Without having a total cliche western view of Africa, I want to accurately describe the community I've started working in and have come to love. Mooiplaas is made up of about 16,000 people. It's a place you would not know was there unless you were trying to find it. From the road, you can see the big trash hill that lies next to Mooiplaas. As you venture into the township, you must go via dirt road passing piles of trash being burnt, small tin houses and honestly poverty like you may not have ever seen before. The pre-school, Ditshego, is in a small corner right at the beginning of the township. Upon entering the school last week, I was smiling in nervousness, thankfulness, and empathy. My heart sank driving in and my mind was consumed with thoughts. I met teacher after teacher who were smiling. The principal was gracious to receive help and my thoughts turned into excitement.
"You are welcome."
Out of the 10 or so teachers at the school, each one of them made it a point to let me know I was welcome. Despite our differences in looks, occupations, and even circumstances, they were incredibly welcoming. I immediately thought to the Kingdom. As I tried to hide tears, I thought how intricate our God is to put people like us together, welcoming us all into his kingdom.
Throughout my first days, kids started to open up. I saw pure joy, imagination, wonder, love, kindness, hard work, and intelligence out of each child and teacher I encountered. Despite any circumstance they may have been in, there was joy in each person at that school and even throughout the kids and adults we encountered in the town. We all shared smiles, laughs and love without questioning anything else.
God's kingdom is all inclusive. There's no social status, hierarchy, or differences, there are just people like you and me living in a broken world. There is no us and them, there is we. Wherever we are, whether it be the richest place in America, or Mooiplaas in South Africa, God's kingdom is evident and His presence is strong. You are welcome. I am welcome. We are welcome.
