Friday, January 30, 2009
The Cradle of Humankind
We visited caves renowned as the "Cradle of Humankind." They are called that because the oldest fossils of mammals that humans descended from were found here. We enjoyed our time walking deep down into the earth and crouching as we walked through the narrow passages.
Apartheid Museum
One of Afrikaaner professors who speaks to us told us that she believes that every South African should visit the Apartheid museum in Johannesburg. It is an incredibly powerful collection of the contributing factors to Apartheid, the realities of Apartheid and the countries to journey to democracy. Through interviews, tapes of life footage and a many write-ups and pictures the museum paints a vivid picture of what it was like to live during the Apartheid era.
This picture demonstrates the inconsistent nature of the apartheid racial classifcation system
This picture demonstrates the inconsistent nature of the apartheid racial classifcation system
Constitution Hill
We spent one morning visiting Constitution Hill - the former home of a prison and the current home of the South African Constitutional Courts. Constitution Hill is a difficult place to be. As the tour guide walks you around the prison the reality of life under apartheid becomes vividly apparent - to the point you can almost smell what it would be like to live with 35 other people in an incredibly small room that contained both bathroom "pots" and "beds" composed of folded blankets. It is heart-breaking and a points nauseating to hear of the cruelty that people have inflicted upon each other. That one person could treat another person in these ways is fairly incomprehensible -- the only answer to the questions of "how" and "why" seems to be "evil."
A glimpse of South Africa
By Becca Letkeman
"See Soweto and you see all of South Africa," a lady tells me as we stand beside a fruit stand on one of the city's busy streets. If the city was a choir it's sopranoes would be blaring Kombi (VW vans) horns, it's altos the mellow hum of constant chatter between neighbours and friends, tenors the cheerful bits of pulsing pop music, and bases the lulling chug of PUTCO buses.
Soweto is bustling.
Soweto is vibrant.
Soweto is full of life.
I cannot completely describe what it is like to be here, nor capture the warmth and openness of the people who live here. We walk down the street and people smile, wave, or stop to talk, which prompts us to attempt 'Sawabona' (a Zulu greeting). They laugh heartily, surprised and amused by our attempts at Zulu. Then they reply, 'Unjani?' (How are you?) 'Ngiyaphila,' (I am fine). The conversation stops here because we do not know much of the language beyond the greetings!
I have been struck by the welcome people give us. On Monday we went to SKY (Soweto Kliptown Youth), a youth center which teaches gumboot dancing, a form of South African dancing orginating in the mines. Before we watched the children dance they mentions several times, 'You are at home here. This is home.' We'd never been there before!
From this gesture and others I've gathered that those from Soweto know a lot about care.
It seems Sowetans know a lot about GOD.
And after catching such wide glimpses of GOD in Soweto, if it indeed speaks for the whole of South Africa, discovering the rest of the country will hopefully be a rich and challenging journey.
"See Soweto and you see all of South Africa," a lady tells me as we stand beside a fruit stand on one of the city's busy streets. If the city was a choir it's sopranoes would be blaring Kombi (VW vans) horns, it's altos the mellow hum of constant chatter between neighbours and friends, tenors the cheerful bits of pulsing pop music, and bases the lulling chug of PUTCO buses.
Soweto is bustling.
Soweto is vibrant.
Soweto is full of life.
I cannot completely describe what it is like to be here, nor capture the warmth and openness of the people who live here. We walk down the street and people smile, wave, or stop to talk, which prompts us to attempt 'Sawabona' (a Zulu greeting). They laugh heartily, surprised and amused by our attempts at Zulu. Then they reply, 'Unjani?' (How are you?) 'Ngiyaphila,' (I am fine). The conversation stops here because we do not know much of the language beyond the greetings!
I have been struck by the welcome people give us. On Monday we went to SKY (Soweto Kliptown Youth), a youth center which teaches gumboot dancing, a form of South African dancing orginating in the mines. Before we watched the children dance they mentions several times, 'You are at home here. This is home.' We'd never been there before!
From this gesture and others I've gathered that those from Soweto know a lot about care.
It seems Sowetans know a lot about GOD.
And after catching such wide glimpses of GOD in Soweto, if it indeed speaks for the whole of South Africa, discovering the rest of the country will hopefully be a rich and challenging journey.
