Kwa-heri (good-bye)

I’ve been very, very inconsistent (aka "absent")  in contributing to this blog, and now I think the time has come to, if not close it, to at least change its focus.  And while MISSION is still my way of life, the locus has changed.  Since March I’ve left Tanzania, after 47 years, and now am living mission in the USA at the Maryknoll Center in New York.  And so certainly that’s a change, but change is growth-producing and positive (usually) so I’m looking forward to what is ahead.

 

Sufficient for today is a reflection from my final days in Tanzania:

GOOD-BYE THOUGHTS

Another good-bye today.

These good-byes come with nice words and loving eyes,

And sometimes a few tears.

Words to express care and thanks,

Words remembering connections,

Or simply “Lakini tumekuzoea”.

Another sentiment: “Tutakumisi”, and I can only think of those                                                       

People and places which I will miss:

A little girl coming to the door with a fistful of popcorn to share,

Children running to meet me when I arrive home.

Neighbors’ greetings and the ever-present “Karibu”.

Dawn hued meetings with others on their morning runs,

Children on their way to school as the sun comes up.

Innocent little ones touching stockinged legs and freckled arms,

Trying out something which is to them new in this world.

Family names – momy, mama, shangazi, auntie. bibi, grandmother

All mine, all ours.

Birds, dogs, pigs, cows, chickens, goats.

I gave away all my potted plants and returned home to empty spaces

Where my eyes were used to green friends,

And I had to catch my breath with the realization of what was happening.

But just as the plants will keep on growing with someone else’s care,

So will the people and the country grow with others’ care.

The young will build as they are meant to build,

The old will work hard and cement the building.

Politics and religion, the weather and crops, football

Will be talked about in loud discussions.

And my memories will be tucked in my heart

To be opened daily with gratitude.

I “won’t cry because it’s over but will smile because it happened.”