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February 11, 2005
I love Africa
The BBC has been doing a series on their website on "why I love Africa." Here are some of the things I love about Africa:
I love the beauty of the vast starry sky and the stillness of the night;
And I love the noise and colour of vibrant local markets, where meeting friends and sharing in the life of the community are more important than simply making profit.
I love sitting on mats under the acacias, drinking tea with Fulani among the cows;
And I love riding my motorbike across the sand dunes, through the river beds, and past villages where children run out and wave.
I love sleeping outside, gazing up at God's handiwork as I drop off to sleep;
And I love sitting inside with the door open when the rains finally come, watching silently with friends the pounding of water on the earth.
I love the sense of awe when a sandstorm blows up;
And I love the joy and relief when the harvest is safely in.
I love that there is always time to talk, that people are more important than the day's programme;
And I love it that God is central to everyday life, and a part of normal conversation.
I love the generosity, that when you arrive at meal time, you are invited to sit round the bowl and share whatever food there is;
And I love the hospitality, that when you arrive in the evening you are invited to stay the night, and a mat is laid out for you.
I love the sense of community - that when you go into a neighbour's yard, you have no idea how many of the dozens of laughing children there actually belong to that set of parents;
And I love it that family is important, and that the elderly are respected and taken care of.
I love it that when you arrive somewhere, you don't do anything until you have properly greeted everyone;
And I love it that when you leave, you are always sent on your way with the blessing of God.
And here are some of the things Steve loves about Africa.
What about you? Have you ever been to Africa? And what did you love about it?
Posted by Keith at February 11, 2005 09:16 AM
