Playing Cards

“Life consists not in having good cards, but playing the cards you have well.” This is something I’m learning to do and something that the people here do well.

(oops, meant to post this a month ago...oh well, if you're lacking in reading material, you may enjoy..)

Rene left last Tuesday. I have to admit, it has affected me more than I expected. The volume of tears wasn’t proportional to the emotional shift I experienced, of which my students suffered the after-shock. I was unusually on edge for the rest of the week. Several times already I have looked around the room to share that humor that only a sister would understand only to realize that these jokes are once again preserved for the occasional email. Her last few days revealed the number of people whose hearts will forever bear her fingerprint. I am certainly not alone (though I realize my blogs rarely express the blessing she has been).

Other recent developments involve additions to my future resume. You may remember that Rene and I both are on our way to become Nigerian pop stars, being featured in a Christian music video. I am also becoming the dance instructor for every occasion. On an almost-monthly basis, I host a swing session with a friend I’ve coerced into being my partner. I’ve since been asked to co-teach country line dancing and square dancing as well as salsa. Talk about a cultural range!! Truly these opportunities are fun for me and help satisfy my dance cravings.

Tara and I had one of our compound guards visit us the other night. (I’m not sure if I’ve introduced Tara yet, but she is my new housemate. She teaches 1st grade here at Hillcrest since Dana has returned to the states. She’s fantastic!) It was somewhat of a surprise visit, which was actually kind of nice. Those happen often here, but not as much on my particular compound. I dished him out some dinner (a miracle that it stretched enough to feed the three of us) and prepared for a couple hours of eating, story-telling, and laughter. At the end of the evening, it felt good to have naturally done the culturally appropriate thing (all work plans aside), make him comfortable, and sincerely enjoy the whole ordeal.

This dinner visit was a timely one, for I was in need of a renewed love for this place. The people here are special, characterized by the simple enjoyment and love of life. Rarely do I have a conversation with a Nigerian without a bit of laughter in it. I love to greet a stranger and watch their face light up with that brilliant smile as if we were high school buddies meeting years later. When was the last time that has happened at Harris Teeter or the 7-11? We Christ-followers have something to smile and be happy about. I’ve found that simply living out that joy in confidence is one way to be a great blessing to all those around.

“Life consists not in having good cards, but playing the cards you have well.”