This post is dedicated to Mike Budenholzer who has a birthday today. Happy Birthday! It was a pleasure to make the acquaintance of him and his lovely family in South Africa last week. Who knew that a unique conversation would blossom while standing in a line to go to the top of Table Top Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa? It was 2 days before my birthday and over a week before his.
The first every NBA game in the continent of Africa was held August 1, 2015 in Johannesburg. Although Team Africa, the team Mr. Budenholzer was coaching, did not win over Team World, this is only the first game and the future looks bright for this type of collaboration. Johannesburg is a city of about 8.5 million people, and the continent as a whole has not embraced the sport of basketball as we know it in the USA in great numbers. I felt very much like Oliver B. Johnson, another native Washingtonian, who brought Hakeem Olajuwon to the United States. He visited Africa 20 years ago and decided not to leave. I could have stayed there myself because the culture seems to be one of respect for human beings, not glorification of money.
Basketball Beyond Borders, founded by a former player from Canada, Robert Wilson, is in its 13th year and has as its motto - "Remember the Lord in all you do and He will bring you success," Proverbs 2:6. I can certainly attest to the success I have had in one year, because I could not have even dreamed of this trip in August 2014 due to self-employment as my only income. Here it is August 2015 and I have not only obtained employment, but visited and enjoyed one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Attending the Baptist World Alliance in Durban for 5 days and learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Council that convened shortly after apartheid was dismantled was an educational experience I am not likely to forget. My group of 17 was an excellent group and I will cherish the encounters on the bus rides and at the many meals we ate together.
South Africa is truly a country that has triumphed over its dark past and we could all learn some lessons from the reconciliation model they have adopted.
