Home! Pictures as Promised

Click on a picture to enlarge
It is Saturday afternoon. I have unpacked and washed all the clothes, and am settling back into the routine of home. My flight from J'burg was delayed and arrived 1 1/2 hrs behind schedule in DC so I missed the connecting flight to Greensboro and had to wait 3 1/2 hrs for the next one. I was able to catch Martha and Joe at the NC line, so they turned around and waited for the later flight. It was good to see them and we got here around 3:00 Thursday afternoon. I had been in transit since 2:30 am Wednesday morning, but managed to sleep so I wasn't too tired.
I have many stories to tell and in the coming days, I will begin to relate some of them. This blog has been a good process for me to record the sights and impressions of this trip for myself. I've never been one to keep a journal or diary, but I found myself eager to update the posts. Your responses made me feel in touch with "my real world" and I found comfort and support in your comments. Already I have begun to "debrief" the experience and reflect on it. As I begin to define and label some of the discoveries of the journey, I hope to record them here.
I chose the title of this blog, "On the Road Again" because I'm forever hearing comments of my being on the road all the time, running from one place to another. While this is often the case, I chose the name for a deeper meaning also. I do believe that life itself is a journey. We are just travelers here, on our way to a more permanent home. We take many paths and roads which make up the experiences of this journey. Some roads are smooth and straight, others more difficult. Some take us closer to our goal and others lead us astray. There are lessons to be learned and shared on each of them. This is my way of reflecting on those lessons and if you care to read the posts in the future, perhaps we can share the lessons learned together on each of our journeys.
Cape Town Seamstress

Tuesday Afternoon, Day 13

Well, dear friends, this is it, the last posting from Africa. The final class is over and last goodbyes said. Tomorrow morning at 8:30, Wendy will drive me over Ou Kaapsewig for the last time to the airport for my 11:30 flight (5:30 am VA time).
My last view of this incredible land will quickly give way to the deeper interior as we fly north to J'berg and then 4 hrs later on toward DC. Pray we are on schedule for the 6:00 am Thurs. arrival as I only have a 2 1/2 hr layover and must claim baggage and clear customs before heading for the final gate and the flight to Greensboro. This evening will be a nice dinner out and back to the flat to finish packing.
Last night was unbelievable! The Baxter Theater is on the campus of Cape Town University. It was a small but delightful theater. OK opera fans and music aficionados, imagine this..........
Mozart's The Magic Flute with dialogue, arias, etc. updated to a modern (?) African setting. Everything was performed beautifully by the Isanga Portabella Theater Group, on par with any good opera house, but in a mix of English and Xhosa. The entire score was played with an African rhythm on marimbas, African drums, plastic trash can drums, oil barrel drums, and wine bottles filled with varying degrees of water. The dance chorus performed with Xhosa rhythm and steps. The three guiding spirits (?) strangely resembled and sounded like the Supremes! The costumes were a mix of traditional Xhosa dress and black leather pants with long black leather coats. Bet you have never heard Mozart like this!! I hope he did not spin in his grave, but honestly, I think he would have enjoyed it immensely. I certainly did. Just another example of the wildly unexpected things you can find in Cape Town. If you can't catch this performance in Cape Town, you might try for the one at the Vic Theater in London! That is where they go from here.
And now I say goodbye from Cape Town. I'll catch you next on our side of the Atlantic! Give me a little time to catch my breath, take care of a few items of business, and I promise to put up lots of pictures!
Cape Town Seamstress

Monday Evening, Day 12

I opened the curtains this morning to see the low lying, dark clouds covering the mountains. It seemed as though the sea, mountains, and sky have felt my sadness of being with these wonderful students for the last class. Just as we gather in the classroom the sky begins to weep. Our prayers are bittersweet as we begin the class.
Again today, there is a new student who must be quickly caught up. If I have done my job, the instructors will be able to guide her along in the coming days. At tea, I am given a "thank you" card which each have signed. And at class end, we sing "Thank you Jesus" and blessings and hugs are given. It was difficult to keep a stiff upper lip but I did get through. Final waves goodbye, and then off to deliver bags to a new store in Noorhoek that we discovered on our trip there.
A quick trip to Simon Town for delivery to Sebanga and lunch before returning to the flat. Wendy is off to Curves and tonight we go to the Baxter Theater for "The Magic Flute" South African style! Man am I going to need some serious rest when I get home. Let's see if that happens!
Martha, thanks to you and Joe for meeting me and fetching me around home. I'll wait for you in the baggage claim area if that is OK. Its easy to get to and a good place to catch up to each other.
Tomorrow, I'll meet with the four advanced students for some new tailoring skills and review of the lessons. It has been amazing to see these students blossom with new confidence in their skills. I've loved watching their generous spirit as they have assisted others. They are gentle and loving in their instruction.
One of the new instructors is Paul who dreams of becoming a tailor. I know he will make it and be good at it. He is a natural leader and very quick to learn. Sylvia is one of the "mothers" (older women) of the class. She is by far the most skilled of the students, but always open to new ways of doing the tasks. Khumi is the only non Xkosa. She is Wsuto and already is an assistant instructor. Nakumsa is the present teacher and has been a most willing student in class. She has a sewing certificate and has done a superb job of teaching her skills. It has been the small techniques and tricks of the trade that I have been able to share to help improve the quality of the product and speed the construction. Pray for all the students as they move toward an improved quality of life because of their new skills.
Cape Town Seamstress

