Day 1 (Part II) - Is this Heaven?... No, It's Stellenbosch

Our first full day of rest in Stellenbosch was a special one. After catching up on sleep, we enjoyed a full breakfast with a complete array of breakfast breads, yogurts, muesli, Granola, and a scrumptious quiche with tomatoes and mushrooms. No quick brewed American coffee here. Everything by French press. Like the Lord often does to us, the coffee making process forces us to slow down. To contemplate each moment …. to enjoy a quick conversation with our gracious kitchen, staff, and each other. These interactions take us into each other’s lives at a time when many of us want to rush along and get on with our day. It is a sign of things to come over these next two weeks.

After a quiet morning of conversations and catching up, lunch arrived not too soon with another full spread of delicious food, all served by an attentive staff who cater to our every need. After lunch, Chad Edwards took Betty, Belle, and Kathy and me on a afternoon drive through Stellenbosch, going to two beautiful wineries, each set up with commercial operations to serve tourism in the local community. The term “deli“ conjures up something in most American’s minds as a quick, eating place or somewhere to pick up to-go food. But in South Africa, it means a lunch spot. The first winery we stopped at was Boschendol. It was originally founded in the late 1600s by the Dutch Afrikaners and French Huguenots who founded European colonialization of this area. Picnic areas, horseback riding, a museum and art store, were among the many attractions of the spot. Later, we visited one of the highest end wineries in the area, which afforded magnificent views of the entire valley.

Returning home, we greeted Sharon and Stha, our senior YL staff who had arrived that afternoon. Our host Wilhelm, then took us on a walking tour of the property, crossing a local river, First on a rickety, wooden footbridge, and later, fording a dam in our bare feet(!). We were able to see and observe his various vineyards, And begin to understand the complexities of grape production. As the sun set, we were treated to some spectacular scenery as the colors slowly changed and dark, and on the mountains surrounding the valley.

Once back at At the main house, we were able to greet the rest of our soon to be assembled party, with the arrival of Zein, and Matt Ward, who all joined us for a wonderful courtyard dinner at a long table hosted by Wilhelm and his beautiful wife Nicola. Our dinner was prepared by DJ, a special chef, and again, lacked none of the caloric requirements necessary to add inches onto one’s waist line As is typical for a Beyond trip introductory dinner, people shared, highs and lows of the day, and our newbie guest, Betty, got to hear the fascinating stories of both Zein and Alexis about how they came to faith and their introduction into Young Life years ago. Most importantly, we were able to hear Kathy’s dedication of the YL camp we will see tomorrow to her recently passed husband, Chris, who we toasted at the end of the dinner.

All of the powerful stories Shared around the table Reminded each of us Once again of how God moves his kingdom forward, sometimes through unlikely circumstances and people. It was a magnificent first day. A little like Heaven will someday be.

God is good. All the time. And all the time, God is good.

-Bob Voyles