Week 2, Pretoria

            Sunday morning we left Soweto and drove to Waterkloof (a suburb in Pretoria) to attend church and meet our host families. The change from one socio-economic class to another affected some of the students throughout this week and challenged many people’s views. The host families were wonderfully accepting and really went out of their way for us; welcoming us and making us feel quite at home. When we all met back together some of the students were already referring to their host parents as mom and dad.

            Other than having the opportunity to live with an Afrikaaner family, this week was also filled with much teaching and learning. We heard from many different lecturers on many different subjects. These lectures ranged from history, to some theology, to border establishment, and more. One of our speakers sat on the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission). Another speaker was part of a secret society formed to go against another secret society called the Broederbund. The Broederbund was a pro-apartheid secret society that most everyone knew about but couldn’t really stop because they were in pretty much all of the positions of power including the government, the schools, and the churches. That lesson I found very interesting.

We also went to the Voortrekker Monument which is a monument erected to the remembrance of the Foretrekkers who traveled great distances through great adversity to establish the Boer Republics. We also had the opportunity to ride aboard a “gospel train.” These are train cars on their way into the city in the morning filled with singing and preaching. These trains are filled with many people on their way from their homes in the townships to work in the city. It was a wonderful experience and worth getting up at 3:45 in the morning for.

We got to then do a tour of some of the Ministries that are operated by Pretoria Community Ministries. These include low-income housing, daycares and job training, as well as teaching churches and other organizations how to utilize their space to better alleviate the problems in their areas. It really resonated with me that inner city issues are quite similar all over the world and it is encouraging to see that a number of people are responding to this in their various cities. It was here that I really came to the realization that with so many options out there, the wrong choice would be to do nothing at all.

We finished off our week with a trip to Sizinani Retreat Center for a day of reflection and stillness. The facility was excellent and the weather was great. There the students had the opportunity to reflect and slow down. Some of them used this time. Some did not. I most definitely did. As a leader I find that I too am learning so much through everything we go through. As I observe the students I laugh that the thought goes through me head “was I ever that young?” I just shake my head as I watch some of the students racing through the prayer labyrinth to get to the center, only to then race back out. What about taking your time and stilling yourself? Reflecting? Don’t tell my parents but I think I’m growing up. ;)

These students are such great teachers. To know them and be able to interact with them is truly a priceless gift. This experience is amazing and I wonder what the future has in store. I’m not sure but I’m now excited to find out.

Jordan Oram, Team Leader Site 3, World Wanderer, World Wonderer