A year ago this week, we were piling our worldly possessions into a moving truck to cross 5 states and move to Texas. We had no idea what Texas was like, but we knew we were moving there. We didn’t know any Texans, but we knew we could meet some. Read more…
James, Joel & Anna are still traversing the globe emotionally and socially. Physically we have lived in the same United States for over a year now, but only settled for six months and still missing what feels like home: Africa. Some days the red dirt and smiling friends are far Read more…
What do you call those little clips from your favorite show that catch you up quickly on important plot developments? They might be annoying to some, but useful to others. The reason you missed our plot developments from the past 4 months has been that we didn’t write them down. Read more…
I tread slippery bumps up the muddy hill.Dogding piles of washed up garbageDiscarded bagsA broken shoe.The road is messy, muddy and slick.It’s hard work.I feel ready to fall at any moment. But I enjoy the crisp morning air and bright sunshine. A woman ahead of me struggles under a heavy Read more…
It’s been a couple years since I chronicled an average day. This was yesterday: 3:32am Wake up coughing (between dust and charcoal smoke this isn’t uncommon). 3:45am Almost back to sleep when 2 shots ring out on main street a few blocks away. Probably the police keeping order. 4:02am Dive Read more…
Well, we made it home sweet home to Congo! There were only two times that I thought we must be on Candid Camera or in a bad movie – maybe Home Alone Strikes Back? But we made it home. Thanks to all who were praying for a safe, productive, restful Read more…
In case you missed it, the Snapshot series began here. We will be taking a break from blogging in July to have a family vacation and get ready for another school year. Don’t worry, we’ll be back to posting updates in August! And you’d rather be picking luscious berries, hiking Read more…
I don’t know that American English deserves to have this word in our language: Hospitality. I have known Americans who practice hospitality, some more than others. I am positive I have not usually been among them. I don’t think we know half what it means. Congolese Hospitality (and African Hospitality Read more…
Walking along our muddy street last week,I noticed a few kids throwing rocks at my house.Band of ruffians doing harm?Nope. You see, we have mango trees.It’s mango season.Any fruit falling over the edge of a wall is fair game.It’s practically a law.But sometimes the mangoes need convincing. They chuck rocks Read more…
In case you missed it, the Snapshot series began here. My Mom used to tell me stories about her mother.The grandmother I never knew.She would go every few days to the local Beauty Parlor.To have her hair set.It became an idyllic 50’s scene in my head. Ladies sitting under driers Read more…