tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56975281487674580032024-03-14T02:41:49.589-07:00Tim and Cecilia in South AfricaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-74648728196065685572012-11-02T05:21:00.002-07:002012-11-02T05:21:31.579-07:00South Africa Census ResultsIn my last post, I had mistakenly said that the mine strikes were settled and over. Some of the miners did settle, but there have been other miners continuing to strike. There are many issues and hopefully things will soon be arranged so that the workers can go back to earning a living for themselves and their families.<br />
<br />
This week the census results that were gathered last year were released. The previous census was ten years ago. Since then the population has increased about 7 million people to now exceed 51 million. <br />
About 2.2 million of the people were born outside South Africa. South Africans are moving from the rural areas to the two biggest economic hubs.<br />
<br />
Black Africans are 79.2% of the population, coloured and white are each 8.9%, Indian/Asian are 2.5% and other are 0.5%<br />
<br />
While the number of dwellings has increased about 3 million since 2001, 13.6% of the people still live in shacks. The number of households with tap water inside the house increased to 46.3%. About 9% of the country still used septic tanks, while 5.2% of households did not have access to any kind of toilet. 75% of the households had a television while only 68% had a refrigerator. Nearly 90% had cellphones.<br />
<br />
Though employment had increased from 9.5 million in 2001 to 13.4 million in 2011, about 14 million people aged between 15 and 65 were still economically inactive and 5.6 mission classified as unemployed. The unemployment rate has just exceeded 25 %. Black households earned an average of about $5,000 a year while white households earn about $45,500 a year. Coloured and Indian households earn on average $14,000 and $31,000 respectively. Women in women-headed households earn about 1/2 of their male counterparts.<br />
<br />
The number of South African children who have lost one or both parents has increased in the past 10 years. More than 3.3 million children up to the age of 17 years have lost one or both parents. The loss of fathers is more than double the loss of mothers. The percentage of double-parent orphans has more than doubled between 2001 and 2011. The number of households headed by children between the ages of five and 19 has been halved from 246,000 in 2001 to 150,000 in 2011.<br />
<br />
This information was gathered from two daily newspapers and the TV news.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-50773190736300017192012-09-19T03:27:00.001-07:002012-09-19T03:29:53.058-07:00A sigh of reliefThe wildcat strike of miners is settled. After about 5 weeks of striking at the Merikana platinum mine, the strikers have accepted an agreement. This is a major accomplishment because the atmosphere was so charged by events of the past weeks.<br />
<br />
The living conditions of the miners is apparently terrible. But the pay rate was agreed on last year in a two year contract with the miners and the unions. So the strike this year was a wildcat strike, and there are also new unions trying to gain influence among the miners.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately there was violence two weeks ago with over 40 people being killed. In one day 34 miners were shot by the police, reportedly some of them were shot in the back. There was escalation of feelings after this event that the media called a massacre. The miners of some of the neighboring platinum mines and at least one gold mine were starting to go on strike also. There were thousands of people protesting and carrying traditional weapons. The army was called in to assist the police to regain control.<br />
<br />
The platinum mine managers, some of the union people, government people, and religious leader sought a solution. Reportedly this was successful last evening. So the miners are now expected to return to work and will be given a salary closer to a living wage. It is a harsh life for those in the mining community. But workers come from neighboring countries as well as from distant areas of South Africa to work in the mines because there is a lack of other employment.Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-81727784886940552642012-08-15T05:18:00.002-07:002012-08-15T05:18:56.887-07:00Snow made historyLast week the snow made history in South Africa. It was the first time that there was snow on the ground in all nine provinces of the country on the same day. It was also just the 8th time there was snow on the ground in Gautaung Province in the past century. Our Center Manager said that the snow is occurring more frequently now as she first saw it in the 1960's and then the second time in the 1970's. Now she has seen the snow on the ground twice in the past few years, for a total of four times in her lifetime.<br />
<br />
The snow last week was enjoyed by many and there was even a picture of a snowman and two children with smiles in our newspaper. But there were also deaths from the snow as the roads in the mountains were closed down for several days. And people were unprepared for this event. So many were stranded on the road without supplies of food or water or warm clothing in their vehicles.<br />
<br />
Now we have returned to more seasonal weather which is cool at night, near freezing. And warm in the daytime, sometimes even into the 70's when the sun shines.<br />
<br />
Best wishes from Cecilia Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-16691343223269778042012-07-10T04:33:00.002-07:002012-07-10T04:33:56.078-07:00Prayer PreparationsFather Stan Brennan, the founder of St. Francis Care Center, died last Friday. This week there are many preparations being made for the funeral which will be on Thursday. Over 1000 people are expected at the funeral. And the St. Francis Center is preparing for the event. I wonder if this will be the most people here on any one occasion.<br />
<br />
The hall that is used for Sunday Mass is being cleaned thoroughly. Yesterday the pictures were taken down and the walls scrubbed. Also the 400 or so chairs were cleaned and set up again. The extra space at the back of the hall which usually holds extra equipment for the Care Center was cleared out. Today more chairs are to be brought in for the Mass on Thursday. And plans for parking the many cars expected are being discussed.<br />
<br />
But it is not just rearranging that is happening. Yesterday about 7 PM we heard someone calling Tim and I as we were watching the news on TV. Father Stan's secretary was outside to tell us that prayers were going to be started in the Center chapel as soon as we could join the people there. And we did gather with a good number of the regular church attendees for prayers and songs. Afterwards plans were made for food to be brought and shared for the all night vigil before the funeral as well as a meal after the funeral. People arranged for further cleaning help to come on Tuesday in the day. And another prayer service was planned for Tuesday evening, as we all need "divine guidance during this week" explained Father's secretary. <br />
<br />
I think it is wonderful that this reliance on prayer is such an integral part of the happenings with these wonderful people. There is sadness at the passing of Father Stan. But the cohesion and cooperation of this group of people is a wonderful testimony to the love he showed to so many.Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-27443933936049124122012-05-29T01:48:00.002-07:002012-05-29T01:48:44.459-07:00Visa Application - Step 4 Final VisitTim and I went to the Home Affairs Office for our fourth and final time this morning. We left earlier than ever and arrived at the office before even the outside gates were open. There were still about 20 people in line ahead of us.<br />
<br />
After about 10 minutes the outside gates were open and we moved inside through the large complex to the area which we needed. After another 15 minutes outside of this office we were allowed inside. There we took seats in the waiting room. A bit later a woman collected the receipts of people like ourselves who were waiting to pick up the visa results already applied for at an earlier date.<br />
