Winding down...

Today is bittersweet.  We served at our last event - a diabetes health screening today at Oceanview, another township.  This particular township is similar to what we may label as the projects.  There are government-built multiple- family dwellings with some shacks and some houses.  This township actually has a very strong community and family feel with generations of families having lived here.  Unfortunately, drugs have seeped into the fabric of the community and is threatening to tear it apart.   The cycle of poverty and employment certainly does not help.

Back to the health screening.  My role today was feet washing.  I met several amazing, beautiful, wise, faithful women.  You don't need money and material items to have diginity, be righteous, and be joyful.  Each woman (and a couple men) were so grateful for the special treat of having their feet washed and I was blessed to serve them.  Serving others can really be all it's cracked up to be.  There were times that some individuals seemed annoyed with us, but I figure that really is their problem and not mine.  I will be praying that attitudes will change and that they can experience joy in their lives.

This afternoon we were able to decompress a little and do some shopping around Capetown.  The architecture is amazing.  We saw the president's former residence and the parliament building.  We also saw a church where Desmond Tutu preached…amazing.  One small part of the church had been turned into a type of Apartheid gallery featuring photos during that time.  It was heart-wrenching to see in black-and-white images the injustices that were perpetrated towards people based on the color of their skin.  The gallery also showcased numerous images of the Black and Colored communities bravely fighting against Apartheid.  We were thinking about heading to the top of Table Mountain (even though with my fear of heights I'd prefer not to) but some major weather has moved in.  The wind really came up and it started raining.  On our way out of the shops a wind burst got us and sent us flying backward several feet.  Crazy.  We are back at the Team House and we are experiencing high winds and terrential rains.  I don't know if I will get much sleep again tonight.  I will be praying for the sun and clear skies tomorrow for a day of site seeing before we have to pack up and prepare to head out Sunday morning.

I have pretty much been getting things down without a lot of introspection.  So now that I have some down time I will be looking back over the week and considering the lessons learned and the blessings I have encountered.  I know there are so many emotions I have yet to share.  It all hasn't hit me quite yet.  Thank you all for you support, encouragement and love.  Your prayers have been received!