Appointment at Samarra: Thoughts on Fate, Fear, and Life

“Living in fear is just another way Of dying before your time.” -“Shut Up and Get On the Plane.” Drive By Truckers song   I first read the following short story as a teen. It’s still a favorite and very pertinent for the unrest going on in Africa. I’ve added a few comments afterwards. The …

Home Alone: Random thoughts from a Saturday.

Saturday Blog 21 Sept 2013 Thanks to all of you who are praying for my health.  I’m much better today and I attribute it to your prayers. I have a good African doctor (she looks about twenty but knows her stuff) and good medicine. But prayer is the best medicine of all. Also, as I …

Best Part of Africa: New Friends and Faces

I’m often asked, “What’s your favorite thing about Africa?” I smile. “It’s the people. The warm smiles when they realize you’re not an unfriendly “mzungu” (white man) but a person who has come to build a relationship and learn from them.” Are there things I don’t like about Africa?  Sure. I could make a pretty …