Sunday, 1 July update

The Abyssinian Baptist Church (www.abyssinian.org) situated in Harlem provided an opportunity for the boys and staff to experience a most sincere and dignified worship service after a week of hectic engagements and travel. Arriving shortly before the 9am commencement, the group was ushered into the gallery of a unique sanctuary that was built roughly when Kearsney itself started 90 years ago. The singing of traditional old hymns, led by the Church choir and a highly competent organist backed by an obviously deeply committed congregation, set the tone for the service which was to follow. Dapper ushers, dressed in white jackets and gloves performed their duties with the utmost diligence. They were on hand to ensure the congregation was comfortable and that every available space was utilised. The pastor, Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, obviously a man of standing in the community with a keen sense of humour, welcomed all visitors and in particular the male choir from South Africa. It was then over to Mr Kruger (under strict instructions to keep his introduction brief) to thank the Church for the invitation to sing in their morning service. Once again it was Shazi, from the floor of the auditorium, leading the rest of the choir standing in the gallery, in the Shona rendition of Ichokwadi . By halfway through, there was the sound of clapping and a few congregants rose to their feet. By the end, the entire auditorium was a standing, clapping and praising throng. We were reminded that this week Americans were celebrating their independence and strong parallels were drawn with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom. Drawing from the book of Galatians 5, the congregation was urged to love their neighbours as they love themselves.

The bus ride to DC took the better part of five hours most of which were spent catching up on much needed sleep. For those who were awake, they must have been struck by the density of trees en route and the height of them too. We simply seldom see the masses of trees like this in South Africa. Interesting too were the sound absorbing panels erected on the edges of highways which pass through residential areas. Rivers crossed were massive, certainly a lot larger than the Umhlatuzana or the UMngeni for that matter. The temperature today rose to around 30 degrees Celcius and reminded some of us of those extremely hot summer’s days in the Kruger Park.

By late afternoon we arrived in Washington DC and immediately the Capitol was seen to dominate the skyline. This city is totally different from New York in many respects. The buildings seem to be more stately and not as tall, there is more space and  life seems a little less frenetic. All over the city there is evidence of preparations for Independence Day this week.

Two hours were spent in the Smithsonian, Museum of Air and Space. Each boy found what interested him and in no time we were back in the bus, heading for supper at Luigi’s for tasty pasta. The party, looking forward to an early night for a change then checked into the Hyatt for the next three days.