Voortrekker Monument

           While we were in Johannesburg, we decided to check out the Voortrekker Monument. The weather was down in the low sixties so it was nice to be able to do something indoors.  This monument was constructed to commemorate the exodus of the Boer pioneers from the Cape Colony. In addition to commemorating the trek, this monument also commemorates the Battle of Blood River, which was a result of the movement of this group. We were amazed by the architecture of this building. The design was simple but elegant. It was really cool to see how the sun reflects through the different points in the building, and all of the symbolism built into the building. We had to explain to Peyton that he had to behave well while we were there, so we didn't have any incidents. This monument was a little out of the way to visit, as it is a good trip from Johannesburg, but Derek drives fast so we got there quickly, and it was well worth the visit. We learned a lot about how the settlers lived and how life was at this point of history. We also got to understand the willpower these people had to do what they were doing. Probably the coolest thing we got to see was the cenotaph in the center of the top dome of the building. The central shaft of light from the sun shines through at midday onto the cenotaph, and engraved on the cenotaph are the words, "We for Thee, South Africa". This is representative of the idea that God would support the Boers in all that they are doing. We made sure to try to not break anything, and somehow we succeeded, though we're not sure how. We were once again worn out after a long day of touring.