Out of Africa

June is cold in southern Africa. I welcome that.
Returning to Houston and stepping from the air-conditioned confines of baggage claim, I felt somehow betrayed by my own hometown.
Humidity; thick, like a bland cheese that has been melted to point of stickiness yet has no flavor... only texture... Houston in June.

Chasing students through South Africa was a blessing this last month; I am so thankful for the people we met along the way: our Muslim driver, Isaac; our hostel hostess, Sarah; Miss Rosie and her beautiful orphans at Baphumelele; our Kruger guides, Gavin and Jessica; our Zambian driver, Simon, and his son, Benjamin; my favorite waiter in Livingstone, Charles; our Zambezi river guide, "Potato", who prayed for us as we prepared to land our raft; the people of the Mukuni Village. Awesome.

Yard work and interviewing prospective faculty has replaced panoramic views of wilderness; weeding through piles of e/mail has replaced prolonged periods of journaling and reflecting; a non-stop social process has replaced a natural rythme that is older than the baobab trees. We call it civilization; I think: "Babel".

I am thankful.
I am thankful for this day.
   -for the new relationship that is growing
      -for the old relationships that continue to bless me
          -for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I'm out of Africa now. There are shrubs to trim, orders to place, bills to pay, people to meet, and duties to perform-- Lord, let me not forget your Kruger sunsets or the playfulness in the Victoria Falls. I selfishly ask for rich laughter, release from anxiety, and excitement for the moments You have for us, Abba.

Help me to be a fantastic Jim Kelley.
I love You, Abba.