<br />
In less that an hour our names were called and with very little extra paperwork our visa extension papers were affixed into our passports. So we received the additional time which we had requested. We can now stay in South Africa until November, 2012. Our wait for service this morning was less than one hour at the Home Affairs office. That is a record for us and wonderfully amazing.<br />
<br />
Tim and I celebrated the achievement by driving through a park we had been passing on our trips to and from the Home Affairs office. It is a large park called President Park. It is mostly a grassy area with some trees. There was a small area that had some farm animals and a few ostriches. There were signs warning of a snake infestation. So we stayed in the car and just drove slowly around. <br />
<br />
So now our plans are to return to the United States on November 18, 2012. We have not discussed our travels then except that we need to be in Washington, D.C. from January 4 - January 20 for the Franciscan Mission Service re-entry program.<br />
<br />
We wish you well, good health and happiness.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-49018141806111228102012-05-09T03:38:00.003-07:002012-05-09T03:38:59.544-07:00Visa Application - Step 3Tim and I returned to the Home Affairs office yesterday to submit our visa application. This was our second time of coming to the Home Affairs location in Springs, so the travel was easier although we still needed the map. The main "limited access" road between the St. Francis Care Center and Springs is under construction. So getting on to the road required a detour which we were now familiar with from our trip of two weeks ago. And the exit before the one we wanted did not confuse us this time even though it was labeled with the road name that we wanted. Two weeks ago we learned that there are two exits in sequence with the same road name. So that saved us exiting too early and needing to rejoin the limited access road to continue to Springs. And then driving through the town of Springs we knew where to turn, where the building that we wanted was located, and where there was parking. There were no road signs giving this information. We arrived at the proper door at exactly 8 AM when the office opened.<br />
<br />
About 20 people were in line ahead of us when we arrived. When the first person was leaving after being served, I asked her what time she had arrived to stand in line. She said at 6 AM. So she had waited two hours for her service. We gradually advanced in the line, with the convenience of being inside and being in seats without many people jumping ahead of those waiting longer, because the line was in view of those waiting as well as those in the office. This alone was a big improvement over the first location of the Home Affairs office where we had gone to on our first attempt at getting a visa. <br />
<br />
We waited about 2 hours for our turn to get near. Then the only man working behind the desk at that time said that if anyone was over 60 he would take them next. Tim and I took advantage of that offer. When our documents were examined, we were found to have all that we needed. Even though we had brought with us copies of everything needed, it still took quite awhile for all the process of rubber stamping, photo copying some other papers, paying and getting a hand written receipt, watching while the man typed with one finger, and hand wrote other information. It definitely looked like there was a need for more office help. We were told we would be telephoned when our visa was ready. I asked when it might be, and the man said "about 3 weeks". When we got home I examined a paper we had been given, and the paper said that it was our responsibility to check on the visa within one month, but there was not phone number provided.<br />
<br />
As we were leaving we noted that the line for the visa office was much longer and was out the door and people needed to stand. There were so many people in the line it seemed doubtful that they could all be served on that day.<br />
<br />
On our return trip to the St. Francis Care Center, we were again glad that we knew the way. The entrance to the limited access road was not marked, perhaps because construction is underway. And the exits were not marked where we needed to get off. We recognized the scenery, so we did not drive out of our way.<br />
<br />
So perhaps in a few weeks we will know about Step 4 when we will need to return to the Home Affairs office in Spring to receive our visa.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-56512311336737906912012-05-07T06:51:00.001-07:002012-05-07T06:51:30.385-07:00A Holiday on Tuesday, May 1, 2012In South Africa May 1st is celebrated as a National Holiday, Workers Day. So the Home Affairs Offices were not open. Tim and I took the opportunity to spend a couple of very pleasant hours in a park. Tim had discovered this park on one of his long walks, 25 miles on that occasion.<br />
<br />
On last Tuesday we borrowed a car and drove to the park which is nick-named "bunny park". There are hundreds and hundreds of rabbits loose in the park who enjoy being fed carrots by visitors of any age. The park is quite large although probably a neighborhood park. It has a stream running through it which has small foot bridges in many places along the curving paths to cross the stream. And scattered in the park are large enclosures for many types of farm animals and a few other types of non-threatening animals. There were also some rock art structures which the children climb on as well as three circus types of mechanical rides for children and a pony to pull a children's cart.<br />
<br />
It was pleasant to see the families enjoying the park on the Holiday. We most enjoyed watching the children interacting with the animals. When we left in the late morning, there were families starting to grill food, which is a very popular family activity here.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is again Tuesday, and we plan to return to the Home Affairs office with our previous documents supplemented with the additional papers we need so that hopefully our applications for Visa renewal will be accepted. <br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-46312064789801322992012-04-28T00:22:00.000-07:002012-04-28T00:22:47.274-07:00Renewing our Visas - Step 2We went again to a Home Affairs Office last Tuesday to try to submit our application for a renewal of our South African Visa. Before we went, we had conferred with our friend who had recently submitted her application about what supporting documents we needed with us. She assured me that our list had everything she had brought with her and extra. We also conferred with a woman who has helped others obtain their visa, and she thought we were prepared.<br />
<br />
We went to a different Home Affairs Office than the one we had to stand in line outdoors when we went the previous week. This was in another town at greater distance from where we live. But we were glad we tried this new location. We were able to wait indoors, which was nice since there was some rain during that morning. And also, since we arrived early, we were able to sit during our wait. However we were not sure we were waiting in the correct office. The doors were not marked and there were many rooms. And we were not sure that the application that we had filled out was the correct form.<br />
<br />
We waited two hours before it was our turn to be seen. The first person at the desk said that she was not doing what we needed, and I was afraid that our wait was all for nothing. But she said that we needed to just go to the desk next to her as soon as that applicant was finished.<br />
<br />
When our turn came at the next desk, the woman looked at our supporting documents and said that we were missing proof of our air flight out of the country. I questioned her because it is not until December or January that we expect to fly out. But she said we needed proof of this before we could get our visa extended. I asked her if we had everything else that we needed for our return and she gave us a list of needed articles and assured us that we were only lacking the one thing. I asked if we needed to start all over in the lines, and of course the answer was yes. I asked her which day is less busy, so the lines would not be so long. She said that every day is busy.<br />
