Colors of Africa
by Elouise
red ochre seeps
through thin young veins
leaves blush
* * *
In Fall 1999 I went with D to a seminary near Nairobi, Kenya, for my fall sabbatical. D has a long history with the seminary. I’d been once before. This was my first longer-term visit.
Mom had died in February that year, 78 years old. I was still grieving, shaky and uncertain about my identity without Mom present in my life.
My teaching load was light. I facilitated my favorite seminar ever–how to reflect theologically on biblical narrative–attended seminary functions, did a little speaking and a lot of listening and travel.
Just after we arrived, we went to the fall faculty retreat at a conference center outside of Nairobi, near Mt. Kenya. D took this photo on our way back to Nairobi.
The area around and north of Nairobi is a riot of colors and lush greenery. At the very base of everything, though, is red ochre. It’s everywhere. It isn’t simply in the earth; it is the earth. It’s also the fine dust floating through the dry air, coloring the water during short and long rains, seeping into and clinging to everything. A reminder of our origins.
Psalm 103:13-14 (NRSV, slightly edited by me)
As parents have compassion for their children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear God.
For God knows how we were made;
And remembers that we are dust.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 15 August 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, September 1999, Ngini, Kenya
Telling the Truth 
A beautiful photo and beautiful musing. 78 is too young. So much to grieve, especially given your relationship with her. The closing passage is very helpful. (As I play this, a Bach fugue is playing in the background – fitting.)
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Many thanks, Meg. I can hear the music in the background. Voices weaving in and out. Funny how Bach always resonates.
Elouise
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Oh, my, Elouise – Psalm 103 must have been in the air, because I am only just seeing this lovely reflection. Little did I know that it was here as I chose it for our call to worship for yesterday morning… 🙂
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Yes indeed. I wondered whether you’d seen the post, but decided you hadn’t because of your schedule that day!
Elouise
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Reblogged this on Telling the Truth and commented:
Early today a visitor read this haiku and post from August 2015. Today is February 1, the first day of Black History Month here in the USA, and the first day of the month I lost my mother (1999) and my sister Diane (2006). This post reflected a bit on where I was geographically and in my spirit during fall 1999. It reads as though I wrote it yesterday. A beautiful, sad combination of sorrow and sweet memory. I pray for you a day of sweet memories. Elouise
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