Some fragmented thoughts on my encounter with violence in South Africa, the beauty and the sorrow of a gorgeous land, a garden's grace, and a home-cooked meal
You owed us nothing, but I’m thankful for your thoughtful essay on how you are processing this traumatic experience. You again teach me the both/and of life, and I wonder, is that a discipline you’ve learned or a natural way of viewing the world? Either way, I learn from you, so thank you for your vulnerable sharing. And welcome home! I love that the garden greeted you with its bounty which I am sure was in its own way healing.
Jeff, thank you for this beautiful reminder: "I believe we just have to keep doggedly seeking the welfare of our neighbor, even those who, for whatever reason, might not be seeking the same for us. What other option do we have? What other hopeful way forward is there but love?" Maybe that is why this is the most important rule - because it can also be very hard, maybe almost impossible, to do at times. Glad you and Caleb returned safely home and hope/pray for no long-term impacts from the attack on your car rental and self🙏
I read of your ordeal through tears, but the real tears came as I read of your compassion for the ones who attacked you. Oh that we all could find such grace & the desire to understand others.
So beautifully written, Jeff. I always admire your ability to see beauty amidst brokenness; your grace and compassion continue to inspire me. I'm so glad you and Caleb arrived home safely.
I appreciate your compassionate portrayal of your experience. It is tricky when going to places where the poverty/wealth divide is so clear. It is a painful embrace of the both/and of life. So many questions for God…..
And yet, I pray that lock eyes of human meeting human stays with you and him and there is hope somewhere in that brief intersection.
I am so sad you had that experience. Glad you got a passport quickly and lovely hospitality in the aftermath. I pray for healing of the trauma.
Home cooked food from the garden is the best! Blessings, cwj
Deeply sorry to have to hear about the ending of your trip to our beautiful country 🇿🇦 @Jeff Chu
And I appreciate that even with all that had transpired --- you still shared the goodness of our Beloved country. So, disappointed in the behave of the protestors, this is not a way to living, who gave them the authority to do what they just did, and above all didn't they note that, you were in a rented vehicle. My deepest apology to you and Caleb, I hope you find peace. 🙏
Thank you for this. So much to wrap the mind around - so many perspectives to consider.
My husband and I are recently home from visiting our son and family in Taiwan. Due to the pandemic, we haven't seen him/them in 4 years, and had only seen our 22-month-old grandson via Messenger video.
Our son has made us international travelers. First to Guinea, West Africa, when he was serving in the Peace Corps. The people of his village (106 miles/8-hour drive from the capital) couldn't have been more welcoming. Twice to Paris, and the most recent trip. Now, they've moved back to France. Can't wait to return!
Many blessings to you. Many thanks for your letters.
Wow. I am struck by how I take my sense of safety for granted. I admire your generous spirit and ability to see beyond the violence to the humanity and suffering that underlies the act. Thanks for the reminder and the example. I am grateful you and Caleb are home and recovering. Would love to read your thoughts on how one maintains a spirit of curious exploration and adventure seeking in places where safety is not easily taken for granted.
The tears were held at bay for me *until* reading your gracious, Christ-like, remarkable response at the airport, "Of course I will..." Thank you for posting about your trip in all its complexity and fullness, Jeff.
Honestly- I’m stunned by your grace and compassion. This enneagram 6 felt fear just reading about your experience. Thank you for so beautifully writing of a better way to respond.
Our corner of the world, for the rest of the summer, is Eastern Ontario, which is cool and wet. We have a local butcher for our sausages and chickens, all supposedly ethically raised. Your Cry, the Beloved Country touched me deeply. I held in my emotion until the grace of Maxime and your coffee, which let out my feelings. I remember being at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto in 2009 and absolutely breaking down in grief. The children. But it also gives me great joy that you are doing this work in Stellenbosch. South Africa has had a dear place in my heart since my twenties.
