I have always believed in miracles, but as I write this post I am having difficulty finding the words to describe what I have witnessed.

In a business meeting today we were interviewing a potential new member of the Beaded Hope management team. During this meeting, I witnessed a white Afrikaner woman apologize to a black South African for Apartheid. Tears streamed down this woman’s face as she asked for forgiveness for what her people had done in the past and how they had treated the black people.

Let me explain‚ up until 1994, South Africa had a policy of Apartheid, or separateness, which was enforced by the government. I will spare you all the gory details and simply say that it was a brutal system from which the country of South Africa is still trying to recover.

So, today I witnessed a miracle as a white Afrikaner asked for forgiveness and a black South African gave it freely.

To learn more about apartheid click here.

Remember yesterday’s update?

We delivered a food parcel to a woman in a tough part of the squatters camp. Well‚ today the story continues. It seems that Elina is a seamstress and today she walked all the way from her home to find us and show us her work.

She created a custom bedspread, curtains and scatter cushions for a customer, and I can honestly say that her work was perfect! Every stitch was perfectly placed and every seam was immaculate. I have been looking for someone with sewing skills to do some work for Beaded Hope, and today she just came walking up to me. So, I have asked her to make me a sample product with the hope that I can employ her and help her family put food on their table.

It’s a surprise; I’m not going to tell you what it is… yet!

Today we delivered parcels of food to families in the squatters camps. These camps are informal settlements that contain rows and rows of houses built from found materials. As you can imagine, there are many people who have to rely on the generosity of others for something as basic as food.

Our second delivery was to a part of Mamelodi that I’d never been to before. The streets were teeming with people and the conditions were some of the worst I’ve witnessed. Our drivers began to get nervous and insisted that we stay in the car. While we were discussing how we would deliver the parcel, the woman that we were going to visit actually walked by our car. As we gave her the parcel she explained that she had not had food in her house for the last two days, and was also supporting two of her daughters and two grandbabies.

Such a small gesture on our part made such a huge difference for this family.

The last time I visited Mighty in South Africa, the Operational Director for Beaded Hope, she told me about the construction she had planned for her house. I had no idea that on this trip I would find 3 small rooms and one large room that are independent of her own home. Essentially, she has built an apartment complex on her small piece of property. The money she earns from the rent of these four rooms covers the cost of her mortgage, and since Mighty cannot work due to an accident that she had nearly 12 years ago, this income is critical to her survival.

She is truly a woman of strength.

Today was full of emotion. As always, early in my trip I ask all the beadwork artists to come and meet with me. I see what new work they’ve done since my last trip and share my thoughts for the products they should be working on for the upcoming year. This is always a fun day for me as the ladies continually inspire me with their creativity.

The meeting this time was a bit different. Heather took a few minutes and showed the ladies the Beaded Hope website and, most importantly, their pictures and stories on the About Us page. To be honest, I was taken aback by their responses. Nelly and Betty laughed and shouted, as they are known to do. Alarice and Jabulile smiled quietly. And Mrs. Tshabalala was overcome with emotion. She tried to hide her tears, but I stole a glance as she quietly wiped her eyes. This lady, who speaks no English and cares for orphans in her home, was filled with tears and joy as she saw herself on a website in America.

So‚ I continue the work of Beaded Hope.

In the photo: Mrs. Tshabalala, Betty, Nelly, Alarice and Heather Sampson.

After church we drove to Johannesburg to visit the Rosebank African Market. This is one of my favorite markets and I always love to visit to get inspiration for new beadwork items that the ladies can make. This time, however, the market was overrun with 2010 World Cup goods. I only came away with one new idea.

But don’t worry, you will be able to see it on the website once we return!

Today we attended church at Charity and Faith Mission Church in the township of Mamelodi. One key point from Pastor Titus’ message hit home with me:

When you help others win, you win.

To me, life is about helping others “win” as Pastor Titus put it, and not about personal glory. That is the reason for Beaded Hope; to help others win.

Today I did something that I’d never have the nerve to do…I drove a car in South Africa! Not only that, I drove us to Pilanesberg game park so that we could go on safari, which is about a 2 hour drive.

It was certainly worth it. I am continually amazed by South Africa’s beauty! Check out just a few of our amazing pictures.

Below is a photograph of 2-week-old wildebeest babies playing together right next to our jeep.

We are up early today, but well rested. We’ve started our day with Five Roses tea in the warm sun of summer.

As Pastor Titus says, part of coming to South Africa is seeing the beauty of the land. So, we will embark on a safari this afternoon with the hope of capturing a picture of a lion – a personal favorite!

We’ve landed! Somehow we managed to stuff 4 people, 4 50-lb suitcases, and 4 carry-on bags into a car the size of a chevette! Remember those?? Yep, it was tight.

There’s nothing quite like landing in the Johannesburg airport to have an old friend grab you from behind and give you a huge hug.

Ah, it’s good to be home.