Monday morning

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Austin, happy birthday to you! I LOVE YOU!
Cape Town Seamstress

Sunday Evening, Day 11

Today, I met the king of Ethiopia (well, that is who he said he was)! He didn't look quite like I would have thought but he declared himself as a gentle man who has a huge job. He also believes "the great Father above makes easy all jobs to which we have been assigned". Now how do you argue with that? And where, you might ask, did I meet the king? On the waterfront of yet another bay, Hermanas, watching the whale mothers teaching their calves the art of holding their breaths, diving, rising to the surface, and spouting through their blow holes, of course! The king may have been a little eccentric, but this place is also.
We went on this excursion after attending morning worship at the Anglican church in Muselberg. The church is a deliberate experiment in mirroring the new South Africa in their staff and congregation. It certainly seems to work well. I really saw the true blend rather than "token" representation. It was a wonderful worshipful experience.
Again we crossed the mountains, but went deeper inland on this trip, before emerging again overlooking the Atlantic. The drive reminded me of the Shenadoah. There were orchards in full bloom along the highway. Then vineyards and farm wineries. Been told that South African wine is some of the best in the world, but I certainly will have to take their word on that. Remember, I'm a good ole Baptist girl who has a world class allergy to the sulfates in wine!! Shucks!!
We are playing hooky tonight. Can you believe it? These heathens have Sunday evening services in most of their churches!!! And yes, people attend.
Tomorrow will be a difficult day in some ways as I say "goodbye" to most of the class. I just hope that something I've taught will make bag assembly easier for them. I've certainly learned from them. Courage, tenacity, willingness, service, and joy in the face of tremendous obstacles exudes from these people. I hope my photos have captured some of it. When I get back to my computer, I will share them with you.
Thank you as you have read and shared my adventure. Continue to read as I post the last editions from the "dark continent". Pray for the people and me as I end my time here.
Cape Town Seamstress

YEAH Boks! Sat. Evening

For the totally uninformed, South Africa has just won the World Cup in (what is that sport again?) oh yeah, Rugby. The cars are racing up and down the street with horns hooting (blasting) and people shouting. It's no time to be out. Aren't we glad American sport fans are so much more refined? How is race weekend, anyway?
We had breakfast in Monkey Valley overlooking the beautiful Noordhoek Bay. Long stretches of white sand and gently rolling waves. You would think one would get tired of bays and mountains, but I continue to be amazed. They each have their own temperament. This one quite and serene, yesterday the waves crashed against the cliffs and whirlpools sucked the surface for potential prey.
Mountains change in the blink of an eye as shadows move across their face. This one steep and rocky. That one cloaked in Protea and another seeming to sway as the breeze moves giant blades of Mother-in-law's Tongue. Cross to the other side and it ripples with grasses.
The landscape changes quickly while other changes come more slowly. Old ways, habits, thinking, are deep rooted and stubborn to change. And yet, the light penetrates the darkness.
I can't believe my time here is coming to a close. But, my thoughts are turning to home. Sunday services tomorrow or maybe we will play hooky and try one more road trip to see whales. Then full class Monday and say goodbye to the first years. Tuesday will just be the four core students who will become next years instructors.
I'm already trying to fit everything in the suitcases and bringing as many bags as possible. I really shouldn't have bought................. Oh well, we make it work somehow.
Cape Town Seamstress

Friday, Day 9

It is Sat. morning and Wendy and I heading off to the waterfront for breakfast. It was a late night because e went to the Masque Theater for the play "Rebecca". It was another full day, but a good day. I come back later today to fill you in. The tummy says it is time to eat!
Cape Town Seamstress

