Hi Folks,
The journey to Gqunube Green, South Africa from Seattle, Washington was a long one. Upon
arrival I hit the ground running, but not before saying hullo to my buddies (see photo at right). Much preparation needed to be done for the first Gqunube Green Gathering of future residents. Meeting, some for the first time, the residents has been a wonderful experience and I am left with the feeling that these are some amazing people with much to offer this challenging venture of establishing a village that models sustainable lifestyles.
The Sunday of the weekend was a special day because the Tricircle Pavilion was dedicated, a message given by Bishop Eric Pike, and the herd of Nguni cattle blessed as an act of thanksgiving for what they do as a land management tool to care for the ecovillage grasslands. Bishop Pikes' message was inspirational as he encouraged us to continue the work we have started. Then gathering to watch the cattle and participate in prayerfully giving thanks to God for them was an amazing experience. The photo above shows me talking to Bishop Pike and his wife, Joyce. Click on the photo and you will see two friends who are also board members of the Christian Ecovillage Trust.
Well, with the people all gone and the Gathering over I could turn to being your ambassador of Christ. Yesterday I visited CATCH in the Gonubie township and delivered the soccer shirts and cheque given to me by Brianne Vincent for this youth project. The photo shows Sue, holding up two cheques on the far right, with her team celebrating the gifts from friends who live so far away. They were so moved and appreciative of your concern and support and send you their heartfelt thanks Brianne. The second cheque is a gift from a couple who visited CATCH last year when they were here on Serv-fari 2007. Sue was most appreciative guys!
Today I meet with Debbie to give her a cheque of $427 for FLOC, a non-profit supporting terminally ill children and their families at Frere Hospital . These funds were raised by the children of Osborn Elementary who have been studying Africa this past year. They decided to raise some money to help the children of Africa and with just a jar in the library receiving donations, $427 was raised. One generous little girl emptied her "life-savings" from her piggy bank, about $70, and dropped it in. Thank you Osborn kids! Debbie says they have just bought a house which they will be using for the families of those needing to be close to their children while they receive treatment. Your donation will help make it look better.
Well, today the Village Inn has been very quiet as all
the workers have been given the day off. Nobody around but me....and the wildlife have come out to play. I saw an Nyala ram (a deer), a whole troop of monkeys who are busy raiding the garden (see the rascal trying to hide from me in the above photo as he chomps on a stolen orange), and a bunch of different kinds of birds I haven't seen in a long time. It's great to know that all these creatures are resident on the ecovillage. Reminds me of the deer back home in Leavenworth. Sometimes tough to raise a garden. (I have visions of Norm Porter chasing deer away from his newly planted flowers at the front of the church).I'm missing you all in Leavenworth. I know the Harvest Team is taking care of the Jerusalem Cross garden, Judy is holding fort in the office and that all is well in a congregation it is such a privilege to serve. Carla and I will stop by to see Tom Guthrie after I arrive back in Seattle. Please keep him in your prayers and remember to contact him and Mary. Roger
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