Stef sings. I play.
Go to Our Podcast - enjoy.
theburkholders.podbean.com
If my link fails, sorry - I'm learning.
14 September 2007
indiscriminate rambling
Have you got a minute?
I think we bought Halaal toothbrushes this week. The only word that wasn’t written in Arabic was Colgate. Come to think of it, I don’t think a toothbrush can be Halaal, but that won’t change the fact that I can’t read a word of the packaging.
A lot of things around here are certified Halaal (which is to Islam as Kosher is to Judaism). I mentioned that we live in a heavily saturated area, with Muslims all over the place. So, restaurants all have to show that their food is Halaal, meaning the animals were butchered in a certain way, etc…
More from the Muslim world: It’s Ramadan!! You can Google that if you’re curious.
Finally, do you know what Shari’ah law is? No? Head back to Google (or the Wikipedia) and find out. Then, marvel with me that the local ABSA Bank is now offering “Shari’ah banking solutions for Muslims.” Imagine a US bank offering “Christian banking solutions.” Automatic tithe withdrawals, etc… That would be interesting.
Let’s move on…
I mentioned the Rugby World Cup is going on. Stef and I actually watched about 5 minutes of it the other night, as the USA was playing Togo (or some other tiny island nation). We don’t know what happened really. We just enjoyed hearing “USA” over and over again. By the way, I think Togo beat the Americans. U-S-A!! U-S-A!!
Also happening right now (and here in Joburg) is the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup, which is apparently some big deal and some new adaptation of cricket. It would be like shortening a baseball game to 4 innings and only letting each pitcher go one inning. Or maybe it’s nothing like that, but you won’t know the difference so let’s leave it at that.
The point of me telling you about these two sports events is this: We have 4 channels on the television. SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, and eTV. Rugby is on SABC2 all of the time. Cricket is on SABC3 all of the time. This means that we are left with SABC1, which is all African-language programming and eTV, which mostly shows Jean Claude Van Damme movies and Walker Texas Ranger reruns. Good times.
The Economist might be the greatest magazine in the history of the world. Thought you should know.
Is it possible to eat too much peanut butter? Seriously, if anyone runs across a New England Journal of Medicine study showing peanut butter being linked to some horrifying disease, please send me and Stef a copy.
I’ve been preaching every Sunday here. That is weird, huh? Hopefully, I do a lot less “preaching” than teaching. Still…
Michael Popp sent me an interesting email. Apparently, if you Google “fountain drink infrastructure south africa” our blog is fourth on the list. Even better, if you Google “stef aria sunglasses” we come in with the top spot. Life doesn’t get much sweeter. The cotton doesn’t get much taller. We should get commemorative t-shirts. Someone look into that.
It was about 150 degrees here yesterday. It’s never supposed to get hot in Joburg. Of course, the absence of rain for the last decade might have something to do with it. Still, it doesn’t matter how hot it gets, we will not miss the South African winter.
Since South Africa is hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, their national team automatically makes the tournament. This could be more disastrous than a bus-load of drunk German tourists ending up in the wrong Joburg neighborhood after dark. Just know that the South Africans lost to Zambia 3-1 this week. That's Zambia, where the average annual wage is $490 dollars. And, I might be crazy, but I Zambia had 4 or 5 guys on the field who may or may not be sponsored World Vision children. African soccer!! Catch the excitement!!
Has anyone noticed that Stef can sing? Just wanted to make sure you knew that.
Just a question: Why do UN troops bother to wear camouflage under their powder blue helmets and flak jackets? I mean, seriously… They could wear bright orange “Hammer-pants” and Seinfeldian puffy shirts under those things. There is not a way on earth that they could be more noticeable.
