Barbecue in Africa

January 16, 2018

------------------

So it’s Monday night and the hub is working on a project in his office so I have the TV all to myself. 

Left to my own devices I will usually end up watching some low-budget, dramatic “chick flick” but tonight I picked “Somebody Feed Phil.” 

This show is an artful, vibrant presentation of travel, food, and comedy, staring Phil Rosenthal, best known for his creation of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” 

In this, the second food tour show Phil’s put on Netflix, he travels the world tasting the best of street food to Michelin star restaurants, with James Beard Award winning chefs as guides. Comedy, travel, and food- what’s not to love? 

Three hours have passed and Phil’s on to tasting Israel, I am struck with a memory. Not sure if I’ve shared this one yet— 

I’m back in Livingstone, Zambia, six years ago  at a South African family’s back yard eating meat off the barbecue. Warm flickering light from the fire lit up our faces as I looked around at the group. Our team of missionaries from a week of clinic work was littered with tall South African brothers, reunited after many many years. I felt like we were intruding on a intimate family reunion. Their faces were full of joy and voices full of fascinating Afrikaans. 

The two young girls, no more than five, had showed me their trampoline earlier and their giant African-Ridgeback dog in their backyard that now seemed less exciting to run around in now that I’ve heard the Black Mamba story and the vibrant African sunset has turned to cold night. 

We all turned to the fire to reflect on our week as the flavors of South Africa shock our palate (it was used to the bland mush known as “Nshima” to Zambians. 

I remember thinking these people must live such amazing lives. This family moved to Zambia to work in a non-profit to supply clean drinking water to the poor. One of the brothers and his family were just in from Australia and the third ran marathons all over the world. “What would my life turn out to be?” I thought. 

What will it be? What will I do with today and tomorrow that could change my course forever? From now, the normal of living in the outskirts of L.A. to living in __________ and doing __________?  

Do I take more chances this year? Say “Yes” to more opportunities? Do I pray more intentionally for God to use me and take me places? 

Answer: Duh-doi!!!

Get out there this year. Live your life. The older I get the more I realize it's not the years that make you but the memories that grow you up. 

Here’s to food, travel, and making memories. Happy 2018. 

-lindy˚roo