We are adjusting to the time change on our first day in Johannesburg (Johannesburg is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time). So far, since our arrival, we have encountered two small setbacks. First, my son Eric’s suitcase didn’t make it, so he only has the clothes he traveled in. Then, when we arrived at our hotel we found they had reserved us one bedroom, rather than two. (Because of the rugby tournament that was ending on Saturday, the hotel was practically full). So we got to squeeze all six of us into one room for the first night before getting a second room on Sunday.
My daughter, Tiara, and her boyfriend took us to church on Sunday morning and it was wonderful; taking part in a worship service in a different culture, with parts in a different language, but realizing that the Spirit was the same and the meaning was the same was really moving to me. The first song was called “Who Dat Is?” and the answer was, “It was Christ on the cross.” Then the sermon detailed everything that Christ’s dying on the cross means and what our response to that should be. We enjoyed everything about the service.
After church we went to dinner and met Tiara’s boyfriend’s family. It was another great time. His dad, Dr. Matthew Kambule, is a college professor and native South African who has a PhD in mathematics. It was amazing to hear his stories of growing up in the apartheid system but being determined to learn and further his education. He actually came to the United States to study but went back to his homeland because he felt he was needed there more so than in America.
It reminded me a lot of talking to my dad, and it made me appreciate even more the sacrifices my parents made for me. And being in Johannesburg, worshipping in a multi-ethnic church would not have been possible without the efforts of people like Dr. Kambule.
We’re looking forward to a bike excursion and some fun kids activities tomorrow.
