Why I love Africa

By: Artfelt Mood: full of life Date: 01/17/2008 14:29:49 Music: None

My Father passed away at the age of 62 never having fulfilled his dreams of travel and adventure after retirement. As a nurse, I have too often seen lives come to an end before people have a chance fulfill their plans and hopes for the future. I decided that it was time for me to do just that. . .live my dreams.  
My first trip to Africa  occurred in 1987. The opportunity to see the wildlife is what drew me initially. Since that trip, I have visited twice. The people, the stunning beauty of the land and the Spirit of the country pulled me back again and again. My last trip there  in 1992 transformed my life.    

We lived for a time with a small group of Maasai on the Kenya/Tanzania border. These people still live much as they did thousands of years ago, herding cattle, sheep, and goats and existing in harmony with their peaceful environment in and around the Great Rift Valley. Tall, proud, aristocratic in bearing and manner, yet loving and somewhat shy, the Maasai have made their way to the present with their ancient customs and the structure of their society preserved to an unusual extent. 

Immersed  in their culture, we witnessed the feasts and ceremonies, the daily work of maintaining the herds, the morning gathering of wood and water.  We looked on and helped as the women cared for the home and young children, beaded skirts and jewelry, and built huts and kraals.   We watched as the warriors' gamed, danced , flirted and protected the village; and as the elders gathered together and contemplated life.  
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We noticed how Maasai youngsters are treasured.  Children of both sexes are treated with the greatest tenderness and love, not only by their parents but by most adults as well.  I realized that the high esteem granted the children is what gives them the self-confidence of adulthood.  
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Living with these warm hearted people, I found the inspiration and motivation to simplify and prioritize my own life on the basis of basic needs rather than impulsive wants. I learned to love more, to enjoy being in the moment and to work harder!  I learned that people are the same everywhere. We share the same spirit.    I learned that if the principles of love and acceptance of one another  are followed that in most cases, the outcome is respect for self and others. 
In addition to making a living as an RN, I am an artist.  Since returning from our last visit, I have painted over 10 watercolors of the Maasai and their children. In my paintings I strive to portray their loving spirits.  If God and my life permit, I plan to travel back to stay for an extended period of time to paint, nurse, teach and learn from these wonderful people.