Africa

A gravestone in one of the many graveyards

As I'm chronicling these events after my trip has concluded, it would be slightly difficult to describe everything from a day-by-day basis. This being the case, I have decided to include a post filled with various pieces of information that aren't necessarily part of any major "event" and then post numerous updates on specific incidents that happened.

Enjoy! 

~ Mandie

Schedule

My day were pretty busy for the most part. I would try to get up at about 6:30am, giving me enough time to get up and ready to catch the school bus with the kids at 7:10am. There's a few hours of miscellaneous jobs or relaxing until 10am, when I either taught a preschool class (Mon, Wed, & Fri) or simply played with the preschoolers (Tues & Thur) for an hour. Next usually came shopping or getting lunch ready, followed by lunch sometime between 12-1pm. At 2pm I rode the 2nd bus run to bring the kids back (the Pines have their own bus for taking the kids back and forth from school). 3:15 - 5pm was the scheduled homework time, but with about 25-30 kids who would be needing help with school work - especially math (I now know why I had to be good at math) - I would usually be helping with homework until supper time at 6pm. Wherever I had a chance, I spent time getting to know the kids and participating in activities with them, such as playing soccer, engaging in educational games, or running after a soccer ball At 7pm, the activity depended on the day of the week, but Tuesdays and Thursdays were devoted to me reading to the girls 11 and under. After that, the evening was mine to do what I please - usually reading, on the Internet (email or FB), or chatting with Sally, Bert, and Carol.

There wasn't any real "bedtime" for me, but I tried to make a habit to hit the sack somewhere between 10:30 and 11pm. It worked great actually - I was barely able to keep my eyes open by 10:45pm, so I just went to bed - that was, of course, if I didn't fall asleep on the couch first.

In Africa, you don't follow a rigid schedule like the "sophisticated" North Americans. And if something doesn't work out?

"It's Africa."

That pretty much sums this county up to a tee.

Preschool Classes

Preschool class play time

Playing outside (left to right:
Ciyabonga, Letlotlo, Mamukgothu)

 It was my job to oversee a preschool class for the 3- and 4-year-olds on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for an hour, while that hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent playing with the 2- to 4-year-olds outside. I have never overly enjoyed working with this age level, to be perfectly honest, and having a bit of a language barrier would occasionally make things a bit difficult, but I got more comfortable with working with this age group and loved the little ones to pieces. I would work with them a lot on basic concepts like sharing, taking turns, and obeying, but they were also learning colours, singing, completing puzzles, tracing their names, and listening and interacting with stories.

Animals

Cape Cobra

Dead spider, about
 the size of my palm 

Got to see a variety of animals at a wildlife reserve, but I also saw a few wild critters out and about as well. A poisonous Cape Cobra was found dead outside of one of the doors - was quite thankful it was dead. I did manage to spot a live Black Spitting Cobra, which was amazing - especially when it flared up for us. The massive dead spider hanging in the corner of the computer desk was not so exciting, neither were all the other big spiders that were either spinning webs somewhere around the said desk or running back and forth between the monitor and keyboard.

Thor: my shadow. Was begging me
to get of the soccer goal and throw
his pine cone around

 On the flip-side, their are five "guard" dogs on the property: 2 German shepherds, 2 Yellow labs, and a "photo-shopped" Corgie, as we liked to tease. One of the German shepherds, Thor, became my shadow. Always having wanted a Shepherd, this affection and attention-loving dog got as much attention he can ask for.

Food

Clockwise from the top: spinach with tuna, spinach (different
from what we generally had), mealy papa, lamb chop, sausage,
water bread, Doritos with guacamole, chakalaka (center).

Guava juice was absolutely amazing - between that and Rooibos tea, I couldn't have it any better. I've also managed to try a few more-so cultural foods so far. One of the best things I've ever had since I've left home is a mashed potato and spinach dish. No, I am not being sarcastic - that dish is absolutely amazing! I also tried a couple of other traditional foods, such as chakalaka and mealy papa.

Koeksisters: a traditional Afrikaner dessert
similar to a doughnut, coated with syrup and
usually twisted or braided

 Some things, such as Sun-dried Tomato Chili & Black Pepper Jam and Onion Marmalade, are other stories entirely. They were edible, and if I was being served at a family's house as a guest, I would eat it without a word. Within the confines of the Pines however, when asked about my opinion on the jellies, I simply answered in complete honesty that I'd stick to the strawberry jam from a can. As for the Cream-Soda flavoured cheerios I see in the grocery stores, I can't quite make up my mind if it's worth spending a couple of dollars on something I'm sure to find appalling. The $0.60 Canadian I spent on 2 packages of cookies however were definitely worth it though.

  Generally, most of the food (that I had) was the same as anything we'd have here in North America.

Economics

The currency here is pretty cool - and convenient. The standard is the Rand; 10 Rand = $1 Canadian approx. It's the strangest thing: pulling out 3000 Rand from the ATM, feeling extremely wealthy and guarding your pocket with your life, as if everyone could read your mind. Many things are cheaper here, especially in the sense of general "stuff" or trinkets. 