Finally, we braved the terrors of downtown Joburg (really, it’s not that bad – just dirty and crowded and smelly and murderous) twice this week to go about getting an extension on our Temporary Residence Visas. It’s exhilarating actually, but I don’t like for Stef to be somewhere that is so seedy. Still, to be in the center of 1 million people all shouting and running and scratching away an existence…it’s neat. Anyway, for about $130 (cheaper than I expected) we are both allowed to be here for another 3 months. We have to go back in two weeks to pick up the updated permits. I’ll snap some photos to give you an idea of what it’s like. (Or someone will steal our camera and beat me up. Start taking bets now - And have a good weekend.)
I think we bought Halaal toothbrushes this week. The only word that wasn’t written in Arabic was Colgate. Come to think of it, I don’t think a toothbrush can be Halaal, but that won’t change the fact that I can’t read a word of the packaging.
A lot of things around here are certified Halaal (which is to Islam as Kosher is to Judaism). I mentioned that we live in a heavily saturated area, with Muslims all over the place. So, restaurants all have to show that their food is Halaal, meaning the animals were butchered in a certain way, etc…
More from the Muslim world: It’s Ramadan!! You can Google that if you’re curious.
Finally, do you know what Shari’ah law is? No? Head back to Google (or the Wikipedia) and find out. Then, marvel with me that the local ABSA Bank is now offering “Shari’ah banking solutions for Muslims.” Imagine a US bank offering “Christian banking solutions.” Automatic tithe withdrawals, etc… That would be interesting.
Let’s move on…
I mentioned the Rugby World Cup is going on. Stef and I actually watched about 5 minutes of it the other night, as the USA was playing Togo (or some other tiny island nation). We don’t know what happened really. We just enjoyed hearing “USA” over and over again. By the way, I think Togo beat the Americans. U-S-A!! U-S-A!!
Also happening right now (and here in Joburg) is the Cricket Twenty20 World Cup, which is apparently some big deal and some new adaptation of cricket. It would be like shortening a baseball game to 4 innings and only letting each pitcher go one inning. Or maybe it’s nothing like that, but you won’t know the difference so let’s leave it at that.
The point of me telling you about these two sports events is this: We have 4 channels on the television. SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, and eTV. Rugby is on SABC2 all of the time. Cricket is on SABC3 all of the time. This means that we are left with SABC1, which is all African-language programming and eTV, which mostly shows Jean Claude Van Damme movies and Walker Texas Ranger reruns. Good times.
The Economist might be the greatest magazine in the history of the world. Thought you should know.
Is it possible to eat too much peanut butter? Seriously, if anyone runs across a New England Journal of Medicine study showing peanut butter being linked to some horrifying disease, please send me and Stef a copy.
I’ve been preaching every Sunday here. That is weird, huh? Hopefully, I do a lot less “preaching” than teaching. Still…
Michael Popp sent me an interesting email. Apparently, if you Google “fountain drink infrastructure south africa” our blog is fourth on the list. Even better, if you Google “stef aria sunglasses” we come in with the top spot. Life doesn’t get much sweeter. The cotton doesn’t get much taller. We should get commemorative t-shirts. Someone look into that.
It was about 150 degrees here yesterday. It’s never supposed to get hot in Joburg. Of course, the absence of rain for the last decade might have something to do with it. Still, it doesn’t matter how hot it gets, we will not miss the South African winter.
Since South Africa is hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, their national team automatically makes the tournament. This could be more disastrous than a bus-load of drunk German tourists ending up in the wrong Joburg neighborhood after dark. Just know that the South Africans lost to Zambia 3-1 this week. That's Zambia, where the average annual wage is $490 dollars. And, I might be crazy, but I Zambia had 4 or 5 guys on the field who may or may not be sponsored World Vision children. African soccer!! Catch the excitement!!
Has anyone noticed that Stef can sing? Just wanted to make sure you knew that.
Just a question: Why do UN troops bother to wear camouflage under their powder blue helmets and flak jackets? I mean, seriously… They could wear bright orange “Hammer-pants” and Seinfeldian puffy shirts under those things. There is not a way on earth that they could be more noticeable.
