Report 1
Saturday, February 16th, 2002 Guguletu, South Africa
Editors note: Although we do not have a webreporter along on this trip to South Africa, we may receive an update or two from the group of 10 parishioners who left on Sunday, February 10th. This first email was sent by Pat Murphy.
Late at night. Group is beginning to settle in. Another busy day.
The Group began by joining the many families in Guguletu that were busy burying their dead. Saturday is traditionally the day for burials. The Group experienced the overwhelming realization of seeing upwards of 15 to 20 families involved in mourning their loss. The cemetery appeared to be approximately the size of 2 football fields. The current concern is the cemetery appears to be filling up. Amidst the busloads of families awaiting to enter the cemetery, the singing, dancing, it was an experience unlike anything we had ever experienced in the States.
Next we went to Khyaliehha, the largest Township in the Cape Town area. The Group quickly encountered, just by stepping out of the van, a throng of anxious and excited children, who quickly sang Happy Birthday as a way to greet us. Our humble response could consist of doing no more than simply providing them with colorful stickers, hugs and taking their picture.
Remainder of the day was spent in and around the city of Stellenbosch, as well as the surrounding Township. We toured the University of Stellenbosch where our host Dr. Jan DuToit is Professor of Industrial Psychology. We observed the School of Divinity, which happens to be the birthplace of Apartheid. Strange irony! The population of the University is 10,000 white, 5000 coloured, 1000 black. It might help to understand that the South African society is strictly divided by these 3 categories; white Africaneer, coloured (anyone of mixed race), and native black African. Stellenbosch is reminiscent of our Napa Valley, beautiful wineries, contoured wine fields and mountains. Highest income per capita in South Africa, yet surrounded by at least one black Township and two coloured Townships.
The Group continues to learn a great deal about the incredible diversity that exists with our brother and sisters in South Africa. The disparity and dramatic differences in lifestyles can truly be overwhelming. The distance between the "haves" and the "have-nots" is a short as a stones throw. To add to the mix of diversity, Jim Cassidy was interviewed by a Korean television station that was also in the Township attempting to capture the story of South Africa and AIDS.
Once again the Group thanks you for your support. We would like to leave you with a message, "Seeing is different than being told."
View the Sendoff Blessing.
View the 2nd Email from South Afica.
View the 3rd/4th Emails from South Afica.