The Purposed Trek

So while working out in the gym I heard this song called Pot Belly by a local band called Freshlyground. I almost stopped working out because I was laughing so hard at the lyrics.

Even though I have
Fat thighs
Flabby arms
A pot belly still gives good loving

I can't escape the thought that maybe we were
Destined to be together
The easy way we love confirms the fact
its just getting better

Dance with me, Flirt with me, Have a little fun!
I'm glad to see your here with me.
Let's have a little fun!

The song goes on with other lyrics, but the chorus line is the part that cracks me up. What an appropriate gym song right? If you want to hear the song visit http://www.freshlyground.com/ and on their fresh player click on Pot Belly. I tell you it is quit catchy and funny. Unfortunately iTunes doesn't carry this album or song otherwise I would be the proud owner. I actually like their other songs - a little afro-pop don't hurt nobody.

This is my little cousin Ella saying the Pledge of Allegiance. She is 4 years old and this is something she learned in school this year. Too cute.

So after being here for 6 months, I get pretty excited when I can provide someone with directions or say a street name correctly. I know it might sound corny, but if you could read some of this street signs you would be excited too. To name a few:

• Hendrik Potgieter (still can't pronounce it)
• Hendrik Verwoerd (Hendrick Ververd)
• Hans Strijdom (Hans Stride-om)
• Wit Koppen (Vit Copen)
• Jan Smuts (Yon Smuts)
• Christian De Wit (Christian De Vit)
• Ysterhout (You-stir-hoot)
• Knoppiesdoring

So after learning how to practically spit when trying to speak Afrikaans, you might be able to pronounce the street names. But not so fast - the government plays tricks on you because many of the street names are named after government leaders. So when that leader leaves, so does the name of the street.

I finally learned where Hendrik Verwoerd was and how to pronounce it and then over night it is now named Bram Fischer. Hans Strijdom is now Malibongwe (which I like better). So not only do you have to learn a new pronunciation, but your 300+ page mapbook is out of date already and you bought it 6 months ago.

Another fun thing about streets here is that they change names every couple of Kilometers. For example, Christian De Wit, is also known as Northumberland and Wit Koppen depending on where you are turning on it. So you have to think way too much when providing directions. I usually just say it is either this, that or the other and hope they find their way alright.

And a leader responded to someone when they asked why he spent R60 Million renamed every street in his town...something to the effect of "it is about freedom". So I guess in this country you can place a price tag on freedom. They would rather see the name of a black leader on the street corner than making sure their neighbor has food and shelter. Another day in South Africa.

On Monday, the 12th of November, I encountered my first experience with the government of South Africa. I feel like I could break this post into about 3(forms, mapbooks, ever changing street names) but I will refrain and try and shorten it for the readers experience.

During our research for opening up the pre-school here in South Africa we found that we needed to submit a "consent use form" to the government to use the land we have because it is zoned for agriculture. No problem right? Find the website, download the form and mail it in. I can do that. NO. Spend a few hours searching the web for a website that even has the words "consent" "use" or "form" on it lead me on a wild goose chase for a few hours. I surrendered to the fact that S'Africa's Internet offerings are at about 10% of the states. I emailed the lady who told us about this form and she emailed me back within minutes the website. Great I am on my way to conquering this feat. Not so fast. I called and called and called, multiple numbers - was sent from one person to the next to the next. Told I needed to call a phone number which didn't exist nor fit the format for a S'African number. I finally emailed the one email I could find on the website in hopes that at least we can read English if we don't understand each others accents. Within about 10 minutes I got a reply, but it was my email being forward to another man by the name of Kobus. Great - maybe Kobus will be just as quick to respond. Nope - still haven't heard from him and that was last week. I emailed the original email responder and asked for Kobus's phone number.

So now I have the phone number and I finally got someone to tell me what I needed to do and where I needed to go. 156 Loveday Street in Braamfontein. Easy enough - get out the 300+ page mapbook (not an atlas, a book). This book is a beast and your best friend. This book is just for my province - each page holds a small radius of Joburg on it and you turn from page to page when getting directions. It is hilarious. I map my route out - didn't even right it down - just did a visual and on my way. I was successful in finding the building with no wrong turns even though the streets I was supposed to turn on didn't exist (very common here). I walk in and head up to the correct office on the 8th floor.

Me: "Sorry, can you tell me where I can get a 'consent use form' for opening up a creche?" (You say 'sorry' here instead of 'excuse' or 'pardon me')
Lady: "On the table."
Me: Holding up the packet labeled "Roodeport: Consent Use Form"
Lady: "No the 'Consent' form".
Me: Holding up the packet labeled "Randburg: Consent Use Form"
Me: Standing there puzzled along with another gentleman looking for the same form. I turned around to see the lady holding 2 'Consent' forms for us. "Oh that form, well there are none like that on the table."
Lady: "I know, here you go".
Me: Thinking...are you kidding me, thanks for your help.

Headed back to the office and started to read through the packet. Calling all requests for prayer regarding this packet - if it took that much effort to retrieve the packet, I hate to see what it will take to get it approved.