The Nakeempa Community

Footing, as they say

Or trying to use the vehicle to get into town

Even the Nurse's honda is slightly unreliable

But if you stick around, you're always offered a meal

or a baby (this is Luyando, which means love)

or time with whatever other company is in the vicinity

But no matter what Isaac is usually by my side

Especially when his mom is washing his little brother

My friend and neighbor Mr. Choonga (a fellow teacher) is also around quite a bit


But whoever's around is usually willing to go search the trees for some fruit

And if it's Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday you can hear the choir, even from afar

So my novelty is wearing off, but the kids still find ways to be fascinated by me...or by my watch

The stares have turned to smiles though

And now I at least feel like I blend into gatherings like this baptism at the dam

I have learned to loiter on many a porch (here chatting with other teachers)

and to make regular my visits to the clinic

but mostly I've learned how to appreciate just being...and though communication is still difficult, I find new ways each day to see the beauty of Zambia and it's people