Linda has been on a diet for two days – as we have been visiting our friends, Methelo and Victoria who leave near Maclear, about 400 miles from Port Elizabeth. They have no running water and only an outside loo – so she didn’t want to eat or drink at all – in case she wanted to go to the loo during the night!
There was also the cows, sheep, goats and a loud rooster to get past first. They had painted the toilet green now – to make it seem nicer! Its just part of rural Africa – like moving the slugs from the bed before we got in.
Methelo had his children in Alicedale- and so we had to take two cars up to Maclear. We stayed over at his Police House, the night before – as he wanted to leave at 5am, however at 5am he had disappeared to the office – so we didn’t leave till 7am. He had a funeral to do at 10am – but its takes about 7-8 hours to get there. He did reach it in time to do the internment – just.
We followed behind as I was preaching at the several services – starting at 2pm African time – which ended up being 5pm – normal time. It is single carriageway and pot holes – with animals running in the road – I just missed a sheep.
We got there safely, and we were staying with Methelo and Victoria. We had a rest, before going to the Church at 5pm. They live at the bottom of a slope – which is all grass and mud – so I had to keep driving the car down and up – and trying not to get stuck in the mud. Linda didn’t like it at all – and would get out and walk down the hill. They have painted their house – and it looks quite nice. They have plenty of animals – less one baby chicken stolen by an Eagle as Linda was watching.
The Church is at the top of another hill – but the grass is a bit more flatter here. The Service started with some singing – it appears some local people, not acquainted with the concept of African time, had turned up about 2pm! I was speaking on Unity – and so gave a brief introduction as this service had been shortened – (due to time). The main service was in the evening – and started about 7ish – and by now we were starving – but there was no food till after the service – a good incentive for a short sermon I suppose!
We had singing, and more singing – the Africans really love to worship, they sing the same song over and over again – and then started swaying, then dancing in the isles – and then around the church. It was good. There was a time of testimony – and they are really passionate about these – and telling the other members of Jesus love – they are quite loud as well. The Sunday school – also come out the front to sing – and then the youth, then the mothers, and then groups – but the men don’t seem to. All the Pastors and Elders sit on the table at the front, and their spouses on the chairs in the front row. Victoria did suggest to Linda they could get up and sing a song – but Linda made some excuse about not knowing any songs – and I couldn’t sing in tune!
I spoke for about 45 minutes – and was well received, several came out for prayer, and so with Methelo and another Pastor we went round laying on hands and praying for them. Linda also did a talk to the Sunday School on mobile phones – which they enjoyed. The Service ended about 10pm. We were tired by now – as we had been up since 5am and all the travelling.
We got back to the house, and then food was being provided. Linda didn’t want to eat anything – but managed some rice, as we were beyond hunger. I ate all mine- and then it was time for bed. We were in the annex, which was added on later, as it had a congregated iron roof. Linda first had to get all the animals out of the bed, and I had to removed the worm – I keep taking her to see all the animals and then when they come to see her she does nothing but moan!
We had a good nights sleep, and was woken up at 6.30 am by Victoria knocking on the door, asking if we wanted anything ironed. We got up, and as there is no running water, we had two bowls of hot water to use to wash in. It reminded me of when I stayed with Gran, and we had to use hot water to wash in the bathroom. Breakfast was served, it was nice – Church was starting at 9am – so we were there in time - Methelo had to go and get some petrol for the generator, so he was a bit late – about 2 hours. We wanted to leave at midday – as it was a long drive back – but this is Africa. The church started early – but we didn’t finish till 1pm. We had some singing, some testimonies and I preached on the Christmas story linked to Unity. There was another Pastor there from a different church, so when I finished, it was his turn – although he was shorter then me. He was good – and picked out some good points from the Christmas story – linking into my sermon. He then went round laying on hands on those who asked for it, he was rather exuberant in this, and some people got quite a bang on the head, when it was their turn.
We then went back to the house, thinking it was time to leave, but dinner was served first, and so it was about 2pm before we left. The weather had started to turn, and as they live quite high up, the mist comes down very quickly. We drove to Mthata – and then to East London. The road to East London was a nightmare – it was raining hard – so you couldn’t see in front of you, thunder, lightening, mist and of course pot holes and animals – quite a test. This of course slowed us down! We reached East London but about 6.30pm – and then Methelo wanted to show us his house import Alfred. It was on the way – and he said we would be there by 7pm – but it was only on the road, that I found it was 120 km’s – so it was about 8.30 by the time we arrived. It was a coast ride, and so again very slow.
He showed us his house, and then we went for something to eat at Steers. We had hoped to get back to Port St Francis, but this was now not feasible. Its difficult driving here in the dark – due to the wildlife and cars being attacked. It was about another 90 minutes to Alicedale and we stayed there with them overnight.
The children here are on holiday till 11th Jan – having started in November, so we offered to have three for a couple of days (he has five). We have Faith (10), Grace (8) and Aphelele (5 ) staying with us. Faith speaks quite a bit of English, Grace some and Apple a few words – mainly yes. I can’t remember the youngest ones name – so she became Apple, Grace became Grapes – and then Faith Orange – they have named me Banana – I suppose I am round the bend, and Linda Lemon – very apt! They are very well behaved, and play together well. They also like colouring – and spend hours doing this.
We went down to the beach, and built some sandcastles, and then swam in the sea. They did well, as they got me into the water, and had me swimming. I got a bit sunburnt on my shoulders. We then swimming in the pool – before wandering down to the Port of an Ice cream – and a cappuccino for the adults.
Faith is trying to teach me Xhosa – although I keep forgetting it, every time I sit down to read my paper – she starts to test me again – I can remember Hello – but that’s about it. She will make a good teacher, as she is persistent and doesn’t give up.
We went to the village in the evening, and got some pizza’s to take back to the apartment, and then had pizza followed by fruit. They ate well – and then we went for a walk around the site – before they went to bed about 9pm. They were soon asleep. They have a bed on the floor in the living area – as the apartment only has one bedroom, and one bed.
We prepared some emails – before going to bed – we were both tired!