Friday, February 13, 2015

The "scape"

 If you've ever been to West Africa, there's no way to describe or picture the striking and contrasting beauty that captures you.  Maybe it's just because I'm pregnant, but I tear up just looking at the above picture...I was crying IN the picture.  These women keep our office clean, the tea out at tea break, and the sheets in the guest house sparkling clean.  Victoria, on the right, was also my house help and close friend as I walked into marriage and through the first year and a half.  Seeing these humble, joyful women reminded me of so many things I LOVE about Africa.  The warm embrace, the charisma that marks each happy moment, the remembering that colors each reunion, and the unfettered love.  These women love me, and I love them.  Shi ke nan! (That's it!) 
Dust is everywhere in Jos now.  Harmattan (sand off the Sahara) leaves a thin layer everywhere, not to mention we're in the middle of 7-8 months of dry season.  Yet these flowers bloom, the trees behind are still green, and under the mountain in the distance flows fresh water that is bottled for human consumption. 

The "scape" of Nigeria, from the people to the land, is resilient and truly beautiful.  
By -

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

So Far From Home

I bought apples.   This doesn't sound like a big deal, but I only buy apples, shipped here from South Africa, on special occasions and y...

  • First week of training
    Right now, as I write the post, several of my colleagues are out on their second observation of a real appointment with a potential ...
  • Mariama's immunizations
    This morning Christy and I took Mariama for her immunizations.   This is her 10 week visit—though she is actually 11 weeks old now—and...
  • CV and Such
     I shout "I’ve been driving for 24 years!"  When the recently-graduated-from-diapers  Guard placed his hand  Through the window of...
  • Relearning...He Cares?
    Taken by one of my little girls during homeschool 2025.  Do you ever feel like maybe your are as dense as diamond, pressed so compactly that...