Update #31: Final Photos and Some Big News!

Dear Reader,

It is with great humility that I sit in front of this computer and write you today. For months now I have tried to capture in words the jumble of emotions that leaving my life in Mozambique and beginning anew in the United States have produced. That is to say, that I have been overwhelmed by the task of attempting to quantify – to sum up my experiences there – and to neatly tie it all together in a weblog entry such as this.

Looking back, however, as months have rolled on – wavelike – I have begun to disentangle at least a few reflections. One way that I feel able to share these with you is through the following photos of my final weeks in Mozambique. (Also, please scroll down to the end of the photos to see an update about my life since returning to the US.)

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Bacari and me in my living room - we ran a business together

My friend Edu during a monitoring visit to an elementary school

Hanging with some kids at a school I worked with

A baby pineapple plant I planted in my yard

The front door to my house in Mozambique

Elton

Some friends
Take 2


Ngunga - Our Band!

Xinha

Colleagues Edu and Nhambanga

Neighbor doing some laundry

Brito and Me where we worked together - Department of Agriculture

My friend and band leader Agostinho

At my going-away party - Tomas and Bacari

In the market

Bike Safety - Tuina 1

Bike Safety - Tuina 2

Bicycle Repair Man

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WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?:

I arrived in the United States in late November, delivered into the arms of my loving family. For that I am immeasurably grateful. Since that time I have taken significant time to reflect, play with my nieces, play music (I am learning blues piano), and enjoy the richness of this life.

In addition to that, in February I began working for a very exciting nonprofit organization called KaBOOM!, based in Washington DC. KaBOOM! is the national nonprofit that empowers communities through the building of incredible new playgrounds. It is truly amazing! I am traveling all over the country helping communities build playspaces – and I couldn’t be happier.

Also, to add to the good news, I have just received word that an offer I have put in on a small townhouse has been accepted! That means that starting next month I will be the newest resident of Greenbelt, Maryland! I am especially thrilled to be a block away from my brother and sister-in-love, 5 minutes walking from my sister and her family, and 10 minutes from my mother and father. What fun!

Well, I hope that this message has found you in good health and high spirits. Reader, please feel free to contact me, as I have access to both phone and Internet. I would be happy to hear from you, get an update, or simply share a laugh.

Please take good care of yourself and those around you,

PEACE (of mind)

Kevin


ps. Many thanks to the inspiration of Neil Young, John Lee Hooker, Darryl Davis, Salif Keita, Oliver Mtukuzi, and others during this time.