Regina Mundi Church
As part of our touring we visited the Regina Mundi Church. During the Apartheid era this church was a rallying point for protesters. It is particularly infamous because of the destruction cause by the South African police when they raided the church, causing significant destruction, including shooting the hands off of a statue of Jesus. The church also houses a picture of a black Madonna and a beautiful picture called the "eye of Soweto."
The second floor of the church is filled with pictures and personal reflections on the affects of apartheid and how people have journeyed through that time.
The second floor of the church is filled with pictures and personal reflections on the affects of apartheid and how people have journeyed through that time.
Alive and Dancing
We thoroughly enjoyed multiple dancing performance put on by youth who work with an after school program. The dedication of these children is inspiring. As we watched we saw children as young as six sweating away under the African sun as they whole heartedly focused on learning the steps to their gumboot dancing (see center picture). We also enjoyed lively dancing from the girls and extremely unique dancing from a group of teens who had found their way into Kliptown (a section of Soweto) on their from their rural homes into Johannesburg where they were looking for work.
A nation of children
As I walk through the townships of South Africa I am greeted with the friendly smiles and eager handshakes of children. Their happiness at seeing us and willingness to walk around with us is an incredible source of joy. Playing with children is a significant part of our experience in Soweto and we are just as eager to make friends with them as they are with us.
I am struck by the reality that a substantial number of these children likely have never held the hand of white person before.
I consider the difference in their upbringing that make them so much more willing then children at home to take the hand of a stranger and go for a walk..
I also wonder what life is like when their is not the excitement of having vistors around...
I am struck by the reality that a substantial number of these children likely have never held the hand of white person before.
I consider the difference in their upbringing that make them so much more willing then children at home to take the hand of a stranger and go for a walk..
I also wonder what life is like when their is not the excitement of having vistors around...
The first three days
We spent our first couple of days at the Heronbridge Retreat Center. This was a beautiful and restful place where we adjusted to the heat (yes!!!), debriefed Christmas and reconnected with each other.
The long, long trip!
It was a long (but fun) 20 hours of flying and 10 hours of layovers as we travelled from Winnipeg to Toronto to London to Jo-Burg SA!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Cross Cultural Preparation
On our last day at Pioneer Camp groups of students took turns teaching each other (in various dramatic fashions) about cross cultural adaptation, cultural shock and variety of other intriguing topics!
Melissa and Jason's group taught us about different ways of keeping an open perspective
Melissa and Jason's group taught us about different ways of keeping an open perspective
Santa made an appearance
Jerry (our host at Pioneer Ranch Camp) enjoyed telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas
Laura was happy with the gingerbread Santa had for her
Jason didn't have as great of an experience
Brent was more than happy with his visit
Laura was happy with the gingerbread Santa had for her
Jason didn't have as great of an experience
Brent was more than happy with his visit
Ski Day at Sunshine Village
We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to spend our last day in Alberta with site 1 and site 2 at Sunshine Village near Banff. It was a day filled with falls, laughs and great runs.
Getting ready to go up the gondala
Yes... there was some fear at the beginning!
And some warning!
And some amazing ski gear!
Peter resting up before he braced the Canadian Winter
Getting ready to go up the gondala
Yes... there was some fear at the beginning!
And some warning!
And some amazing ski gear!
Peter resting up before he braced the Canadian Winter
Kelsey and Mackenzie happily enjoying the gondala
Jason and Jess riding the lift
We really do get to live an amazing life!
Crazy helmet hair
Kelsey had a run-in with her ski pole, but she was okay!
Jason and Jess riding the lift
We really do get to live an amazing life!
Crazy helmet hair
Kelsey had a run-in with her ski pole, but she was okay!
Guys Appreciation Night
We (the girls) are really blessed to get to live with a group of twelve awesome guys. So we decided to let them know how much we appreciate them with a night filled with their favorite things - a supper filled with meat, a fort to be manly in, a top secret outdoor game and movie.
Working on the cards we made for each guy
The boys waiting patiently even though they have no idea what is going on. We told them they had to stay in the hallway and then took them upstairs one by one!
The girls welcoming a guy to the party!
The boys waiting patiently even though they have no idea what is going on. We told them they had to stay in the hallway and then took them upstairs one by one!
The girls welcoming a guy to the party!
