Moved by the Music!

When we saw on our itinerary that we would be attending a faith based experience, many of us were excited but also quite curious. As we got closer, we were told we would be visiting  Sivuyile National Baptist Church in Gugulethu during their Sunday morning church service. We all woke up early to prepare for the day. We put on our best outfits we could find. When we arrived we were greeted by the Reverend and shown to our seats. At first this room was empty but with time it filled to even more than its capacity and everyone there shared the same passion when they sang out the hymns, psalms and chants. This experience was nothing like we could have ever expected.

Many of us would describe this beautiful, sacred service as a musical. It was surreal. One person would sing out in praise and as if on cue, this perfect, unbelievable harmony would fill the entire room. Everybody sang in their own way and the sound was overwhelming. They made it look effortless.  I noticed that prayer books were rarely used. This type of praying came directly from the heart. Looking around the church, everyone had a role. From young to old each person was engaged in song and prayer. There were instruments and dance moves that accompanied the most beautiful expression of faith that I have ever seen.

Gugulethu is a township that is extremely poor. Even so, the people who came to church to worship did not come empty handed. They all brought donations to help a nearby community who has even less than they do. It was inspiring and reaffirmed that we were going to be working alongside men and women who's souls are beautiful and although they are not wealthy they live  with an immense spirit of giving.

We were welcomed into the church not as spectators but as guests and I certainly felt that way. The service was conducted in the xhosa language but that did not even matter because although I could not understand the language, I still felt immersed in this joy and hope. It was amazing to be a part of something so powerful. The reverent spoke with an unmatched level of passion when he gave his sermon is was a one man show. It was as if he was acting out a scene. The entire sermon was so dramatic and heartfelt that while he was professing his dreams and wisdom nobody spoke except to fervently agree. The respect in the entire room was something that should be noted because everyone was treated as an equal and although I did notice that men and women sat separately, they engaged and included each other in every aspect.  The role of leader was shared among everyone who wished to participate which was a great demonstration of community. What touched me most was when Vernon addressed the congregation and taught everyone a song called "Let the Church Say Amen". He was amazing, energetic, and so passionate. I am lucky to have him as a role model and a resource. He commanded instant respect and shared his love for God in the most radiant way possible. It was something we had not yet had a chance to see and I think everyone at that point was so happy and impressed they could have cried from joy and appreciation. 

Kirstenbosch Gardens a World Heritage Site

I left feeling elated and wishing that this could go on forever! I had never been a part of such emotional, expressive prayer and it was unique to see this amount of joy and beauty in a place that I would have regarded as destitute before I knew better.

Jimmy Dludlu

The music just kept on coming when we arrived at Kirstenbosch Gardens to see Jimmy Dludlu, a famous Jazz guitarist, perform at the Summer Sunset Concert Series. We all enjoyed a picnic dinner and some wine as we listened to the music and appreciated the scenery. The night was fun and we could all relax and enjoy each other's company after many days of constant programming and events. We were blown away by the sound and rhythms and after just a few minutes all of us were up dancing  and having a fun time! In one day I was touched very differently by music and something that is so amazing about Cape Town is that the variety of music is great and there is so much talent from street groups to musicals, performers and more that there can really never be a dull moment. I found myself thinking that there could not possibly be anything else in the world better than what we are experiencing here in Cape Town.  Perfect music, picnic dinner and a breathtaking sunset reminded me how lucky I am. The best part is, we're only getting started!