January 15, 2007

Six of us got up at 7 am this morning to go run. It is much harder to run in Johannesburg because of the higher altitude. It was cloudy and rainy for most of the morning. After breakfast we listened to a presentation by Mmathabo Mrubata and Marlett Balmer, two ladies from Palmer Development Consulting. This is a really small company that focuses on renewable energy, housing, and education. They told us about some very fascinating projects. One of them was solar cooker research. They have designed these big bowl-like drums that use the sun to cook food. One of them was nicknamed “Mandela’s Microwave,” which could cook food for hundreds of people. Another very interesting project was called the BnM fire lighting project. They have discovered that if they fill a 20 liter drum with (from bottom to top) coal, newspaper, wood, and more coal, then it burns much more efficiently with a 90% reduction in smoke. These projects are important because they allow poorer people to save money and resources.

After this we went on an all day tour, led by Mmathabo, of various townships. We first drove to a hostel. This is where the men who worked in the mines would live. The living conditions there are very poor. Sometimes five or more people would be in one little bedroom. We then proceeded to the White City Clinic. Places like these provide people with testing and medication. Something interesting that we heard there was that workers who treat the sick people need to be encouraged or rewarded from time to time or else they become “sick.” After this we visited a place called New Image Rover Crew. This was located in a lower middle class neighborhood. This place seeks out children who are orphaned, vulnerable, or the head of the family to provide them with care to grow up normally. They serve about 560 children a year. Some of the home based care programs that are offered are psychosocial care, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, and other development programs.

Our next visit was the highlight of the day. We drove to a house in the Tornado township. It was called this because one morning a long time ago, the residents woke up to find their neighborhood destroyed by a tornado. So anyways, the highlight was eating a traditional township meal. We all sat on crates in an unfinished house. Our meal consisted of chicken, chicken feet, a bean and maize paste, beef stew, a salad called chakalaka (just sound the word out, i’m sure it’s spelled differently), and kale. It was quite the experience, and a wonderful way to learn about the culture.

Our final stop of the day was at a rural shack community. We spoke with some of the community leaders and health care workers. We learned from them that the top three problems in their community are AIDS, crime, and underdevelopment (no running water, no bathrooms). Once again we heard that money is not necessarily the cure to these problems. They need professionals, jobs, and most importantly education. We could really notice the unemployment problem as we were driving around today. All kinds of people would just be sitting or walking around with nothing to do. Even if you did have a job, it was rough. Some people from the townships get up at 3 am to catch the train into the city, and then they have to work long days from 6 am to as late as 9 pm. Despite all of these problems, a majority of the people are optimistic and hopeful for the future. A quote from today at the hostel that sums everything up is “Many black people here are poor, but they survive with their positive attitude…and their music.”

We appreciate your continued comments, prayers, and thoughts.

-Justin Boldt

A typical hostel bedroom.

 

The group eating lunch at a township home.

 

The food at the township; minus the chicken foot.

 

The children at the rural shack community with Britton.

Posted by Jeff Guerrero on 01/15 at 04:10 PM

  1. Greetings Britton and friends,  The photo of you Britton, and the 5 little boys,is just beautiful. What happiness I’m sure you brought them, even for a short time… Undoubtably they have blessed your life! Our continued prayers are with all of you. Love, Mom and Dad

    Posted by Britton.s mom and Dad  on  01/15  at  04:42 PM

  2. hey you,
    wow.  your momma is right; that’s a beautiful picture.  i hope they caught your energy - even for just that moment.
    peace and love,
    maria

    p.s. i’m supposed to tell you that richard and tim from our jrot’s say hi!

    Posted by maria  on  01/15  at  05:37 PM

  3. Carolyn!
    I got your voicemail, thanks for calling!  I am sad that I missed it.  You all look like youre having a great time! I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Grant

    Posted by Grant  on  01/15  at  06:09 PM

  4. We check your blog site a couple times a day.  It is so much fun to see what you guys are doing every day.  It looks really beautiful over there.  It especially looks good today after being dumped on overnight.  Jeremy, Justin’s a bit grumpy because we would have had school off today because of the snow, but we had the day off anyway for MLK day.  He’s wishing we could save it and use it next week (actually, so do I!).  This is exam week, so we’re getting ready for that. 

    We’re keeping you all in our prayers.  We pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and keep you safe.  We’re happy for the experiences you’re having as you explore God’s world.

    Blessings!

    Dad, Mom, and Justin

    Posted by Jeremy's Dad and Mom  on  01/15  at  07:50 PM

  5. Hey Justin!

    I’ve really been enjoying seeing all of the amazing pictures and reading about your experiences! I can’t imagine how amazing it must be to actually be there!

    I hope that you continue to have fun and see/learn new things!

    Love,
    Eunji

    Posted by Eunji  on  01/16  at  12:52 AM

  6. Hi Justin! We’ve been waiting to see your blog…it didn’t surprise me that it was the longest one!! What a “hands-on” education you received today. Your dad will be proud to see that you got up to run (at least I ‘m assuming you did) After seeing the picture of the hostel -I bet your Calvin dorms don’t seem so small after all. I was viewing these pictures during my lunch hour..the chicken feet kind of ruined the rest of my lunch! Have a great week. Love, mom (and dad)

    Posted by Justin's Mom  on  01/16  at  02:09 PM

  7. Justin
    Hows my tribal mask coming along?
    Nathan wants to know if you found a stone for him. my mom wants to know if chicken feet would be a good seller at the food court.  Those onions looked like the worms that we ate at work.  Hope all is going well.  ttyl
      Da victory’s

    tribal mask

    Posted by victory family  on  01/16  at  07:43 PM

  8. Britton! I have tears in my eyes!  This is so sweet!  You’re totally famous here in VT, I posted the hanging pic on our website at work!
    Love ya much!  Can’t wait to talk to you…thanks for the email!

    Posted by Meredith  on  01/17  at  10:47 AM

  9. Justin-
    Sounds like you are having a great J-term!  I hope you continue to have your eyes opened to God’s great world, and learn of the way others live.

    It is incredibly sad to read some of the groups entries, but will make a profound impact on you of course.  I hope you and the others will always remember to pray and do what you can phsically and financially to help the people struggling through life in these countries.

    I’m sure you see real joy to.  Sometimes simplier and poorer isn’t always so bad.  My prayers are with you; for safety and good learning.
    Tim

    Posted by Tim Mejeur  on  01/23  at  11:38 AM
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