<br />
Now we are getting help from our sending organization, the Franciscan Mission Service, for the air flight documentation that we need. Then we will try again to get our application accepted at the Home Affairs Office. The two people we had conferred with before we went to the Home Affairs office about the documents needed, said that they had never heard of such a requirement. However they were people from a Religious organization which was perhaps recognized as being a financial support for having the necessary money for a flight ticket. So even though we had proof of our finances with us, more was needed.<br />
<br />
We will try again on another Tuesday when we have a day off of work.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-55845846353740827162012-04-22T03:31:00.002-07:002012-04-22T03:31:41.534-07:00Renewing Our Visas - Step 1We have heard horror stories from others who have tried to renew their Visas in South Africa. Our friend, Franciscan Sister Dierdre, started her application for renewal last September. The papers she submitted have been lost three times and she still has not received her renewed visa. She has phoned them every two or three weeks as they requested, with a registration number, repeated long details to them on the phone, and still not been granted the visa. She in not alone in this situation, as we have heard similar stories from others. The Home Affairs Office, which handles visas and other business is apparently overwhelmed. I have heard that they process 4.000 applications from refugees every month as well as other business.<br />
<br />
I had hoped to get the application form on the internet. I learned that it is necessary to go to the Home Affairs office just to get the paper. Tim and I went to the nearest Home Affairs office last Tuesday. We learned that that office does not have the forms, and we were given directions to another office some miles away.<br />
<br />
We arrived there to find a line of people outside of the building. We joined the line and stood for 1 - 2 hours. There was traffic in and out of the door ahead of us. Some of those people must have been jumping their turn, because when the number ahead of us got to about 10, the number stayed the same even though there was traffic in and out. Finally I went into the building to see what I could. There was a staircase which people went up to a small area at the top of the stairs which was filled with a crush of people. They were standing against a gate which held a small area the size of a small elevator. Inside that gate there was another crush of people. There was a guard inside with the people. I think perhaps he was trying to let one person in as one left. I asked him about getting a blank application form. He said that I needed to go inside. When I repeated my request for just getting the paper, a different man gave me a form. I said I needed two, and could I copy this one. He said I could.<br />
<br />
I went outside to where Tim was waiting in line. We looked at the form which is titled "Application For Renewal of Existing Permit" We are not sure that this is the correct form, but we have filled it out and gotten the signature of the St. Francis Care Center Manager on the form<br />
<br />
In the following days we gathered the supporting documents which we might need for the Visa Renewal. We plan to try Step 2 of the process on this coming Tuesday. We plan to go to a different Home Affairs site with the hope that the crush of people will be less or more fairly handled. <br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-75770361453202841642012-03-27T06:55:00.000-07:002012-03-27T06:55:14.146-07:00Village grannies brave the crocsYesterday's daily paper had a picture and a story that gave me another new view of South Africa. The article told of retirees who need to risk drowning each month when they are forced to cross a raging, crocodile-inhabited river to collect their old-age pensions. The elderly, school children and mothers carrying children have for years braved the river as the nearest bridge is more that 45 km away. A week ago an eight year old schoolgirl drowned while crossing the river to attend a school activity. <br />
<br />
For years these people have been pleading for a footbridge. That plea has not been answered. So now the grannies form a human chain and roll their clothes up before crossing the river. The journey does not stop when they have braved the crossing as they then must walk another 10 km to reach the pay point. One of the women was quoted as saying: "We better be eaten by the crocodiles than stay at home without collecting our pension. Others stay with orphans here and they have to collect child support grants to ensure that there is food for the children in the house."<br />
<br />
The local mayor was "shocked" to hear from the newspaper of the retiree's plight. He said that he would have asked for social development assistance for help.<br />
<br />
Cecilia's comment: The mayor not knowing about the local situation is the only part of the situation that I had known something about. The officials of townships are not local people, but appointees of the ruling political party who may live a great distance from the area they are supposed to serve.Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-13937874392245456332012-03-16T05:18:00.001-07:002012-03-16T05:18:57.764-07:00Current News and a BalanceToday I read a newspaper that had three disturbing items. This was a daily paper, not a scandal sheet.<br />
<br />
The first story was about a man who with about 50 others in this one suburb, goes down through the man hole cover into the sewer system with a bucket to sort through the sewage looking for items worth retrieving. He explained that he has been out of work for 5 years and got tired of looking for handouts or being hungry. He says with the sewer items he can get enough to eat and a rough place to sleep.<br />
<br />
The second story was about a man who has been in custody for over two years waiting for a trial for a crime. The case has been continually postponed for a variety of reasons having to do with the justice system. The conditions of over crowding and deprivation where he is held were described. He has little hope of the case being settled soon.<br />
<br />
Then there was an article warning the readers of ten ways in which they could easily be taken advantage of with their computers, credit cards, etc.<br />
<br />
This week on the TV news there was footage taken by a bystander of the police beating up a man. The scene was terrible. But perhaps more upsetting for me was the background laughter of the other people on the scene.<br />
<br />
I remember when were in formation in 2003, one of the directors suggested that Christians should have the newspaper in one hand and the bible in the other. I am glad that I have the resource of the scriptures. I have also been studying a helpful book, <i>The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life. </i>This book is a compilation of writings by Henri Nouwen. It has a great deal to say that is a balance to the many problems of the world.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-954456748572855492012-01-02T23:45:00.000-08:002012-01-02T23:45:03.306-08:00A Wonderful ParkYesterday was a holiday for New Years. Tim went for a walk in the morning. He likes to walk in places he has never been before. Yesterday he walked about nine miles through neighborhood streets . When he returned he was very enthusiastic about a park that he had found. He wanted us to drive there in the afternoon so I could see it.<br />
<br />
This park is just a few miles from the St. Francis Care Center in a neighboring suburb of Johannesburg. When we got there we saw that the parking lot was almost full. And there were many people scattered around the park which is several blocks in size. The people were a wonderful assortment of races, with native black people, people from India, and some white people. Families were in small groups around the grills, but the children were playing in mixed groups.<br />
