In the Air Again
Part one of my South Africa trip gallery! My family and I were blessed to travel to South Africa for a family vacation (and Grace's senior trip) then a conference with our partner organization, Resonate Global Mission. I hemmed and and hawed about whether to make this post art/poem/reflection centered or a mini scrapbook with family pictures. The conclusion I came to? Do some of both! Thus, enjoy part one of an artistic scrapbook of the Shaarda family's time in South Africa!
All smiles as we enter the airport again. Makai was nervous about the transition, so we had to make one step of our trip known to him at a time (reminding me that God knows what He's doing when He only shows us the next step but not the whole picture!). Once in the airport, he tried to run back through the metal detector after already passing under it once (whoops!), and he hated that our checked bags were taken down the conveyor belt to an unknown place. Nevertheless, we were all excited to get back on a plane!
Luka catching one of his beloved futbol games on TV.
The Entebe airport from the outside.
A basic photography technique that is used by even the most skilled photographers is natural frames. When using this technique, the photographer looks for something that's framing the subject. For example, the natural frame in the picture above is the window, which frames an airplane wing.
God also uses this technique. He gives us His word through which Christians are called to frame their views of life. Romans says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will".
The beauty of the sun magnified without world-rooted objects blocking its glory.
The city of Johannesburg, one of South Africa's largest cities.
This photo causes me to remember a song "Give me Your eyes" which says,
All those people, going somewhere
why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the brokenhearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach
Even if your environment is dry, God's word and prayer can irrigate you from within, producing a bountiful crop.
A shanty town visible as we land in the West Cape. I struggled with reminders of poverty while in South Africa. There is a clear divide between the areas where middle or high class citizens live their lives and the crammed areas where immigrants or impoverished dwell. I felt immense guilt for enjoying a comfortable vacation whenever we drove past a shanty town. When I asked God how to deal with this sensation, He answered, "I have pressed my heart upon yours. You prayed that I would never let you become numb to the effects of sin in this world. I am answering this prayer; not so you will live in guilt, but to stir your soul to love as I love even when it hurts."
Beautiful mountains we had to drive over to get from Cape Town to Misty Cliffs, where we stayed.
The mountainside was covered with hundreds of succulents. They created a breath-taking palate of green from afar and near.
I am not an ocean
I don't pretend to
be, for I know no
matter how far I
stretch myself, it
will never equal
an ocean. In
despair I curl
into myself, losing
hope and reason
to live. Yet, a
flash interrupts my
dark contemplations,
warmth penetrates
cold of inadequacy's
consequence. I
reach, wonder now
reviving my heart
to find the same
Sun shining on
ocean waves smiles
upon me, just as I
am.
The most stunning part of Cape Town's scenery was the coexistence of mountains and beach. Behind our house sat mountains reaching proud necks to the sky, green skirts flowing from their shoulders to their feet. In front of the house, the ocean thundered a relentless chorus, slamming foamy hands against hundreds of boulder drums.
Although I was only successful in capturing it a few times, the waves in front of our house were immensely powerful and thundered constantly throughout the day.
My father blesses my life by taking my hand and helping me stand on the true Rock.
Tide pools! We found star fish, anemones, small fish, sea urchins, TONS of muscles and even a water caterpillar.
Misty Cliffs lived up to its name, with thick fog often rolling in during the evenings.
We even found a couple fossils imprinted on the rocks.
Breaking down, dashed against soulless rocks
Slowly making their way to grains of sand
Undistinguishable from each others, but
Blending together, telling a story of pain
Mixed with shattered shells until they fill
Beaches and seafloors with softness.
South Africa does not have enough power for the entire country, so the government conducts load shedding. They (usually) inform areas when they will undergo load shedding, a time during which power will be switched off. We had quite a few candle lit suppers. I appreciated doing my devotions by candlelight, reflecting that Jesus came into the darkness and continues to shine His light through the church.
The picnic table from a bedroom balcony.
Peace
Waves audible
I stand on
Rock firm
Warmth
Gently wakens
My senses
Wow Lydia thanks for taking me on your trip. God has blessed you with an intriguing thoughtful mind that truly blessed anyone who takes the time to experience your life with you. Grampa S
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