Monday, Feb. 8 –
The day we leave Zambia is the only day without rain. In fact, the sky is perfectly clear, and the weather is sunny and breezy – actually rather hot. Those of us flying back to France left Lusaka at 1:30 pm for Johannesburg. I had a window seat. I could see the African landscape glide by under the wing: alternating patches of green and reddish brown appear on the terrain that rises and falls; muddy-look
ing rivers snake across the land; no roads are visible except in one area that appears more developed; we cross an enormous lake – probably on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe (it is on the river that forms Victoria Falls); one area looks like it is totally deforested with squares of bare ground … It is really rather hard to learn much about a country from an airplane. At that height there is little indication of human presence or activity. It gives no hint of the joy or misery, of the meanness or heroics that could be happening on the ground so far below.
ing rivers snake across the land; no roads are visible except in one area that appears more developed; we cross an enormous lake – probably on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe (it is on the river that forms Victoria Falls); one area looks like it is totally deforested with squares of bare ground … It is really rather hard to learn much about a country from an airplane. At that height there is little indication of human presence or activity. It gives no hint of the joy or misery, of the meanness or heroics that could be happening on the ground so far below.After a layover of a few hours in Johannesburg, we left Africa via another overnight flight from Johannesburg to Paris. We landed in Paris at 6 a.m. It was pitch dark, 32°F., with a cold, misty rain falling. Welcome back to winter!! I’m glad I kept my coat in my carry-on because I needed to pull it on when we were transferred to our flight to Montpellier via bus. Brrrrrr!
Frigid weather has not spared Southern France this winter. The area is experiencing some exceptionally rigorous cold and snow similar to the East coast in the USA – although the amount of snow that has fallen is minimal in comparison. I spent nearly 3 days in Montpellier, welcomed by one of the French pastors that had been a close collaborator during our time here. In spite of the weather, it was great fun to get back to “our old stomping ground” for a few days and all the places that are so familiar. I took care of a few administrative questions left over from our move last summer, visited some friends, and took advantage of an Internet connection to update this blog. I then went to Aix en Provence for a last meeting, this time at the seminary where I was a me
mber of the board of directors for many years. After the Sunday service in the historic Reformed Evangelical Church in the center of the city (a plaque on the wall commemorates a letter of encouragement that John Calvin sent this congregation during the years of persecution), it is time to close the suitcase one last time and head back to the USA.
mber of the board of directors for many years. After the Sunday service in the historic Reformed Evangelical Church in the center of the city (a plaque on the wall commemorates a letter of encouragement that John Calvin sent this congregation during the years of persecution), it is time to close the suitcase one last time and head back to the USA. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. I do hope that you have enjoyed your virtual visit to Zambia and France through the eyes and words of this “interpreter”.
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