Days 7&8 Thurs. Evening

I'm back and no, I didn't step off the end of the continent! There was no post last evening due to a minor computer clitch, but here we go....
It was class as usual till 1:00. The first yr students continued to learn the procedures for putting the bag together with three sewing until one part was constructed or needed to be pulled apart for correction and then another student moving to the machine to complete their next stage. We did manage to get four machines running, but one has to be handled with patience as it keeps breaking thread. Thank you to thse who are expressing a desire to help. I will have ideas and avenues for this when I return.
The second yr. class began to design and make the pattern for a smaller bag of similar style. After tea, they began the cutting with some old fabric. These will be the prototypes and will be used to discover design flaws and the best way to construct the finished product. Remind me of this when I complain that JoAnn's doesn't have a good pattern!!!!
After class, we head to Kalk to shop. Oops, I almost told you where exactly and that would give away the secret of what I bought!! Can't do that now, can I?
Then to an early dinner at Bayside to see if we could see whales while eating. No such luck! They are on the other side, we are told. Just my luck but Wendy promises to go to Hount Bay and they surely will be there.
Travel tip #2- When travelling to South Africa, be prepare to eat pleanty of fish!
Home to rest before Bible study at the Anglican church (huh?). The sofa felt so good! Wendy decides these people don't know I am here and gives me the blessing of staying in because the Cape Doctor has moved on shore in the form of fierce winds. The window rattling variety. I fix a cup of coffee, look through another of her beautiful table-top books on Africa, get an early bath and off to bed.
Today, the class continues in much the same way as yesterday, but with one new student who must be brought quickly up to speed with the others. Thank goodness, she is a quick learner and very motivated.
The second years have put the different components of the new design together and discovered a couple of things that must be changed before we move on. These are corrected and we begin to assemble the sample. Tonight they will complete their prototypes. If there are no more problems discovered in the assembly process, tomorrow the best seamstress will begin work on the bag that will be presented for approval. Keep your fingers crossed. They really want to make this new smaller purse also.
There was something of an upheaval that greatly upset Wendy. Although it does not directly affect the program it does affect people for whom she has great respect. No matter where you are, it seems everybody likes to mark their territory and guard it fiercely.
We head to another fabric shop in Weinberg and then to look at sewing machines and negotiate a good price. Then it is over the mountain to the Cape Town waterfront. I finish my shopping and we have a good Italian dinner before heading home.
Wendy needs to come to the computer to work, so forgive this less than descriptive account. Just take my word, I have seen more beautiful views, met wonderful people, and am still in awe of the whole experience!
Cape Town Seamstress

Tuesday Evening, Day 6

For the first time, I'm really tired. It is 7:45 pm and we have been on the go all day. In addition to the running around, it has been somewhat stressful, which drains you.
There were 13 in the class this morning and time had to be spent catching up the new students. Most were from the first class and their skills are not as well developed. Each student has now laid up and cut one bag. After tea break, I began observing two students sew. There are six machines in the classroom including one industrial machine. The problem is there are not enough outlets to plug all in and no power strips or extension cords to reach them. Also, at least two have no bobbin case so they are useless. The goal is to have each students complete one bag by end of class Friday so I can teach new skills Monday and Tuesday. And more students are expected tomorrow. In the small classroom, this should get very interesting!!
We did some more sightseeing after lunch at a farm nearby which has turned its buildings into shops and restaurants. The food is quite good and a lot of it has been influenced by European dishes. Everything is fresh. Fish, vegetables, fruits, breads are all available locally and prepared on the spot. Then it was a drive around by the ocean and over another of the mountains into Simon's Town by the back route. Again there were awesome views, but no whales in the bay today.
Then off to KOK for Wendy's meeting with Pastor John and a prayer group. Both of us are tired so we decided to eat lightly at home. Wendy is in the kitchen, rattling pots and pans while I write. Then she must do some work on the computer (it didn't happen last evening or today because of phone calls and other interruptions). And I'm hitting the sack early.
Gerry sing pretty! Thanks Shirley for reading. I promise pictures later, but it really pulls my battery down and takes too much time for now. Wendy is gracious to let me prattle away when she really should be here doing the articles she has promised.
Joe, I missed your email today. I love you!
Cape Town Seamstress

