Cultures Collide

As I marvel at the magnitude of the city I just flew into, I can’t help to laugh at where God’s path calls us sometimes! This small town girl, who is used to being 30 minutes away from a grocery store and her nearest neighbor being 3 miles away, just found herself in Johannesburg, one of the largest cities in Africa. With this small town mentality, it came as quite a shock when we were escorted out of the airport and told not to talk to anyone for any reason! And yes, we were prepped for that before we arrived, but still I am used to saying hello to everyone I pass.

After about a 40 minute drive from the airport to the Indaba Hotel, where we are staying this week, we were welcomed by a little slice of paradise within the city! I mean this place is gorgeous! For all those reading this that worry, don’t worry this place is gated! Everyone is so friendly, greeting each other and asking about your day as you pass, and my favorite thing is that there is plenty of room for this restless soul to walk and explore.

The biggest observation I have made so far is the need for me to slow down. Because there are so many people here from around the globe, understanding each other is not second nature. I have to force myself to shift from listening in order to respond, to instead listen for understanding. This is something I thought I did fairly frequently, but I am learning now just how limited my understanding has been. Facial cues, voice inflection, and help from others is all needed here in order to take full advantage of the conversations to be had, but I cannot wait to officially begin GYPC this afternoon!

Proverbs 2:2-3 “Turn your ear toward wisdom, and stretch your mind toward understanding. 3 Call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding.