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We had such a full day yesterday that I did not include two other important stops that we made. The first was to the Hector Pieterson Museum. Hector Pieterson is an icon among South Africans because he was one of the first students killed in the student uprising in 1976 to protest the government mandates that rather than continue to teach students in English, all schools much teach the students in Afrikaans, the language of their oppressor. The museum documents the organization of students and their acts of civil disobedience. It documents records of students, some as young as six years old, who were shot and killed in the streets as authorities responded to their protests. The second museum that we visited was the Apartheid Museum. While we struggled for civil rights in America, they too struggled for freedom and equality in South Africa. The visit to those two museums was by far one of the most emotionally draining experiences I had ever had in my life.
We rose this morning, packed our bags, and left Johannesburg on South African Airlines flight 327 at 11am to travel to Cape Town, South Africa. We arrived safely in Cape Town at 1pm and made our way to The Table Bay at the Waterfront Hotel. Katrice, who took this journey for the first time in 2008, told me the hotel was immaculate, so I was very excited to see where we would be spending the next week. When we arrived at the hotel, I realized she was not exaggerating! We were given the keys to our room and up we went. Now Katrice said in her previous visit, she stayed in a room that faced Table Top Mountain. She talked about the glory of the room. I walked into my room expecting to see the glory of those beautiful mountains. Boy was I surprised! When I walked to the balcony and opened the curtains, all I could see was water. Our room faced the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean! In Johannesburg, we basked in the red soil, the dust from which we were created. Here in Cape Town, we bask in the waters that carried us to another continent. I am excited to see what Cape Town has in store for us!
While our stay in South Africa has been great so far, there is one more thing I want to share. On the way to the airport today, our tour guide Meshach, shared his true feelings about our visit to South Africa. His words were very deep, and truly pierced our souls. Meshach said:
“We are going to miss you. I can’t believe this. Let me say this to you. God made everything possible for us. It was God’s plan for you to have an opportunity to come to the Motherland. And tell our other brothers and sisters who are still making their plans to come over, that we are waiting for them! And it will be possible to happen actually. So here is home! You have fulfilled life expectancy to be home! We love you all. I can say this to you. I’ve never got an opportunity to go out of Africa to the states. So it is going to be in my future plans to do that. You know we as South Africans are not a well traveled society because of Apartheid and many factors that contributed to that. And me as a tourist guide. . . it poses a challenge because I ask myself, you know initially, it was only meant for rich people to travel, but I was wrong. When I got into tourist travel, I realized that people save up for years. And that it is possible, I can also do it. So one day you will see me walking down your neighborhood. That is one of the things I will do in my lifetime. . . We have learned a lot, especially from your side, because if you look at it, we’ve got the same kind of struggle. Because a lot of times people would wonder, how are our brothers and sisters in the states? How do they manage? . . . In Africa there is no late start. We are making our advances. . . How do you suppose that you are actually far more advanced than we are? We are learning. We are coming. We have a lot of work to do.”
What profound words from our brother! What profound words from our home!
Blessings~
Gregory Spence
/ February 18, 2010It would seem the world over the histories mirror one another where Black & Brown folk are concerned.
It would also seem regardless of race or ethnicity, the truly faithful & humble ultimately triumph over evil.
Table Bay. Table Top Mountain. The former a source of food and sustenance where families, communities, and generations gather. The latter, the exquisite upper exposed surface of a cut precious stone. How appropriate!
Indeed! God has made all things possible!
Y’all look good too!
C Williams
/ February 18, 2010I look forward to these entries!! Thanks for sharing this journey with us.
Meschach’s words really moved me.
I visited S. Africa in 2006, and I can agree…once your step on that soil your soul feels like it’s at home. ….It’s like you never knew you missed “home”, or really knew what “home” feels like until you’ve been there. Such an odd feeling
Cheryl Faye
/ February 18, 2010Rev. LaKeesha, I know how impactful it was for you to open your curtains and have a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. I feel it, too. I remember pictures from Katrice’s visit in 2008 of Table Top Mountain and remember how stunning they were.
