Keeping the Faith

Have you distant cousins whom you don't see often but with whom you always seem to have an instant understanding? That's how it felt to us in Kidlington when we spent twelve days together with thirty-three members of our link parish of All Saints, Montshiwa at the beginning of July. Some of the party were renewing friendships formed during our own visit to them last September, but even new faces arrived smiling and anticipating good shared experiences.

And so it proved. From the initial welcome, when so many members of our church turned out to greet our friends who had undergone an epic long journey ­ for many the first ever venture out of their own part of South Africa ­ it was obvious that nothing would dampen the South African talent for expressing their feelings in song and making the most of every occasion!

Over almost two weeks here we were able to enjoy a close fellowship, and have a great deal of fun, including group meals with international cooking, Morris Dancing, Barn Dancing (as it had never been seen before!) and a Camp Fire with traditional songs ­ no gesture left out! It was wonderful to see everyone joining in and enjoying themselves so much and proving that distance does not matter when it comes to making friends.
There were more serious moments, of course, when we witnessed an inspiring portrayal of "The Life of Christ" at Wintershall, when we caught up on some history in London, when we toured Oxford and attended a Eucharist at Christchurch Cathedral, and when some of the party saw around local hospitals and schools.

Our overall memories, however, will be dominated by the infectious Setswana spontaneity, which was particularly enjoyed when Father David Makhanana and one of his Lay Ministers led our worship on the Sunday morning. No-one really noticed that the service lasted two hours, such was the warmth of the occasion!

Kathryn Ellis is married to the Team Rector of Kidlington with Hampton Poyle, Oxon