africa

africa has been on my mind for quite some time. but it’s also working its way into my heart.

i’ve been thinking about traveling to africa for several months now, but the plans are finally starting to come together. and i’m excited – so excited. my current plan is to travel to the congo (democratic republic) this summer for the purpose of leading several arts workshops for children. i would be working with a few friends, in conjunction with a local hospital, and would be providing a way for these young africans to express themselves through art – expressions of joy and hope and pain and despair.

these children and their families are dealing with some very troubling circumstances. and yet they are hopeful. rebels are killing men, women, and children. women and children are being raped. families are dealing with poverty, starvation, and disease. and the war continues. it’s a brutal war. but it’s more than just physical. it’s emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. it’s a war that continues even when the fighting stops. and yet, i’m excited to become a part of that. i have no intention of saving the day. no intention of solving problems. i simply want to walk along side of them – children and elders and all those in between. to sit with them. to learn from them. to grow with them. to listen to them. and to build relationships with them that will last a lifetime.

and i’m excited to see that there are others who want to walk with us as well – local organizations who want to brainstorm with us, dream with us, work with us, and support us. several organizations in minneapolis have invited us to meet with them to start a conversation about how they might become involved. we have several meetings on the horizon with art museums/galleries, a group of children’s hospitals, various arts organizations, and local immigrants. and i’m confident that there will be others.

i’m also making more personal connections. i have friends from zimbabwe, a friend from nigeria, a friend whose son-in-law is from gambia, friends living in south africa, friends who are moving to zambia, other friends from somewhere in africa, and daughters who attend school with classmates from both kenya and somalia. i’ve learned so much from these friends and i’m grateful for their presence in my life. they are making an impact.

africa is definitely on my mind. it’s working its way into my heart. and perhaps, it’s even working its way into my soul.

here’s a traditional african prayer that i love.
let us take care of the children, for they have a long way to go.
let us take care of the elders, for they have come a long way.
let us take care of those in between, for they are doing the work.