Chelsea and Tonya welcoming their "guy"
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The boys heading off to the fort the girls made them
Each boy enjoyed their own verse in a rap created by the girls
Laura enjoying the party treats
Andy enjoying life!
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The boys heading off to the fort the girls made them
Each boy enjoyed their own verse in a rap created by the girls
Laura enjoying the party treats
Andy enjoying life!
Studying....
Peter and Patrick hard at work studying for a "test" on the South Africa Preparation Material
This was the best kind of test - one filled with candy! And people enjoyed it in many ways!
This was the best kind of test - one filled with candy! And people enjoyed it in many ways!
Small Group Bonding
One windy afternoon we decided to get to know our small groups on a more "personal" level through a series of challenges... mainly involving small openings, heights and large pieces of wood!
Laura's Small Group
Aaron's Small Group
Andy's Small Group
Tessa's Small Group
Laura's Small Group
Aaron's Small Group
Andy's Small Group
Tessa's Small Group
The goal of this task was to fit each member through an opening in the spider web without touching any of the string. The tricky part was each opening could only be used once, so we had to be very strategic with who we put where!
Can she make it through???
Yep! And Riley can too!
Can she make it through???
Yep! And Riley can too!
Hiking Elk Mountain - CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!
We had the awesome opportunity to go for rainy hike up a small, yet very steep, mountain close to Chilliwack B.C.
When we started it felt like fall...
When we started it felt like fall...
Temple Tours
During our time in Vancouver we had the opportunity to visit three temples and receive a brief introduction on their faiths. It was exciting and interesting to learn about the core values and practices of these traditions.
Impact Vancouver Day
Rylie, Brent, Sean, Caroline, and Kelsey
Today we had a project called impact Vancouver day, which made it sound really intimidating. As a group we were pretty much told that today we were to be creative and do something to impact Vancouver… now that seemed kind of scary and pretty intense and as a group we were left thinking how can we do something to actually impact Vancouver.
We sat in a coffee shop pondering ideas and we came up with a few good ones we could run with but we decided on one, which we did and it turned out so well. What we did was take papers, fold them up like little letters and we wrote on the front of them and we wrote on the front of them “show love” then inside was an encouraging quote, or a saying, or a joke, or the idea of people opening it and treating themselves and someone else to coffee. We wrote on the back of them “you are loved”, and then we stuck them all into little envelopes and on the front of the envelopes wrote, “this is for you”. Once we finished creating our plan we put it into action, and it was so exciting!
We had decided earlier that we wanted to do something on the trains and so once we were all ready we each grabbed a pile of envelopes, which we made a hundred of! Then we headed to the train station bought a two-hour ticket and we hopped on the trains. It was so exciting it felt like secret mission because we were being so sneaky. What we would do was sit down and while we were sitting there put an envelope on the seat, then when the train stopped we would get off and move to another train kart. When we were getting off we would sometimes hand someone an envelope. It was really cool. Some people were confused, some people rejected us, and others were so willing to accept. It was neat to see the people picking up the envelopes that we had secretly lest on the seat. One guy looked at it so long while we were riding on the train, then as he left he discretely picked it up. Which was rather exciting.
Our day was really neat because we just wanted it to be all in Gods hands. We knew in one day we really wouldn’t be able to change Vancouver, but with the help of God we could make someone else’s day or maybe challenge them to think. We like to think that God had a huge hand in giving the envelopes away to the right people. We didn’t know what the envelopes said specifically in each one, so we never knew who was getting what, which we thought was pretty sweet since it was all up to God. And that’s how we decided to impact Vancouver.
Today we had a project called impact Vancouver day, which made it sound really intimidating. As a group we were pretty much told that today we were to be creative and do something to impact Vancouver… now that seemed kind of scary and pretty intense and as a group we were left thinking how can we do something to actually impact Vancouver.
We sat in a coffee shop pondering ideas and we came up with a few good ones we could run with but we decided on one, which we did and it turned out so well. What we did was take papers, fold them up like little letters and we wrote on the front of them and we wrote on the front of them “show love” then inside was an encouraging quote, or a saying, or a joke, or the idea of people opening it and treating themselves and someone else to coffee. We wrote on the back of them “you are loved”, and then we stuck them all into little envelopes and on the front of the envelopes wrote, “this is for you”. Once we finished creating our plan we put it into action, and it was so exciting!
