Heritage Day

 Good morning, dear Blogger friends. Once again, I was able to attend church. It's a long weekend here in South Africa, which you can read about here. Tomorrow, Monday is a holiday. The Valley accommodation is full, including my two holiday homes. 

That means my Sunday was freed up and I went to church...

In Swahili dress! 

 

Great was the reception when I walked into the church. When the priest, Fr Vimba, arrived from the sacristy, he said: Good morning and Happy Heritage Day. 

And the lay minister, John, said: And Jo wins first prize!

Fr Vimba and lay minister, John, prepare the communion sacrements

The priest or Eucharist minister says: 'The body of Christ “, and you, accepting the wafer with cupped hands say "amen:  say “amen”. You place it in your own mouth. After that you say a prayer of thanks while kneeling in the pew.

If you look at the man standing this side of the rail, he is leaning on the exact center beam. This particular part of the rail lifts up and is normally folded back on the rail to the right (where the lady in striped dress is kneeling) The person who collects the offertory, when finished in the congregation, takes the little velvet bag to the priest, who accepts it and places it on the altar. Afterwards the priest says a special prayer offering our offerings to God. 

Meanwhile the man who had handed over the money, picks up the the rail and places it on the other rail, closing the gap. However, the rail has a dowl (peg) at the end, this fits into a round hole in the fixed rail. 

Two weeks ago, as I reached the rail, which happened to be the center section, in order not to kneel too quickly, I leaned on the rail with my weight. The rail had not been "clipped in" firmly; it shot outwards and downwards.  Jenny, my friend, had knelt just after me and grabbed me around the waist which prevented me from falling face first at the priests' feet. No damage done, but quite a commotion to cause at such a solemn part of the service!  

Today, no such near misses, as I was third at the rail and way before the center. After the service, I spotted that Elizabeth was dressed in true Zulu fashion. Phyllis, a friend of mine from Parkrun, insisted we pose together outside the church. 

Elizabeth and I celebrated Heritage Day is true style. Next year I intend to be in Zulu dress. I've been here for seven years, so it's about time!

Driving through town after the service and popping into the supermarket, I saw that all the Zulu ladies were in traditional dress. 

You have all heard me write extensively about Thandiwe, my houselady. She and I are a formidable team when it comes to our holiday accommodation. Thandi has several sisters, one of who is Mavis who works at Thokosiza Lifestyle Centre at the entrance to Champagne Valley. 

Mavis, who speaks impeccable English, in the early days (circa 2016), was invaluable to me when I needed to communicate with Thandi. Now it's a whole lot easier. Thandi understands my Zulu and even helps me with pronunciation of certain words. 

Mavis has also managed a upmarket shoe brand outlet in the center for the past 19 years. Soon after Grant's passing, when I started to sell Avon, I left a brochure with Mavis, thinking she could order from me. Great was my delight when, within a week, Mavis sent me orders from the other employees working in the center. She has continued to sell Avon for me, and I love her dearly. 

Today, after church, I had to deliver Avon to Mavis. As I approached the store along the paved walkway, Mavis spotting me from the shop, started cheering! She, who was also dressed in Zulu tradition, was applauding my Swahili outfit! 

Mavis and I have been friends for more than seven years. She has always shown me respect and I appreciate this beautiful lady so much

As far as I could make out, I was the only European who dressed for Heritage Day today.

 The next image is especially for Sandra, Madsnapper  who correctly guessed that I have a ring for most outfits. Apart from the two Tanzanite stone rings on my left ring finger and a 24-carat gold ring on the middle finger, the rest are all dress rings. Many I buy from my own supplies (Avon) and the large stone rings are the ones my sister, Rose gifted me. 

As much bling as I can fit on my 70-year-old fingers!

Um, as you can see, my nails need topping up. This appointment is for Thursday this week, two days before a very important event in Durban. You will be reading a blog about this...

And yes, already I'm considering my outfit! LOL! 

HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU ALL!