What Happened with my Blog Posts???

Yes, I am back in the U.S. after seven weeks in Malawi.  Glory to God for a life-altering experience which is creating healing bonds throughout the family.  I was able to see my mom, Habiba, again through the faces and voices of her brothers and sisters.  She was laid to rest at a funeral which reflected the love and respect the family has for her.  It is a blessing to know that a place will always exist where her children, grand-children and great grand-children can pay their respects while learning about her unique lineage and upbringing on the family farm in Balaka.


The photo below of my mom's grave was taken the day after her funeral.  She is surrounded by sisters Sarah and Nita, granny Vovo, and sisters  Zainub, Farida (black head scarf); along with other relatives.  The Kroeker family is heart warmed by the amount of effort extended toward the building of the grave and the second cemetery; we send our thanks to all involved.

No, I was not able to update my blog since Johannesburg because I had minimal internet access while in Malawi.  When I was able to find an internet cafe I was unable to access my blog....it was really frustrating; however, it was a lesson on patience and just letting things flow.... knowing I would reconnect when I got home.

I will try and re-create the adventure using text and photos (and possibly video), moving forward from my trip to the apartheid museum in Johannesburg.

I admit that I don't know enough about African political history.  However, I do know a little about apartheid from my parents who told me of their experience visiting South Africa during apartheid.  As you can imagine, my white father and colored mother, were not received warmly as a couple.  

When I visited the Apartheid Museum, I was impressed by the extensive video installations and artifacts on display regarding Nelson Mandela's life and the struggle that South African people transcended.  First pointer....when you visit the Apartheid Museum bring your own water bottle because there are no water fountains!  Also, no pictures or videos are allowed inside.

One installation that helped me understand the conditions of Mr. Mandela's incarceration on Robin Island for 27 was a replica of the cell Mr. Mandela lived in which was only 5 square meters!  

(I took these photos "outside" the museum.)

The museum reflected Mr. Mandela's family background:  He was born in the town of Mvezo, to a father who was the chief and a great-grandfather who was the king of the Thembu people.  This man's lineage came from great leaders and his gift was to use the opportunities available to him throughout his life; despite the challenges living as a man of color in a racist society.  For example, while in prison, Mr. Mandela received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London, by correspondence (before internet!)  My desire to earn a Masters degree is a no-brainer when I think about Mr. Mandela's ability to negotiate a path toward education, while in prison!! 

Mr. Mandela's God given negotiation skills and patience facilitated a national reconciliation leading to the transition toward multi-racial democracy following his release on February 11, 1990.  He was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

I found Johannesburg to be an interesting place to visit.  The city is modern and you can find any consumer good that you are looking for.  However, I felt an underlying feeling of safety there.  Particularly since the locals told me about their experiences with car jackings and home invasions.   There are other parts of the country, near the coast that is more appealing to me to visit.  I am glad that I took the time to stop and look around.

Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island (Revisit). Jürgen Schadeberg. 1994