Hello all,
We would like to take the time to introduce ourselves.
Pictured left to right is: Stacy, Christine, Laura and
Simon.
We finally arrived at Johannesburg this morning after our
looooong ten and a half hour flight. We then headed straight for the apartheid
museum.
The Apartheid Museum
tells the history of the segregation in South Africa from the 1890s through
Codesa agreement in 1994. It is a
fascinating experience including a mix of exhibitions, films, archive material,
art installations and, perhaps the most moving, the recreation of the solitary
confinement cells.
Some of the group found the experience overwhelming and for
others it was a reminder of the news stories they had seen a child. However, there was hope through the process
of the truth and reconciliation commission and the work that continues
today.
Our driver Bruce told us that he was one of the young boys
running behind Nelson Mandela when he toured Soweto soon after his release.
We then returned to the airport to liaise with Chasetown
team to wish them a good journey home and then jump their mini-bus for the
five-hour journey to Hands at Work. Half way we stopped at Alzu for a quick
break where we were able to see a watering hole used by rhinos and impalas
sheltering under a clump of trees.
Darkness fell at approx. 6pm and we met up with Richard who
showed us the way from White River to the Hands at Work Hub. We were met by Angie
(one of our Hosts) who showed us to our rooms.
We do not start our mission trip until Monday officially, so
we can spend the weekend becoming accustomed to the area, getting to know the
other people here.
Please pray for us in what is sure to be a moving
experience.