Ready or not, Here I come!

Sunday morning we drove about an hour into downtown Durban to attend a Mennonite church largely made up of Congolese refugees. Now I don’t know what images pop into your consciousness when you think “Congolese Mennonite Church,” but I guarantee that the reality of it is very different than what you imagined. We pulled into the downtown district of Durban (1 block away from where I will be working) and it was very evident that this was a more impoverished part of town. Walking through the doors of the church that opened onto a main street, we were met with a bustling, one-room sanctuary complete with curtains draping the wall, plastic chairs for pews and an amplified worship band practicing up front. The usher immediately welcomed us with a hug. I noticed there was no door that looked like it led to the bathroom so I asked the usher if I could use the toilet somewhere. I then got to venture into this back courtyard that also looked like a combination kitchen, play place and living area – and was warmly greeted by a series of great big hugs. The service was dynamic, French, loud and jubilant. Nearing the end us SALTers had the honor of getting up in front of the congregation and introducing ourselves/ telling everyone where we would be working. This was followed by music and a receiving line of sorts, in which we were hugged by just about everyone in the church and welcomed to the congregation. Cake, hotdogs, waffles and soda were served as the pounding music continued. The pastor eventually made his way over to us and pulled us up front for some sweet dancing – including some confusing but hilarious instructions on how to do hip circles.

This crazy energetic service was followed by an afternoon spent playing Frisbee, playing in the waves and enjoying a meal at Durban beach. I think I’m going to like it here!

Yesterday was spent outside of Pietermaritzburg at a ‘Spiritual Retreat.’ Again, I really don’t know what I expected, but this was not it. Jim and Heather – a sweet couple from Northern Ireland who have lived here over 20 years – hosted us for a day filled with sharing, reflection, laughter, naps by the fire and delicious food. We will be going there again for the next three days.

Oh YA! And Joan and James were able to confirm my homestay for the year. I will be living fairly close to the crèche that I will be working in. It will be downtown in an apartment probably with a family with 3 small children. In the same building there are two women that work at the crèche with me so I can walk with them to work every day. I’m excited to start this new phase of my adventure!!