This is like...

It is impossible to go to a new situation leaving behind all that has made you who you are today. While it seems silly to continually compare the current reality of South Africa to the life I have witnessed, loved, and known, it happens quite naturally. These connections are made nearly every day and sometimes the comparing results in recognizing how something is different (the grocery store checkout workers sit rather than stand - which is a great idea! and you have to pay for a plastic bay - another great idea!) and others it is how it is the same.

Over the past few days I've come to recognize many similarities in the conditions surrounding the circumstances of immigrants in the United States and many of the black people in the townships surrounding the city of Cape Town. Perhaps this has to do with my continuing interests in this area of US culture but surely I'm not the only one making these connections.


Some of the people in the townships came to Cape Town from their tribal lands in the eastern Cape searching for a way to earn money for their family's security. Most long to return home with enough money to live a modest life. Further, their dream is often dashed because of low wages, insufficient support, unemployment, and systems which benefit from the vast cheap labor pool. The people themselves are generous and add much to the cultural landscape of South Africa and they have welcomed us into their homes and lives.

Of course each situation is unique in its own way and I can only speak about the conditions here as an outsider looking at the surface but it seems that neither country is coping effectively with the "strangers" in our midst. I use quotation marks because in some cases the "stranger" has been a part of the local society for many years or even decades but because of their marginalization they have not able to fully integrate into the social landscape.

However, there is the church. The church that I love and the hope in the promise of Christ. That we will recognize the image of God in all God's children and in love we can reach out to one another building up the kingdom of God. It is my prayer that the church will continue to play an integral part in teaching us all how to live in community with one another in ways that are consistant to our Christian faith.

One thing that isn't the same is the fantastic weather. It is beautiful here: clear and sunny with a light breeze. Too bad I can't bring a little bit of this home.
In hope...