To Love Africa

For many years, Africa has held an intrinsic value in my life.  I can't quite define the moment when I fell in love with the country, but the affection I hold is pure, deep, and continuous.
As a child I had friends who were missionaries in Africa.  They would share stories of the people, teach mini-lessons of Swahili, and display various styles of artwork and clothing native to the country....and I listened in awe.
I dream of Africa...I've read and studied maps...considered adopting from Ethiopia....it's an unending fascination.  Someone recently asked me what I would do if I ever had the opportunity to visit Africa and I couldn't formulate a response.  I've never seen myself as a great philanthropist, going with a non-profit organization to drill water wells or fight the war against AIDS.  I merely saw myself going and loving people.
I find the people of Africa to be some of the most beautiful in the world.  I am captivated by the landscape and exotic wildlife.  I had this dream of some day sitting under an Acacia tree with a host of little African children climbing all around me...getting lost in their stories and meditating in the simplicity of life on the other side of the Atlantic.
This continent has been ravaged by war, disease, human trafficking, illegal property seizure, and death....and yet, I have a distinct feeling if you peered into the essence of the people you meet, you would find a strong pride for their home and culture.  They are not ashamed of their lives, they are simply people...embracing community, embracing the land, and the hope that remains.  They know what it means to love Africa in all her toil and all her splendor.