We live 2 blocks from Vrygrond / Capricorn.
I've served in this community for 8+ years.
My acclamation to South Africa happened here.
These mamas and babies and youth were my entrance to the culture.
I've had great days of celebration
and days wrought with grief.
I've attended weddings, baby showers, funerals, birthdays, and anniversaries.
I'm called by name.
I have many addresses in Vrygrond.
I live close because these are my people.
This is the place that called me to move home.
Our local Eye Witness News channel has been reporting on the violence and protests happening in our area. Check out some of the videos and stories here:
http://ewn.co.za/Topic/Vrygrond
I go to bed hearing the gun shots.
We wait just long enough, counting the minutes, to hear the sirens of police, or worse, the ambulance.
I wake up, look to my phone to see if I have news from someone "inside" - to give me news or a warning. I can't go inside if there are road blocks, protests, fires burning, stones throwing.
The police are present. They're doing all they can. They too want peace. We have to believe.
Our people are crying out for help.
The source of this unrest is for many things. Reports say - land protests/demands, lack of service delivery; and the violence at night has been reported to be veils to cover up other actions. But who knows. All we know is there is an air of timidity.
I'm not a first-hand witness.
I'm one who lives just outside Capricorn.
I come in everyday to serve and support the local community, to build leaders and encourage faith.
But I feel so isolated when there's such a separation between those inside and those out.
The walls of South Africa are high.
Wether that be because of protection and physical barriers,
or divisions of race and economics.
I dream of an equal South Africa.
A South Africa where the lines are blurred and we live in the grey.
We worry more about giving than protecting.
We live beside, not above or below.
Pray for Vrygrond / Capricorn.
Pray that God would give peace that the world doesn't understand.
Give leaders a revelation of Truth and Hope.
Give our innocent protection and provision.
Shelter us in our fears and uncertainty.