Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

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 …

I’ve always loved the song,  “Stage Fright” by The Band. Enjoy a You Tube Video of The Band’s last performance of “Stage Fright” at “The Last Waltz” concert. It’s a song written by band member Robbie Robertson about his struggles with stage fright as a musician. (The band even hired a hypnotist to work with Robertson on his nervousness.) But …

Listen to short clip from Tigoni Baptist Church Kenya Easter 2013 (Above) Don’t miss Dada Stella’s famous Shrill Swahili Spiritual Squeal. It’s one of my favorite parts of African worship! The clip below is an acapella Easter song from the Tigoni Adult Choir.  Enjoy and Worship: TigoniEaster2 On the clip above, listen to each choir member humming their part.  Also, …

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 …

My wife DeDe is a wonderful writer. She’s also cleaning my clock on Swahili. What she wrote about a rat problem we had is worth sharing.  Enjoy! Actually Curt and I have never been better.  However we live in what is affectionately called the “Honeymoon Cottage” at the retreat center where we stay.  While we were in Uganda the rainy …

Sometimes having a bomb dropped on you is good. Especially if it teaches you Humility. And if it reminds you to keep (and use) your sense of Humor. Learning a new language has been tough. But it’s also been wonderful.  I’ve always felt undereducated by being monolingual. I’m a long way from being fluent (that will not happen) but I’ve …

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 …

Jenga.  It’s one of my favorite games.  It involves removing wooden individual blocks without crashing the stacked blocks. My grandsons love to play it. Jenga comes from Swahili and means  “building together.”                                                                                                                                           …