New Perspectives

Over the last 5 days, I have had the opportunity to have some very meaningful interactions. Firstly, I had my first introduction to the Africaaner population (white South Africans). I traveled to Tarkastad to participate in a conference put on by the Eastern Cape Presbyterian churches, and was somewhat surprised by what was in store. We stayed at a “Holiday Farm and Guest Resort” and I was taken aback by how classy this place was. I wouldn’t have thought that an Eastern Cape hotel would be where I find a fancy little bag of cookies on my pillow and be served 4 course suppers (all included in the very low price of the conference—as long as they didn’t find out I’m wasn’t Prebyterian, in which case I would have paid extra!) Being in this setting, surrounded by wealthy, white, english speakers made me realize how much I’ve adjusted to life in Mthatha, and made me feel like I was in a bit of culture shock even though it was closer to North American life. It’s amazing what just 1 month of living in a place can do to a person. Through the conversations had with people at the conference, I was a bit taken aback to realize the general attitude towards Mthatha. Typical conversation:
“Where are you from?”
“I’m volunteering in Mthatha”
“Mthatha? Oh. (mixed look of surprise and disguist) Do you like it there? (implying that as an impossibility)”
I guess my city is not all that well liked. I felt a need to defend my new home city and break these negative stereotypes that exist, because it really is a city of many good things if you look beyond the surface. But that is very difficult to convey to anyone who has not lived here. A friend of mine put it like this: “We choose to live in Mthatha for very different reasons than those who choose not to live here.” But I don’t hold these reactions against Mthatha against these people I met—they were a lovely bunch of people, and I felt welcome among them. I enjoyed worshiping in English and especially liked having a chance to sing a few familiar hymns.

Secondly, after the conference, I was able to travel to Pietermaritzberg to meet with the South Africa Mennonite workers. It was great to get a better sense of the mission work that is being done in this country by Mennonites, and I gained a better appreciation for all that these people do and the commitment they have to their work here. It is admirable work to devote oneself to ministering, teaching, learning and building relationships in a different country, and I am impressed by the connections that are being made and the approach through which this is done. I’m glad I’ve been able to see a bigger picture of work within the South African churches, and my limited knowledge of missions has been broadened.
It’s nice that my work in Mthatha can be interspersed with these other experiences, as I feel like the more people I meet and diversity I see, the more I will learn and be able to understand.