Memories. Kumbukumbu. 기억력.

Memories.

Still pictures embedded in her mind.

Fond thoughts from long ago.

Visions of little cherubs,

Dripping wet, running into the house.

Climbing towering pine trees. 

Cuddling bunnies. 

She smiles and sighs. 

Wishing for those days. 

To be young and carefree. 

Far from this dark and depressing world. 

She picks up a photo sitting on the table. 

The innocent smiles of her playmates atop bicycles. 

The days. 

The good ole days.

Sitting by the wood stove.

Shivering. 

Dirt clod wars.

Covered in mud.

Long hours under the bright African sun.
Dancing in the African rain.

Wispy blond hair.
Bright green eyes. 

She remembers,  

Trips with Dad. 

Across countries. 

Staying home with Ma. 

Girl time. 

And baret days. 

Exploring with her brother. 

Building forts.

Goodnight kisses and brotherly hugs.

Bonding with her African family. 
Chai and mandazis at 11 o'clock. 



Sheer amazement at the wonders her African "brother" was capable of. 
So easily procured were the smiles of his white sister. 

Sticky fingers and dirty faces. 

Lego castles and ships.

Forts built in the forests. 

Hunting for doves and rats.

 

Face paint and climbing the tallest trees. 

Tree houses and secret hiding places.

Birthday parties and delicious cake.

Waterballoon contests and freeze tag. 

Long church hours.

Conference hours.

Eating tangerines from the inside out.

And mango after mango.

Sloshing in puddles. 

Swimming in the freezing river.

Catching frogs.

 Bicycle rides. 

Through the dirt trails and grassy hills.
Past herds of cows and gawking villagers.

She remembers all of those who she had said goodbye to all those years ago.
"What are they doing now?"

All of those with whom she shared what couldn't be taken away.
Memories.

Love. Upendo. 사랑.

Love.

Loving is the ultimate giving of herself.

Loving unconditionally is the greatest gift to another.

Loving should not regard herself but the benefit of another.

Opening her heart.

Allowing others the coveted access.

Fully vulnerable.

But unconditional love yields a fully protected warmth.

Secured forgiveness.
Loving acceptance.

Love shows itself in many different ways.
Through falling rain,
sparkling stars,
orange suns,
smiles.

Love, she loves it.
Though it sometimes slips away,
The truest love remains.
Unconditional.

Though others might disagree, she is loved unconditionally.
Even though she is different, she is loved by the preeminent Lover.

This is fact.
It warms her heart.

Never to ask why.
The answers are shown straight out of the empty sky.

"이것은 가장 큰 사랑."
She whispers as she stares into the broad expanse.

Love.
Acceptance.