<br />
We started to see the animals that were roaming free in the park. There were rabbits, peacocks, piglets, ducks, geese, and a swan. These animals were widely scattered, some of them along the pond which was quite extensive. Then from a distance I say a camel. We went closer and saw that the camel, two horses, and a miniature pony pulling a small cart were in a fenced area, and being led for children to take rides.<br />
<br />
There were train cars with a refreshment stand in one of the cars with carrots for the animals being sold as well as treats for the humans. Inside the train there were tables set up for eating and attached to the train was an outside raised area with picnic tables.<br />
<br />
There was a great accumulation of farm equipment scattered throughout the park painted red, blue, green and yellow for children to climb and play upon. There was also some regular playground equipment. In one area there was a small motorized vehicle for rent for children to drive around a track.<br />
<br />
There was also a number of fenced areas scattered among the grassy park areas. These included pens for long horned cattle, donkeys, pigs, ostriches, sheep and goats. There was another fenced area for chickens and other farm fowl.<br />
<br />
The people seemed relaxed as they enjoyed the park. The children seemed to be having a wonderful time. I am really grateful that Tim discovered this park and that we had this very positive experience of African family life.<br />
<br />
Cecilia<br />
<br />Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-60391561529588405282011-12-16T01:31:00.000-08:002011-12-16T01:31:07.500-08:00A Favorite SongToday is a holiday, the Day of Reconciliation, which is celebrated every year in South Africa on the 16th of December. So instead of getting ready for work after doing my morning stretches, I went for a walk. First I walked around the Guest House yards a few times. I saw flowers that I hadn’t noticed before.<br /><br />Then I walked outside the first gate and around the outside of the House of Mercy. Again there were places that I don’t usually walk when I am just going home. Finally I walked outside of that gate and down the driveway which is paved with bricks set in circles for the entire length until I got to the street.<br /><br />I was reminded of how it was when I walked on the Jamestown College campus when the students were away on vacation for the summer. Things were very quiet, but the grounds were obviously tended and cared for. There was a peacefulness in the entire place.<br /><br />Then when I went for the 10 AM Mass in the St. Francis chapel, I was able to carry a pen and some paper with me. Usually my pockets are too full when I go to work as I carry foot rub lotion, gloves, mask, keys, and other things in my pockets when I am working. So then there is no room for a pen. So today after Mass I was able to copy the words of a song that I have liked. I wanted to share these words with you that are meaningful to me. The song is by Estelle White.<br /><br />1. Oh, the love of my Lord is the essence<br /> Of all that I love here on earth.<br /> All the beauty I see<br /> He has given to me<br /> And his giving is gentle as silence.<br /><br />2. Every day, every hour, every moment<br /> Have been blessed by the strength of his love<br /> At the turn of each tide<br /> He is there at my side<br /> And his touch is as gentle as silence.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. There’ve been times when I’ve turned from his presence<br /> And I’ve walked other paths, other ways<br /> But I’ve called on his name<br /> In the dark of my shame<br /> And his mercy was gently as silence.<br /><br />___________________________<br />I hope that things are going well for you.<br /><br />Cecilia<br />Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-17001765709551365352011-12-14T07:31:00.000-08:002011-12-14T07:31:29.581-08:00Holiday ExodusMany people are traveling for the Holidays. The school year has ended so the school children have 4 to 6 weeks of vacation now, similar to the summer vacation in the United States. And of course this is summer here in South Africa. Besides the children being on vacation, many adults have a long vacation at this time of the year. Some places of business close down for 4 weeks. Others take the time off for the Holidays.<br />
<br />
Here at St. Francis Care Center we are also experiencing people leaving. Last week the man who lives in a little house just outside of the Guest House went home to another African country for several weeks. The House of Mercy, which is a facility dealing with addictions, closed down for a month. They are situated very close to the guest house where we live, and we even share clothes lines in the few feet between our buildings. Our house mate, Steven, who works at the Care Center is going home to Malawi next week.<br />
<br />
Then there are the other people from the Care Center who are leaving. The teacher of the children from the Rainbow Cottage is leaving today, as is the receptionist at the Care Center. Our Center manager and our head housekeeper will be gone for the week surrounding Christmas. Some people go on holiday to family, others go to recreational sites. But this is the biggest time in the year for these activities.<br />
<br />
And many of the patients who are well enough to go home with family for a few days will also be leaving soon. In addition to that, the 12 patients who have been at the hospice since last July that came from the nursing facility that had the serious fire will all be discharged at the end of December if not sooner. <br />
<br />
Tim and I will be here at the Center throughout the Holidays. Tim will be helping Father Stan with the Church services. We are scheduled to pick up the donated food from the grocery store on the weekends including Christmas and New Years weekend. And we will be working during the week also.<br />
<br />
We wish each of you a very Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!<br />
<br />
Tim and CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-10339939835434981992011-12-02T11:33:00.001-08:002011-12-02T11:59:19.664-08:00Aids Day World WideDecember 1st is the day that Aids is discussed and written about around the world. I found that the December 1 issue of <i>The Times </i>newspaper published in South Africa on International Aids Day had some interesting facts.<br />
<br />
"More than 42,000 babies born in South Africa last year began life HIV-positive. A Medical Research Council study presented at the national Aids conference in June showed that the national mother-to-child HIV transmission rate was 3.5%. In 2008 the figure was 8.8%." So progress is being made. " Lead researcher Ameena Goga said that national average trasmission rate of 3.5% was based on HIV tests on babies up to eight weeks old. But if the study had been on 18 month old babies the trasnmission rate would have been 'likely to exceed 5% because of mixed feeding practices and shortages of prophylactic drugs.'" <br />
<br />
"South Africa also has the most children under the age of 14 living with HIV in the world - 333,941. . . . UNAids reports that more than 29,000 South African children under 14 die from Aids every year."<br />
<br />
So there is progress being made in the fight against HIV/Aids. But there is still a great deal of improvement to work toward. There is stigma in South Africa that prevents testing and early treatment. There are many new cases of HIV in all age groups. And there are some areas of the country where the Anti-Viral medications are difficult to obtain.<br />
<br />
The St. Francis Care Center can now be proud of the fact that there have been no children at their Rainbow Cottage that have died of AIDS in the past three years.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-87970659001679579112011-11-28T04:21:00.001-08:002011-11-28T04:34:23.153-08:00A Day of ComplimentsThis is Cecilia writing for Tim and Cecilia.<br />
<br />
