cheeks on my face, like you would do
to an irresistible infant. To say I was
confused is an understatement.
From that moment forward, Momma
Vivian and I were side by side. I don’t
know if I was drawn to her because
she was so honest (#mypeople) or
because I was slightly frightened of
her.
A full day went by, and I didn’t feel a
connection with any one child, or even
the group of children as a whole, if I
am being honest. Furthermore, I was
given the worst compliment I have
ever received when meeting someone
face-to-face for the first time. My
enthusiasm for staying on this trip
was dwindling at a rapid pace.
The next morning Momma Vivian
asked why I looked so sad. I told her
that I wasn’t connecting with the
children and that they would run from
me but not the others on our team. I
also was vulnerable enough to ask for
more clarification as to why she said
what she did the day before. She told
me that most women in their culture
measured how healthy they were by
how large they were. If you are a larger
woman in Zambia, you are probably
afforded luxuries that other women
struggle to know every day. It was
a compliment in the highest regard.
I turned from feelings of shame to
feelings of honor in an instant. But the
explanation about why the children
would run from me is one that I never
could have seen coming.
Momma Vivian told me that it had to
do with a bit of folklore. Do you know
the story of the boogieman? They
have a similar tradition in their culture.
They tell their children that a fat white
woman is going to come eat them if
they misbehave! What the mess? Are
you kidding me? No wonder children
were frightened of me every time I
offered my hand for a handshake! I
looked as if I had already snacked on
two toddlers!
“
Simple joys stay
the course through
misunderstandings, detours,
and differences, and often
lead to themost magical and
wonder-filled experiences
you could never predict.
Let’s just say that I spent more time
hanging with the local women than
I did with the children. But I actually
loved that. So it didn’t turn out the
way I had planned for nearly a year
before, but it turned out even better. I
was invited into a sacred space where
very few are allowed. And I got to see
women do what they do best: shine
and radiate pure joy!
If there’s anything I have learned
about joy from beautiful Africa, its
people, and its atmosphere, it’s this:
simple joys stay the course through
Solutions • 25