Buy a Donkey

The first Afrikaans phrase I have learned is "thank you very much." Our South African host delighted in telling us that it's simply pronounced "Buy a donkey." The "donkey" is similar in sound to the German "danke." Okay...

My first dinner in Africa

I'd kill for a garden like this. There could be a lot worse places to dine than on the back patio at Norman and Karina's house overlooking their meticulously manicured lawn. No cellular phone towers in this lovely place.

My nine dinner companions arrived from UK, Canada, Indonesia, Philippines, and South Africa. The remainder of the trainers will arrive later tonight and early tomorrow. Karina's househelp cooked a "one pot" dish of ground meat, rice and vegetables. It was served with a salad of lettuce, cucumbers, English peas, and avocado. This American, though full, sure did want a dessert which there was none.

Navigating the roads and neighborhoods in Pretoria

No. People in South Africa do not drive on the wrong side of the road. They just drive on the opposite side than Americans. I feel like I'm back in England-round abouts and all. The countryside between Joburg and Pretoria reminded me of Germany. Lots of lush green rolling hills dotted with villages here and there.

Interesting South African tree

After I was "fetched" at the airport by South Africans Antoinette and Ena (short for Magdalena), we swung by the office of SAAWE (South African Action for World Evangelization) to pick up some photocopies that had been made for our training meeting tomorrow. While waiting, I marveled at the nearby perfectly shaped tree and inquired about it's name. Our transport driver Antoinette burst into laughter then composed herself enough to tell me that it was a cellular phone tower! Later, I saw a few more of those perfectly shaped trees.

Ghost of Milfred

While waiting in the passport line upon my arrival in Johannesburg (which locals call "Joburg") I stood next to a man who was putting his reading material away in preparation for clearing customs. I noticed a familiar looking book jacket covering a book written by a Milfred Minatrea, a colleague of mine - Shaped by God's Heart: The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches. The Australian asked what I thought about the book written by a man with a very unusual name, and I gave the book (and Milfred!) a glowing recommendation. He said that he too found it very practical. Small world.

Freedom

A plane load of returning American soldiers serving in Afghanistan arrived at the gate next to where I departed. It was an unexpected and very moving experience as we stood, clapped and welcomed these men and women home. I pondered the freedom that they fight to uphold and thanked God.

Overweight

My one checked bag, not me, weighed in at 54 pounds. I managed to switch a few things-4 pounds to be exact-to my carry-on. No grace by the United Airline check-in agent.

A Country NOT a Region

I once had a speech student who gave a persuasive speech about South Africa. She wasn't very persuasive since she kept referring to South Africa as a region of the continent instead of a country. Here are some of the neighboring countries.

Reading Material on the Plane

I'll be reading about African Friends and Everything Must Change (in anticipation of Brian McLaren's visit).

Countdown to Departure

Got some notes yesterday from well-meaning friends and family letting me know that my blog was empty. Duh...like I didn't know. Now it's not. So there!

I'm headed to the airport in less than thiry minutes. It's a long overseas leg-18 hours. More once I arrive.

Movement for African National Initiatives (MANI)

This is the group of African pastors and leaders who will gather for the summit. Stay tuned for more about specific attendees!
http://www.maniafrica.com/

Interdev Partnership Associates (IPA)

http://www.ipassociates.org/

This is the bunch I'll be hobnobbing with the first week. The second week some of us from IPA have been invited to train leaders from MANI.