I was working at the Hospice this morning, collecting the breakfast dishes from patients in bed who are too sick to eat in the dining room. One patient told me that he was having many pains and wished a rub. I said that I would return when all the dishes were collected. The first time I returned he was making a dash for the bathroom to vomit after his food and medication. I returned later and following his directions, rubbed his back, his legs and feet, his neck, and finally his head.The last request was a bit unusual, but following his directives, I did rub the sides of his head. When he was satisfied, he said that "I will love you until you die". Now this seems an extreme compliment for a rub. But other people in South Africa had told me that they loved me on the first day we met, so I am thinking that it is just a cultural thing with people who know many languages but not much English. But I do think of it as a compliment.<br />
<br />
The next compliment came from a woman also confined to bed. She is so thin that my fingers and thumb can reach around her upper arm as well as many places of her legs. She had me rub her back, her arms and her legs. Then she said "You gave me such a nice rub".<br />
<br />
Then there were several patients who I rubbed and exercised because they have experienced strokes with paralysis. All of them have increasing motility since we began the exercises, which they and I can both rejoice about. This is another kind of a compliment.<br />
<br />
That is all for today. But I am hoping to do more frequent blogs when things in my life seem to warrant a comment.<br />
<br />
Cecilia<br />
<br />
<br />Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-4528426555609275942011-09-16T05:01:00.000-07:002011-09-16T05:01:15.973-07:00September - - the Marcy viewpoint from AfricaA bit of news - - - a bit of reflection - - - a bit of hope<br /><br />
We recently visited the internationally acclaimed Apartheid museum in Johannesburg. Through photos, interactive displays, film clips, two longer films, and hundreds of actual items and displays with aural or written descriptions, the visitor is taken on a journey of understanding of what apartheid did to this country. The basic principle behind apartheid is simple -- separate everything; cut a clean line through a nation to divide black from white and keep them divided. To help the visitor begin to understand what this entails, each person who purchases an admittance ticket is randomly assigned a color -- black or white -- and goes into the museum at the corresponding entrance where, for the first ten or fifteen minutes, he or she is cut off from those of the other color, and is exposed to different kinds and qualities of displays. After rejoining those of the other color, one learns about segregation, the history of myriad cultures, race classification, beginning of black consciousness, resistance and armed struggles, and peace negotiations. It’s a journey of tyranny and freedom, of tragedy and heroism, of chaos and peace. We had planned to spend a few hours, and ended up staying the entire day, leaving with a feeling of hope for the future. <br /><br /> A few weeks ago we were visited by some U.S. military officers. When they came to the clinic, I (Tim) was impressed by the questions they asked. Hardly a week goes by when we don’t have visitors from some country or another, some governmental group, some organization, some special interest group, or just curious people -- and most ask the same questions; but this group (actually, three groups of six or seven each) asked good, probing questions with in-depth follow-up questions, and they welcomed and took time to discuss issues with us. A few days after they left I found out that they were 19 newly appointed generals and admirals. The U.S. embassy had organized this visit as part of their overview of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in action, and to deepen their understanding of the HIV/AIDS problem in South Africa.<br /><br /> Cecilia and I have recently been given another responsibility: food pick-up. Much of the food that we eat here (patients, staff, Fr. Stan, Cecilia, and I) is donated. One of our bigger donors of both cash and food is a middle to upper-end department store chain called Woolworths. At the end of each day, their grocery department gathers together the food items that they consider unfit to sell to their clientele (opened packages, close dated, less than perfect fruits and vegetables, mistakenly overstocked items, etc.), and donates them to various charities. They have increased their offerings to us from two to three days per week, so on Friday and Sunday evenings we take the pick-up to their store (about 10 Km away) and pack their 6 to 16 cases of food into the truck, and deliver them to the centre’s kitchen where it is unloaded by the kitchen and security staff. As we’re allowed to (within reason) help ourselves to this largesse, our personal diet has broadened considerably.<br /><br /> The current state of the African continent is not a pretty one. I would imagine that most of the world has heard of the famine in Somalia and Kenya, but there are other systemic problems in other African countries as well. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Africa as the second largest continent accounted for less than 1% of annual global capital flows, a decline from 4.5% in the early 1990s. At the same time the continent accounted for less than 2% of world trade, also down from earlier. Without South Africa, the rest of Africa’s share of world trade was just 1%. In a tri-dimensional measure of development (a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living), all except 13 of the 55 least developed countries are African.<br /> Can Africa escape its misery? Africa has enough resources to feed its own people. It has enough energy resources to supply its own needs for the foreseeable future. It has enough mineral resources to supply not only its own needs in most areas, but also excess to help other countries who are not so blessed. So what are the causes of Africa’s lack of development, or its uneven pattern of development? I’d like to suggest six primary causes. <br />1) The continent’s vast size and diversity are reflected in the regional distribution of human and natural resources; the lack of infrastructure retards the movement of resources from where they’re found to where they are needed. 2) The contrasting lifestyles of urban and rural environments makes it difficult to deal with development challenges. 3) International trade agreements entered into when most African countries were gaining their independence were biased more toward the benefit of the foreign countries (extraction of natural resources, cheap labor, mineral and land rights) than for the benefit of the African people. 4) Much of Africa’s wealth is concentrated in a few people. One common statistic bandied about and not much contested is that 95 to 98% of the continent’s wealth is held by a fraction of 1% of the people. 5) Corruption is rampant. Relatively uneducated people vote into power those who promise them most, but then those elected use the office to enrich themselves and their friends and relatives. 6) By-product of colonialism. In many ways the contemporary map of Africa remains a colonial map. This is reflected in the existing national boundaries, which bear little relation to natural divisions (mountains, rivers) or to indigenous concepts of space (ethnic areas, traditional kingdoms, and the like). South Sudan, which has just seceded from Sudan has become an exception to this. One consequence of this is that most people identify themselves primarily as their ethnic group rather than as a citizen of their country. Here in South Africa we have Zulus, Afrikaners, English, Swazis, Xhosas, Bantus, etc. (There are eleven official languages in South Africa.). It is difficult to get these different peoples to work together enthusiastically toward a statehood with which they don’t identify readily. But there is hope; progress is being made.<br /><br /> I’d like to conclude this month’s blog with A LORD’S PRAYER FOR JUSTICE by Ronald Rolheiser.