THANKSGIVING IN SHONGWENI

I am writing this with one week until Justin Milan and I along with 12 other team members leave on our building trip to South Africa.  When we decided to join the fall team, November seemed so far away.  The second suitcase that all team members are allowed to carry has been packed with baby dolls, crèche supplies, books, soccer uniforms and equipment.  700 lbs of much needed, duty-free items for our families in Shongweni.  We will be on a flight from Phoenix to Dulles,

Dakar, Johannesburg, Durbin and then one hour of ground travel to our home away from home.

Our first Sunday will be spent at the Shongweni Lutheran Church to celebrate their 25th anniversary.  A luncheon provided by the ladies of the church will be enjoyed by all after worshiping and communing together.  It is not only in the U.S. that the Lutherans enjoy a good potluck!  I recall that on the first trip to this village seven years ago, the team communed with the locals, and that was the very first time that Blacks and Whites joined together at the Lord's table in Shongweni.  Much has changed but much has remained the same. 

On our second Sunday, we will join the congregation at Westville Lutheran Church.  This church partners with us in the Shongweni community.  We will participate and commune in a liturgy of both English and German.  During the time that we do not have a team in South Africa, the Westville Church reaches out to the Shongweni community with assistance.

Between the two Sundays there will be plenty of work to keep us busy building another home for a needy family and orphans.  We will be visiting a local school and of course spending time with the children. 

Due to the Thanksgiving school break, we are blessed to have three teens (along with their parents) accompanying us on our journey.  What an experience for the entire Johnsen family.