Reflections from a year

October 4 marked the completion of my first year here in South Africa. I have been reflecting a lot recently about all of the things that God has shown me, and what I have been learning through it all. Here are just a few thoughts from my journal:

*Even though English is the common language, that still doesn't mean that we can understand each other. So many new words: Mince (hamburger), Crisps (potato chips), Petrol (gasoline), Nappies (Diapers), Trollies (shopping carts), Jam (jelly), Jelly (Jell0), theatre (operating room), Garage (Gas Station)....

*Becoming a minority gives you a new prespective on daily living

*I have never experience multiculturalism like here in South Africa. 11 offical languages in the country, turn on tv and hear any one of them at anytime, different new broadcasts for different languages. With so much diversity, there seems to be an acceptance of the different languages and their use.

*Even when you feel like you have nothing left, and there are no words, God provides exactly what you need at the right time.

*It does not matter where you come from, what language you speak, what clothes you wear, or how you get from here to there, we are all human at the end of the day. We love our children, want the best for our families, and enjoy our free time with family and friends.

*I have met some of the most generous people here. People who have very little, yet still give, and do so unconditionally, yet I struggle to give the 5 Rand coin ($.75) in my pocket to the man on the street.

*Who are "the least of these" Jesus refers to in Matthew 25:40, 45? The "poor African" people who are so rich in culture and heritage, who help out everyone one that they can and live in community with each other, or the "rich Westerners" who give some of what they have, making sure that they remain comfortable, and keep to themselves?

*A giraffe in the wild is probably one of the most graceful creatures God created.

*The African sky is a special gift of God's handiwork. A color/shade of blue that we don't often get to see in North America.

*It is exciting and frustrating at the same time trying to worship God in a language you can barely understand.

*When it doesn't rain for 6 months, there is something calming about the first rain of the rainy season.

*Kids will test you and your patience, no matter the culture.

*One of the greatest joys, I have experienced, is getting out of my car at Bridgman and having 10 kids come charging at me all wanting a hug at the same time.