<br /><br /> OUR FATHER . . . Who always stands with the weak, the powerless, the poor, the sick, the aged, the very young, the unborn, and those who by victim of circumstance, bear the heat of the day<br /> WHO ARE IN HEAVEN . . . Where everything will be reversed, where the first will be last and the last will be first, but where all will be well and every manner of being will be well<br /> HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME . . . may we always acknowledge your holiness, respecting that your ways are not our ways, your standards are not our standards. May the reverence we give your name pull us out of the selfishness that prevents us from seeing the pain of our neighbor<br /> YOUR KINGDOM COME . . . Help us to create a world where, beyond our own needs and hurts, we will do justice, love tenderly, and walk humbly with you and each other<br /> YOUR WILL BE DONE . . . Open our freedom to let you in so that the complete mutuality that characterizes your life might flow through our veins and thus the life that we help generate may radiate your equal love for all and your special love for the poor<br /> ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN . . . May the work of our hands, the temples and structures we build in this world, reflect the temple and structure of your glory so that the joy, graciousness, tenderness, and justice of heaven will show forth within all of our structures on earth<br /> GIVE . . . Life and love to us and help us to always see everything as gift. Help us to know that nothing comes to us by right and that we must give because we have been given to. Help us to realize that we must give to the poor, not because they need it, but because our own health depends upon our giving to them<br /> US . . . The truly plural us. Give not just to our own but to everyone, including those who are very different from the narrow us. Give your gifts to all of us equally.<br /> THIS DAY . . . Not tomorrow. Do not let us push things off into some indefinite future so that we can continue to live justified lives in the face of injustice because we can make good excuses for our inactivity<br /> OUR DAILY BREAD . . .so that each person in the world may have enough food, enough clean water, enough clean air, adequate health care, and sufficient access to education so as to have the sustenance for a healthy life. Teach us to give from our sustenance and not just from our surplus<br /> AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES . . . Forgive us our blindness towards our neighbor, our self-preoccupation, our racism, our sexism, and our incurable propensity to worry only about ourselves and our own. Forgive us our capacity to watch the evening news and do nothing about it<br /> AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US . . . Help us to forgive those who victimize us. Help us to mellow out in spirit, to not grow bitter with age, to forgive the imperfect parents and systems that wounded, cursed, and ignored us<br /> AND DO NOT PUT US TO THE TEST . . . Do not judge us only by whether we have fed the hungry, given clothing to the naked, visited the sick, or tried to mend the systems that victimized the poor. Spare us this test for none of us can stand before your gospel scrutiny. Give us, instead, more days to mend our ways, our selfishness, and our systems<br /> BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL . . . That is, from the blindness that lets us continue to participate in anonymous systems within which we need not see who gets less as we get more.<br /> AMEN<br />Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-41552228721326765942011-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:002011-08-01T11:46:55.533-07:00July JourneyThis is Cecilia writing the blog for Tim and Cecilia this month. I wish to write about “journey” as in “all life is a journey”.<br /><br />But we did start July with our journey home from our retreat in Durban, South Africa. The trip was mostly on toll roads that were in good condition for safe driving. But about half an hour from home, Sister Margaret’s car broke down. She phoned another Sister who picked us up and drove us home and then went back to rescue Sister Margaret and her good old car.<br /><br />Much of July was filled with strikes by various workers. The steel workers and the petrol delivery workers were some of the first to go on strike throughout South Africa. The strike actions that were shown on television had hundreds or thousands of people in the streets demonstrating. Most of the actions were non-violent. And many times there were people dancing in the protest. Both of those strikes have been settled after several weeks of negotiations.<br /><br />Meanwhile our health care workers at the St. Francis Care Center also planned a strike for higher wages. There were threats of possible harm to people, so all the children in the Rainbow Cottage were sent to stay with temporary foster parents. And as many of the adult patients as possible were sent out. So the adult census went from about 35 to 16. <br /><br />It was also decided that if the strike was finalized by the union, that Tim and I would move across the street to stay in the guest room of the friary so that we would not have to cross the picket line to get into the hospice. The union and the care workers decided not to strike, so we continued to live in the guest house. And the patients are gradually returning to the center.<br /><br />Currently the miners of South Africa are striking. There are about 150,000 coal miners plus gold and diamond miners. These strikes are being negotiated and will probably be settled this week.<br /><br />There is a certain tension that accompanies all of this strike action. And somehow it makes a person tired even when living just at the fringe of the events. Now Tim and I and Sister Dierdre are planning a one day journey to Pretoria to renew her passport and to explore the city.<br /><br /> <br />Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-77793538550001095782011-07-05T12:39:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:39:41.092-07:00Blog for JulyCecilia is writing again this month for Tim and Cecilia. <br />
<br />
Tim and I just returned from a 8 day silent retreat. It was the longest time that I have been on a retreat. Perhaps that is true for Tim also. It was a directed retreat which was also new for me. We met individually once each day with a director who talked with us about how the day was going and gave us scripture readings to consider until the next day. There was Mass daily.<br />
<br />
The setting of the retreat was fantastic. It was near Durban, South Africa, on the Indian Ocean. The house was on a bluff overlooking the ocean and it took about five minutes to walk to the public beach. I did walk there every day and used that setting for meditating. I was also fortunate to have a bedroom with a window on the ocean side, so I could watch the waves and hear the water noises day and night. Truly awesome!<br />
<br />
Besides the beauty of the ocean, there were also gardens in the front and back yard of the retreat house. Sometimes there were visiting monkeys in the yards. But there was always the beauty of flowers since the temperature is warmer than Johannesburg even though it is winter now.<br />
<br />
We returned to work on Monday, and it was great to be told by both patients and staff that we were missed while we were gone.Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-89712975176350294542011-06-01T05:42:00.000-07:002011-06-01T05:42:07.084-07:00This blog is being written by Cecilia. Tim and I are both well. Tim has been under stress as the clinic downsizes from 1200 clients to a target of 200 clients. And things are also rough because three key people left in the last 6 weeks: the head nurse of the clinic, the head social worker, and the psychologist who did liason work with the community, taught inservices, and was a very supportive person all around. There were also government inspectors at the clinic for more than a week as part of the transition of patients to government facilities. This added to the staff's stress. Hopefully things will settle down soon.<br />
<br />
The hospice has not been as effected by the changes even though the hospice is part of the St. Francis Care Center. The every day work at the hospice has been only a little different. However the patients now need to be transported by their relatives to other clinics to get their medication to fight AIDS. Sometimes the relatives just don't come. So it does make the overall care less consistent than when the hospice staff could just accompany the hospice patient across the street to the St. Francis Clinic.<br />