Finally, we braved the terrors of downtown Joburg (really, it’s not that bad – just dirty and crowded and smelly and murderous) twice this week to go about getting an extension on our Temporary Residence Visas. It’s exhilarating actually, but I don’t like for Stef to be somewhere that is so seedy. Still, to be in the center of 1 million people all shouting and running and scratching away an existence…it’s neat. Anyway, for about $130 (cheaper than I expected) we are both allowed to be here for another 3 months. We have to go back in two weeks to pick up the updated permits. I’ll snap some photos to give you an idea of what it’s like. (Or someone will steal our camera and beat me up. Start taking bets now - And have a good weekend.)
13 September 2007
the dry season
So, we're a few days into our third month here. And, while I don't think you care, I am compelled to tell you that it hasn't rained here once.
In Africa, they still call seasons "the wet season" and "the dry season". Well, apparently we're in "the dry season". Like I said, I don't really think you care, I just had to tell someone.
And I could go off about the metaphorical reasons why this being the dry season is so appropriate. But I'll let you write that blog yourself. :)
In Africa, they still call seasons "the wet season" and "the dry season". Well, apparently we're in "the dry season". Like I said, I don't really think you care, I just had to tell someone.
And I could go off about the metaphorical reasons why this being the dry season is so appropriate. But I'll let you write that blog yourself. :)
12 September 2007
meet aria
Stef has a new best friend.
Everyday, little Aria comes to work with her mom (and our friend), Beauty. She then spends the better part of her day with Stef, pestering and hugging and talking and learning.
Aria only knows Tswana, her native African language, so Stef is slowly teaching her English. She sometimes points to her eyes and says "lips" or vice versa but she is making progress. The whole thing makes communication difficult, but Stef has learned some phrases in Tswana to help with discipline and Aria has learned some English phrases that get her applause.
She also has an adorable fascination with Stef's stuff, especially her hair and her sunglasses. She'll wear Stef's sunglasses (usually upside down) for hours and then will spend an hour just rubbing Stef's hair. White people's hair is a very interesting thing for her and not something she sees much of.Among all of it, we have also learned maybe a sliver of what it looks like to be parents, albeit parents of a child who speaks a different language. We do our best to love her even when she has naughty days and we really see the beauty of God in her little eyes.
Stef has a new best friend. We have another blessing here.
11 September 2007
11th of september
So, today is September 11th…
Six years ago, Stef was in Canyon, TX and apparently was the last person to know
about the events taking place in New York. Like most of us, after she found out, she found herself huddled around a TV with an immense sadness for people she’d never met.
I was in Austin when my sister Amy came into my room to tell me “something is happening in New York”. We sat on my bed for a good chunk of the morning and, like most of you, didn’t know exactly how to feel.
Surely, I am not alone in this, but that day formed a bond between my sister and me that cannot be replicated. I am sure that most people remember who it was that was with them at that time. I am sure that sharing something of that magnitude has not yet left you completely. Amidst the sadness, such things are beautiful.
Today, far from all of you, we remember.
We have comfort knowing that nothing comes to us without first passing through God’s hands. So, somewhere and somehow, that day had a purpose and glory came to His name.
So, as we listen to the “call to prayer” booming from the loudspeakers in the minaret at the neighborhood mosque, in a place where the events of six years ago were cheered in the streets, we know that everything is going to be alright, that His will is greater than ours, and that only love can conquer hate.
The very words of God say:
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD**."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (NASB)
**Kyle’s note: In context, burning coals on a man’s head is a good thing, a blessing...
We pray that, today, peace becomes personal as we all remember.
Six years ago, Stef was in Canyon, TX and apparently was the last person to know
about the events taking place in New York. Like most of us, after she found out, she found herself huddled around a TV with an immense sadness for people she’d never met.
I was in Austin when my sister Amy came into my room to tell me “something is happening in New York”. We sat on my bed for a good chunk of the morning and, like most of you, didn’t know exactly how to feel.
