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"So Where To?"
It's my first time visiting South Africa and I am very grateful that I've an opportunity to learn and listen to what God has to teach us through Peacemakers On the Road, The Kingdom Kids Edition. Although it's only my first day here in Johannesburg, I felt that this is a place of rich culture and history and of friendly people (at least those I've met and talked to).
Today, we got to visit "Top of Africa" - tallest building in South Africa, Soweto, Mandela House and Hector Pieterson (the first 13 year old boy who was killed in the Soweto uprising of the Apartheid Government in 1976) Museum. However, the one that captured my attention the most was our visit to Soweto, which was why I titled my blog post - "So where to?".
"So where to?" (sounds like "Soweto"). We were told by Charles, our friendly tour guide that the Black Africans had to evict from place to place in the 1900s, thus that question was raised.
1. What's in Our Hands
At Soweto, we had a 20-minute interaction at the shantytown where we get to mingle with the poor and needy. It was short but most memorable for me. Our first stop was a home visit with an African lady. She is staying with her brother and his 3 children. Although it was a small container house, she made full use of what she had - rear 8 chickens and vegetation for survival, has a "multipurpose room" consisting of a kitchen, living and dining room, all in one small space. This family may not have it altogether but together they have it all. How about us, what's in our hands? Do we make full use of what God has given us (His provision, our talents, time etc)?
2. Every Child the Same
Next, we had a meaningful time with the children. It was an "eye and heart" opening experience for me. Our team brought with us candies, stationeries and toys with the intention to bless these children. It was heartbreaking to see them snatching for the gifts (where back in Singapore our children get to choose what they want even those they have many). Yet at the same time, it was heart warming when we made little conversations with them. It takes a lot of heart to love those who we usually don't but once again I'm reminded that God has no favourites and He loves every child the same.
3. It Only Takes One
Lastly, the guide who brought us through the shantytown told us that the purpose of visits by people is to allow more people to be aware of Soweto's living situation so that we can pass on what we have seen and learnt. It only takes one to make a difference. So back to the question, "So where to?" With what we have learnt and know, where do we go from here? Does it stop there?
I am looking forward to many more stories to tell as we discover His story here in South Africa!
