While in Kuruman for Thanksgiving, fellow volunteers treated us to a visit to Moffat Mission. The mission was established in 1816 by Robert Moffat, a Scottish missionary and his wife Mary. Robert Moffat is perhaps best well known for translating the Bible into Setswana. Robert and Mary Moffat’s daughter would marry the famous African explorer, David Livingstone.
The original church of the mission with its dung floor is still in use today.
What I loved best about Moffat Mission was that it was vibrant and green with trees and gardens and shade and leaf mould (or at least some kind of mulch). It felt decently lush in its greenery, as I’m so used to the hot, dry desert veld. I liked too, sitting in the deep silence of the church.
It was a lovely way to spend the Friday after Thanksgiving and certainly a refreshing change from the “Black Friday” I would have endured in the States.
Soon,
Karen
I absolutely adore the Moffat Mission. I went there 4 times! I may still be able to go some more, only time will tell. I love the peaceful presence I feel when I wander among the almond tree, the original furrow that channels water 5kilometers away from the Eye that used to water the Moffat family's grains, and imagining myself printing documents on that old, giant press. I love Mary Moffat's kitchen, and imagine what it must have been like to cook food for such a large family in that little room several times a day. Somewhere I've got some pictures, i think. I'll tag you if I find 'em.
ReplyDeletei adore the mission. you spent one afternoon there, i had the privlage to spend a week and a half living there, getting to know the staff, playing in and out of those trees and spending time with the minister and his family of that very peaceful church. it is a beautiful place, not only to spend the afternoon, but to live...
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous: Thank you for sharing your lovely experiences with Moffat Mission. I could tell during my very brief visit that it is a very, very special place and I hope to return and give it a proper visit. I’m very happy to hear you were able to spend a week and a half there—what a delight!
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