We had decided earlier that we wanted to do something on the trains and so once we were all ready we each grabbed a pile of envelopes, which we made a hundred of! Then we headed to the train station bought a two-hour ticket and we hopped on the trains. It was so exciting it felt like secret mission because we were being so sneaky. What we would do was sit down and while we were sitting there put an envelope on the seat, then when the train stopped we would get off and move to another train kart. When we were getting off we would sometimes hand someone an envelope. It was really cool. Some people were confused, some people rejected us, and others were so willing to accept. It was neat to see the people picking up the envelopes that we had secretly lest on the seat. One guy looked at it so long while we were riding on the train, then as he left he discretely picked it up. Which was rather exciting.
Our day was really neat because we just wanted it to be all in Gods hands. We knew in one day we really wouldn’t be able to change Vancouver, but with the help of God we could make someone else’s day or maybe challenge them to think. We like to think that God had a huge hand in giving the envelopes away to the right people. We didn’t know what the envelopes said specifically in each one, so we never knew who was getting what, which we thought was pretty sweet since it was all up to God. And that’s how we decided to impact Vancouver.
Free Hugs Anyone?
Jordan, Becca, Patrick, Jessica and Ainsley
“Free hugs anyone?” Basically we spent our day in the rain hugging anyone and everyone. We started in a train station holding cardboard signs advertising free hugs. Then we moved to the corners of East Hasting and Main where we also gave out hugs and ended up chatting with a variety of people from different walks of life. We impacted Vancouver by brightening some people’s days and showing that a hug is a universal sign of love.
“Free hugs anyone?” Basically we spent our day in the rain hugging anyone and everyone. We started in a train station holding cardboard signs advertising free hugs. Then we moved to the corners of East Hasting and Main where we also gave out hugs and ended up chatting with a variety of people from different walks of life. We impacted Vancouver by brightening some people’s days and showing that a hug is a universal sign of love.
The Power of Engagement
Abby, Tonya, Mackenzie, Peter and Cassie
On impact Vancouver day our group began with absolutely no ideas. After tonnes of brainstorming we decide to do something artistic with the people of inner city Vancouver. On our way to do that we ran into Rick- a man who knows the streets all to well. He opened up to us for about an hour and when we asked him what we should do to impact Vancouver he told us to do what we were already doing; talking to people. Without an agenda we therefore decided to be open to conversation as our way to impact Vancouver. This involved an impromptu tour through the First United Church- a mission, and some incredible time talking and playing games with people in the Carnegie Community Center. It was an incredible day the deeply impacted each member of our group.
On impact Vancouver day our group began with absolutely no ideas. After tonnes of brainstorming we decide to do something artistic with the people of inner city Vancouver. On our way to do that we ran into Rick- a man who knows the streets all to well. He opened up to us for about an hour and when we asked him what we should do to impact Vancouver he told us to do what we were already doing; talking to people. Without an agenda we therefore decided to be open to conversation as our way to impact Vancouver. This involved an impromptu tour through the First United Church- a mission, and some incredible time talking and playing games with people in the Carnegie Community Center. It was an incredible day the deeply impacted each member of our group.
A Different Perspective on the 2010 Olympic Games
Lindsay, Janelle, Jenna, Jason and Amber
During our stay in Vancouver we were given the opportunity to do something that may ‘impact’ the city. As a group we decided it would be beneficial to have conversations with people of the East Hastings area and perhaps gain some understanding of their city and what it is to them. With the 2010 Olympic games coming up we wanted to know how that would affect Vancouver’s homeless population, which was obviously present. We wanted to give the homeless a voice as they rarely get a chance to be heard. We decided to create a ‘wordwall’, it consisted of Bristol boards and whatever suggestions, comments, concerns… basically anything the people of the streets wanted people to know about the area. We met a lot of people who were genuinely concerned for their city and what will happen in the future. We plan on taking their hand written words and sending them to the city’s MP.
During our stay in Vancouver we were given the opportunity to do something that may ‘impact’ the city. As a group we decided it would be beneficial to have conversations with people of the East Hastings area and perhaps gain some understanding of their city and what it is to them. With the 2010 Olympic games coming up we wanted to know how that would affect Vancouver’s homeless population, which was obviously present. We wanted to give the homeless a voice as they rarely get a chance to be heard. We decided to create a ‘wordwall’, it consisted of Bristol boards and whatever suggestions, comments, concerns… basically anything the people of the streets wanted people to know about the area. We met a lot of people who were genuinely concerned for their city and what will happen in the future. We plan on taking their hand written words and sending them to the city’s MP.
