with dozens of weddings going on at once all in the same building with adjoining rooms. Singing and dancing encompass the service, but the singing has meaning... it tells of what is happening during the marriage ceremony. After the "legalities" were finished we piled everyone back into the Landcruisers and off to the "Costa del Sol" for pictures, dancing and more singing. By piled into the vehicles, we mean there were 13 folks in one car. Cathi was sitting in the way back on the jump seats with 6 others! It was a long ride.

After the photos, we headed back to the bride's parent's house for a party, along with more singing and dancing. It was great fun and we felt privileged to be included. We even ended up in some of the wedding photos! We left before the event was over and it was after 4pm by this time. (We picked up people at 8:30am this morning.) We'll add photos as soon as the camera battery is recharged.

Many Hats In Maputo!

Hello Friends,

Yesterday was another great work day in Mozambique. I was able to wear many hats. My day started out as the computer expert. Networking 12 computers, installing software, downloading printer drivers and setting up the security was my task for the morning. Then I put on my auto repair hat and tracked down the battery draining culprit of a Toyota Condor (similar to a diesel 4 Runner, affectionately named the "Demon Car!") I am still in process of completing the repair (better described as disassembly of the alarm system!) Tomorrow, I will put on my electrician's hat to repair a 240v circuit and switch. Later in the day I begin to install a complete sound system in the OMS seminary's multipurpose room. This is where I installed a 10 foot projection screen in a concrete wall last Saturday.

All of this work is absolutely wonderful and fulfilling. They have such great need and very little help. The simplest of tasks become very challenging, because either parts are not available or they are outrageously expensive. Everything takes an inordinate amount of time, for example, I need to purchase conduit for the sound system. First, I need to draw a picture of conduit or find an example of what I am looking for. Then I go to the "hardware store". I say that very loosely (the stores are very different)! When you enter the "store" you are greeted by a long line in front of the counter. Of course I don't expect English to be spoken, so I sign and show the picture. Then the "helpful" hardware man brings my picture to some one in the back, and I move to another area, stand in a long line to pay for goods I am not sure I will receive or know if it is even conduit! After about an hour and a half, then I make it to the front of the line, pay for the goods and wait, of course in a totally different area! Finally, some one comes forth, with what they have interpreted is what I wanted and shows me, and as luck would have it... it is not the correct item! OK, back to the first counter to repeat the process once again! You can spend a whole afternoon trying to purchase one item! ARGH! Welcome to Maputo!

Though at times things can be frustrating, it is very interesting to see how our countries and cultures differ.

Jerry

Maputo at last!

We made it! Along with all five bags! A real miracle. Thank you all for your prayers concerning our bags! Many folks on our flight didn't get any of their bags. We waited an hour or so for our visa. Ann, Dave and Larry, from OMS, met us at the airport. Dave suggested that we "act like we own the place" and walk right past the customs office. We followed Dave out of the airport and skipped customs altogether! Larry and Susan Weil offered to house us and have been taking good care of us all day, including a tour of Maputo which is on the Indian Ocean (the boys put their feet in the water) and a tour of the school where we will be working these next three weeks.

We are doing well, a bit tired, but happy to be here. We miss you all!

Cathi

Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg yesterday in the late afternoon, and promptly got in the wrong line for Passport Control/Baggage Claim, stood there for over an hour, then were sent to the correct baggage terminal only to discover that our bags had been checked all the way through to Maputo, after watching the near empty carousel go round and round without our bags. (In Portland, we had been told that we would have to get our luggage and go through customs in Johannesburg…) Customs was a breeze; one man asked to see “the lady’s passport” and asked me to pronounce our last name and chuckled because he didn’t want to try saying it. Then he waved us through.

By now it was 7:00pm, we took a taxi to the Baptist International Missionary Services (BIMS) Guesthouse. It was great; just what we needed, clean, safe. The hosts, Thomas and Denise Brown met us in the office. Wish we could have visited with them longer, but we were all walking zombies at this point. Even before showering or dinner, Micah fell asleep. Jerry and Jess bravely walked a couple of blocks to…McDonalds! Our first meal in Africa-chicken nuggets! Our nice taxi driver, Albert, offered to come back and pick us up this morning at 6am! And he was actually early! We got to the airport in plenty of time. On to Maputo...

Cathi