Rachel's Reflections

Youth Day - Thursday, June 16, was a national holiday in South Africa to remember those who died in the student uprising of 1976, during Apartheid. To commemorate this event we all went to see the film, Sarafina, that portrays what the struggle was like for the people living under those suppressive times. It was a good history lesson for me to learn and much to ponder over in my mind. Neither side handled things perfectly.  Without God humanity is lost, sinful, and wicked. Apart from the love of Christ we do not treat others as they deserve. Every human being is made in God's image and deserves respect, no matter who they are.  Before the movie started Connie and I were walking with our arms around each others shoulders. I noticed people looking at us. How ironic; even on the day set aside to honour the youth who died in the struggle for freedom racism still exists. But how wonderful to be part of God's family where there are no differences. I have been blessed by my r

My cousin Lisa came and visited me for a week! How exciting and wonderful to have her here with me and show her a little of what I do. She arrived on a Tuesday and stayed until the following Wednesday. The night she arrived I was in charge of making cookies for a Pastor's Luncheon the following day. She joined right in and made some delicious cookies that all the pastors and their wives enjoyed that Wednesday. Several other times throughout the week she helped with the baking and cooking and enjoyed it.  We went to the children's ministry in Zandspruit together on Thursday afternoon. The kids loved her. Friday evening we went to Sandton youth. Sunday morning we took taxis into Johannesburg with Connie, Grace, DK, and Paulo and visited Hillbrow Church. This month is youth month and the youth of that church led the entire service. After church two of the ladies prepared a traditional African meal for us (phuti, stew, and amasi) which tasted really good. We were very thankful fo