Sharing the Little Things
Kirsten, Melissa, Ricky, John and Kathryn
For impact Vancouver we thought it would be beneficial to handout umbrellas because we thought they would need to be dry because it was raining. We ended up finding blankets and umbrellas and they were quickly received by the people on East Hastings. One man we met on the streets was really encouraged through us and it was his first time jumping in on a prayer. Later on we met a man named Garfield and he really helped us have an inside view of the realities that come with living on the streets of Vancouver. He shared that toques and socks were in great need so we bought some and handed them out and Garfield also showed us how other people are impacting Vancouver. He gave us a tour of the First United Church and how they’re reaching out to the community. Garfield’s favourite part was telling us how one woman washes homeless peoples feet. He thought that was the coolest thing ever. Garfield really helped us understand better the realities of downtown Vancouver.
For impact Vancouver we thought it would be beneficial to handout umbrellas because we thought they would need to be dry because it was raining. We ended up finding blankets and umbrellas and they were quickly received by the people on East Hastings. One man we met on the streets was really encouraged through us and it was his first time jumping in on a prayer. Later on we met a man named Garfield and he really helped us have an inside view of the realities that come with living on the streets of Vancouver. He shared that toques and socks were in great need so we bought some and handed them out and Garfield also showed us how other people are impacting Vancouver. He gave us a tour of the First United Church and how they’re reaching out to the community. Garfield’s favourite part was telling us how one woman washes homeless peoples feet. He thought that was the coolest thing ever. Garfield really helped us understand better the realities of downtown Vancouver.
Fellowship through Games
Kristen, Scott, Chelsea, Erin and Josh
After careful consideration our group decided to fellowship with the people of the streets by playing board games (snakes and ladders was a hit) and distributing socks. During our interaction, we also shared in meaningful conversation bringing a smile to their faces.
After careful consideration our group decided to fellowship with the people of the streets by playing board games (snakes and ladders was a hit) and distributing socks. During our interaction, we also shared in meaningful conversation bringing a smile to their faces.
Prayer Walk Reflection
By: Lindsay England
One of our nights in Vancouver our group had the opportunity to head out to the streets at night and just talk with the prostitutes. This was not to be a time of evangelizing but rather to interact and try to comprehend and understand better why so many women sell themselves. I got the privilege to be in a group with Laura, someone who had worked with the prostitutes in the area the previous year. As we were walking she would just explain to us what was going on with certain people and pointing out things that are so apparent but we never would have noticed them. We met up with this one lady who we talked to for a short time. We talked a little about the 2010 games and how that will affect the homeless in the area. We didn’t get much farther than that because she told us she was working and it was a slow night because it was pouring rain. She was so desperate for money that she will stand outside in the cold and rain to sell herself and gain a little extra cash. When we were talking with her, she seemed anxious the whole time, and kept trying to look behind and around us. Laura later explained that her pimp was standing and watching just a few feet away. At first I was not looking forward to doing this because it makes me incredibly uncomfortable but it turned out educational and was a really interesting experience.
One of our nights in Vancouver our group had the opportunity to head out to the streets at night and just talk with the prostitutes. This was not to be a time of evangelizing but rather to interact and try to comprehend and understand better why so many women sell themselves. I got the privilege to be in a group with Laura, someone who had worked with the prostitutes in the area the previous year. As we were walking she would just explain to us what was going on with certain people and pointing out things that are so apparent but we never would have noticed them. We met up with this one lady who we talked to for a short time. We talked a little about the 2010 games and how that will affect the homeless in the area. We didn’t get much farther than that because she told us she was working and it was a slow night because it was pouring rain. She was so desperate for money that she will stand outside in the cold and rain to sell herself and gain a little extra cash. When we were talking with her, she seemed anxious the whole time, and kept trying to look behind and around us. Laura later explained that her pimp was standing and watching just a few feet away. At first I was not looking forward to doing this because it makes me incredibly uncomfortable but it turned out educational and was a really interesting experience.
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