Monday Evening, Day 5

Has it really been five days? I can't believe it! And today has been full to the brim, over flowing. God is good! Today, I stood at the end of the African continent!
Wendy arrived around midnight and we talked for 1 1/2 hrs. We were up at 7:00 and off and running by 8:45.
We arrived at the Center for the first class at 9:00 only to find the Living Hope board in a meeting in the room through which we must pass to get upstairs to our classroom, so we wait. At 9:30, we begin. This class is small but tomorrow more will come. There are five women and one man and all are upcoming graduates. This is the core who will serve as instructors for new classes and they are eager to learn, but somewhat intimidated by this "redheaded" American lady. Now, why would anyone be intimidated by little, old me?
I show them the problems with the master pattern that are creating some of the inconsistency in the finished products. The next step is demonstrate how to make a new master pattern and then how to lay it the same way each time. Each person in turn lays out the pattern, cuts one bag, and makes a personal pattern . They quickly understand that having the ability to cut out their own bags instead of having just one cutter and doing it the same way each time will facilitate an increase in the production, reduce fabric waste, and help in the quality of the final product.
We have already overcome the possible language barrier. Most speak some English, but not American Southern drawl. One of the ladies interpets anything the others don't catch and their questions to me. It reminds me of an old fashioned quilting bee as we banter and laugh while working along. We seem to have established a rythmn and time flies. Before we know it, it is 1:00 and Wendy has returned.
She has had a busy morning. She takes me across the street to look at an empty store in the stripmall. There is a possibility that a move will be needed by graduation. Things are moving very swiftly toward a full business that will allow the students to work from their homes. The stigma of the disease does not allow for many job opportunities, even at the lowest rung so the neccessity of this is pressing.
Then, we stop quickly at the apartment to refresh ourselves before our sightseeing. AH, what sights we see!
We drive along the coast to Cape Point. This is the southern most tip of Africa overlooking the Cape of Hope. It is where the Indian and the Atlantic oceans converge and fight for dominance. The waves come from all directions to crash against the cliffs. And everywhere you look, there are the waters and the mountains. David, this is the picture of Genesis', land divided from the chaos (water). Along the shore in the grasses, wild ostrichs feed and baboons groom each other.
How can anyone see this and not know there is Being higher than themselves? It is beyond description! And in the middle of my furiously taking pictures, my battery dies!!!!!!
After coffee and dessert at the Two Oceans Resturant, we return to Fish Hoek and run to Woolworths to buy a roast chicken for dinner. I like the way Wendy thinks...dessert first then dinner! Let's get the important stuff taken care of first!! And yes, I did say Woolworths.
Wendy is fixing the rest of dinner while I use the computer. Afterwards, she has writing to catch up on and I will read and work on tomorrow's lesson.
Oh yes, we have a winner! And the answer is... "robot" is indeed what South Africans call a traffic light. By the way, I think I'm getting use to driving on the left (wrong) side of the highway. Look out VA drivers!!!!
Cape Town Seamstress

Sunday Evening, Day 4

It is around 7:00 pm and the sun is setting behind the mountain. It has been mostly sunny, low 70's, with a quick shower around noon. Another beautiful day in the neighborhood of Fish Hoek.
Joe again, "fetched me round" for church at KOKs this morning. It was a contemporary service and again had a missionary speaker. Their mission celebration will conclude this evening. The congregation is a good mix of the different people in the area, but is predominately white. It is very much like an International church. It seems there are many active and retired mission personnel from all kinds of sending agencies who are part of their congregation. After service, I was handed off to two of them. No one wants me to be lonely until Wendy returns.
Susie, from Colorado, works full time in Christian media under a group called HCJB(C?) Global. I'm not exactly sure of the last letter and for what they stand. Guess I should Google it and see. I do know there is a local station in Fish Hoek and Susie also works with Living Hope, I think, in some capacity through the mission committee of KOK. She has been here a number of years.
Pat is from Asheville, NC and has been here for 20 months. She came first as a volunteer for two weeks with a mission team from the Baptist association in Asheville in 2005. Pat is a retired Kindergarten teacher and EMT who has worked on a rescue squad in the Asheville area for 20 yrs. While here, the team was part of a prayer meeting at KOK. They divided into random small groups in which each person was to tell what they were relying on God to do in their life or what was their greatest need. Pat's group include Pastor John Thomas who sat facing her. When it was his term to share, he looked across at Pat and replied that God had laid it on his heart, that very day, to seek a medical person who could also drive an ambulance. No one had told him what Pat did. He only knew she was one of the team from NC, nothing more. It was simply a God thing! Before her two weeks were up, Pat had called her son at home and told him she was coming home but would be returning to work with Living Hope. She came a year later committed to two yrs. She returns to NC in Dec. to spend some time with family but will be returning to Fish Hoek, maybe permanently.
From KOK, at 11:00, the three of us went to Masiphumelele (Massie) for church. Massie is a few minutes away, across and down the road from the Living Hope Health Center. It is a Black shack settlement (think third world, low income housing) which houses almost double the population for whom it was built. Shoved between the rather nice original buildings are homes of any kind of materials possible. There are stick shacks, corrugated metal, shipping containers, etc. being used to house the people. The lucky ones own their homes and rent all available space to those who cannot own. Unemployment is about 80% and about 1/3 are known to be infected with Aids. Pat holds Children's Church each week during the service.
At 1:00 or so, we leave to have lunch at the mall behind KOK. It is Long John Silver's , South African style. The conversation is all American and a good deal Southern drawl. But, it may be one of the reasons I'm here. I get some very interesting insights to how things work between KOK church, Living Hope Ministry, and Evangeline Ministry and how some of the requirements for accredition of the health center are creating some tension. I know Wendy is much concerned about how to move to the future with Evangeline Ministry and has felt this tension building. She so wants to continue employment for the soon-to-be graduates, but has been unsure of how to proceed. Maybe an outside view will bring a different ,and hopefully, helpful perspective.
Back to the apartment around 3:00 to read and blog. I curl up on the sofa, just to warm my feet while reading South African poetry, and wake an hour later! I'm not tried, just totally relaxed for the first time in a long time. Why do we insist on pushing ourselves all the time?
The contest has had my desired results. You are posting comments for me to read. Keep them coming, I love it. This cyberspace stuff is great! Oh yes, an "organogram" is an organizational chart. Some of you Googled that one. But, "robot" is still up for grab.
I tried replying to your post through email, but they are bouncing back. Jane and Terry, thanks for your friendship and support. Martha, I love you sis! My "anonymous" son, daughter-in-law, and "Little One" (we really can't keep calling an almost 8 yr old that, maybe "Middle Bit") I love you and I'm praying for your decision. Diane and Pam, get those pumpkins moving! Glad to hear the unloading went well and give my thanks to the Tues. Grace crew for the tremendous job. Tell Marilyn how much I appreciate her pitching in. Thank you Ann, for "holding the ropes" and encouraging others to do so. Thanks "Rabbi" David for your support. To my daughter and grandsons, I love you. Post a comment to your old Grandma. Joe, we'll keep emailing! I love you! And for others who are reading and praying, thank you all.
Cape Town Seamstress