Climate & Weather

Wearing flip-flops just because I can

Beautiful South African weather

I really enjoyed the warm South African weather I was receiving on my stay in exchange for the bitter cold of another Canadian winter. The weather out there was perfect - just entering their fall, so it was really warm but not sweltering. Surprisingly, their winters can be fairly cold, especially because most homes do not have heaters. Also, when the clouds decide to release their loads, they definitely do their jobs! It rained so hard at times that we would have to head back immediately to avoid flooding roads. These rainstorms may not last long however... but ah, such is Africa!

Social & Political

Concerning the social status of South Africa, only one word is truly needed to sum it up: corruption. The government is completely corrupted, but so is every other vying party. 

There are some "bad guys" from Lesotho (the nearest country from Welkom) called Zma-zmas (pronounced "Za-ma za-mas") that can be pretty dangerous, so we are forbidden to go off the grounds alone. Only staff here at the Pines are allowed to open the gates to let anyone in. We are pretty safe, especially with 5 dogs on the property. I did hear what I believe was shooting a couple of nights, but that seems to be a common thing. I was told that sometimes the Zma-zmas form groups and fight each other from their hidden places in the large network of tunnels, stretching underground for hundreds of miles. 

During my time in South Africa, but I have heard much of the depths of poverty and evil that consume this country. I watched a few movies dealing with various social issues: one themed around the idea of child abuse and early deaths and another on HIV/AIDs. To watch these things and know that many of the children within the gates of the Pines have experienced one if not both situations pains me to the heart. If a child with AIDs lives passed their 30s, they are doing quite well. Their is currently a drug available out here which keeps the virus dormant in the body longer, but still: if you are HIV+, their is nothing you can do about it but accept the crushing news. 

But that is not all that there is for South Africans to fear here. Pastor Manaka was telling us how dangerous life in the townships can be. Gangs roam around, some as young as 15, carrying sharpened kitchen knives and killing people in broad daylight. If the police come, they are able to hide their weapons from the police so that they cannot find them. If people - men, women, children - have been killed and the police find the bodies, they are simply covered and removed with the blood washed away, and life goes on as if nothing as happened. Pastor Manaka has seen this before, spying the bodies of four dead boys. These sights are nothing new to the eyes of even little children, and too often the little ones will receive no counsel on the subject. Between AIDs and lack of parental & Christian counsel, evil reigns in many areas, especially the townships. 

Thankfully, there are some things being done to try to make the townships better. Pastor Manaka of the church in Thabong has helped organize a system that, should someone be in trouble, others can be contacted immediately  and within seconds help is on the way. Also, there is the church in the Thabong township, so people have access to the gospel should they seek to know the Truth. God sees every thing that goes on and hears the cries of the righteous, and He will answer them. He will not leave His children alone in their struggles.

Religion

South Africa seems to be a mixture of Animism and a broad sense of Christianity. 

Pastor Frans Manaka (left)
and Bert Kuehner

Many of the things I've heard about the tribal religions and their views were interesting to learn, and some quite comical. They believe that God (or a god) created everything, but then left it to itself. The ancestors, previous generations of humans who have since deceased, enter the spirit realm, and they are responsible for all the things that happen to us humans. Having a bad day? You must have made the ancestors upset. Things going wrong in your life? Must have serious offended them. You stubbed your toe and tripped? Ah, you didn't tell them about your new house, did you? (And I was honestly wasn't kidding about that one - it has been said before!). 

The 6 teen girls singing in church

Man came from one of two places, depending on your skin colour. Blacks (excuse the term, no intention of offending) originated from a dark, black hole in the ground, while Whites came from the sea - thus why we only ever hear of white mermaids (:P). I was actually surprised, but many Africans greatly dislike the water. 

When a person dies, it is said that he will join the ancestors and become one of them. As for Heaven, it used to be very close to us, but as the women would use their large "mortar and pistol" to grind their meal, the Earth was driven farther and farther away; thus, the Earth is far, far away from Heaven. 

The church in Thabong Pastor Manaka ministers to
 and the Pines staff attend

As far as Christianity goes in South African, I am speaking in an extremely broad sense of the term. There is a lot of the charismatic and far Pentecostal teaching, along with the Health & Wealth Gospel. 

As far as strong, biblical churches, there are some, but they come few and far between. Even then, it is not overly uncommon for churches to have serious issues that have to be critically evaluated and biblically dealt with. Church leaders especially have a lot of weight and responsibility, and prayer and encouragement is essential as they struggle to lead and direct the Flock. 

Education

Considering it is probably the most "developed" country in Africa, South Africa theoretically should have the best opportunities for education. Their colleges and universities may be all right, but if their schools are the top of the line for this continent, it's not looking good. South Africa actually has some of the lowest math grades and literacy rates. Many children struggle to pass Math, English, and Afrikaans, yet these three classes are essential for moving up to the next grade.  

