We arrived in Zambia sweaty palmed and pregnant. Our introductory tour to
the school and our new home for the next three years did little to reassure
us.
We arrived in Zambia sweaty palmed and pregnant. Our introductory tour to
the school and our new home for the next three years did little to reassure
us.
| "Sweat is an excretory process," intoned
the voice as I passed the classroom. "A fitting welcome," I thought as my
own excretory processes were being profusely exercised under the influence
of a searing African sun and a change in water. "Today vee vill investigate
ze properties of ze circle," boomed a huge Dutchman with raging golden hair.
The voices continued in a confusion of English accents, Zambian, Scottish,
Australian, American, before classes of Zambian students.
Continuing our introductory tour the Headmaster, a Salvation Army Officer, points out the school farm. "Ah, I see there will be chicken for the staff store," he said gleefully. There among a pile of dead chickens, sat a pile of brightly arrayed, deftly plucking Zambian women creating corresponding piles of feathers and naked birds. As we left the deceased to the noonday sun and gathering flies, I just couldn't wait until Sunday dinner.
Why are we here? Because I am a seeker and a doer, a God chaser and creation revealer (Christian and Science Teacher). Two years in the waiting, two years in the seeking, two years since the vision flowered, we were tasting its fruits. I stand before 40 black strangers with juiced armpits and bolting stomach. "My name is Mr. Mitch. Good Morning class." And 40 voices sing "Good morning Mr. Meetchi." My journey finished. ? But then my soul dances at my folly, laughs, and I say "Today, class, we will start.. ." |
Finishing with the tour Catherine, pregnant, and I retire
from the sun to our new home to unpack. A knock comes to the door.
On her knees before my door a young woman speaks, "Sir, I am begging
work." And I think, "Can't you see I'm from the land of rich black
delta, 'Boy,' and burning crosses. I have not come to have servants,
but to serve." But she sees nothing. So the rich young ruler
says, "We have no need for anyone, now."