You owed us nothing, but I’m thankful for your thoughtful essay on how you are processing this traumatic experience. You again teach me the both/and of life, and I wonder, is that a discipline you’ve learned or a natural way of viewing the world? Either way, I learn from you, so thank you for your vulnerable sharing. And welcome home! I love that the garden greeted you with its bounty which I am sure was in its own way healing.
Jeff, thank you for this beautiful reminder: "I believe we just have to keep doggedly seeking the welfare of our neighbor, even those who, for whatever reason, might not be seeking the same for us. What other option do we have? What other hopeful way forward is there but love?" Maybe that is why this is the most important rule - because it can also be very hard, maybe almost impossible, to do at times. Glad you and Caleb returned safely home and hope/pray for no long-term impacts from the attack on your car rental and self🙏
I read of your ordeal through tears, but the real tears came as I read of your compassion for the ones who attacked you. Oh that we all could find such grace & the desire to understand others.
So beautifully written, Jeff. I always admire your ability to see beauty amidst brokenness; your grace and compassion continue to inspire me. I'm so glad you and Caleb arrived home safely.
I appreciate your compassionate portrayal of your experience. It is tricky when going to places where the poverty/wealth divide is so clear. It is a painful embrace of the both/and of life. So many questions for God…..
And yet, I pray that lock eyes of human meeting human stays with you and him and there is hope somewhere in that brief intersection.
I am so sad you had that experience. Glad you got a passport quickly and lovely hospitality in the aftermath. I pray for healing of the trauma.
Home cooked food from the garden is the best! Blessings, cwj
Deeply sorry to have to hear about the ending of your trip to our beautiful country 🇿🇦 @Jeff Chu
And I appreciate that even with all that had transpired --- you still shared the goodness of our Beloved country. So, disappointed in the behave of the protestors, this is not a way to living, who gave them the authority to do what they just did, and above all didn't they note that, you were in a rented vehicle. My deepest apology to you and Caleb, I hope you find peace. 🙏
I’m thankful for the love and grace that you model in responding to humanity when humanity is hard. Thank you for sharing your notes.
“What other hopeful way forward is there but love?“
Thank you.
Jeff, You are a model of compassion and understanding. I appreciate you. D
Thank you for this. So much to wrap the mind around - so many perspectives to consider.
My husband and I are recently home from visiting our son and family in Taiwan. Due to the pandemic, we haven't seen him/them in 4 years, and had only seen our 22-month-old grandson via Messenger video.
Our son has made us international travelers. First to Guinea, West Africa, when he was serving in the Peace Corps. The people of his village (106 miles/8-hour drive from the capital) couldn't have been more welcoming. Twice to Paris, and the most recent trip. Now, they've moved back to France. Can't wait to return!
Many blessings to you. Many thanks for your letters.
Wow. I am struck by how I take my sense of safety for granted. I admire your generous spirit and ability to see beyond the violence to the humanity and suffering that underlies the act. Thanks for the reminder and the example. I am grateful you and Caleb are home and recovering. Would love to read your thoughts on how one maintains a spirit of curious exploration and adventure seeking in places where safety is not easily taken for granted.
Thank you for your balanced “on the one hand, on the other hand” sharing of your experience in SA. I always appreciate your writing.
The tears were held at bay for me *until* reading your gracious, Christ-like, remarkable response at the airport, "Of course I will..." Thank you for posting about your trip in all its complexity and fullness, Jeff.
Honestly- I’m stunned by your grace and compassion. This enneagram 6 felt fear just reading about your experience. Thank you for so beautifully writing of a better way to respond.
Our corner of the world, for the rest of the summer, is Eastern Ontario, which is cool and wet. We have a local butcher for our sausages and chickens, all supposedly ethically raised. Your Cry, the Beloved Country touched me deeply. I held in my emotion until the grace of Maxime and your coffee, which let out my feelings. I remember being at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto in 2009 and absolutely breaking down in grief. The children. But it also gives me great joy that you are doing this work in Stellenbosch. South Africa has had a dear place in my heart since my twenties.
So well said. Travel can show us the world's blessings and be a way of encountering the world's pain, sometimes both at once. Glad you two are safe.