TheJourney in Africa

June 1, 2013 My 57th birthday is today The Big Man    Scroll down to read “A Big Man named Leo Parker.” Idi Amin was The Big Man. I was reminded of it while watching the movie,  “Raid on Entebbe.” The Big Man. It’s a term used often in Africa. It describes a powerful person who rules autocratically.  Many, like …

Scroll down to learn more about what a “Mzungu” is. “It is unthinkable that we would send thousands of people overseas without covering them with a blast furnace of prayer.” – Tom Elliff, IMB president   Where I come from, we call it “plowing new ground.” But DeDe and I are 8500 miles from our Piney Woods home.  We’re in …

It’s probably odd to read a blog from ” Someone on Mission” that quotes Bob Marley. But thanks to my African friend Eric, Marley’s “No Woman/No Cry” is stuck in my head. More importantly, the song is buried in my heart. I wonder if I’ll ever get it out. I’m not sure I want to lose it. What song(s) always …

DeDe and I love Zambia and all of our new friends. Internet connections and time are scarce. We’ll be introducing these friends in the coming days.

DeDe and I fly out in the morning (18 April) for Zambia. We’ll spend the next month at the fabled “40/40 Bush Camp.” The first two weeks we’ll be in the captial city of Lusaka.  The last two weeks will be split between tent-living in a remote area (Curt is pumped, DeDe less so.) and staying in a Zambian home. …

  Juxtaposition.   Compare and Contrast. It’s what I love about being Deeply Southern Fried American and a Pilgrim in East Africa. Both places have red dirt, rural hospitality,  “tribal problems”, and soul food. The story below is my latest attempt to explain, connect, and understand two cultures. Sukuma Wiki, Ugali,  Polk Salad Annie, and other culinary thoughts     And …

A word that is changing my life It’s a simple word but it’s become my favorite. The word is “Privilege.” It’s become one of my “6 words to live by.”* I’m simply using this word to remind myself of how privileged I am to: Be alive Serving Bwana (Lord) Jesus in Africa. Having a wonderful family. Good health. Learning a …

A New Heart I will give you a new heart and mind.  I will take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.   Ezekiel 36:26 It’s become a favorite word of mine in Kenya. Moyo.     It means heart in Swahili. As in Moyo ya Moyo . . .  Heart to Heart.   It’s odd …

It’s been a fine weekend in Kenya. Yesterday we spent the day hiking and climbing in the Great Rift Valley.  More on that below. Today was Palm Sunday and its significance was burned into my heart like never before. It’s due to donkeys and palm fronds. As we drove to church this morning, we passed crowds of worshipers carrying palm …

This week's African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. "

Pamoja:  it’s our Swahili word for the week.  It means “Working together.” Pamoja.  It’s a good word to share with you.  As a friend, reader, and prayer supporter, you are working together as we follow God’s leadership in serving in east Africa. Keep praying! Praying for us this week: We’re in Entebbe, Uganda this week.  Training with Bob and Nancy …

On TheJourney . . . walking the red dirt roads of East Africa updated on Sunday, 17 Feb2013 February 2013 Have you read our latest newsletter? You can also subscribe to the newsletter. As always, we love to hear from you.  Email us at creekbank.stories@gmail.com   Click on image for larger view Praying for us this week: Our KiSwahili language …

Today is Monday*  11Feb 2013 * “Juma Tatu”    Day 3 of the week  (Swahili week begins with Sunday)   Juma:  Week/  Tatu: 3 I Heard it through the Grapevine I was in a store last week and heard it over the stereo system.  That unmistakable bass line of the beginning of “I heard it through the grapevine.”  It was the Marvin …

Today is Tuesday 4 February 2013 Hakuna Matata  “No worries”  from The Lion King.  Swahili speakers make fun of how we Americans know this term.  Another Lion King word:  Jambo.  “When a Mzungu (white man) says ‘Jambo’ we raise the price* on everything.  It’s evident they don’t know anything.”  (Correct term is “Hu Jambo?” which means “no problems.”  Reply should …