Saying Goodbye

Arm in Arm in Africa: Twelve travelers continue the connection between Minnesota and South Africa.

Jeff and Rita Nohner have volunteered to act as scribe and shutterbug for this journey to South Africa. Jeff is also the designer of the www.ArmInArmInAfrica.org website which we encourage you to visit.

The months of planning have quickly passed and our group is prepared to make the journey to South Africa! Many people know that there is an unofficial bond between many members of St. Joan of Arc and communities across the globe. South Africa holds a special place in the heart for everyone who has become familiar with its people, culture, spirituality and special circumstances. A simple search of the St. Joan of Arc web-site will yield many interesting articles about past trips taken by Dr. Gene Ott, Chuck McDonald, Cyril Paul and others. They tell the stories of several Minnesotans who have traveled to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gugaletu, Malungeni, Oudtshoorn and other locales. Today, we start the next journey.

My wife Rita and I were married at St. Joan of Arc a little more than 6 years ago. Rita is a long-time parishioner, attending St. Joan for more than 15 years. Both of us have become involved in activities such as Bible Study, Soup Suppers, Cabaret and other programs. Fr. Jim Cassidy, who presided over our marriage ceremony, challenged us to reassess our involvement, and we decided to participate in the Minneapolis to Chicago Heartland AIDSRide - twice! It was during that time that we became aware of the efforts to build a center in South Africa to serve the many needs there. After we met Rev. Spiwo Xapile (Senior Pastor at Zwane Memorial Church), his wife Zethu (chief professional nurse and facility manager) and Jan Du Toit (Professor of Industrial Psychology)... we knew that our work in supporting South African efforts had just begun.

We are honored to be part of the group of 12 making the next journey. The road is made easier by passing in the footsteps of those who have made previous trips, including Fr. Cassidy, Pat Murphy, Charlene "Charlie" Kapp, Becky Rose and Kate Cummings. They have worked hard getting things organized and have coordinated our schedules with individuals across South Africa. That has allowed those of us who are first-time travelers to focus on the many preparations. Rita and I will join Jeri Shufelt, Jim Garness, Paul Larson, Arbye Oberg, Mark Heymans as first time participants. Together, we will carry more than 800 lbs. of medical supplies, school materials, gifts for children (stickers and toys) and other donated items... in addition to much needed financial support for programs in the various places we will visit.

Left to Right: Jeri Shufelt, Jim Garness, Charlene "Charlie" Kapp, Becky Rose, Paul Larson, Fr. James Cassidy, Arbye Oberg, Jeff Nohner, Rita Nohner, Mark Heymans, Kate Cummings, Pat Murphy

People ask us, "why on earth, with everything going on in the world, would you want to travel... especially to a place where it might be dangerous?" That is exactly why we are going. In the post "9/11" world, some people have felt the need to close their minds to concerns outside their borders. This has resulted in a reduction of philanthropic efforts across the globe. Perhaps, it is more important than ever for people to see Americans who are reaching out to share their gifts. For those of us who travel, we also hope to find a sense of humanity which seems to have become lost in world politics. We have faith that our travels will be safe, and are very aware of the security considerations. Senator Mark Dayton's office has been supportive by helping plan for various contingencies.

Keep checking back with stjoan.com during the next two weeks, as we intend to bring you stories, pictures, thoughts and reflections on various parts of the journey. You are welcome to follow us along the route. More information about Arm In Arm In Africa can be found at www.ArmInArmInAfrica.org.

The intended schedule goes something like this...

• Thu-Fri(2/20-21): We depart Minneapolis early on Thursday morning and arrive in Cape Town early on Friday. Rev. Spiwo Xapile and Jan Du Toit, who we met in Minnesota two years ago, will meet us. The first day will be spent going through customs and settling in to the new time zone, visiting some of the local sites.
• Sat(2/22): This is the traditional day for funerals, in which we have been invited to participate. We will be at the cemetery at Cape Peninsula and other sites.
• Sun(2/23): We join Rev. Spiwo Xapile in services at the J.L. Zwane United Presbyterian Church in Guguletu, carrying the banners signed with messages from parishioners of St. Joan of Arc. Later that day, we tour Jan Du Toit's Stellenbosh University campus.
• Mon-Wed(2/24-26): Much of our time will be spent in the township of Guguletu and projects in the area, including the Sister's of Charity in Khayelitsha, Golden Girl's orphanage, Robben Island prison, St. Luke's Friends and various meetings (Fr. Michael Lapsley, Zackie Agmat, the black professionals committed to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, etc.).
• Thu-Sat(2/27-3/1): Depart Cape Town via van for Malungeni, more than 600 miles of travel. We will visit projects in Port Elizabeth and different sites along the way.
• Sun-Mon(3/2-3): We arrive in Malungeni, visiting the many projects there, including the Canzibe Hospital and meetings with Ms. Sigwili and Dr. Kabir.
• Tue(3/4): Fly to Johannesburg.
• Wed-Thu(3/5-6): Time to rest and relax in Sun City, before returning home.
• Fri(3/7): Leave Johannesburg for Minneapolis, arriving on Saturday afternoon.