On Monday we had the chance to visit Robben Island, home of the notorious maximum-security prison where hundreds of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, served lengthy sentences during apartheid. The tour included a guided bus ride followed by a guided walk-through of the prison. The guide in the prison was a former prisoner, so he was able to describe the horrendous conditions from first-hand experience. It’s always remarkable to me that black South Africans by and large are able to interact with white people without a trace of animosity. The amount of pain, injustice, and inhumanity that was inflicted upon non-whites during apartheid is difficult to think about and impossible to fully comprehend. The depravity of man is truly horrifying, yet the patience and grace of God is overwhelming. The fact that this country didn’t go up in flames when apartheid was finally dismantled was truly a miracle.

Following the Robben Island tour we spent the afternoon at the V & A Waterfront. The Waterfront is filled with high-end retail stores, amazing restaurants, and beautiful scenery. It’s always filled with international visitors. It would be very possible to visit Cape Town and never be aware of the stark contrast between a place like the Waterfront and the reality of the intense poverty the majority of the population lives in. Once you are aware, in a limited way, of the challenges so many face, it’s hard to fully enjoy the opulence of the Waterfront.

My prayer is that the Lord would never let us forget His command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and to live lives surrendered to Him, focused upwards and outwards. Micah 6:8 – The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

– Leslie