Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sundays in Zambia



So this is the last Sunday in Zambia, until I come up with some other topic later. The pictures here are mostly people from the Baptist Building where I worked. They worked in the music ministry, and the communications ministry, and the Sunday School ministry. The lady in the red, black & white striped dress is Mary, who made the afternoon meal. If I wanted to eat with the rest of the workers I paid her some amount of kwacha and I got nshima, & stewed tomatoes, rape (a type of green) & chicken. Good stuff. The picture of the two gentlemen standing outside is at the Baptist Complex where I lived some of the time. The guy on the left is Amos, our guard. He would salute as you drove through – just like Benny Hill. Tickled me every time I drove through those gates.

If I can survive
the mosquitoes
and the water
and the children's eyes,


 If I can weather
the banks
and the shortages
and the fear of AIDs,


 If I can handle
the window-bars
and the pedestrians
and the traffic jams,


 Then I can say that
I've experienced Africa.

But…

If I can remember
the sky
and the rains
and Mr. Pete's steaks,


 If my heart hears
the music,
and the birds,
and the moaning wind,


If my being yearns
for the smile
and the handshake
and the elegant tread,




 Then I can say thatI've loved Africa.

The Bug
10/29/87

9 comments:

  1. That was entirely charming, Bug! I'll miss Sundays in Zambia, by the way.

    I never could conquer all those fears, so I've lived vicariously through the people who were able to. Thank you for giving me that opportunity here, I've really enjoyed it!

    Such marvelous pictures, and by the way? Thanks for the explanation on the type of green, because that likely would have made my eyes bug out, had you not :-)

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  2. You.Are.Gorgeous!

    I'm going to miss Sundays in Zambia!

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  3. I echo what everyone else has said. Beautiful.
    Bella

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  4. Dear The Bug,
    I loved this series of yours, and this ending post sort of brings it all together. What a lovely and meaningful look over your shoulder.

    Thank you so much for posting about it.

    Ann T.

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  5. Bug, you are a brave soul to venture so far and wide from your home, but my goodness how rewarding it must have been for you.

    Those are lovely pictures, and a delightful picture of you!

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  6. Heartwarming pictures and lovely words.

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  7. nice... I just left Zambia after 6 wonderful years.
    Your post brought to me lot of nice memories.

    loveNlight
    Gabi

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Thanks for stopping by - I'd love to hear what you have to say!

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