Writing on Saturday, June 30, 2007

Writing on Saturday, June 30, 2007

John de Gruchy & Hermanus

June 26, 2007 Tuesday

Another day of grace.

We headed out of town for a day-trip to Hermanus to see John de Gruchy. Mark was headed in the same direction, so he led the way for us, stopping at a wonderful farm market that sold not only beef jerky, but also ostrich and springbok. (We only bought gooseberry jam and rusk.)

John de Gruchy

Dr. de Gruchy/John/theologian/pastor/professor/author/activist/retired/resident (chaplain) at the Community of the Cross of Nails at the Valmoed Retreat Center (former site of a leper colony)/ furniture-maker/yoga-stretcher/husband/father/grandfather/friend – Names I was beginning to learn. He signed his book, Reconciliation: Restoring Justice, which John (Hice) brought (and I still need to read).

A few ideas from my notes:

Enemies can become a gift.

They have value in themselves, and they have value for you.

Liberation - from a sense of privilege and power instead feeling threatened by others.

Enormous cost of power; burden of being in control.

And yes, a prophet can still be pastoral.

Hermanus

We met his wife and granddaughter and saw his woodworking shop, before driving into the sea-side town of Hermanus, which is known for whale-sightings. It is early in the season, but we did see the spray of a few as we ate at a little restaurant with big windows and a vigilant and enthusiastic staff: “There’s one – over there!”

Museum Day; Charly’s Bakery; & Dinner with Mark & Arlene

June 27, 2007 Wednesday

Basic history background - Downtown Cape Town:

- South African Museum (natural and cultural history, including rock drawings);

- Company’s Gardens (originally laid out for a mid-way feeding station for the Dutch East Indian Company ships);

- Parliament (Victorian buildings. We only had time to pass by them);

- District Six Museum (Under apartheid, it was not legal for blacks to reside or be in some places, and whites could not go into places reserved for blacks. That meant, among other things, that mixed communities declared “white”, had to be emptied out. The people were displaced and their homes were razed. Memories of a ghost-town. )

Lunch – Mike Mathers recommended a place called Charly’s Bakery (correct spelling) on Roeland Street. What a colorful place!

Dinner – Cape Town Fish Market with Mark and Arlene Stephenson.

Mark drove, which was a treat, but I think I am becoming more calm (less terrified) on the roads.

And, of course, we should eat fish while in Cape Town, near all this water! They recommended Kingclip. Yes, good!

We had fun listening to each others’ stories of how we met our spouse, and also learned we are about the same ages, have been married about the same time (coming up on 30 years), and that our children are about the same ages. And of course, my middle name is Arlene (after my paternal grandmother).

Denise Ackermann and Rachel

June 28, 2007 Thursday

When we were still in the US and met Trevor before he spoke to the Virginia Annual Conference, he told us we must meet theologian Denise Ackermann in Cape Town, and that we must read her book, After the Locusts: Letters from a Landscape of Faith, which James ordered for us on Amazon.com while we were in North Carolina and it was ready to come along with us to Africa. John and I both read at least the first chapter, which was in the form of a letter to her grandchildren, Rachel and Jo. So it was such a treat that Rachel was at her house when we came over!

We also listened to her experiences and observations about how things are going in South Africa and the US (she’s been several times), including the role of the church. Notes: It is important to listen to each others’ stories, to see yourself in the face of the other, to look for God in the face of the other, as we are made in God’s image. The “small” things are important, like each others’ music and dance.

Blouberg and Table View

We try to do as much as we can of what is recommended to us, so Friday afternoon we followed Mark’s advice to drive north to Blouberg to get the classical view of Table Mountain from across the bay. Yes, the view is astonishing. Even though I have seen a postcard just like it, it is definitely something different to experience it.

Reconciliation Labyrinth at Kommetjie with Clare

June 29, 2007 Friday

Friday morning, we drove south into the Cape Peninsula to visit a Reconciliation Labyrinth at the lighthouse there, and to meet the labyrinth designer Clare and her husband Rory Wilson in their home. John and I heard about this unique (now set up in various parts of the world) labyrinth design while still preparing for our trip, while clicking on internet links in South Africa travel information. Shortly before our trip, Ralph Spigarelli at our home church, who especially appreciates the meditative nature of labyrinths, reminded us of this place, and we are so glad! (Connection: Clare was once a student of John de Gruchy, and also has worked with The Community of the Cross of Nails). The design includes two entrances, symbolizing that we may not all come from the same place (being influenced by the apartheid history). The paths cross, and there is opportunity to enter the heart (the pattern is in a shape of a person) together and to go out together on the same path.

After experiencing our own journeys through the labyrinth, we needed to ascend the lighthouse and get the larger perspective of the labyrinth, and also to view the sea and the waves.

We ate lunch at Hout Bay at a little place Gavin recommended at the end of the road, called Fish on the Rocks. The shore was quite rocky, and as we sat at the picnic table outside eating our fish and chips and looking across that bay, we could see part of the winding mountain road we (John) had just driven.

Amazing views all along the drive back! I suggested that John just watch the road, and I would try to capture some of the view with the camera (see our photo page).

Many of the roads around town and the Cape will be closed on Sunday for a major bicycle race, including these winding mountain roads!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY # 51 to MY BROTHER ALLAN!

June 30, 2007 Saturday

Today, our last whole day on our own before the 2-week tour begins (with a change of hotels), we had errands to do.

We found a mall and a place to have some photos printed from my jump drive, and connected with the tour company to get them to the leader of the township tour we took

last week, for Patricia and the children.

I also had Wonderful “Moorocan Lentil Soup” at O’Brien’s Irish Coffee & Sandwich place in the food court.

We stopped by Denise’s house again, who recommended a movie she saw last night, called “As It Is In Heaven”. In keeping with our practice of soaking in as much good advice as we can, we consulted the map and headed over. And that is how I spent my last Saturday evening in Cape Town, South Africa watching a Swedish film with English subtitles! A terrific life-supporting film! Made me want to sing!

When John called Mark to consult about our morning church plans (going to Mark’s church), Mark said he and Arlene had seen a film last night and thought of us, that we would benefit enjoy it as well – of course, the same film!

I had looked forward to the aspect of feeling a little more secure when the tour started, not always being concerned with directions and parking and driving on the left side…. But of course, now, I will miss not only that independence, but also these dear persons.

If you have read The Little Prince, you will understand that when I see the stars or hear the water (waves), I will hear my South Africa friends’ laughter – and perhaps sometimes feel their tears.

A new chapter begins tomorrow.