Here are a few musings.
My portable monitor seems to have died. I do not prefer just working from a laptop monitor. Fortunately, I do have a blue tooth keyboard, so I can have the laptop elevated in a more ergonomic fashion.
My yard is full of flowers which are predominantly red. It seems planned. There is one bush that I don’t know the type, but it is currently laden with blossoms. It attracts a local collard sunbird, but I don’t have a good picture of the bird.
I bought a bird book, but now I need to get a flower book!
I love hammocks! I brought out a compact travel hammock. Several months ago, I took it out in the late afternoon and strung it between two trees in my backyard. The mosquitoes had me back inside within 15 minutes. So, do I want to slather myself in DEET (which I hate) to be in the hammock I love? Yesterday, after the day of work, the evening was lovely. I thought perhaps I could string the hammock and have enough clothing to forego the DEET. I didn’t even get the first tree strap set when a black, biting ant dug its pincers into my foot—not letting go! Then another dug into my other foot! I couldn’t shake or brush them off! I hobbled into the house and filled a bucket with water to drown the ants. One released. One kept on. I flicked and flicked and flicked my fingers, and finally it released. Wow! Fortunately, there was no swelling or residual pain beyond a few minutes. So, will I have to be in a hammock with my rubber boots on?!?
A high school friend on Facebook has posted that he’s had an undeniable encounter with God that he’s trying to figure out as a typical beer-drinking dude in Minnesota. I’m totally intrigued with his authentic description of something that is so compelling and confusing. He said it started when watching the TV series, “The Chosen.” So, I started watching it. Another former biblical studies student posted previously that the series was moving and recommended it—and I trust this professional videographer to recognize if something off. It is compelling—and free at https://watch.thechosen.tv/
I miss hearing the discoveries of the Wartburg students as they reflect on their day’s experiences. I also miss being fed! A new friend offered to take me to church last Sunday, and then we go to lunch. Last week we met up with a former ELCA volunteer who taught at the other Lutheran secondary school in Monduli 25 years ago. Now, she’s back with a Fullbright Scholarship. We have bonded beyond the few hours we have spent together. We are cut from the same cloth or perhaps just infected with the same Africa bug!
The Internet and electricity continue to be sporadic. Today, it was amazingly good until the power went out. It meant that I was able to have a good Zoom meeting with my fellowship supervisor, Knut (also my doctor father). This is a monthly meeting for supervision, but we also share a postdoctoral research support group webinar (part of the Norwegian research group which I serve as vice-chair) and Knut and I are 2 of 3 editors for a book anthology project. We are also part of a research team in process of developing another research project on biblical interpretation and sustainability with Maasai and Sami pastoralists. I am so blessed to continue to learn from Knut. Being able to do my PhD under him was truly Providential!
Mungu akubariki! (God bless you! in Kiswahili)
Mikitamayana Engai! (God bless you! in Maa)