Heart Of The Matter -2

Well once again it's early on a Saturday morning. After a breakfast meeting we head for the airport.

Our week has been successful in a variety of ways. We were blessed with open doors on starting a new association. I was able to spend time with some old friends as well as make many new friends.

Hennie manages a modern tobacco farm. He and his wife Renae invited us for lunch. We were able to meet their daughter who was home on break from boarding school in South Africa.

The downtown market is a must stop if you ever come to visit. It was fun to greet JJ and the rest of my buddies who peddle souvenirs for a living. 

We went to Harrison and Miriams for a wonderful meal.

 After lunch we went to see their church and Miriam showed us her garden.

We stopped by the Africa American Bible College academy and visited Mrs. Timmerman's 3rd grade which was my sister Beth's class last year.

We stopped at the Monsanto headquarters.

 I wanted to get my farmer friends some new varieties of hybrid seed.

So we met the manager in a board room and asked if we could receive or purchase 4 bags of seed corn.

It was rewarding to help them plan for the future.

 And humbling to see their appreciation.

It was the first time I ate a fish while he was looking at me.

 Finally folks here aren't much different than back home other than the color of their skin and their little chance for opportunities.

We in America take so many luxuries for granted. We get time off of work once in a while. Our waiter where we stayed works long days for $3/day.

 I am looking forward to getting back home with Jan, family, and friends. However a trip like this is needed once in a while to reset a person's compass. Best Wishes.