Often, especially with the older ones, the kids are simply too lazy and don't see the need to put effort into their studies. They do not see that education is essential: it makes the difference as of whether they will be able to get a job or if they will be forced to wash cars at red lights or preform miniature shows to scrounge enough to eat for another day.

I worked with many of the kids with mathematics (mostly times-tables) and reading comprehension. Almost every kid could benefit from help, but there is simply not enough time certain children were targeted and had to take their turns enduring my wrath :) They seem to enjoy spending the one-on-one time with me regardless, and I tried to make it as enjoyable and encouraging as possible. It was all worth it when one of the young girls thanked me for helping her learn her times-tables.

The Children

The children performing a talent show

Pheello's 16th Birthday

There are between 30 - 35 children at the Pines, ages ranging from 2 to 17. If you want to know what that looks like in day-to-day life here, take two or three kids from all ages and different family backgrounds and stick them together for a couple of weeks. Despite the chaotic havoc that may have flashed in your minds, things run very smoothly. There are four apartments, or "flats", as we call them: 2 girls and 2 boys. Each flat has it's own Mama who treats them as their own kids. Disciplinary actions, however, are brought to the attention of Sally and Phil & Alana Carmichael, the full-time couple here that help run the Pines. Most of the times punishment means not aloud to participate with the weekly Friday movie night - quite a big deal for all the kids here. The punishment may also manifest itself into something larger though, such as extra chores. Each situation will receive its own punishment.

Dress Up for Annah's 5th Birthday

Most of the kids are open to the Gospel. Many of the older ones have made a profession of faith and have since been baptised. Though they all struggle with various sins and temptations, they are seeking to be more like Christ. They are no different from any Canadian kid or teen in that respect.

Each child has their own unique life story. I was able to read many of them. What they have gone through is horrendous. Seeing what they've come from (and what they had looked like) to who they are now makes me want to cry with thankfulness for how much different their lives are now - and simply the fact that they are alive. Every clinging hand, every gripping hug is a search for love - to receive and give. In some of them I see my little sisters, and that comes close to breaking me. I feel so privileged that God is allowing me this opportunity to not only give them love, but show them God's love.

The Preschoolers and Toddlers

I never realised how true it is that you have no understanding at all of what people - and children - around the world face until you see it with your very eyes and are in contact with them.

But thanks be to Christ Jesus, each and every one of them have hope - not just in their physical life, but in the spiritual as well. 

Lessons

Life in general is going on pretty much the same. With a schedule in place, life isn't really any different from being at home. You still have responsibilities, chores, frustrations, and every else. But at the same time, it is still different. The pace of life is different here. I am actually enjoying the fact that I am not tied to my phone - good grief, I waste so much time on it! I've spent a lot of my free time simply playing with the kids or reading books that are helping me grow more in my Christian life - definitely more growth than I'll get spending an hour scrolling down Facebook or watching YouTube. I also realised just how much junk I have, and I mean junk. I have so many trinkets, hobbies, clothes, etc... why? Because I can have them? Because it's cute? So what? I've been living from a suitcase and backpack and have been more than happy with what I have. I'm going to be doing some serious purging in my room.

I've learned to really appreciate the small things in life, as well as the small, random, yet cool things that happen in between everything. Staring back at the Praying Mantis through the window last night. Beating some of the guys in a basketball game or destroying their glory streak in soccer. Realizing how fortunate I am to live in a place where it is safe for me to go for a walk around the block, much less town. Grasping the main idea of what the kids are saying in Sutu if I pay attention close and long enough. Knowing enough of the tribal language to get the preschoolers attention when they are misbehaving. And then just the small things like the beautiful weather and all the kids' love make my heart want to sing. 

Another thing I've realised is a huge desire for the mission field. Many of you know I've always considered this off and on for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I'd want to dive right into another country, while other times I'd rather not leave home and all it's "comforts". Well, I've left home now and realised you can have "comforts" wherever you want to have them. It all depends on what you consider comforts. As for the "adventure of living somewhere new and different", I know that soon goes away. Wherever you go, that place becomes normal everyday life. But hey, that's okay with me - I don't need to have an adventure every day :) 

Besides, life IS an adventure. I would have never believed I would have been here right now if you had told me last fall. God's plans, however, are not always the plans we may have initially have chosen, but they really - really - are what is best, and honestly, I wouldn't have changed anything. The more you see God working in your life, the more you are inspired to watch God deal with the next issue. He knows the story He hasn't written out - I'm becoming more and more happy just to watch it unfold and play the part He has given me. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Pastor Frances Manaka, the pastor at the church in Thabong. A little bit ago his wife left him and he has lost some close friends. Pray that God would continue to encourage his soul and give Frances the inner strength to trust Him, and to remind him that God's grace is sufficient for all our needs. 

• The children, that they would have a deeper desire to know and learn more about out awesome (full of awe) God and Saviour.

• The staff, that God would give them the wisdom and strength to make the right choices for the children and the Pines.

• Finances, as the Pines is funded solely on donations