Coming to Namibia, I never would
have thought my heart would be stolen; but it has been. The fondness that I have developed for the
traditional Owambo culture has stirred me in ways like never before,
particularly with the group of girls that have become like daughters to me. I may have never known what it is like to
have children of my own, but the relationships that I have developed with some
of these girls has brought out a side of me I never knew I had. My proudest moments have been by their side
when they are dressed in their traditional clothes and calmly waiting for their
turn to perform. It has been an absolute joy to get to know their varying
personalities; some of them are quiet, some are loud, some are silly, and some
are just too cool. But watching those
personalities evaporate as they take the stage was always moving. To see these girls take pride in something
and take it seriously is something so beautiful to witness. And the power and fervor that they perform
with can evoke so many emotions. The
most difficult part of my service is upon me; saying goodbye to the only daughters
I have ever known.
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