Yesterday I went with a group of international students to tutor in English at a primary school in Kayamandi, the local township. I was in a classroom with about eight other English tutors, one teacher, and about 50 Xhosa fourth-graders(Xhosa is one of the many "click" languages in Africa--pronounced "ko-sa"). We handed out folders and worksheets for each of the students. They very neatly wrote their names on their new folders, then underlined them with a ruler (I thought that was really cute). We read through the worksheet on "pollution" and they underlined any words they didn't understand. I explained what it means to "dump" waste into the river and what a wine "cellar" is. They were very well-behaved and eager to learn. When we got there they all wanted to hold our hands, give us high-fives, and have their pictures taken. They LOVED seeing themselves on my digital camera (pictures soon to come! I promise!) ;-) The township is really crowded and poor. The houses are tiny and made of very thin wooden boards. Several families have to live under one roof and a whole family will sleep together on a bunkbed. I am so rich it's sickening. A lot of these people don't work at all and have no source of income, so some of them revert to illegally selling drugs or alcohol. It's really sad. I'm excited to help give these kids an opportunity that their parents haven't had.
Last night I went to a church prayer meeting/supper. I think I might start going to this one (it's called St. Paul's Evangelical). I met an American couple there and the wife went to Redeemer Pres. in NYC for 11 years! I told her I just visited there over New Year's. The husband knew about the seminary where my dad went. The church describes themselves as "Evangelical, Reformed, and Bible-believing." The teaching is really good, and their college ministry is great. I'm excited to get involved ;-).
I can't believe you found someone in South Africa who went to Redeemer in NYC! That's crazy! We're so happy for you that you have this opportunity. We miss you & hope that you enjoy your stay & learn lots (jewelry-making & otherwise)
Thanks for keeping everybody updated. Take care.
Yeah, I know! What are the chances of that?! I think that will be my permananent church while I'm here. It's so good, from what I've seen so far. How's Bible study going?? I miss it! There's a college Bible study here on Thursdays that I might start going to. But it's just not the same :-(.
Posted by: cate at February 18, 2005 06:10 AMCate!! Wow, I am so happy for you (and yes, that is code for I'm so jealous of you, ha ha)! I really think you need lots more pictures up; I'm dying to see this awesome place you are living in! Greenville is having fantastic weather. We missed you last night when we celebrated Jessica's birthday. Talk to you soon.
Posted by: Jennie at February 19, 2005 12:40 PMCate,
I'm so glad you found a body of believers to fellowship with. That's really cool that you met some people from Redeemer. It's great you are getting opportunities to tutor kids in English. I love to hear how God is being gracious to you. I'm sure you are enoying meeting different types of people. Isn't the variety amazing? Once in a while I'm just blown away with the diversity God has shown to us in His creation. Pastor Brooks has been preaching lately on the fellowship we have in the Gospel. It is the substance Christian relationships have to be based on. Read I John 1. I love the diversity and unity present in the body of Christ. People from every tribe singing praises to God. I miss you Cate. I'm glad you are over there though fellowshipping with others and meeting new people. I hope God gives you tons of freedom to share the Word, to live the Word.
Reb
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