It is the 4th of July here and no one knows it. I stand in line alone at immigration in the Johannesburg airport, holding my U.S. Passport, scanning the crowd for others with the same, wondering whether there is anyone who knows the significance of the day. A hundred fifty people or more are lined up in the queue to pass through the two open gates which lead out of South Africa and into the rest of the world. The black man in front of me is a South African doctor turned minining engineer (platinum). He and his wife are on their way to London for a three week holiday, something he says he could not do as physician. The whole world is standing in this line. Brits, Chinese, Indian, African, Japanese, Thai, and who knows who else. But I see no more Americans.
I was out of the country on the Fourth once before. It was Brazil that time. I recall sitting around with our mission team in a hotel lobby in Sao Paulo talking about the fact. It is no big deal really. It just feels strange to have no one to say "Happy Fourth of July" to. So, Happy Fourth of July.
rrc
1 comment:
Happy 4th of July, Robert!! We are enjoying traveling with you through your blogs. Thank you.
Joe is giving a Stearman ride to Ashley Johnson this morning. She is faithful to ask for prayer for her dad in all his travels. Enjoy your time together this week. We look forward to hearing from your family upon your return. There is a big hole at UBC.
M. Tanner
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