my time in Zimbabwe thus far...

Well, here I am, sitting outside on a lovely warm day at Kufunda village in Zimbabwe. I finally made it to Africa after all these years and years of longing in my heart to be here. You know what? It's just what I was expecting and hoping for. The people are bright, the scenery lovely, the music so beautiful and plentiful, it fills my heart. The other night I was still awake quite late and I heard in the distance men singing call and response and I was full of wonder.

I'm working in the preschool here at the village. It's impossible to not be happy when around these kids.

We don't speak the same language (although most of the adults speak at least some english) but it doesn't matter. I adore them and I think it's reciprocated. Today I had a bunch of them fighting to be the ones to hold my hand at circle time. I'm amazed how well behaved they are, compared to our kids in the west. They are happy, and eager to learn.  They are much more capable, it seems, at younger ages. Small children are taking care of their younger siblings and helping with the household chores. They mind the adults and don't seem to complain much. They are given more freedom to explore and although they are well loved, they are not needy. It's lovely. They're lovely.

The adults have been kind. I struggle a bit with cultural differences and being the shy lady that I am, I am a bit afraid to offend or cross any lines, so that has been interesting. Being divorced seems highly uncommon here and even shameful, so I am sensitive about being a single mother (even though it was not my choice, I have still had shame arise from it here, and it's ok, it's part of my healing process to get through these types of feelings). Although I haven't been specifically invited to many functions, I have been welcomed any time I show up. The evenings alone is a change for me. At home I am never alone. Although it can be a challenge, as well as the time I really miss my kiddos, I think it's ultimately good for me. I write and reflect and pray and read. All good things

Aside from exploring life here at the village, I have gone into town to the markets, gone to see the girls from the Tariro organization (which is a non profit sending orphaned and/or at risk adolescent girls to school), and taken mbira lessons. Today I will have my first dance lesson and I'm excited.

Another intersting thing that has come up for me since being here is any type of praise I get from friends and family back home for being here. I want to be clear that I don't feel that me being here is doing any kind of huge service to anyone. It's me who is benefitting from being here, around this lifestyle and these people. I didn't come here to save anyone, although I do hope to be able to do some fundraising for these two organizations once I'm back in the states.

I adore seeing all the babies carried on their mama's backs, the happy children running all over, the jam packed taxi buses, and most of all, the unabashed way people sing, praise and celebrate. My heart is full, full, full with Africa. I knew it would be and in fact, it was before I even ever set foot on her soil.

I hope to get on more and write about my experience, take more photos, and share the fullness of my heart..