Despite sparse access top internet, our time thus far in South Africa has been anything but dull. I find it hard to separate event by event or day by day. My reflection on our time thus far can best be categorized by redemption, challenges and discernment.
Redemption: Out of the land of South Africa seeps redemption. January 11th we went to the Robbin Island. On this island that was once the home to a leper colony and later home to a prison that house Nelson Mandela, sits a redeemed land. The island now hosts boat loads of tourists daily and serves as the permanent home to a community which consists of ex prisoners and ex prison wardens living together. It also boasts the best view of Cape Town and Table Mountain. It takes great effort for me to understand the ease that has settled over Robbin Island. I find myself struggling to understand the forgiveness and apologize that had to have happened between past enemies who have now built a new relationship—on the same land—as neighbors belonging to the a united community.
Additionally, I find redemption out of acknowledgment. In the United States we struggle to identify and discuss our past race relations. Aside from a blanket nod towards events and identification of key events that cannot be ignored, very little is done in the way of genuine reconciliation. I have appreciated the naming that has happened in South Africa. I attribute this to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, from which people from opposing sides were able to discuss and question and be honest with one another. Some say that the TRC was not taken far enough, but ultimately what it did was create an environment what encouraged discussion. These discussions are not perfect, as I have found out, and talking can be awkward and uncomfortable, but none-the-less it is happening.
Challenges: While at the conference in Pretoria, Reggie Blount, from Garrett Seminary, discussed the idea of identity. One of the questions that he posed was whose voices are we—or more importantly, youth—listening to in order to identify ourselves. These voices come from pop culture, school, friends, family, etc… But Reggie then challenged if these voices that define us have actually earned the right to be heard. I am challenged to determine whose voice has earned the right to be heard in my life? Additionally who is my voice influences? Have I earned the right to be heard? How can I make my voice be heard in the midst of other voices that are loud but misleading?
Yesterday we heard Peter Story talk about his role in Apartheid. This was by far the highlight of my time in South Africa. If I had only come to hear him talk it would have been worth the trip. Due to sheer exhaustion I will let you Google him to find out more of the details of who he is. But in short, Peter Story is a Methodist minister who served as a prophetic voice of resistance to Apartheid. He served at one of the only integrated churches during Apartheid, served as chaplain to Nelson Mandela, challenged cultural standards, and served as a general nuisance to the Apartheid regime. I felt challenged as to what my purpose in ministry is. What does it mean to stand up for what you feel God is calling you to? When should we not back down? What cause am I willing to risk my career—and life—for? I find words lacking to describe the awe that I felt hearing his wisdom.
Discernment: Lastly I find myself trying to discern why all of this information and experiences have been laid in my lap. I feel challenged by the hope and heartbreak that fills this land. South Africa still has a far way to go, but has made strides to reconcile itself with its past. As I stood on a cliff yesterday overlooking the ocean and the small beach communities that dot the coast line, I was reminded of the “hugeness” of God. The God that meets me in my life in the States, is also tangible here in South Africa. I am prayerfully pleading for peace and understanding for this country, while simultaneously seeking out understanding and guidance as I a process and use my experiences from this trip.
I look forward to further reflection on this trip and cannot wait to share more of my stories and experiences.
--Kate
--Kate
No comments:
Post a Comment