<br />
Now to a new topic. I have had questions in my own mind about why some things are like they are in South Africa. I read something in a church bulletin from a neighboring Franciscan parish that answered some questions I have had. So I thought that I would include this paragraph in today's blog. "Central to the evil inflicted by Apartheid was its denial of human dignity. Twenty years later we are still living with the consequences of that denial manifested in different ways, but particularly in the extreme violence of our country. Apartheid taught people of all races to surrender their awareness of the innate dignity to themselves and others. Of all the evils needing to be undone this seems to be the most difficult. It requires that we first radically change our self image, and see ourselves as created in love by God. Secondly it requires us to see all other people as also being created in love by God. To see ourselves and others as God see us; as human beings with the dignity that comes from being made in God's own image."<br />
<br />
This quote answers my questions when I hear on the TV news that the average number of homicides in countries around the world is 7/100,000. And in South Africa it is 35/100,00 (I am presuming that this figure is per year, but I am not sure). And on TV we hear about the high number of police men killed while on duty as well as the much higher number of citizens killed by the police every year. And in our local weekly newspaper we read about a great deal of violence in our local area. There is violence in many forms of course. But at this time I am focusing on the criminal forces used by persons on another.<br />
<br />
And on another topic, we are into winter weather here. Compared to the U.S. winters, especially in North Dakota, the weather is not very cold. But since many people live without any form of heat, when it is about freezing temperatures outside, it can also seem cold on the inside of the buildings.<br />
<br />
I hope that all of you in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying great weather and long summer days.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-79504781213141492542011-04-06T22:56:00.000-07:002011-04-06T22:56:27.018-07:00THOUGHTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICASouth Africa as it is now is a new country; it’s been about nineteen years since the end of apartheid and the ratification of a new constitution. South Africans boast about having the best constitution in the world, and they may be right, at least theoretically. It was written with the realization that for South Africa to succeed as a country, it must truly be for all the people, and all must participate. In reality, existing problems preclude a quick transition into the free, productive, peaceful, commonweal-minded country that was envisioned. These problems include (but are not limited to) the following:<br />
1. As of March, 2011, South Africa has the greatest income disparity in the world; <br />
the rich are getting richer, and the poorest are getting poorer. In the last year ( I believe), we went from having ten billionaires to twenty-four.<br />
2. There is rampant corruption at all levels of the government. It seems that most people running for office do so to enrich themselves rather than serve the people.<br />
Here is a quote from the Minister of Transport as he unveiled a new national traffic intervention unit of “super traffic cops:” “Road safety in South Africa is essentially about eradicating deaths, crashes and bribery.”<br />
3. HIV/AIDS. Twenty to thirty per cent of all South Africans are now HIV +<br />
4. Unemployment -- now at 26%<br />
5. A bad public educational system, including more than 30,000 unqualified<br />
teachers, some of whom couldn’t read at a 4th grade level.<br />
6. A hangover of prejudices, biases, and ways of thinking from the time of white supremacy and apartheid, not officially and overtly, but very real.<br />
7. A sense of tribalism that makes it hard for many to think of themselves as <br />
South African rather than Xhosa or Zulu or Venda, etc.<br />
8. A vast inequality of access to resources: water, fuel, electricity, sewers, government services, etc.<br />
<br />
South Africa is a fairly large country. Someone told me that if you were to eliminate the 3 or 4 largest U.S states, and the 3 or 4 smallest U.S. states, and pick randomly nine states from the remaining states, their area would approximate the area of South Africa.. South Africa is composed of nine provinces (roughly equivalent to U.S. states). Their names are: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Northwest, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. The country is large enough to have some variety of climates. Winters are generally mild, while summers are hot in the low desert areas and nicely warm (70s and 80s F,) in the high country and coastal areas. I should add that within the outline of South Africa, there are two independent countries that are completely surrounded by South Africa: Swaziland and Lesotho.<br />
<br />
South Africa has much natural beauty. It has mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, jungles, savannahs, deserts, plains, and two oceans. It has cities and suburbs, small towns and villages, farms and ranches, populated and unpopulated areas. It’s known for its large animals: elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, kudus, and others, but it also has hundreds of species of other animals. It abounds in birds, flowers, and trees of all sorts. South Africans like to pride themselves as being the most “European” or “Western” country in all of Africa, and this may be true culturally in the cities, but within a one or two hour drive from anywhere in the country, you can find yourself completely away from “advanced culture,” perhaps among people living as they did 1000 years ago, or perhaps in a jungle without a hint or a sign of “civilization,” or perhaps on a savannah where all you can see are the grass, the trees, and the animals around you, and not another human being in sight.<br />
<br />
We live in Gauteng province, in the high country. We came in July, in the middle of winter, and I never had to wear more than a sweater to work. Summer just ended for us, and I don’t think we had more than a day or two when the thermometer got up to ninety or more. We live in a semi-rural area, in the neighborhood of Everleigh, which is sort of a suburb of Boksburg, which is a suburb of Johannesburg. Gauteng is the smallest of <br />
South Africa’s nine provinces, but it has more than 50% of the crime in all of South Africa. So far, we haven’t been victims of crime of any sort.<br />
<br />
In a sense, crime is big business here. Most houses have all their windows and doors covered by ironwork --business for the ironworker. Most properties are ringed by high walls -- business for the mason. Most wall tops and gates are wired for electricity -- business for the electrician. Most homes (and businesses) have internal security systems -- business for people who install such systems. Many (perhaps, most) homes and businesses hire security services to respond to the internal security systems and to patrol the area -- BIG business for security services. Interestingly, I’ve been told by a number of people that the majority of people hired by the security services are ex-convicts.<br />
<br />
Since we came here last July we (the clinic) lost phone service twice because thieves cut down and stole the phone lines along the street to sell for scrap copper. After the second time, the phone company refused to put up any more lines, so we had to go to wireless digital technology, In the past week or so, there’s been a rash of manhole cover thefts; they’re worth about $ 250.00 each, but I don’t know how much the thieves get for them. Most car thefts are done by hi-jacking, and there are a lot of them. Most street hold-ups are for cell phones and the money people carry. Many of the crimes seem to reflect a kind of thinking that does not consider the good of the community as a whole.<br />
