After our breakfast comprised of mainly local foods (the coffee, you guys! The COFFEE!), we had our group devotion and talked over more details of our upcoming week. Good discussions arose from that, even when we disagreed on some points - and the sharing of some specific prayer requests for a friend back home really reinforced the concept of a FAMILY of believers that bear with one another in grief as well as joy.
I took some time to myself a bit later and sat in the yard, taking pictures and just observing the life happening around me. The chicken chased and caught a lizard (and ate it whole!) A pair of birds built a nest. The vines and moss made beautiful compliments to the worn concrete walls around the yard. I soaked in the peaceful quiet of present-ness for me, something I'm generally REALLY bad at. This morning gave opportunity to practice and be still.
After a light lunch, Mick and I walked around the "block" just to get a sense of the neighborhood. It was one of the highlight moments of my day - we walked around the backside of a school and met a gaggle of kids. Their wide eyes and shy smiles turned to laughter when we waved hello and engaged them in English conversation. But the real key to any group of kids' hearts is to ask them if you can take their photo. THEN the fun began. I absolutely LOVE that kids are kids are kids, no matter where in the world you are. I find it comforting when I am in a stressful situation like a new culture to gravitate toward children. They grasp the concept of play and discovery and help me bridge the cultural gap, unjudgingly. Mick and I walked the rest of the way home with a parade following us. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole time.
We also got a chance to visit the Kumba Town market with Milton and Juliet. Milton works for the mission, fixing anything and everything. He is one of the most likable people I have ever met and laughs with the joy of Jesus twinkling in his eyes. We wandered the market to buy fabric for Mick's clothes that Juliet (a seamstress) will sew (she is also going to see a few skirts with the leftover materials for me!) The market had the same feel that most markets in developing countries have - eclectic, tight walkways, sometimes dark, lots of people trying to get your attention... And it wasn't even market day (that's tomorrow)! I wasn't looking to buy anything today, so I felt no pressure. I did get a bad taste in my mouth when I received a quite negative response from a vender of beans and rice and spices; she quickly declined my request to photograph her booth (which really was a pity. It was beautiful).. I was polite and thanked her anyway, but I always struggle with the shade of my skin being associated with money or elitism. I wish people could just connect as humans and not be so focused on classifying others... Anywhere in the world, including home. I did, however, get to help Juliet pick out a dress for herself. That was fun. The delight in her eyes was palpable.
After driving back to Juliet's shop and getting measurements for Mick's and my clothes, I had a series of deep conversations alternating between Karen and Mick (or at times both). It wrenched out a lot of emotions that I don't always want to show (but often do because I can't control the overflow valve In my eyes). Honesty, trust, and communication are so vital, even if it leaves you vulnerable. I went to bed feeling like I was heard, if not entirely understood (I can't expect that of anyone, really), but most importantly, I felt supported and loved.
While sifting through my "Mystery Bag," it may have spilled out all over, but I drew others closer as a result. I was reminded that I can handle the English classes (like riding a bike, right? Right??). And I found places to start from in learning this culture. I think we can work with those pieces.
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