Sunday, February 25, 2007

3, 2, 1 (Brent)

Pardon me if I am a bit cheesy in what I am struck with today. I would not take the time to post either, since Kyle already did, but today has been an interesting day and is worth another mention. John Thomas said that serving in Cape Town can kind of create this “spiritual schizophrenia”—from one street to the next you see the difference between first world and developing world. It really is amazing and hard to describe. Anyway…

3 Languages: We have dealt with at least three languages already today: British English (it can be tricky sometimes), Afrikaans, and Xhosa (one of the three “click” languages—yes Jon Merryman, click—a whole 2 hour worship service in click, with translation for the most part).

2 Oceans: Cape Town is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. They actually look different—the Atlantic is more blue, while the Indian is more turquoise. Apparently the Indian Ocean is about 5 degrees warmer, too, and only a few km away from where we are staying and overlooking the Atlantic.

1 Bird: a parrot named Coca…you can see LeAnne’s picture. Wow…

Also…

3 Generations: We were told about three generations of women living under the same roof of no more than 12’ x 12’, all HIV+, all isolated from one another’s status. The chaplain here at LH knew about all three, but they withheld the news from one another. HIV status is highly secretive and stigmatic, even within family units. (They now know and are living with this together rather than apart.)

2 Decades: We heard of a girl who believed her life would not amount to anything so she decided she would have sex with as many people as possible and enjoy it to the “fullest.” She decided to rack up countless partners and get HIV so that she would be dead before she was 20—then it would not matter if the poverty in her life kept her from earning a decent wage: she’d already be dead. She is well on her way and is HIV+.

1 Village: Red Hill. Maybe only 1,000 live here on the side of a mountain. There is spotty electricity and only one water source for all the people who call Red Hill “home.” It is estimated that 50% of the residents of Red Hill are HIV+. We go there tomorrow.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good to hear you are there. Remember, no roadkill! Be safe! Love you! Caryn

Anonymous said...

Wow -- clicky clicky -- I can't wait to hear more about your trip! And if you're gonna be praising in click, I gotta go with you next time! I think I may be fluent...

I'm praying for you tonight Brent and team as I sit in a hotel room in San Diego... Just as you are on a journey, so am I as I continue to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit here. I've worshiped all weekend not in clicks but in English with 1500 Children's Pastors from around the world. I learned today that there are currently 2 billion children in the world who don't know Christ. While you are serving in so many different capacities these next couple of weeks, I pray God will shine, speak, and love through you to some of those hopeless children (and adults!) and that many would find hope in Him. I pray tonight that God would continue to overwhelm you with His love for you and for the nations -- that you would be filled with compassion that overflows and passion for Him that is indescribable. Know you are lifted up to the Father tonight and that with God all things are possible!

Anonymous said...

tiff///day-day

Anonymous said...

Hey Brent - God Bless you.
3 - Father Son and Holy Spirit
2 - Rolling Hills and your hosts in Africa
1 - outcome. God's Blessings spread on hundreds who need Him.
Thanks for all you are doing.
Daniel

Anonymous said...

I am so proud and happy that you are there now. I have been praying for y'all and will continue to do so. I am always blessed to see how the Lord uses you and how you rest in His will and in His purposes for your life. I pray as this trip is certainly a part of His will for you, that you will once again thrive in it - that you will have that abundant life and that you will help others get there too! I love you brother. Grace and peace.