<br />
There can also be humor in crime. Consider these excerpts from stories in the latest local newspaper. In a story headlined “Alleged bank robbers escape from prison,” a police spokesman said, “They allegedly dug through the wall of their cell and cut one of the window bars. They then made a rope using their sheets to climb over the wall and escape. We are still investigating how they managed to escape. We tried to hunt them down but failed to find them…It is the first time we have seen this kind of an escape in our prison…This is the third escape from this prison since January this year.”<br />
<br />
I didn’t mean for this to be a “downer” kind of blog; I merely wanted to help all you who read this to get a better idea of what it’s like to live and work here. We’re happy and contented and fulfilled with the work we’re doing and the people we interact with. We invite you to be adventurous; come visit us and have a great experience. T & C MarcyTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-13117855343576087612011-02-27T10:47:00.000-08:002011-02-27T10:47:09.699-08:00Trust the "Reshaping"Tim and I are blessed with many opportunities for prayer and reflection. Each week there is Sunday Mass in the big hall at the St. Francis Care Center. And on Thursdays and Fridays there is Mass at the Chapel at the Center. And the chapel is always open for private prayer and visits. <br />
<br />
Yesterday Tim and I went to a day of recollection at the Cathedral in Johannesburg. The day was led by a Dominican Sister and was for caregivers of AIDS patients at various locations in the diocese. There were about 25 of us present. <br />
<br />
The theme was Trust in God. There was a power point presentation, sharing among the large group, meeting in small groups with one or two others, meeting in groups of six, sharing the small group material with the large group, music at appropriate times throughout the day, and finally a meditative use of clay to be molded by each of us.<br />
<br />
The theme of the day was coordinated with Sunday’s scripture readings with the theme that God will never forget us. So the theme of trust was emphasized with scripture and song and peoples’ shared experiences. The images were of God as Abba or Father. And we as the clay to be molded. And this much was not new for me.<br />
<br />
But the idea that struck me was that God not only shaped us, but he reshapes us. And we must trust Him in this process. Wow! What if we have gotten used to how we are after many years of life? What if we take our abilities of thought, memory, decision making, personality, physical well-being, general functioning and skills for granted? What if the reshaping means that we have to accept many fewer gifts?<br />
<br />
So as we age, the qualities that make up who we are will gradually change, likely they will diminish. But we need to trust God in this new, reshaped, person that we become? Scary? Is this where the “acceptance” comes in after the “denial”? And for the AIDS patients or anyone with a life threatening illness, this diminishing of abilites comes at all ages, some quite young.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a couple of quotes that we were given and I am presently considering: “Your part is to trust God no matter what happens. God’s part is to take what happens and to turn it into something good.”<br />
<br />
Another thought is “Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need.<br />
<br />
I will be giving this thought: Trust God in the Reshaping in the weeks to come.<br />
<br />
I hope that you have a good month of March.<br />
<br />
CeciliaTim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-77205260258881573292011-02-27T10:36:00.001-08:002011-02-27T10:36:39.102-08:00Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-53160992732537285542011-02-01T07:54:00.000-08:002011-02-01T07:54:21.623-08:00Cecilia's experience working at the hospiceTim has written the blog for the past couple of months. So we thought that I should share some of my thoughts and experiences. I have been working at the adult hospice of the St. Francis Care Center since early in December. My tasks have evolved a little in that time. But now I help with serving the breakfast, mid-morning tea, and the noon meal. Sometimes I help feed one of the patients.<br />
<br />
But the majority of my time I have been massaging the patients feet and legs. There are several reasons why this is important and appreciated. The disease of AIDS can cause peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities which causes pain and poor circulation. Some of the strong medications given to combat AIDS also cause the same leg problems as a side effect. Then there are also many of the AIDS patients who also have tuberculosis. A number of these people have tuberculosis of the spine which causes them to be paralyzed from the waist down. And some of them are then having problems with contractions of the muscles in their legs. So the massage is useful for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are two or three women who massage professionally that volunteer at the St. Francis Care Center one morning a week. So I have had the opportunity to observe and try to imitate some of their helpful work. And since I am there five mornings a week, I am able to give some relief to the patients on a more frequent schedule. <br />
<br />
I value this opportunity to be of service in a manner that is helpful to others. I find that it is fitting my faith life at this time. I am grateful to be a part of the Franciscan Mission Service and to be working as a missioner.Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5697528148767458003.post-45447575816003583522011-01-11T21:20:00.000-08:002011-01-11T21:20:45.662-08:00Reflections at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 (Tim’s thoughts)Greetings, friends (or Sawubona, abangane, as we say in Zulu). Here I am a half a world away from relatives and old friends, from familiar places, from situations in which I am reasonably secure and comfortable, and from most of the comforts to which I had grown accustomed. I’m working with and for people of a vastly different culture, mostly the poor, the dying, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS, and in less than ideal circumstances, - - - and yet somehow I’m happy from morning to bedtime; I’m living in a quiet kind of joy each day the whole day long. This realization prompted the idea of finding out what made South Africans happy.<br />
<br />
So, I asked ten people (white, black, mixed, relatively rich, dirt poor, highly educated, poorly educated, professional workers, menial workers, young, old) the following question, “What makes you happy; what gives you joy?” Here are their answers. (shortened, but containing the essence)<br />
1) Sitting and talking with people.<br />
2) Having a job that I like doing, and being able to do it well.<br />
3) Being around people that I like and that care for me.<br />
4) Waking up alive each day feeling good (healthy).<br />
5) Serving other people; having a job that allows me to serve them.<br />
6) Having my family (children & grandchildren) close.<br />
7) Being close to God.<br />
8) Having everything I need. (?) You know, food, cosmetics, money <br />
to do whatever I want, and friends.<br />
9) Having time to do what I want instead of always working because <br />
I have to.<br />
10) When we get together for celebrations, with food, and music, and <br />
story-telling and talking.<br />
<br />
There’s nothing very profound here. Would people in the U.S. have similar answers? How would you answer? To me, these answers under-score our basic humanity; that despite our differences, our commonalities as human beings far outweigh those differences. Our cultural, religious, political, economic, racial, occupational, generational, and individual differences merely add spice and variety to the beings we call the children of God. We truly are all brothers and sisters. Sala kahle. (Zulu: remain well) Tim and Cecilia Marcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02418605948937894590noreply@blogger.com4