Going Through to the Next Round

by Doug Roland

A couple of days ago, I was in a conversation about lemon cake, a long-time favorite of the family. Problem was that I couldn't remember the name for those little shavings from the lemon rind. As well I find it hard to recall the names of people I know back home. In addition to recipes and people, common words fall out of our vocabulary and new ones have taken their place. For example, "yuk" is replaced with "eish", and "too bad" with "ach shame". There is a shift in the way we live and relate to others. It has played with our memories and pushed us off our personal center of gravity. There's a word for this - acculturation.

Before coming to South Africa, we read several books by Peace Corps volunteers who agreed that it took a year before you could begin to make a difference. For us, it has taken 15 months, but, as you know, we are old and things happen slowly. The signs that this was happening began popping up over the last 2-3 weeks. As we finish the year, we are getting some direct and indirect messages from seminarians that, despite their initial perception that we are Americans who have no clue but have an agenda, we are ok. While we could give many examples, one is that Cheri's consultations as nurse have gone from 2-3 per week to 2-3 per day - all this in a culture that looks at modern medicine with suspicion.

This respect has been earned and it wasn't easy. It has come from from the fact that we treat everyone the same. We are demanding and consistent in evaluating the work the seminarians do in our program. We don't accept many excuses. Yet, we are quick to affirm when their work is good, or when they are working their way out of bad habits. Without knowing it, we began speaking to them in a language that could be understood and trusted. In this or any country, state or province, it is the predicate to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Trust is a hallowed word. It is an intangible that lies at the basis of any society, whether it is China or an African village. Making a difference in someone's life comes via trust. It doesn't always happen, but through God's grace, the opportunity is now for real.

First a long Christmas break in Tampa, then back to South Africa for the second round.

At this season of giving, we invite you to participate in this effort. We promise that this will be done only one more year. Ideally, we want you to come here, visit and gain understanding. If that is not feasible, you can help through your prayers, e-mails to either of us at dcroland@gmail.com, or by making a tax-deductible contribution as follows:

Hyde Park United Methodist Church

500 W. Platt St.

Tampa, FL 33606

Designate for Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary/Roland

Be sure to include your address for a letter from the church confirming receipt of a donation.