High Noon at the Saloon
Red dirt fills the air as I dismount my ride. Stepping onto the dusty street, I feel eyes on me from all sides. People stare in general astonishment at my appearance once again. Sweat glistens on my forehead as I make my way toward the Saloon. Walking inside, Im greeted by an array of faces, mostly giving me an off-tilt grin. Stepping behind the high table, I’m poured a steaming fresh drink and given an escort….. While it delights me to be able to describe my every Wednesday business with great accuracy and a Western flare, I should back up and give some context. In the corner of Africa I… Read more >>
Queen Patricia
My work in the village is made up exclusively of the instruction, discipleship, and organizing of recreation of teen girls. Part of the blessing of working with teenagers is once comfortable, they feel free to say just about anything. One specific role I fill is helping girls who score between the 30th and 50th percentile speak better English. Upon my arrival earlier this year that included six girls. I call them my Suubi (hope) girls. Working with these girls three days a week in such an intimate setting with no translator builds such a close bond. I truly enjoy those girls' company… Read more >>In the Water
The sun lit the mid-day Sunday sky with bright rays. Mingled scents of wet dirt, burning trash, and sugar cane greeted us as we approached the fields. Water rushed through the man-made ditch to the field, leaving a spot just deep enough for Baptism. Holding a Jaja’s hand as we walked, we smiled at those eagerly gathering around the designated spot. The red African dirt coated the feet of the church members looking down on the girls lined up to be baptized in the moving water below. In those moments, drums and native songs accompanied the joy of those present better than any pristine chapel… Read more >>
The Ring
Unfortunately, I am not the wearer of the One Ring found in Tolkien's fantastic adventures, nor am I the one to bear a royal diamond upon my finger. The ring I write about today is neither enchanted nor worth anything other than sentiment, but this ring bears witness. In a dusty, sunlit African church, the preacher was giving a children's message about Joseph becoming second in command over all of Egypt. To immerse the children in the story, He brought two young boys up to play the roles of Pharoh and Joseph. Displaying the power of Pharoh, He slid a ring onto the older boy's hand. The boy's… Read more >>