Love and Witch Doctors

An African Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day this year, we had a fun, romantic night up on the hill. The wonderful kitchen staff prepared an Italian meal for us (one of the food types we are all missing a lot) and set up a cute and classy dinner. On the menu was fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread, and salad. The night consisted of a secret valentine gift exchange, picture taking and dancing! It was a very fun night and one of the best Valentines Days I have ever had. I also had a wonderful Valentine this year...even if it was only via Skype. ;)

During the week was our field trip to see the sangoma. The day of the trip a professor from a prestigious university in Cape Town came and spoke to us about the traditional religion of Africa and "Ubuntu" which is the spirit of Africa. It was a fascinating lecture and it made it much more understandable the struggles that are presented when trying to teach an African about Christianity and an all-powerful, single God. In fact a whole new word had to be created to represent our God.

We headed off to see the sangoma who lived in the rural hills which was very beautiful! I will put up a picture of him soon. He was quite a sight. With neon beaded braids, a leopard print robe, and soda can lids hanging on his ankles we wondered whether to laugh or leave. He was very nice and was very kind to let us into his "office" and see what a day in his life would be. He takes appointments just like a doctor and these appointments are very expensive. He went to school for 4-6 months depending on how the "spirits" felt about him. One ritual in particular that he told us about was a love potion. Simple recipe: ground up pieces of animals that are paired for life, throw in some herbs, white residue from your tongue, blood from your chest, and skin from your hand. Put the concoction into the desired lovers food while they aren't paying attention and you will have your mate. :) Sounds good right?

Happy Valentine's Day

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of wrongs. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7