Sat.Night Day 3

I had to give it one more try! Aha! By George, I think I got it this time! Whoops, I have two of the same picture! Oh well, Wendy and the Cape Town waterfront with the end of Table Rock are worth a second look. Besides, I have no idea of how to remove the duplicate picture.
From top, left to right:
Looking from the back of the "flat" (apartment)
Wendy at the Cape Town harbor
One of the teachers with sewing project purses (when I learn to spell her name, you will know it!)
Kumi (seated on right) inspecting Sylvia's purses
Wendy (right) and Kumi issuing pay
Front window view. The bay is to the right
Moving to the left of last picture
Uh, oh! Duplicate of first two shots.
OK, there is really no doubt now. With this picture deal, I'm flying by the seat of my pants!! Hope you enjoy, mistakes and all.
Today has been anything but lazy. Joe came by at 2:00 for our drive around the bay to see the whales and African Jackass penguins. No, I did not make that up and it is just too good not to include. They are so named because they make a braying noise very similar to a donkey. No one told them we were coming and so they rudely were elsewhere except for one lazy whale snoozing along the way and four penguins who were too enthralled with their courtship rituals to be bothered. Then it was back for tea at the waterfront and getting to know each other. Back to the apartment at 5:00 to freshen up for the evening. Joe and Etane fetched (I love that term) me to the banquet at KOK and Margee returned me home tonight.
I could write on and on. There is so much to take in and I want to share it all with whoever is reading. Thanks, Diane and Ann, for letting me know that someone truly is.
The English here has been much influenced by the British and there are all sorts of wonderful terms. Most will know that a "boot" is the trunk of the car and "flat" is apartment, but do you know what a "robot" is? Can you guess what "organogram" means? Maybe we will have a small contest with a South African trinket to the first person with the correct answer! Are you game? No fair entering if you have travelled here, but newcomers, give it a try.
Good night from the Cape Town Seamstress
PS I just checked the blog to see if the pictures are there and I can't get them up. If you can't either, I'm sorry. Will keep trying!

Sat. morning, Day 3

It is another beautiful, warm day in Fish Hoek! The wind died down during the night and the sky is crystal clear.
I went to bed around 10:00 last evening, which is early for me and slept well. I seem to have adjusted well to the time change and I'm sure the lazy day yesterday helped immensely.
Joe, a white South African lady of Zimbabwe birth, came to "fetch me around" this morning for the Mission Celebration breakfast at King of Kings (FBC Fish Hoek). It was very interesting to visit the displays of the ministries support by the church and the Union.
The speaker was from Zimbabwe and heads a children's health education ministry in several districts. Since May 2006, it has grown from 6 volunteers in 1 church, reaching some 250 children to 250 volunteers in 48 churches, reaching 23,335 children as of Sept. There are 43 mid week programs and 37 Sun. programs which have resulted in 5,447 profession of faith.
The number of lives saved from HIV/Aids will only be known in the future. In an article in the Cape Times Oct. 8, it was stated that the odds are 50/50 that a 15 yr. old South African girl will contract HIV, usually within the next 4-5 yrs.! The numbers may be even higher in other African countries so it is more than important, it is imperative that the children be educated about the disease and how it is spread and prevented.
Joe will be back around to fetch me for a drive around 2:00. We are going to see the whales and the penguins. Then back to the church for its banquet this evening. Tomorrow will be church at KOKs, lunch with Susie, an American missionary from Colorado who works at Living Hope and then children's church in one of the settlements (I won't even attempt to spell the name) called Massie for short.
I may, in this blog, begin to use terms that we would consider offensive in the US. You must remember that they are used only to distinguish people groups as they are defined in the S. African culture. First, there are the Whites. This generally refers to descendants (White Africans) of the original colonial (Dutch, German, Brits, etc.) settlers and those foreign born Caucasian emigrants and persons who live and work in S. Africa (non African). Second are the Coloured. This refers to those descendants of settlers who inter married with people of color other than the indigenous African. It also includes people of color from India, etc (non African). Then, there are the Blacks. These are the indigenous tribal people.
The Africanes language used by many of the White and Coloured is a mix of the settler's mother tongue and the indigenous languages. English is spoken by most as a second language. And then there are the tribal dialects. There are Wkosi(sp), Zulu, Mende, and many more. These are interesting and strange languages which include many clicks and other noises made with the tongue. How any western person can learn to speak and interpret these dialects is nothing short of the gift of tongues!
Cape Town is the crown of South African tourism. With the mountains and the sea, people from all over are drawn here for holiday. Once it was the home of wealthy Whites only. When the restrictions were lifted, Blacks from the Eastern Cape flooded into the area seeking employment. Does this sound familiar, circa mid 60's USA? Today, the population is 80% Black. There are more people than jobs and the more educated and cultured are given preference. You begin to understand the tensions that are part of everyday life. Throw in the epidemic explosion of HIV/Aids among all the people and you begin to understand the enormity of the task facing our brothers and sisters working here to advance God's kingdom through ministries such as Wendy's Evageline and Fish Hoek's Living Hope.
Cape Town Seamstress

