This Morning

This morning was cloudy and cold - much unlike normal mornings here, especially as the weather turns from winter toward summer. However it reminded me of Philly, and made me smile. Yesterday I had gone running with my friend and staffmate from Pretoria, Jackie. Our run had left me want of excertion, due to too much popcorn I had eaten the night before :)

After opening the gate to our house with a clicker which I discreetly stored in a pocket in my long spandex, I began to sprint down the Surbiton hill, our street. I passed one of our street guards, Ernest, who usually sees me going by in my car, and turned the corner to go down Cookham. Two of the other houses our Johannesburg staff people reside in are located off of this street.

I was greatly satisfied with my run, but the freedom I enjoyed to notice spring flowers I had never seen before in my life, made it especially exhilarating. This was an opportunity I took full advantage of...

As I neared my house, an African woman crossed my path carrying a baby wrapped on her back and a plastic bucket on her head. Before I reached my street to walk up the hill, Ernest stopped me and asked for money to help pay for his grandmother's funeral, showing me a list of other people who had given, with their amounts noted on the right. I was not greatly surprised at this gesture since I pass people with needs every day. I told him I would tell my house, as I had no money at that moment.

Going past the gate into our driveway, I was grateful for the time the Lord had given me to exercise and explore not only the culture, but also to enjoy the creation He had placed around me. This beauty and delight of His is not always so seemingly forbidden behind the gates and walls of this city. I pray I continue to believe this.