Since I have just returned from a recent trip to Africa, I am still in the process of taking it all in. Some experiences stay with you in ways that take time to understand – and this has been one of them.
 
During an upcoming Adult Forum, I will share a few snapshots from the trip – some of the beauty, the unexpected moments, and even a few lighter stories along the way. But more than that, I want to reflect on what I’m still learning.
 
One of the more powerful parts of the experience was encountering the history and ongoing reality of apartheid. It is one thing to know about it in theory; it is another to stand in places shaped by it and to hear how its effects are still felt today.
 
At the same time, I encountered a depth of hospitality, resilience, and community that was both humbling and inspiring. I encountered a way of life that challenged some of my assumptions about time, relationships, and what it means to belong.
 
This forum is more of an invitation to hear a few stories, to see a few images, and to reflect together on what it means to encounter a different culture and history, especially one marked by both deep pain and enduring hope. I hope you will join me and Susie. – Father Frank