March 21, 2007
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
It’s been much too long since I last wrote, and for that
I apologize!
Post election protests
Lesotho elections were held in February 2007. A three-day work
stoppage was called by opposition parties March 20-22.
We are in day two of a three-day work stay-away, called and imposed
by the opposition parties who lost in Lesotho’s mid-February
elections. Their grievance: that the ruling party is not abiding
by the law in its apportionment of representative seating and
won’t negotiate on the matter.
The town is absolutely still and quiet. Local transport systems
have complied, keeping people from reporting to work or coming
into town. Businesses and many government offices are closed,
as an unspoken intimidation factor also exists, no one wanting
to “cross the line” for fear of the consequences.
The fear dates back to 1998 and previous elections, when uprisings
of discontent brought instability and violence. So far, things
are peaceful, as were the run-ups to the elections and the election
process itself, a major accomplishment for Lesotho. There was
also limited time to prepare, as the election date was brought
forward two months when a new opposition party began drawing strong
local support.
This opposition has declared they will continue to seek the government’s
ear through peaceful means, a comfort for now, though one wonders
how patient the people will be if government doesn’t listen.
The new opposition party won the Maseru area in the elections
mostly through the discontent of younger people. For now, we wait
to hear from the prime minister who is tucked away with his cabinet
and has yet to make any statement.
The source of Lesotho’s political tensions is not ethnic
divisions—99.7 percent of the population is Basotho (people
of Lesotho). But with a small private sector, a high premium is
placed on being employed by government in terms of income, job
security, and, to some, power. The influence the ruling party
wields can have a trickle down effect on job placement.
Kopano ke Matla network
Harvest is upon us. Due to a lack of rains during the summer,
this year’s yield is expected to be 60 percent of normal.
With food security a key problem in Lesotho, early in the season
the network tried to train members throughout the country in alternative
farming methods (organic farming). I hope that the new methods
have benefited them enough that their families and communities
will not be as affected as they normally would.
A testimony of love
Early in the morning on October 10 last year I received one of
those long-dreaded phone calls from my sister saying, “Dad
is declining. Come now if you can.”
Dad and Mom in 2000, after 60 years of marriage.
By the time I arrived in Sacramento two and a half days later,
I knew when she met me that I had missed him—he’d
passed on just hours before. Fortunately, I was able to have some
minutes alone with him before his body was removed, a precious
time God graciously allowed me.
Even now as I remember those minutes and the emotion that sprang
from the depths of my being, I think of these words: “Did
ere such love and such sorrow meet? Sorrow and love flow mingled
down.” My tears flowed, knowing his physical presence was
now gone from my life. Though all he had given me and brought
to my life through the special person he was is forever deeply
engraved in my mind and heart—and though my faith assures
me that we shall spend eternity together—knowing I would
no longer hear his voice or see or touch him here became a stark
reality.
How I’d dreaded his memorial service! Would I maintain
through it, I wondered? As God would have it, it was a glorious
and joyful occasion of honoring my father’s life through
the presence and personal sharing of friends and family. Dad was
a quiet man with a dry sense of humor who greatly loved and was
devoted to his wife (of 66 years!) and family. He had a sharp
intellect and a gentle way, but his unconditional love and acceptance
of each of us never wavered. It was my honor to have him as my
father.
His love for God was also deep and genuine. In his later years,
as he and Mom would reminisce of their lifetime together, their
hearts would often turn in thankfulness to God for His gifts of
each other and of each of their children, grandchildren, and friends
who had blessed them with such a rich life. In all these ways
he has passed on a wonderful legacy to me and our family.
A special gift
At 90 years of age, I’d never expected my mother to travel
half way across the globe to visit me in Africa, but after Dad’s
passing she finally fulfilled this long-time dream. Having her
in my home and sharing places and friends with her in Lesotho
and South Africa was great fun and a gift beyond words. People
welcomed her, loved her, and were amazed by her. Even now my 3-year-old
neighbor, Willie-boy, comes by almost daily and asks, “Where’s
Grandma? I want to see Grandma!” She’s back in her
place in Sacramento now—but you are still missed here, Mom!
For now, in love and peace,
Cindy
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
339
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