Surely, I am not alone in this, but that day formed a bond between my sister and me that cannot be replicated. I am sure that most people remember who it was that was with them at that time. I am sure that sharing something of that magnitude has not yet left you completely. Amidst the sadness, such things are beautiful.
Today, far from all of you, we remember.
We have comfort knowing that nothing comes to us without first passing through God’s hands. So, somewhere and somehow, that day had a purpose and glory came to His name. So, as we listen to the “call to prayer” booming from the loudspeakers in the minaret at the neighborhood mosque, in a place where the events of six years ago were cheered in the streets, we know that everything is going to be alright, that His will is greater than ours, and that only love can conquer hate.
The very words of God say:
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD**."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (NASB)
**Kyle’s note: In context, burning coals on a man’s head is a good thing, a blessing...
We pray that, today, peace becomes personal as we all remember.
10 September 2007
photo essay of our day off...
Here we are at the Mission House getting ready to go to the mall for a day out on our day off... (Click on the pictures to see them larger.)
Careful not to step on the box of Rodenticide as you leave the house!! Not that we have a rat or mouse problem...
At Mugg & Bean, Stef enjoys a freshly squeezed glass of OJ. Mmm!!
Here I am lamenting the quick demise of my glass of mango juice. Sigh... You just don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.
Stef digs into breakfast. I wisely chose to have a huge cappuccino instead of breakfast. Stef stopped eating shortly after this photo was taken and I got breakfast after all - surprise...
After breakfast, we ventured outside of the mall to see the wildlife. Watch out Stef!! (Honestly, this really lame setup of fake animals is the closest we've been to wildlife - unless you count the unfortunate victims of our rodenticide.)
Here we are about to go into see Hairspray. What?!?! How did this happen? I got Jedi-mind-tricked into this one. I wanted to see The Bourne Ultimatum.
After Hairspray... Not too bad. I am a sucker for racial justice.
And that's that. Life here isn't all grit and grime. Occasionally, we invest in some much-needed leisure. Hope you enjoyed it even a sliver as much as we did.
Careful not to step on the box of Rodenticide as you leave the house!! Not that we have a rat or mouse problem...
At Mugg & Bean, Stef enjoys a freshly squeezed glass of OJ. Mmm!!
Here I am lamenting the quick demise of my glass of mango juice. Sigh... You just don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.
Stef digs into breakfast. I wisely chose to have a huge cappuccino instead of breakfast. Stef stopped eating shortly after this photo was taken and I got breakfast after all - surprise...
After breakfast, we ventured outside of the mall to see the wildlife. Watch out Stef!! (Honestly, this really lame setup of fake animals is the closest we've been to wildlife - unless you count the unfortunate victims of our rodenticide.)
Here we are about to go into see Hairspray. What?!?! How did this happen? I got Jedi-mind-tricked into this one. I wanted to see The Bourne Ultimatum.
After Hairspray... Not too bad. I am a sucker for racial justice.
And that's that. Life here isn't all grit and grime. Occasionally, we invest in some much-needed leisure. Hope you enjoyed it even a sliver as much as we did.
09 September 2007
podcasts are coming
You read right.
We are working on getting our podcast started up.
For the uninitiated, this is basically a way for you to hear us...we've been recording things in the last few days, songs Stef sings and sermons I preached and that sort of stuff.
Eventually, we hope to have couple of interesting stories up there to give you a flavor of the place. You will be able to hear about (in addition to reading about) our experiences here.
So, keep an eye out. html://www.theburkholders.podbean.com
We are working on getting our podcast started up.
For the uninitiated, this is basically a way for you to hear us...we've been recording things in the last few days, songs Stef sings and sermons I preached and that sort of stuff.
Eventually, we hope to have couple of interesting stories up there to give you a flavor of the place. You will be able to hear about (in addition to reading about) our experiences here.
So, keep an eye out. html://www.theburkholders.podbean.com
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