A Poem

In English class last Friday, the students were charged with writing a poem in response to an Emerson piece they had just read.  Their poems were awesome, to say the least.  Cassie, their teacher, read them a poem she wrote in college; therefore, they wanted me to write a poem and share it, as well.  Since I like challenges, I took them up on it.

As I was jounaling on Saturday morning, I began to reflect on my experience here.  Then the idea to write a poem on this particular "topic" came to mind.  Here's the result:

Why me, O Lord?

I am so undeserving.

Yet you chose me “for such a time as this”

to spend a year in this promised land experiencing utter bliss.

You brought me here

without an ounce of fear.

Driving to the airport felt so right

in my long maroon skirt and green shirt that was oh so bright.

Confirmation after confirmation on my very first flight;

I couldn’t wait to see what this place would be like!

Getting off the plane, I was filled with delight –

standing on African soil for the first time in my life.

14 hours of sleep, no shower or clean teeth,

I nevertheless wanted to meet...

This group – God’s hands and feet.

Question after question with no time to breathe or sigh

they challenged me to critically think,

but all that I had planned to do was stop by and say “hi.”

Within a week I learned each name;

little did I know my heart they soon would claim.

Two weeks later I did not want to depart,

but they stayed with me in spirit, though half a world apart. 

After 6 long weeks it was time to return;

Kinyarwanda & culture – I had lots to learn.

Seeing each face was so surreal.

Hugs from all, so precious and dear.

As the days go on, love grows and grows.

What these students will accomplish, God only knows.

But I believe in every one –

their passions, their giftings, and their ability to have fun.

Working with the future leaders of this country

pushes me to live bright and free.

Learning from each other through a mutual mentorship,

I drink deeply the possibilities and moments,

for life’s too short to take tiny sips.

Bridge2Rwanda Scholars, you constantly blow me away.

I cherish every moment, every conversation, every day.