Just pictures

From Wendy's front window.

OK! I need to figure out how to get more than one picture at a time. Remember this is all new to me. Hope this gives you some idea of how the mountain literally runs into the bay. I took this yesterday (Thurs) morning. Today the clouds have been kissing the peak but the sun has shone in the valley. It is about 70 and a little windy, but a relief from the 90's when I left DC.

Today has been just plain lazy. I still am not quite adjusted to the time. It feels much earlier than it really is. I am well rested and not having trouble sleeping at night. It just seems like mid day instead of 5:30 in the afternoon. I'll eat an early dinner of Quiche and fruit (just as in Tanzania, the fruit is wonderful) and get to bed early tonight. More later if I figure it out!

Cape Town Seamstress

Day one in the Cape

It is 11:30 am Friday morning in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The traffic is whizzing by on the street below. There is a breeze from the Atlantic billowing the drapery in the window. I've just finished a bowl of strawberries and a second cup of coffee. Today is my down day during the trip. Wendy and I were up late last night, in fact, she never slept as she had an early flight this morning to Durban. She is speaking at a women's meeting this weekend and will return late Sun. So, I slept late and am "cooling it" today. Tomorrow I will attend the missions meeting at Fish Hoek Baptist church.
Yesterday, the day began with morning devotions and then we were off to the Fish Hoek waterfront for breakfast and hopefully whales! Yes! There are a couple in the bay!
Then we went to the health center which is near by. We found the ladies in the morning computer class sitting with No computers! Everything was gone except the printers. Something was very wrong. The young teacher's first words were, "I have no job, the computers are gone!" It was the end of a dream for her as she has no other chance for employment because she has HIV.
Wendy immediately set off to discover what had happened. It seems that last week a volunteer team from Brentwood BC in TN had renovated the classroom and in the process of putting everything back, the class had done some housecleaning. Which meant, all nonworking /obsolete equipment was to be removed. Good computers were plugged in and hooked up properly and non working or obsolete ones were placed on the floor. Instructions were left for those to be taken away. Well, communications are not always what they can be and the person who passed the information on to the person who actually did the work did not specify the parts on the floor only, so everything was disconnected and taken away. The good news is that people in the center had taken them for personal use and once the situation was explained, all but one computer was returned by the end of the day.
In the meantime, we began the sewing class by looking at the master pattern. I had ascertained by looking at a number of the bags, there might be a problem with the pattern. I saw the same inconsistency in all the bags. Straps were uneven in length and side panels tended to be wider at the top in all the bags which created the problem of linings not fitting well. Sure enough, the pattern, probably through much use and duplication, has been trimmed away in places and was no longer straight and squared. Easy fix, no problem.
We next moved to teaching each woman how to cut. At present, all cutting is done by one lady which does not allow the faster seamstress to go at her pace. We will also work on pattern placement on the fabric to be more conservative with waste. Placement is "willy, nilly" now and does not make the best use of limited resources. This will also allow multiple cuttings rather than one piece, one bag at a time as it is now.
It was payday. In spite of pattern problems, the bags are well done and lovely. They are big and roomy and full of pockets for everything. They are well designed. Each bag is inspected, students congratulated on a job well done, some things that need to be fixed are pointed out and explained, and then they are paid for each bag that passed inspection. Class was dismissed with pray. Teachers were paid and after a quick meeting with them, Wendy and I were off to shop for supplies. It was 3:00 pm.
Around 5:00, we headed to the Cape Town harbor and waterfront about a 45 minute drive over the mountain, for fish and chips. It is a spectacular drive! Definitely not the Blue Ridge! Cape Town is very cosmopolitan and every language heard. There are shops run by Muslim, Germans, Brits, Russian, and on and on. The waterfront is much like a world bazaar, only very upscale. It is almost more than you can take in. But, prices are much steeper than in other places, so no shopping yet! Around 7:30 we head for home, the long way round. You don't drive over the mountain at night!
On a much more personal note, please hold my family in pray. Joe emailed yesterday that his mom, in her mid eighties, fell and broke her hip early in the morning. She had surgery around 5:30 your time yesterday and had the whole ball replaced. She came through well and was talking last evening. It is difficult to be so far away knowing this and wishing I could be there for him. I know that friends will gather round him for support and trust you all will lift us up in your prayers. Thank you!!
Capetown Seamstress

I,m Here!

