Several years ago, we asked our dear friend, Norman, if he were to make one more trip overseas, where would he go. Without hesitation, he replied – “Africa!”
Based on that recommendation, Bill and I began to seriously consider coming here. It took us about two years, but we finally decided to make the journey. This is now our fourth trip to the African continent and we hope it will not be our last. We absolutely love it here.
We are currently in Franschhoek, South Africa. Later this morning, we will return to CapeTown, for our trip back to Istanbul at the end of the week. Yes, that means we are slowly making our way home.
Much like our own country, South Africa has a complex history that has continued to change and evolve. Pulled in different directions by varying political opinions and dangerous false truths; policy makers here also struggle to navigate the middle way.
Depending on who you talk to, the progress and enthusiasm I spoke about just last year seem somewhat thwarted or impeded due in part by reactionary pressures from the far right – instigated and encouraged by our new American administration.
[Cutting all aid to South Africa, getting involved in complex racial politics, inviting White South Africans to immigrate to America, and now innuendo regarding restricting Americans from travel here.]
It’s amazing how much influence we have had and continue to exert here. Health care, education, infrastructure, culture, etc. – have all be touched (and now twisted) by the US. In this moment, bright futures appear to have been taken drastically off course.
Particularly in South Africa, there seems now to be a sudden shift of balance, a dimming of a clear path forward. Some see the actions of our President in and about Africa as a good thing (particularly in countries like Rwanda); others find it abhorrent, disorienting and frightening. However, young folks refuse to turn back.
Being in this moment of liminality is difficult. Ambiguity challenges our patience, but it also holds the possibility for transformation. Trying to stay strong and positive, many are calling it a clarion call for solidarity and action. Here and in America, we can only go forward and hope for more than this current living on the edge.
In the personal sphere, we have recently been told that a close friend of Bill’s for over 50 years is in the final stages of lung cancer. Ruth lives in Malaysia (where Bill was in the Peace Corps). She didn’t share the progression of her illness with anyone until now.
Currently, in stage 4, after surgery and with no therapeutic intervention left untried; she has informed her circle of friends. Others there have confirmed that if we wanted to see her, this would the time to come.
Consequently, instead of returning directly home from Amsterdam, we’ll take a detour to Malaysia at the (formerly proposed) end of our trip in April. I know Ruth very well, having traveled with her (and Bill) throughout SouthEast Asia. I believe our first trip there was in 2006. This visit however, will not be an easy one.
So, we continue to watch our step as we go; remaining as resilient as possible. It’s amazing that we’ve all made it this far and are still able to proceed. Clarity and agility (in mind, body and spirit) are now more important than ever. As are courage and peace for the journey we are all on.
Bill and I still have more stops to make between now and home: a return to Istanbul, Lisbon/Algarve, and Malta are still to come . So, unless you tell me otherwise, I will continue to keep you posted and, wish you well.