My African Song

by Nicole Tardio, IWM serving in Mongu, Zambia

This past month I had an amazing opportunity to make retreat with nine other individuals in the capital city of Lusaka. Eight people came from abroad, from various countries, for an immersion experience into the Zambian culture, and then myself and a Zambian Sister who is based in Lusaka were also on the retreat. We were a diverse group, bringing numerous different cultures and experiences to the table. Throughout the week I was blessed with many different points of view, observations, and experiences that I will never forget. We had a nice mixture of immersion experiences into the communities surrounding Lusaka, as well as some good relaxation/reflection time.  Much of the week I spent the mornings in the community with the others, immersed in the reality of the Zambian people as they shared their joys and struggles, triumphs and failures. In the afternoons I took time to reflect on what all this means, and how it plays out in my spirituality and daily life.

Taking into account the time I have spent here already, and looking forward to the time remaining I was able to reflect upon where i have been, where I am, and where I want to be. With that said I am trying to greatly focus on the now, not having any concrete plans for what I think should happen or dwelling on mistakes I have made. Much of the week I focused on being present to the people I was with and the experiences we were having together.

Much of the culture here in Zambia is based on song and dance, so during one of our reflection times we were encouraged to write a song. I would like to share mine with you:

 “My African Song”

I write of a people who live in this land.

A people who have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts.

A people who portray immense strength, courage, and beauty.

They are very much alive with song and tradition and refuse to let their spirit be crushed.

They struggle against violence, poverty, injustice, and oppression.

Yet they sing “our song will not be silenced by the pain.”

They dream of a life simple and free, a life where they can live in peace.

Despite the obstacles they live a life full of dignity and have so much to teach a person like me.

I am so grateful to live among a people who are so brave and refuse to stop dancing.

I am open to receive their gifts they give me each day through their example.

The joy of the Zambian people is contagious, the beauty is overwhelming, and the simplicity is so admirable.

The way they care for one another expecting nothing in return shows the dignity they give to a person.

Through the daily struggles they choose life over death, joy over sadness, justice over injustice, and acceptance over hatred.

So as they sing “our song will not be silenced by the pain” I want to join them, I want to be with them, I want to learn from them, I want to dance their dance, and I want to sing their song.