Its heat beats deep in my veins
thrumming tumbling drumbeats
off-beat softer scuffling of my feet
beside dark feet in the community
of rhythms that thump the earth
and thrust our souls into one warm hum
Its winds blow gently through my hair
flowing even now in wisps
of ash, flower powder, dust –
night air from sand dunes –
blending glowing sundrenched yawns
and mellowing my thoughts to rest.
Its skies arch infinite spaces over
the curved green flatness of grasslands
brushing up the sides of rock
mica mirrors glistening in granite
tracing water falling down slopes
to throw red rust onto the trees.
Its leafy giants stand their ground
through multiple generations
and shade my momentary passing
and the life breath of teeming hordes
feeding us, greeting us, seeding us
with strength to face the sun.
Its people’s smiles and sparkling eyes
fill my heart with gratitude
for years spent soaking in their grace
and learning who they are, the riches
of their culture and their welcoming embrace
of me and my beloved ones.
The hard times fade to learning curves
and scintillating histories
of how God planned it long ago
by reaching out through emissaries
planting fertile seeds of love
to draw them to himself!
We landed on African soil six days ago and they have all been filled with reminiscence and discovery—there is no way to share it all. But deep roots remain firm, and it is wonderful to exult in them
That is the richness that comes with being a TCA (Third Culture Adult), with a background of my TCK (Third Culture Kid) years. It brings with it the awkwardness of never being either totally American or totally African. On the other hand, the blend of all this experience becomes like a rich stew, all the better for the understanding it can bring of different worlds. I am truly humbled by the grace I’ve experienced from Father God.
Coming back this time, what has warmed my heart most has been these kinds of experiences:
- walking through the market, when a woman selling vegetables turns around and shrieks surprise then greets me in my local language, Nyarafolo! “Where have you been? How are you?”
- going into the fabric shacks and being greeted in Nyarafolo by the owners who know their faithful client!
- women friends who work at the Baptist Hospital running over to hug me, eyes moist, so glad we are back.
- the taste of local papayas, finger bananas, fresh pineapple, and my favorite pineapple-ginger drink (spicy to the nth power!).
- going to church in Tiepogovogo and dancing worship, following my dear friend in the circling ring of women.
- waking up to the concert of bird calls all around.
- seeing one golden rain tree beginning to bloom.
- hearing the stories of how Nyarafolos are coming to Jesus!
I could go on and on, but you get the point. I am in the other garden where God planted me, loving it. We are showing dear friends around, two others who grew up out here (younger than me) and one of their daughters. As we tell them about what has been happening and what we have learned it brings it all back with powerful force. God has done what we never expected, saved us from war and sickness, led us by the hand to those he had prepared to come into his Family. He does whatever will accomplish his purposes.
Where are you on your journey? Think back: what have you seen God doing in your life? Gratitude and appreciation of his gifts promotes health and grows our faith. You may have been strengthened by suffering. You may have seen prayers answered in amazing ways. You have been held in the Father’s arms through thick and thin as he cared for you. What blessing can you thank him for right now? Let’s send incense of thanksgiving and worship to the God who loves us and loves the whole world!
The LORD values the lives of his faithful followers. 16 Yes, LORD! I am indeed your servant; I am your lowest slave. You saved me from death. 17 I will present a thank offering to you, and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD before all his people . . . (Psalm 116:15-18 NET)
Linnea's Lines 