Wednesday, July 23, 2008
You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5
We awoke to another chilly morning in Malungeni which by afternoon evolved into a sunny, lovely day. We all enjoyed the bright, warm weather. Yesterday, Cromwell told me that spring is on the way. This certainly seems to be the case. I so enjoy walking to school and sharing morning greetings with the local community members. We arrived at school to the smiling faces and the cheerful waves of the school children. I wish I could bottle this joyful, hopeful enthusiasm and take it home with me. Linda, Chan and I prepared a reading comprehension lesson on “World Heritage Sites.” Some children did extremely well, while others seemed to struggle. Yesterday, Cromwell “lectured” (for lack of a better word) on the importance of reading and writing. He strongly encouraged the children to read every piece of paper that they could get their hands on. I hope that when the library is up and running it will be a resource for the children and the community at large.
Cromwell told Chan, Linda, Wendy and I about the Premier who was set to resign today. Cromwell shared his fears of a potential civil war. Year 2009 will certainly be an interesting election year for South Africa.
We had a team effort of covering the grade R as the teacher was unable to attend school today. The little ones are such a delight. I think it is fair to say that we all hope for a successful, happy future for each and every child. Wendy enjoyed her morning with the little ones. I on the other hand experienced chaos – not certain what happened…maybe it was just because it was the end of their day or the children decided it would be fun to “play” the substitute. This is the first time I experienced frustration due to the language barrier. But, at the end of the day, the children’s smiles get to you.
Cromwell taught a class today on the changes in South Africa. He noted the change in the government – how it was going to build low income housing, it was assisting with brining a water system into the local community, etc. Cromwell also hopes there will eventually be more resources, such as, additional classrooms and libraries. At Linda’s suggestion, we had a raise of hands of those children who when they grow up wish to move to the city as opposed to remaining in the rural community. There were quite a few who wished to move to the urban areas with aspirations of being doctors, teachers, policemen, lawyers and soldiers….what an inspiration!
Michael and I set off to the Community Center for the “community project workshop” (bakery, poultry and piggery, community garden, beads and crafts). I must preface this summary by saying words cannot express what transpired at the workshop. Per Michael, it was on her “top ten list” of things she has done in her lifetime. I must admit, it was an extremely powerful afternoon. We had 14 attendees (12 women and 2 men). Michael and I were stunned and extremely proud when the community members asked when they could stop calling it a project and begin calling it a business. Ideas were hatched, thoughts were shared, dreams became a possibility in a little over 2 hours. It was truly amazing. Jagged by corporate America, so many people have unlimited resources at their fingertips but no vision. Vision is certainly what the community has. Given the time, I have no doubts that goals will be met, businesses will succeed. I do not think that the community members grasp the power in their hands to forge the community forward. I however, am impressed by their vision and am hopeful for a prosperous future.
Back to the guesthouse for yet another yummy meal. Danice certainly does spoil us…what a disappointment when I go home to frozen meals!
We ended the evening with music practice for our upcoming events. Thank God for Chan. He is such the director. Hopefully, we will be a hit! We are all looking forward to expressing our heartfelt thanks to the community. We will take a little part of each and every community member home with us. What a truly awesome and comforting thought!
You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5
We awoke to another chilly morning in Malungeni which by afternoon evolved into a sunny, lovely day. We all enjoyed the bright, warm weather. Yesterday, Cromwell told me that spring is on the way. This certainly seems to be the case. I so enjoy walking to school and sharing morning greetings with the local community members. We arrived at school to the smiling faces and the cheerful waves of the school children. I wish I could bottle this joyful, hopeful enthusiasm and take it home with me. Linda, Chan and I prepared a reading comprehension lesson on “World Heritage Sites.” Some children did extremely well, while others seemed to struggle. Yesterday, Cromwell “lectured” (for lack of a better word) on the importance of reading and writing. He strongly encouraged the children to read every piece of paper that they could get their hands on. I hope that when the library is up and running it will be a resource for the children and the community at large.
Cromwell told Chan, Linda, Wendy and I about the Premier who was set to resign today. Cromwell shared his fears of a potential civil war. Year 2009 will certainly be an interesting election year for South Africa.
We had a team effort of covering the grade R as the teacher was unable to attend school today. The little ones are such a delight. I think it is fair to say that we all hope for a successful, happy future for each and every child. Wendy enjoyed her morning with the little ones. I on the other hand experienced chaos – not certain what happened…maybe it was just because it was the end of their day or the children decided it would be fun to “play” the substitute. This is the first time I experienced frustration due to the language barrier. But, at the end of the day, the children’s smiles get to you.
Cromwell taught a class today on the changes in South Africa. He noted the change in the government – how it was going to build low income housing, it was assisting with brining a water system into the local community, etc. Cromwell also hopes there will eventually be more resources, such as, additional classrooms and libraries. At Linda’s suggestion, we had a raise of hands of those children who when they grow up wish to move to the city as opposed to remaining in the rural community. There were quite a few who wished to move to the urban areas with aspirations of being doctors, teachers, policemen, lawyers and soldiers….what an inspiration!
Michael and I set off to the Community Center for the “community project workshop” (bakery, poultry and piggery, community garden, beads and crafts). I must preface this summary by saying words cannot express what transpired at the workshop. Per Michael, it was on her “top ten list” of things she has done in her lifetime. I must admit, it was an extremely powerful afternoon. We had 14 attendees (12 women and 2 men). Michael and I were stunned and extremely proud when the community members asked when they could stop calling it a project and begin calling it a business. Ideas were hatched, thoughts were shared, dreams became a possibility in a little over 2 hours. It was truly amazing. Jagged by corporate America, so many people have unlimited resources at their fingertips but no vision. Vision is certainly what the community has. Given the time, I have no doubts that goals will be met, businesses will succeed. I do not think that the community members grasp the power in their hands to forge the community forward. I however, am impressed by their vision and am hopeful for a prosperous future.
Back to the guesthouse for yet another yummy meal. Danice certainly does spoil us…what a disappointment when I go home to frozen meals!
We ended the evening with music practice for our upcoming events. Thank God for Chan. He is such the director. Hopefully, we will be a hit! We are all looking forward to expressing our heartfelt thanks to the community. We will take a little part of each and every community member home with us. What a truly awesome and comforting thought!
- Molly McGuire
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