God is on African Time

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

            I got to experience my first African game of hot potato. The only difference is the lack of attention on passing the ‘hot potato’ when music is playing. It’s like the music flows from the speakers and into their little bones causing a natural rhythm to the beat. I mean, little nine year olds are poppin’ and lockin’ like we is filming a music video. It’s fascinating to watch them completely lose awareness to reality and just flow with the music. Needless to say, the hot potato got dropped a lot.

            After club, all one hundred and fifty of them line up to receive plates piled with yummy rice and stew. The stew (they call it something different) is packed with a mixture of savory spices, which fills the entire place with a zesty aroma for hours. Whatever is in that stew must have superhuman energy sources because the kids are always overly energized after eating. Before going home, the kids lineup for gate sweets. A nice little treat for the road! Tonight, I went outside with a cup of coffee to keep the sunset company. A neighbor stopped by and said she was going for a walk, and asked if I’d like to join. We walked and talked about all kinds of things.  I’ve noticed a highly sociable atmosphere here in South Africa.

            My dad has been working with the airlines back in America to see if I can extend. I’m beginning to believe that Africans are so spiritual because they share the same timeline as God. They are never rushed, and everything eventually gets done. At least, that’s been the common theme with me. God works on African time. Many times, we think that he’ll never show up. We think he is late! Ah, but he shows up just in time to save the day and we’re left dumbfounded about how he always comes through. Just like coming here, all plans fell together at the last possible moment. It’s proving to be the same story for my return flight. I told Dad that I would extend my stay under one condition: Mom has to come visit. Recently, I scrolled through old pictures on my computer from family vacations, Holidays, post-accident, rock climbing trips, and summer boat days with the friends who knew me when I had many many more freckles. I’m missing all of you! I’m at a tricky spot because I could leave in two weeks, but I would feel cut short. I’m not ready to leave South Africa yet. Maybe never. If I extend, I’ll probably get even more attached to this place! One day at a time, right? African time.

Goooooooodnighty-night

xoxo