I have written about The Book of Joy before, because I love it so much. Really, if you haven’t read it, I so strongly recommend it–for anyone, not just if you are religious. It is a book for people who love themselves, the world, and other people–and want to live more fully into a disposition…… Continue reading The 8 Pillars of Joy
Category: South Africa
Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Tonight is my last night in South Africa–we fly home tomorrow. I have had the most amazing time, but at the same time, I am ready to go home. My thoughts are full, my heart is full, and I miss my little family! I know I will continue to reflect on all that I saw…… Continue reading Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
In this post, I want to say a little bit about the people we have met the past couple days who are really making a difference in their local communities. First, on Sunday, we worshipped at J L Zwane Church (Presbyterian) in Guglethu township. It is an amazing congregation. They were the first church…… Continue reading Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
3 Questions around Identity
Today has been another rich, full day in South Africa, and I absolutely must get to bed. So, instead of a full post, I thought I would just pose five of the questions that I have been wrestling with most today, in light of what we have seen and done. 1. We went to…… Continue reading 3 Questions around Identity
The Wonder of God’s Creation
So, today was a “bush” day–a morning game drive, following by an early afternoon bush walk, followed by a late afternoon game drive. Honestly, it was one of the best days of my life. If you know me at all, you know how much I love animals–I always have; it’s why I’m a vegetarian. So,…… Continue reading The Wonder of God’s Creation
Lessons from Apartheid
Today was a rich, full day, with lots to learn and lots to process. We started the day at the Apartheid Museum, and three hours wasn’t enough to see it all. There was a great exhibit about Nelson Mandela–his life and history, and his role in ending apartheid; and then the museum itself had lots…… Continue reading Lessons from Apartheid
Maybe we are all African
I am here in South African on a 10 day study tour—it’s really the trip of a lifetime, and I am so excited to be here. After a ridiculously long trip—first a flight to Frankfurt, then an 8 hour layover, then an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg, we all made it safely. We did a…… Continue reading Maybe we are all African
Happy Lutheran 