I’m can only imagine how hard it must have been to tour the Apartheid Museum — I know it would have been very emotional for me as well.
It is so wonderful to hear how you are being received by our brothers and sisters there, too. I feel the love way across the ocean and am eager for the day when I will journey Home — prayerfully with my family from FCBC.
Ruth E. Lowe-Tuitt
/ February 18, 2010Every time I read your blog(s), I feel as though I’m receiving a “actual” history lesson. Your daily updates are instrumental in persuading me to include “Africa” in my list of goals. I’m so excited for you all. It’s wonderful reading about all these African historical people & term of events that I was previously oblivious to. I’m also happy to hear that this journey supersedes what you imagined it to be. It’s not everyday that an individual is given the opportunity to experience something that they know is God ordained. I strongly believe the revelations you are receiving, the fact that they are connecting\revealing certains things is miraculous. God is awesome!!!
Monique
/ February 19, 2010Rev. LaKeesha as I read your daily blogs I feel like I am there with you all. I continue to pray for safe travels for all of you as you take this journey in the Motherland. Im thinking of Sunday as Tohma told of her stay in South Africa. Of course as she told the stories I was emotional. I became emotional just thinking about how you shared your childhood memory of saying you were going to Africa. And look you are there!!! Also what crossed my mind during the conversation were the children and their families, the struggles they may have had to endure but in spite of it all they smile!!!!!!!
You know me, so you know as I write on this blog I’m crying tears of joy for all who were able to embark on the journey. Love You all!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandmother Clarece
/ February 19, 2010While “you are waiting on them to come”, I’m enjoying my new SUV 2009 Hyundai Sante) Fe. I cannot wait until you get her, so I can give you a ride. I love you and miss you, hurry home. I will always keep you in my prayers. I went to see Uncle AJ today; keep him in your prayers. Tell everyone hello for me and I will be praying for all of you. Love you Mama
dwayne graham
/ February 19, 2010Why didn’t I save my $4000.00…LOL
May God continue to bless you all while away yet home…
I’m happy for you all; also proud that You all were courageous enough to experience one of the greatest experiences…
Be blessed and Know that you are all covered by God…
D.Graham
Charles Powell
/ February 19, 2010Rev. LaKeesha:
Thank you for reminding us all of the extreme sacrifices of the young warriors of South Africa. As Ruthie pointed out in her comment, your blog is not just inspiring but a true history lesson. Many of the children of Soweto sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom well before they even had a chance to live them. I still cry everytime I watch the movie Sarafina which chnonicles the story of these courageous young people. As with our Saviour, there is no greater love than the willingness to give one’s life for your fellow man.
What a wonderful statement from your tour guide. Can’t wait to give him a FCBC welcome to New York.
Charles
Tohma
/ February 19, 2010Meshach was our tour guide in 2008!!!!! He is a sweetheart! Our other tour guides names were Shadrach and Abednego. At first I thought they were kidding until I asked to see some idenification. Enjoy the Cape. It is beautiful. Can’t wait to see your next post. I love you.
Kercena
/ February 19, 2010I, who am never really short of words, have been left speechless.
From the museums to the Ocean to the life-changing words of you alls tour guide…oh, what a huge impact it has had on me. Thanks so very much for sharing!
PS: You ladies look great!
Malaika
/ February 19, 2010We miss you and glad to hear that you all are safe. Between you, Akira and Keemya…I feel like I am there! (tears of joy and all) Tell the elephants I said “hello”…
Continue to travel safely and enjoy!
Miss you all,
Malaika
Syreena
/ February 19, 2010Thank you for your post, after a long day of work it’s so good to hear about what you are experiencing. The pics are great too!
C. Nkechi Jacobs
/ February 19, 2010Greetings Rev. LaKeesha and First Corinthian Sojourners,
Praise God for safe travels on this transformational journey! What a methodical God we serve. I trust you’ll continue receiving all that’s waiting for you! I’m praying your well being!
Peace and love,
Nkechi