Glued to God

from Elliott
A curious thing here are the names emblazoned on the minibus taxis that are everywhere. Each of them has some form of identifying slogan across the front windscreen or on the back. Still have not figured out the purpose - they don't tell you where it is going and you would not choose a certain taxi over another because they are all about the same inside. Perhaps it is just personality of the driver.

Regardless of the objective I am fascinated by the slogans. We have the driver descriptive Tall Boy, Small Boy, Boy Boy or the suggestive Foxy Lady, Hot Mama, Follow Me, or the religious God's Gift, Blessed, Glued to God. I like the religious ones especially. When they pass me on the road hooting, cut me off at an intersection or imperil their riders with high rates of speed, I wonder how their message (and that of the Kingdom) is tarnished. I guess if nothing else it makes the fearful riders in a prayerful mood. I think just the ride itself would put me in prayer mode!

I have thought of asking the drivers how they chose their slogan but I did not want to seem judgemental. So in the meantime I will just ponder!

Perhaps I should get a slogan for my pick up truck - I think I would choose 'Hayibo Andiazi' which means 'I don't have a clue' in isiXhosa. But then again, they might have already figured that out!

The Doorway to Learning

from Elliott

We are often amazed at the enthusiasm and commitment to learn of many of the students we

encounter in our enrichment programs. That despite the lack of basic of resources such as books, paper and pencils. Oh, and don’t forget the most basic of resources- a school building. Nothing too fancy, just the basics would be nice. Overcrowding is just a fact of life in the Eastern Cape but many classrooms are lacking even the basics – like a door!

As you can see this classroom HAD a door but the only thing left is hinges and one half of the frame. Hardly functional! But maybe that will remind the ‘maintenance department’ that one is supposed to be there so they will think to replace it.

Still there are many success stories where learners and teachers somehow find a way to encourage and achieve success or at least a modicum of hopefulness.