1st Church blog

Wednesday Feb 25

This morning we drove to Aliwad North arriving about noon. Nelly and Lende met us at the Post Office and lead us the last few kilometers to the Conville Farms B&B. We quickly dropped our stuff, govethe hostessour laundry and we off to the Aliwal north URCSA church, where we were greeted by a room full of representatives from the URCSA, DRC churches, BADISA, CMR, (Christian Social Board), Indibano (NPO to forming networks and channeling resources). After informal introductions were made, we proceeded to the kitchen where about 40 children awaited their lunch: We when arrived they recieted Onse Vader in die Hemel before they were served overcooked noodles and beef bones. The feeding program operates on Monday and Wednesdays only. I watched a 3 year old sucking the bear bone, while other barefooted boys stood on broken glass waiting their portion.

We returned to the sanctuary for formal introductions and an introduction of the various programs operated by the 5 groups: feeding program, an orphanage, a creche/daycare, jobs training program. There are no jobs in Aliwad North. The major industrys have pulled out of town. 

After the presentation, we did a walking tour of the various facilities, and then wandered up the streets where children greeted us, A group of men doing roadworks wanted their pictures taken also. They gathered together, shook our hands and kissed us. 

It is hard to capture the reactions of these people. We weren't focused on them. They were overjoyed to have us with them.

Wandering down the streets we walked by the various tin shacks that were considered homes for 6-10 people each. The houses consist of two small rooms. Entering one I was overwhelmed by the stench. In the room was a twin size bed, and a pile of clothing. The back room was the same. Chaos, the toilet was out the back door. Water ran under the neighbor's house and appeared to be sewage. 

Proceeding down the street we came to a 77 yr old lady's home – however it was spotless in the front room. Zenia grew in the front yard. Sheshowed me her voting pass. 

There is another informal settlement across the street consisting of 300 homes. There is one water tap, and one toilet available to all. Can you imagine living in such conditions.

After the tour we returned to the church for our supper. And the saying of good bye to new friends. I left about half of the beanie babies with the new foster care home, and my NPS cap with Nozi, a new friend. 

The relationship between the DRC and URCSA, in particular is a new working relationship. This was one of the first times that they have come together in such a meeting. Wendell was very happy to see this development, and believes that is a result of the tenancity of the URCSA in their commitement to Unity and Justice.

Pastor Arnold of the DRC thought the meeting was fruitful today. It is important for the black people to have connection with people from abroad. It is the beginning of good things to come. It may be small baby steps for us white folk, but it is gaint leaps for the member of URCSA.