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was so reprehensible on many levels especially since this congregation was so welcoming
to all ethnicities.
When I arrived at the church, I left my bike outside and entered through an open
door. I immediately came upon the aftermath of chaos: several pews at the front were
askew, the carpet was stained with blood and bullet holes were noticeable in the church's
wallsandpews.Therewereseveralpeoplesittinginquietreflectionthroughouttheinterior
asgriefcouncillorsmilledaboutchattingwiththoseinneed.Ipickedaquietcornerandsat
alone trying to understand what would compel someone to plan and carry out such a hein-
ous act. I prayed for all the victims and their families and for the country not to be deterred
from the evil that was trying to derail its political course.
I left the church in a sombre mood and cycled to the Kirstenbosh Botanical Gar-
dens. I stayed with Michele and her husband Philip La Roux. Michele's mother who I met
earlier offered that I could stay with them when I arrived in Cape Town. They where sur-
prised when I knocked on their door for the mother didn't give them a heads up. Despite
my sudden arrival, Michele and Philip were very welcoming and I stayed with them for
almost a week.
During this time, the days flew by and some events took place that shaped my final
six weeks in the city. First and foremost, I received a phone call from Jaco in Riversdale
which really put the remainder of my stay in South Africa into perspective and set the tone
formypresentations.Hewasquiteexcitedtotellmethatanincredibleeventjusthappened
in his life. For the first time in nine years, he managed to eat on his own. I was silent for a
few seconds for his message to sink in. It was at that moment when it really hit me on how
blessedIhadalwaysbeenthroughoutthistour-nomatterhowdifficulttheroadbecamehis
message put it into perspective. I thanked him for sharing such wonderful news with me.
In all my presentations during my stay in Cape Town, I mentioned Jaco's story to illustrate
the invaluable life lesson Jaco taught me.
OnmyfirstSundaymorning,IwenttochurchonPriceDriveinConstantia whereI
met Father David who introduced me to the congregation. After mass, he invited me to the
rectory for some tea where I met the Gibbs. They invited me for lunch (which I couldn't
turn down) and then went for dinner at the Durants (again, I couldn't turn it down.) I went
to Bishops School's chapel in Rondebosch for Sunday evening service with the family and
mettheminister,Martin.HeorganizedformetospeaktothestudentsduringtheirMonday
morning chapel service.
In the morning, I woke up early and thanked Michelle and Philip for allowing me
into their home for the past week. I cycled first to the Durant's home where Nicholas, their
son escorted me by bicycle to Bishops School. There, I met Martin in the foyer and he
led me to the chapel. After I presented to the preparatory students, I was directed to visit
the classrooms to answer any questions. I was invited for some tea with the staff and then
cycled to my new home in Meadowridge.
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