God morning from beautiful Cape Town! The sun is shining on the ocean and kissing the mountains, all seen from the window of Wendy's apartment.
Boy was it an eventful trip including a full 5k run! The flight from DC was delayed after boarding for more than an hour. My layover in J'burg was scheduled for 21/2 hours. The plane was an hr and 1/2 late arriving. Immigration had to be cleared and baggage claimed before going through customs. By then, SAA was announcing that connecting passengers to Cape Town would be boarding a flight scheduled for 5:30. It was only a half hour later than the original so that was good. Wendy would not thave to sit a long time at the airport wondering where I was. But, I had to leave the international terminal and run (!) to the domestic terminal. Thank the Lord for a porter to pull my bags and take me directly to the right place! It was well worth the tip. Oh, did I mention we had to run! And this was after a long brisk walk from the plane to immigration, baggage claim, and customs at the opposite end of the terminal from the arrival gate!
Travel tip #1 Train for at least a 5K run before travel!
From there, it was a short 2 hr flight into Cape Town. Just after sunset, we dropped below the clouds to see the sity below. It was breathtaking. Table mountain stood out over the city lights. It really was beautiful!
Wendy is a gracious host and she has a wonderful apartment. I slept well and am ready to hit the road on a run. We will go to the center this morning and I will have achance to observe the class. Then we head out to purchase supplies. So hold onto your seats!
God is good all the time, but especially this morning in Cape Town!
Family, I love you!
Cape Town Seamstress

Time to Fly!

I'm packed! If it isn't in the bag, it is not going to be. I talked to all the kids, grandchildren, my sisters, and close friends. Told them I love them. I just hope they have a clue how very much I do love them. Joe is taking me to the airport. He took vacation to get me out of the country, but not to get me back in. Hmmm, is there a message here? I think I have a ride home though. He can't get rid of me that easily!
I've got my passport, tickets, boarding pass and I can't think of anything else, so......it is off to the airport! The next posting will be from Cape Town!
Thank you all for following my journey and most of all, thank you for your prayers.
Cape Town Seamstress

What a blessing!

Been taking care of business! Passport in order, check. Health certificate up-to-date, check. Every size 16 or 18 sewing machine needle in our town bought and packed, check. Suitcases packed, not quite. Haircut, tomorrow. Bank notified of trip, check. Grace Board meeting....WOW!
Grace Network is a local ecumenical non profit dedicated to assisting local residents in crisis. We are supported by some 70 plus churches in our area and have distributed approximatley $190,000 in rental/mortgage and utilities assistance and provided our clients with several tons of food in our eighteen months of ministry. I serve as food coordinator.
Tuesday evening was business as usual at the Grace Network Board of Director s' meeting until time for adjournment. And then, I got the surprise! My fellow board members held a blessing service to send me on mission. How touching it was as they sang, prayed, and bestowed their blessing on me by the laying on of their hands. They will never know how moved I am by their support and encouragement. I am truly blessed to serve our community with these saints.
Well, back to business. Which shoes do I take? How about an umbrella? Can I pack that in the carry-on? Gotta remember to confirm my flight. Signed up for Mileage Plus, check. Copy of passport in another place, check. What will I forget? Time is running out. I fly in five days!!!
Capetown Seamstress

16 Days and Counting

The three most frequently asked questions and their answers when someone hears I am going to South Africa.

1. "Who is going with you?" No one.
2. "By yourself?!" Yes.
3. "Aren't you afraid?" No.
   

I've heard them all before and each time I groan inwardly. Maybe I'm totally naive, maybe it is just confidence that this is what I am supposed to do, or just maybe, it is faith that God has led me to this appointment and will continue with me as I go. Whatever you call it, "It" is true, and I am going alone and I am not afraid.

My friend's 43 year old niece died this past week quite unexpectedly of a heart attack. It reminded me again of just how fragile is our existence in this shell of life. Our daily choices determine the quality of this life.

Too often we fill our days with grief and regret for words left unspoken, the things we wish we could have done, the times we didn't try/go/do because were paralyzed by our fears. I choose to "live with gusto" and try/go/do even when others cringe at my impulsiveness.

Oh yes, there are things I regret having said or done and when they raise their ugly heads, I pray I have the grace to ask forgiveness of those I've wronged or offended. I pray too, they will have the grace to extend that forgiveness I seek. But, I refuse to put my living on hold for the fears that can creep in and push one into that safe haven of not trying, going, doing.

