How quickly they mature. It was only yesterday that I wrote about Namibian children on their first day of Kindergarten, and now I see a graduation announcement from another, from the class of 2039 to the class of 2020, in a day’s time.
3 years have passed since I met two young ladies walking barefoot on the hot Zambia roads of the Baroste Plain. They were headed in my same direction; to watch the Return of the King and his entourage to the summer palace.
As I am apt to do, I gave one of the girls, named Lifelaw Lifelo, a camera to use, to share in capturing the adventure of her King. To my surprise with her first use of such a camera, she made and narrated a video on the fly. Impressive. We had a good time that day; where she introduced me to her Zamtel cohorts, who were able to earn some money by selling bundles of phone time. They in turn gave me the honor of a Lozi name, Sitali, meaning large leaf that protects. Making me an honorary member of the Lozi people.
Yet today is the honor for Lifelaw, for in the time we met, she became a college graduate, with a Degree in Public Administration, which will permit her to work at the various levels of government, local to National in Zambia. While getting a degree is not an easy thing, on her road to success, challenges came. A niece became a daughter, as her twin sister passed, leaving Lieflaw to be mother and student. It is such a pleasure to have met her, and had her help with my photography.
I am so proud of her, for not only to being able to get her degree, but to also care for Lily a daughter unexpected. Life is challenged, Lifelaw has met that challenge.
By the way her little video, has almost 4,000 views, and I am yet to try to market it.
To her I say “Lwitumezi and Kozo” “Thank you and Peace” Thank you for sharing the day with me. And peace to you and your daughter as you meet the challenges of Lifelaw.