Religion and Maps

I knew the issue of religion would come up at some point during my stay at Ubumi and these past couple days, it has. Even though I have never discouraged them from Christianity, I have also not participated in the Christian traditions that are extremely normal for them. They are very smart kids, I knew they would notice. They finally asked me why I don’t and we had a very, very good conversation. After the initial shock of hearing ‘I don’t believe in God,’ I let them ask me any questions they wanted (they had many) and tried to answer them to the best of my ability. We talked about other religions like Hinduism and Islam. They were surprised to learn that the Abrahamic religions essentially share the old testament and that the stories of the flood and the tower of Babel exist in other places besides the bible. We also talked about how my decision not to believe in God falls under the right ‘Freedom of Expression’ and that every act of expression, as long as it does not harm anyone, deserves respect. I am so proud of these kids for how eager and intelligent they are, I can’t say it enough.

Although I tried very hard to keep this conversation as objective as possible, I’m afraid I left them with a conundrum that I had not foreseen. They approached me about a day after this talk with this issue: they all agreed there was no way I was going to hell but that I couldn’t go to heaven either. I appreciate their concern, and it was genuinely heartbreaking, but the best answer I could come up with was ‘It’s okay, I won’t go to either place. I am very happy to become part of the earth again.’ After a little explanation, we all agreed this was satisfactory.

Since I arrived at Ubumi, I have been wishing I had brought a large world map to hang on the wall. I’ve asked the children and administrators alike many times for a world map of any size just to use for lessons but I haven’t had much luck. Today, my second to last day at the orphanage, I brought two large posters- one with the English Alphabet and the other a very simple continents map. As we were examining these, Stephen disappeared for a few minutes. (It is important to note here that: One- The office was locked, so none of us could get in, and Two- The home itself is very simple, not very many nooks and crannies.) When he came back, he was carrying a laminated world map which is bigger than he is and complete with Cleveland and Kitwe. I have absolutely NO idea where this map came from but I immediately taped it to the wall.

The jumping castle purchase is in the works but I’m afraid I won’t be here for its arrival, they will have to send me some good pictures.

I ventured into a huge Zambian open air market called Chisokone (I am unsure about the spelling) with our maid and my friend Alice this week. I am not kidding when I say she saved my life more than five times. Mostly by pulling me out of the way of ridiculous cars that come from nowhere and not leaving me in the center of this huge place. If she had left me, I’m sure I could have wandered for days and starved before I’d found a way out. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I bought way too much Zambian fabric called chitenge (again, unsure of the spelling) and learned how to barter properly.

On Friday I will hopefully be venturing to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park in Botswana. I am extremely excited and can’t wait to take some good pictures. I know that the falls are breathtaking but it is the end of the dry season so I’m afraid there won’t be much water. After our safari, I will be returning home. There is an extremely slim chance I may come back in a month or so. I am hoping for the right circumstances so that I can.

Peace,
Vidya