Telling the Truth

connecting the dots of my life

Tag: Nairobi Kenya

August 15, 2015

Colors of Africa

DSCN0980

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

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February 6, 2015

lush jacaranda

JacarandaTreeonRoad

lush jacaranda

floats fragrance on bright spring air–

sinks roots deep in soil

* * *

In fall 1999, when I was on my Nairobi sabbatical, I walked down this driveway and footpath daily. The scenery and smell were always changing, depending on the weather and what was cooking in the houses next to the footpath.

Because Nairobi is near the equator, the days and nights were nearly even.  Sunrise and sunset arrived within half an hour of specified times.  Within minutes daybreak arrived and the sun was up;  dark descended just as suddenly.  Flowers and flowering shrubs bloomed year round.  During the day, the sun baked the top of my head.  I carried a small sun parasol every time I left our apartment to walk to the main campus.

Most of the time it was dry and mild.  Chilly in the early morning and at night, but pleasantly warm during the day, especially in the sun.  Then the long rains began.  Rain fell in sheets and torrents.  They came suddenly, hung around for several weeks, and left as suddenly.

During the long rains, a large depression in a field next to the driveway/footpath quickly filled with enough water to create an impromptu pond.  Planned, to prevent flooding.  Plants, trees and pond life came alive.  Everything covered in fine red dirt was now coated with thick red mud.  Including my sandals and socks.

Jacaranda trees, not native to Kenya, came alive during the long rains.  Because they don’t like thick red mud, their roots go deep and grow invasively looking for the soil and water they need.  When they bloom it’s spectacular–not just the sight, but the fragrance.  For a short time they’re at their peak.  Then the flowers carpet the ground like confetti–one last look before they disappear until next time.

220px-Jacaranda_cuspidifolia_flower

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 5 February 2015
Photo credit:  DAFraser, Jacaranda Tree, October 1999
Jacaranda Flower from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacaranda

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February 6, 2015

More Than Enough?

In Fall 1999, my husband and I spent my sabbatical semester at a seminary in Nairobi, Kenya.  Stunning beauty surrounded us:  flaming sunsets and colorful sunrises, flowering trees and shrubs, brilliant birds, sassy monkeys, hungry dogs, hungry chickens, goats and cows.  Nearly everyone lived on the seminary campus:  students, faculty, staff and administrators, all with their families.

Classes met in one of two long, converted chicken coops. Read the rest of this entry »

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