As we turn right at the traffic light we enter a new culture. The streets are busy with foot traffic; people walking from place to place. Cars and taxi buses fly through the narrow streets, and it is apparent as some of the locals have said, “Traffic laws do not apply here”. Small roadside shops are open for business selling fresh fruits and vegetables, groceries, and grilled food. There are scattered areas throughout the communities that people have made dumping areas that are burned frequently. Thousands of tin houses line the streets, and seem to go on as a never ending sea. The occasional stray dog moseys along throughout the day as the hot African sun pours its radiant waves over the community. Welcome to Olieven.
Driving down the main streets of Olievenhoutbosch in a taxi bus full of white Americans is a unique experience. First, let me explain the South African taxi buses. The smaller more common taxi buses resemble vans in which 10-20 people can be seated. Secondly, probably 99.99% of the occupants in these taxi buses are black Africans. Driving anywhere in the taxi always promises to be filled with puzzled looks, smiles, and occasional hand waves. Olieven is no exception. When we pull in eyes turn to the bus. I think a main reason for their interest and question is the fact that we are traveling the same way they do. We are white people riding in a taxi as we have seen many other people of Olieven do. We have become one of them.
My initial reaction to Olievenhoutbosch was much different than what it is today. The first time I visited Olieven I was taken back by the apparent poverty and the differences in living conditions. It was difficult for me to picture myself comfortable in the community and wondered how I would live in the circumstances. I was seeing the community through my eyes. However, as I have grown to know more about the community and wonderful people in the community my perspective has drastically changed. Psalm 139:14 came to my mind last week as I had the opportunity to walk through the community with some of the THF after school program staff.
“I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.”
Not only am I fearfully and wonderfully made, Olievenhoutbosch is fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvellous are His works. I am also reminded of Jeremiah 29:11,
“For I know the plans I have for you.” declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
In a community where I had originally seen despair in the past, God sees hope. The more I invest into the community and am around my friends there I am overjoyed as the vision of hope for Olievenhoutbosch grows inside me. God has great plans for Olieven.
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