The Trip – Dave McLaughlin Goes To See Steve

Note: We will receive regular updates about the trip to see Steve. Dave McLaughlin will send updates during his stay with Steve and Pat. It should prove to be interesting reading.

I left home at 9:30 am on Friday, February 24th. It takes 30 minutes to get to the Indianapolis International Airport. They want you there 2 hours ahead of time so you will have to wait at least an hour and might be tempted to bhop and buy from the hundreds of vendors. There was one particular situation which has changed in the last few weeks – security is far more efficient and courteous. The first leg of the trip was only to Atlanta. I met the Fergusons and the DeWitts there. They are from Colorado and are involved with the Bavumeleni Childrens Centre which is a mission coupled with the SACM. We stayed overnight just off the airport to get an early start on Saturday morning.

The five of us went to the airport and endured the normal routine involved in international travel. We had to present our passports, tickets, permission from the teacher and a note from our parents stating that if we caused trouble to send us to the principal’s office.

Then came the flight. Of course we had all the usual pre, post and perpetual care flight indoctrination. We were on a South African Airways flight and they do take good care of their passengers. We left Atlanta on a bright sunny morning and our first stop was at night on Santa Maria island in the Cape Verde group just off the coast of the western bulge of Africa. This was a one hour stop for refueling and cleaning. We had to remain on the plane.

The second leg of the flight took us to Johannesburg. We had to pass through customs, passport control and pick up our luggage. After rushing to catch our next flight, we had about a half-hour wait aboard a bus to be taken to the plane which was a long way away (perhaps in another country). We finally boarded the plane for the final leg (two hours) of the trip to Cape Town. All the flights were relatively smooth for which we were all grateful.

It is now about 5:00 Sunday evening and at the airport, I was met by Steve and Pat Zimmerman, whom I was very relived to see. The DeWitts and the Fergusons were met by Reinaldo and Lorna Rutter, Primrose, and 15 kids from the Bavumeleni mission. The last night of the trip was nearly sleepless. I spent 8 hours in prayer and 10 minutes in sleep. Needless to say, I needed a shower and sleep and sleep and recovery. I have just spent 2 weeks on airplanes in a weekend. Surprisingly, I have had no where near the degree of jet lag I expected. It will be much worse flying west on the return trip.

Monday was an R & R day. In the evening, I was privileged to attend a Bible study on angels led by Steve for a group of white Afrikaaners in the magnificent home of Andre and Rogene Brandt. It was a time of enlightenment, discussion, and fellowship. It is always a delight to be with such people.

Last week, the container which was shipped by the group from Colorado arrived in Cape Town. On Tuesday, the contents, some 94 mostly very large heavy boxes, arrived by truck at a warehouse just off the airport. The driver of the truck and his helper presented an interesting picture. One was Muslim and the other was Hindu – delivering Christian materials. To add to the amazing condition, was a Christian missionary, 5 Americans from two different parts of the country, Thompson Tobey, a Xhosa African preacher/teacher/interpreter/translator and three young Swahili-speaking Africans from the Congo. By the way, these young Congolese use fluent English, French and another native language.

On Tuesday evening, the two Z’s and I had a dinner by candlelight (the power failed) in an upstairs resturant. For the first time, I had roasted Springbok, which is a variety of antelope. It was delicious! By all means, don’t pass up the opportunity to have it when you come to visit Cape Town. During the few days since coming here, we have shopped in a butchery, a produce market and a supermarket. In the latter, there were brands from the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, some names on which we would all recognize.

The Z’s house here is quiet. The three sons are all in the US. Pat is studying hard for tests and reports. Steve is presently doing some work around the house and yard to keep up the place. As for me, I’m doing well and looking forward to new opportunities to see, serve and savor the people and places of this amazing mission ministry.

There is no better way to appreciate God’s wonderful provision than to sit in the middle of it.

Yours in the service of Christ, david