July 8, 2007 - Part II

Sunday evening is where we saw the extremes of South Africa, the poorest and the richest. What a mind blower!!!

We were so fortunate to spend the night with Lebo, who we hosted in Cincinnati in May. We got to meet her parents, George and Mpho. More on that amazing couple, later in this blog.

However, the start of our time with Lebo was getting in her car and getting us 30 seconds to prepare to see Vusi Mahlasela, a SA artist who we love his music. As I tried to think of non-stupid things to say, we were ushered into his living room while he was eating and recovering from a cold and a performance the day before at the One Earth Concert in Jo-berg. He was so warm, open and caring with us house crashers!! We told him we love the new album, Guiding Star, and our favorite song was Everytime. He lit up with appreciation and we left telling him that we would love to see him tour the states!! What a gracious host and talented musician!

Next we went to the grandest mall ever (and remember in MN we lived near to the Mall of America) in Pretoria (the capital of SA). This mall had a movie theater, concert place, IMAX theater, comedy club, and a drive in movie theater (on the roof) AS WELL AS stores, restaurants, banks, food courts, etc... We had moccioachinos, a waffle with tomatoes and spinach (YUM), and garlic cheese loaf. Then, we had a fantastic meal at Lebo's house that was a spread for guests.

George and Mpho are wonderful hosts who fed us extremely well. The best part of meeting them was their story. We only had an hour or so during dinner to talk, before heading out to a party of SA hosts. George was imprisoned as a freedom fighter for 10 years. There he found his faith and the glimpse of the that faith was a shining beacon that Jim and I could have stayed in all night. He has such joy when there could be resentment and such belief that God provides that he is an inspiration and role model to Jim and I.

Lebo had organized a surprise party for Amy (who was also hosting with Lebo) since it was her birthday. We had a blast singing, dancing and eating! They really know how to throw a bash!!

We did make it in bed by midnight since the next four days were our work days in Mamelodi!