When walking through Chongwe Village, I first met a bright, happy child of about 11. Agnes was beautiful! She was excited to see us and approached me with a gleaming, white smile. "You have such a beautiful smile." I said. "I know. Smiles are what make us beautiful. You have a beautiful smile, too." She responded. Immediately, I could tell I had just met someone very special. Agnes and I became fast freinds and we spent most of the day together. She showed me her home and introduced me to her mother and grandmother. She showed me her school and the closest well, which was about a quarter of a mile away.
On our return trip from the well, the children surrounding me started chanting.... Tawali!!......Chakari!!......Tawali!!......Chakari!! I soon joined them, much to their delight and then found myself leading the chant! Tawali!!! Chakari!!!! Tawali!!! Chakari!!!! Agnes was beaming! After a while of making a huge rucous, I turned to her and asked. "What am I saying?" ...... "Food!!! Yes!!!" My heart just dropped. They were celebrating and anticipating a long awaited meal.
After the children washed their hands and found a rare plate to eat from, they were served a big lucious spoonful of Nshima and little fish relish. Those who ate, cherished every little morsel. I noticed that Agnes had missed the first round of serving. When the second round came, she stood in line with eager anticipation, sneaking a peak at the full Nshima pot. Her freshly used plate was also eager to be filled once more. Just as she got close to the pot, I saw her get out of line and hand her plate to her friend who was sitting across the way. I approached Agnes, "Agnes, are you not hungry?" "I am satisfied." "What?" I responded. "I am satisfied." I stood there so confused.... I had just seen her face as she got closer to some food. I knew she was hungry!
A little while later, that same plate made it into Agnes hands, when she ran to the Nshima pot to get her meal.
That all might be satisfied when giving up what they most want to serve someone else.
3 comments:
Tarali- I love hearing your increadible stories of Africa and the wonderful people you met and served there- you are an insiration to me always!
Karen
Oh my . . . what an absolutely beautiful girl - heart and soul! It must have been pretty hard to come back to a lot of us who are rarely, if ever, that thoughtful. I LOVE reading about your experiences with all these awesome people. I think they understand what life is all about - I wish I could be as wise as your African friends :)
tarali- Your pictures and posts and so great. I love your stories! THat picture of the hands with the water is my favorite, and some of the portraits. The rain drops were also so cool.You are so talented! I would love to see more
Mary (wixom) Daily
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