Watch the Walk

On Clove Island, life is lived in the conditional. Even with seemingly definite plans. If I tell a friend, "I'll see you tomorrow!" They always reply "If God wills." "My birthday is tomorrow!" "If God wills." "You'll have a great trip." "If God wills." "I'll see you at 3." "If God wills." It's also used for more serious things. "God will give you children." "If God wills."  Anything said that references the future is typically tagged with an " if God wills " at the end. I can even guarantee it when giving a speech. "And I hope to see you all in level 2 next month."  "If God wills," responds the entire crowd. When I think of the future, I tend to insert that phrase into my thinking. But sometimes it just becomes a phrase and I forget what it really means. Do I really hold all of my hopes, dreams, and even the definite plans with an open palm,...

It's funny, life in America is really different from life in Africa, but I get joy out of the same sort of things. It's often not the big things that give me the most joy, it's the little stuff: Flowers on the side of the road. A successful cooking experiment. Music. Heart to hearts with friends. Learning something new. A long walk and a chat with my Maker. Quality coffee. Quiet and stillness after a long day.  Family. What gives you joy?

Boxing parties This month back on the island my friends have been partying like crazy. It's the month of picnics, boxing matches, theater productions, concerts, and more. But why? Because this next Sunday or Monday the month of fasting begins and they believe that the eye of Gd will be watching during daylight hours. They won't be able to eat or drink, smoke or do other pleasurable things from sunrise to sunset for the full life of the moon. So right now they have to "eat, drink and be merry", for tomorrow the fasting begins. I have fond memories of the pre-fasting month. Last year I went to a whole series of parties and community events. I even ended up going to multiple picnics in a day because people were running out of time for their merriment. There were SO MANY chicken wings! Food prep at a picnic But why am I talking about this anyway? Because this coming month is very spiritually significant. It's a time when islanders focus on following their religion mor...