Kandiana

     I was first introduced to the term "Kandiana" during my first mission trip in the remote village of Mwandi, Zambia in 2008.  Mwandi is home to the Lozi people and is a place in which I have experienced an atmosphere of love and welcoming.  In the Lozi (Silozi) language I am told that Kandiana means "the forgotten ones" and is the name of an area in the village that is partitioned off for the elderly and others whom have no family to help tend their needs or have been shunned for some reason.  It is a difficult place for many to visit, yet it is so rewarding to see their faces light with joy upon the entrance of visitors.  Though many of these older folks do not speak English, it is an honor to just spend some time with them as they choose to tell you stories, share music, smiles and hugs.  You may even be asked or directed to dance with them in joy to a song with words and sounds that only your soul can understand.

     For me the term "Kandiana" stretches across borders and boundaries to the "forgotten ones" everywhere.   To those who fall through the cracks of the "system" as we say in the States and to those that the world counts as expendable or invisible.  These folks are everywhere and can be seen if you choose to honestly be aware of them.  We are not meant to fix everyone's problems, situations, and issues in a day . . . though we can walk beside them . . . encourage them . . . possibly share a meal with them . . . and value them as a brother or sister in Christ. 

When you find a forgotten or invisible person in your path, what will you choose to do?  Will you walk on too busy or to afraid to care . . . or will you take a moments time to acknowledge and value that person?   . . . just a thought . . .


Blessings

"We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."  Mother Teresa