So Much History in Such a Small Town.

 Although I did not grow up in Gwanda, a town just over 130Km’s from Bulawayo, it is the capital of the province of Matabeleland South, whenever I am in Gwanda there is a strange connecting feeling I experience I wonder if this is because my great grandparents settled in this town when they respectively arrived and made it their home, many, many decades ago. 

I only used to see this town on the few occasions when I passed through by coach on my way to and from South Africa. Gwanda is in an area rich in gold and perfect for the cattle ranching industry,  many decades ago in the 1900’s  some lucky men of European descent came in and made this town their home and established themselves comfortably and making claims to various mines and various farms and they began what is now a history that has changed many lives and creating interconnections within families that I feel someone should write a book about it’s rich history, but then again from the little stories I have heard and been told, I guess the many secrets held within its walls are best left untold.

My first real visit to this town was last month in March when a close friend succumbed to the dreaded cancer, a gold miner died at a young age of 72, he had a large family, he was a straight hands-on kind of man and his shoes will be much too big for just anyone to fill. At his memorial, which was held on one of his mines, I remember having a strange feeling and connection to the place, but I quickly debunked it as just me being sentimental.

Today, four weeks later I find myself back in Gwanda, on the very same mine, only this time I was taking my elder brother Alexander to begin a job there as the mine manager. Somehow, it felt strange its like there is a calling to Gwanda to learn more of the history and I am sure some interesting stories of where my history began will soon unfold.

 I know I will be visiting more of this town.

What happened in heaven.

 I recently got back from a great time spent away with my partner Akin we were in Cape Town the mother city of Southern Africa a place we have fallen in love with. and an opportunity to get know my partner better and I couldn't ask for any place better to spend some great quality moments together. As much as we did so much and many things together let it be known for the record that Akin is the better planner between us, I so often just take things off the surface with some not so good consequences and repairs may be needed after I've had my take on things, but hey, of it all, Its always a blessing and great privilege to spend time with my lover, yes, even if he could make for the best events planner, I truly don’t mind us just sitting there naked all day at home and I’d be just fine with that, that’s just me. As long as Akin is with me, and he has a smile, life’s good.

The one thing I really do miss is the Sunday Eucharist at the St George’s Cathedral of Cape Town, the live choir always had me flashed out, and most time the scripture of the day would seem so relevant to situations faced that the encouragements made known touch deeply knowing that this I face is for my overcoming and for sending all glory above. All I can say to each man is his own faith. That said, it is also when we get the opportunity to dress up in the same outfits, I love those moments! I feel so attached to him and for sure, we most assuredly turn heads wherever we may go, I love it!

On my return to Bulawayo, looking forward to some time of solitude for reflection and hoping to find solitude as past events would require.

With the ease of temperament all this soon to be realized as fruitless as I was soon enough bombarded with visitations from brothers, cousins, and others it was a distraction I did not need, it felt like childhood Christmas when we’d get uninvited, and sometimes unwelcome guests to the house. All I kept muttering to myself is that this is January why all these festivities!

I grew up in a household that was somehow a base station for both sides of my mother and father’s relatives. Every holiday season as a child I was always introduced to many new relatives that I highly doubt I even remember to date and most of them that I’ve ever met, this time around not even the festive month and so much going on. Too much to handle.

Now that I am back in Bulawayo, I watch my church services online. It was in one of these services that the thought hit me. What might have happened when Christ returned back into heaven, I can only imagine the joy of many angels. some of those angels were not sure if He would survive the many challenges He faced that He would get through some of the extreme difficulties He faced here on earth He would overcome. Let it be known that I am a Christ believer and would like to believe many of all angels knew not the purpose and plan of the Christ that might have had some concerns of the plan of the Christ, but keeping positive hope and a positive belief in would it have taken a different path. All I know is that even the angels rejoiced.

 I have found my Phoenix.

I believe that in my lifetime I have met a Phoenix. Unique and beautiful I am left in a daze, could this be true; I have seen a Phoenix. So rare, wonderful, and beautiful, a color so rich and bright and mesmerizing, a beauty, unlike words could describe. And a sound unlike other only he could make, I’ve found my Phoenix, and nothing will take that away. For now, all love to @forakin, all I know is your love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+