Faith

I’ve had a couple of strangely reflective days.

Yesterday was Sunday. I felt inspired and needing a place of worship. Maybe I wanted more. Maybe I wanted to connect to people too.

I got up early and followed a dirt path along the highway to the church on the far side of town. While I’m not much for singing and preaching, I felt it was what I needed. I have to admit it didn’t inspire me. I didn’t feel connected. In fact, I left the church and followed the dirt path back to my residence. I reflected and, while I mean it not to sound judgmental, it felt like a political setting and, if there is one form of human interaction I suck at it’s being political. I got home down and depressed.

As it is my nature, I’ve discovered trails in the jungles within Arusha. I went out for an afternoon walk. It felt good to be closer to nature. The trees and birds lifted my spirit. I decided to walk over to an ancient Catholic church set on a hill a short walk away. I got there and could hear a service in Swahili going on. It was towards evening. I must have looked strange in my dripping clothes; the Catholic school kids filling the pews kept glancing back excited by my visitation.

I walked out in the mist and chill to find a beaten pew under a broken stained glass window. Alone I sat silent and listened to the children singing inside. It had the kind of beauty making life such a good journey. I needed it and felt much better by the time I’d started my walk back in the misty twilight.

My work setting has been challenging. I’m thankful for the kids; they seem to have grown greatly since my arrival. I’ve found it more relaxed and sincere with the Tanzanian coworkers. The present challenges come from others who, for their own reasons, find comfort in causing me distress. I wish it wasn’t so.

Riding home on the “Workers’ Bus” I asked the lady next to me about her Bible. “It helps me when I’m down,” she said. We share some more.

I have read the Bible once through; it was when I was in the thick of things with Morgellons. It did bring me comfort. I won’t say I’m a Bible thumper, but I do enjoy reliving some of the stories from my religious education from so long ago. Tonight I read Joseph’s story. It reminded me of a regularly visited mantra in my life—have faith.

So, as I know so many of you are suffering from Morgellons and its symptoms, have faith. In the end, it may be the greatest form of detox we have. Peace- Joe