Good morning/evening whatever the time is.  We have arrived at our home gracious host Dr. and Mrs. Jake and Vi Jekwa for a three day visit.  We toured Johannesburg  (Joburg) this morning with PC(USA) liaison to Southern Africa, Doug Tilton.  Doug has lived in SA for over 20 years.  The car tour was short because we had to be at the airport by 12 for a 2:30 flight to East London.

Our morning meal at the B and B was just as exceptional as the evening dinner.  Eggs served like Europe in egg cozies, several types of sausages, mushrooms simmered with red and green peppers, yogurts with copious amounts of fresh fruit of all kind.  I did not eat jam or marmalade, but everyone at the table was enjoying mulberry jam made from trees in her yard.  We said our goodbyes’ and appreciated the suggestion to stay in Joburg for the day prior to flying. 

When we arrived at the airport in East London, we were met by four beautiful ladies who attended last year’s conference with PNNE.  After a lazy cup of tea at the airport, we were skirted off to Auld Memorial Church.  Upon arriving about 35 women were outside the fellowship hall singing happily along with honking horns upon our arrival.  It was quite a joyous welcoming.  A short program was shared and we were introduced and given our Xhosa name.  Translated my name means “Mother of Love”.  I believe it is spelled Noluthando.   Elaine’s name is Nobubele, Mother of Compassion/Love and Barbara’s name is Nonceba, which is Mother of Mercy.  Gratefully, only Barbara’s name has the C click in the pronunciation.  Elaine and I would never be able to pronounce our names if we had to click our tongue….however, Barbara has been practicing even in NH so she indeed was ready for this appropriate name.

We give thanks for God’s travel mercies and for our wonderful SA friends and new friends who are widely encircling us in His love. See pictures on next post!

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