"Twenty-Ten"

It did not take me long to realize that when some one says "twenty-ten" they are referring specifically to the upcoming soccer world cup hosted by South Africa in June of 2010. From the moment I arrived in Cape Town, I have heard comments and debates about the upcoming world cup. On the drive back from the airport, my hosts commented on how the airport has become SO confusing and there are too many roads -- the airport, and the roads to and from it, are being worked on and improved upon for the impending rush of soccer fanatics.

I wanted to share some of the pros and cons I have heard. Truthfully, I was shocked and surprised by much of what I heard and the varying ways the world cup will effect South Africa. I had thought about the increase in revenue - it will be such a wonderful boost for the economy - it will offer jobs and bring tons of tourist to the area. On the other hand there will probably be an increase in violence and theft - but beyond that, I had not thought much further.

First, check out some pics of the new stadium in Cape Town (at night with the lights on!)


The Stadium was built to have sound-reducing panels that will decrease the sound that the surrounding neighborhoods can hear - the Stadium is in Green Point, close to the city center.

So, back to the pros and cons:
- One con that I was particulary surprised about and perhaps should have thought about, is the increase in human traffricking. While meeting with a Priest in Lavendar Hill - a nearby TownShip, the anglican Priest was explaining that there already has been an increase of women and children brought into the country (and hidden away for now) to meet the demands of the large numbers of male tourists. Likewise, there is a fear in communities that children will be put at danger
-Children will be on break from school during the world cup and most parents will be continuing to work. So, who is going to supervise these children and keep them safe? At a recent Diocesan Meeting, one woman suggested creating massive soccer games in high risk, highly populated areas. However, who is going to run and supervise these games? And, what about the kids who don't live in those specific areas.
-According to one of my new South African Friends, infrastructure, may be the only positive thing coming out of the World Cup. In preparation for the large number of tourists, roads have been improved upon and new transit systems have been put into place. During the Apartheid era, there was only one road in and one road out of black and colored neighborhoods, so that the government could easily keep people in. Almost everytime I drive someplace, I see roads being built and widened.
-Another plus, South Africa is far enough away from other countries, that most visitors will stay not only for the world cup, but will also take this time to travel and get to see the country. People will most likely stay in the country for a couple of weeks to a month.
-SO, along with that, the world cup is offering a lot of jobs to a lot of people: Building roads, hotels, etc. As well as an increase in the need for service positions -- food servers, cleaners, etc.
-But, what will happen when the world cup is over? And the jobs are gone? According to a friend of mine, the government has not put any money or thought into the aftermath - to the social services that will be needed. Will there be children and women who will need counseling? Will there be more people in need of jobs?

I haven't done any research into this myself. I just wanted to share what I have been hearing! I'm sure there are many more pros and cons - I will keep you updated if I hear anything more and of course, will report back with the reaction to the actual event and aftermath! We can only wait and see!!

Peace, man!

Ten things I LOVE about South Africa (in no particular order)

10. The 9:30AM service at Good Shepard Church has a band and everyone sings and dances during worship.
9. I saw a whale!!
8. The sunsets are beautiful - the sky is pink every night
7. Delicious Pastries -- When you visit someone's home they put out delicious treats and tea or coffee -- you can't say no, even if you want to!
6. The use of the word, "man", like How's it man? or really, man? People say 'man' after almost every sentence, and it makes me smile
5. the youth group -- Even though I miss my kids at Trinity, it has been wonderful to get to know other young fun people in the church! When they meet for youth group, older teens lead the programming and run games, songs, and good discussions
4. The Adults who work with the youth are SO much fun! And, have taken me out to see different parts of Cape Town.
3. Frozen Yogurt -- it's everywhere, which makes me very happy!
2. Sunday afternoons -- After Church everyone goes home and makes a HUGE meal and then take naps, it's pretty amazing! The indian good (samosas), curry, and grilling ( they call it Briaa) are all delicious!
1. The kids at Heaven's nest! They are such wonderful, beautiful children -- who have been removed from their homes bc of abuse, neglect or in some cases bc they are treated negatively bc of their HIV/AIDS status. I will be working with them once or twice a week!

more later, man!

Peace, Em

My Letter

I am writing with very exciting news; this Fall I will be moving to South Africa to be a missionary for the Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps, which many of you know has been a dream of mine for years. As a Christian, I am called to serve God by serving others. For the past two years I have been serving as the Youth Minister at Trinity Church in Boston, which has helped me to solidify this call to help others through faith-based mission work.

For me, being a missionary means answering a call from God to serve and love others and to seek peace and justice in this broken world. The focus of The Young Adult Service Corps, is to introduce American young adults into the life of the wider Anglican Communion and into the daily life and work of a particular community. The emphasis of the Young Adult Service Corps includes cultural engagement, spiritual commitment, and vocational reflection--lived out together in a work of service.

My appointment in South Africa will last for one year in the greater Cape Town area. While the details of my duties are still being arranged, I know that I will be working with an organization called Hope Africa. The Mission of Hope Africa is “to promote and implement a social development programme for the Anglican Church in Southern Africa for the improvement of the Spiritual, Physical and Emotional Well Being of the Poor and Oppressed People of Africa on a non-denominational basis.” For more information on this great organization please visit (http://www.hopeafrica.org.za/). Regardless of the specific work I will be performing while I am there, I am extremely proud to represent both the Diocese of Massachusetts, and Trinity Church Copley Square to the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The Province of Southern Africa will serve as my host, but they are unable to fully fund this journey. Another aspect of my going on this mission trip is to raise the balance of the money needed to support living costs and materials for the work I will be performing. My goal is to raise $10,000.00 before I leave the United States at the end of August 2009. This money, joined with funds from the national church and funds from Southern Africa, will allow me to serve as a volunteer for one year. I understand many people are under additional financial pressure given the circumstances of the last year. However, if are able to support me financially in any way, I would greatly appreciate it. Some sponsorship figures include $30 for one day, or $210 for one week, but I would appreciate any amount you are comfortable with sharing. More so than financial support, I would also like to ask for your love and support through prayer.
If you are interested in donating, please email me at embeal@gmail.com

YASC group in Toronto during Orientation