The TRINAD ADENDORFF is caged in at Gqeberha.  Caged, anchored, on hold, if you want to play word games. Unfortunately, it is everything but that. Here, on land, life is almost, not completely, but almost back to normal. We can return to restaurants, walk in the streets, everyone free from them being caged in. 

At sea it is different. They are still being caged in. Their only pleasure is the versatility of the cook. Unfortunately the cook is not what lured you to the sea in the first place. The lure was promises to see the world and earning trunks of money. For others the lure was simpler without much choice. They had to choose the sea to survive. 

Today Danie is visiting the TRINAD. On deck is a seaman, almost an acquaintance. He is also South African. He is tired and exhausted. He feels a little overwhelmed by the world's disasters and suffering. If only he could feel the solid ground of Africa under his feet. Unfortunately, he is being caged in. He is in a cage at the docks. Solid ground is a mirage. It is an emotional reminder of being caged in. He tells of their visit to Durban. His family was desperate to see him. From behind a wire fence they tried to make eye contact for a split second. They wanted to make sure their son is still alive.  It is to no avail. The situation is eating and tearing at his soul. 

That is why there is suffering today, even though it has become an old friend. But, today Danie is there. The familiarity of his own language brings an unexpected blessing to the seaman. Their discussion, also brings a reminder of the Great Poet, the One that is present in the ebb and flow of the sea's perpetual movement.        

That is where he finds a little comfort and rest. It is an antidote for the longing. Together they can pray:

The Lord is my Shepherd,
I shall not want,
He leads me to still waters ...

And there, caged in at the dock, the seaman finds a moment's rest in Him that gives peace and rest that transcends all else. 

That is what our donors have done for the young South African. He could repose for a moment in the green pastures. For that we are so immensely grateful.