In the meantime I've tried to be smart and take care of business. The extra insurance is bought, the family knows where the "important" papers are kept, they know my "last wishes". But, most importantly I think they know how very much I love them. I never want to miss the opportunity to tell each one how special they are, to hug them tightly and say "I love you" (much to the embarrassment of the grandsons, sometimes). Of this, I want no regrets for the could/should haves.

To my friends, I pray that all is right with us. I treasure each of you. My life is richer for the great diversity of your personalities and opinions. I am forever in your debt for the support and love you extend.

So when we are really old, sitting in our rockers (off our rockers), and remembering "the good ole days", my memories will be full of the times I jumped into the deep end, did the "you got to be crazy" things, and plunged into the great unknown. I'm betting I will also remember the great blessing of being available and unafraid to go with God.

Capetown Seamstress

24 days & Big Surprise!

WOW! Talk about God providing. After church today, I get a call from my youngest in TN. He wants info about my flight cost to South Africa. Seems he is on the Mission Com. at the First Baptist church in his fair city and he mentions Mom is going on a mission trip. He explains that since it is a volunteer trip, Mom is footing the bill with help from some supporters such as her local church and association. So they decide to send support also in the form of a check toward the cost of the airline ticket. A lot toward the cost of the ticket!!!

It is true that we attend services there when we make the 71/2 hour trip and are there on Sunday, but most of these people don't know me from Adam's housecat!!! They do know my son. Says a lot about him, I think, and how they feel about him. I thought it was great they have me on their prayer list and sent a card to let me know, but this generosity is truly amazing! God is GOOD!!!

I really don't know why I am so surprised. This will be the seventh mission trip outside the US for me and He has always made the way. The opportunity comes along. I say I can't do it, don't have the money, don't have the time, don't have the whatever. God gives me a good push and removes all the excuses for not doing it. I finally say "OK, send me" and then He provides the finances to pay for it! And I get the blessing of being smack in the middle of God's transforming miracles. Wonder why His greatness still surprises me?

Cape Town Seamstress

27 Days and Counting

"Needles" is the theme for the day. I bought out the local JoAnn's supply of the size and brand needed for the machines used by the students in Cape Town. Hopefully, they will restock so I can get more before I go.

Then there are the immunization needles! OK, so the question is this....to get stuck or not and where (geographically, not bodily)? Of course, I would prefer to get immunizations here, but I don't like getting any shot that isn't necessary. It seems there are no immunizations required for travel to Cape Town, but there are several recommended by the CDC. And it seems, South African officials are somewhat prone to looking at your immunization certificate and if they don't see one they think you might need to get into the country, they stick you with their vaccine. The problem then, is the quality and safety of their vaccine.

I've had them all before and some are not still viable but I remember how a couple of them hurt. Guess I'll get the immunization certificate out and see just how out-of-date they are. I'll probably get the HepA and fore-go the Yellow Fever since it is only required if you are arriving from an infected area. I haven't heard of any outbreaks in VA, have you?

Thanks to my church and our local association for their assistance and support! Thanks to a special friend for her generous gift toward buying needed sewing supplies. Since this trip has all come about in just a few short weeks, I was scrambling to get the funds together on such short notice. I've known for a year, there was a possibility of taking this trip, but it had never worked out before. I had begun to believe it was not meant to be. I do think something like this has to be in God's time and when it is, He works out the details. I have learned from past experience that if you are available, God provides the means. I can never repay or adequately thank those who assist financially or pray for me as I prepare for and take this journey. You know who you are and I pray I represent you well with our sisters and brothers in Cape Town.

Cape Town Seamstress

28 Days and counting!

Well, this is certainly new to me. I have decided to journal a mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa by "blogging"! Who would have ever thunk it! First off, I never "journal" anything. In fact, I pretty much avoid writing of all kind. I'd rather just tell it, whatever "it" is. Secondly, I don't consider myself computer savvy. But here I am, blogging and figuring out how to do it all by myself.
I will attempt to post daily while in Cape Town and if I'm lucky, I'll figure out how to post pictures and include them as well. I should have access to my friend's computer while there.
Anyway, things are coming into place for the trip. I leave on Oct.9 and will return Oct.25. It is the end of winter and Wendy tells me the whales are in the bay. I hope they will be there when I arrive. I've never seen whales "in the wild", only at SeaWorld.
I will be working with Wendy in Cape Town on a sewing project. She has students who graduate in Nov. that have been making purses to support themselves. These are women who come to the Living Hope center as HIV/Aids patients. I will be teaching advanced cutting/sewing techniques, working with them to make their products more finished and professional in quality/appearance, and working with a couple of the students on "how to teach" as they plan to become instructors for new classes. The ministry hopes to begin a small factory for these women and expand their designs and products.. I will work with Wendy and their leadership in planning for that and in marketing strategy.
I covet your prayer support as I go.
Cape Town Seamstress