O Canada

I have been away from writing for a long time. First it was getting things wrapped up before heading back to Canada, then it was traveling, and finally it has been being out of the practice of writing. I will try to get back into the practise.

Our trip home to Canada felt different this time.

Western Canada is an incredibility beautiful place, and not just the landscapes. We landed on July 1, and the Alberta prairie was wall to wall green. The roads as we drove from Calgary to Red Deer to Ponoka were wide and smooth; maintained and effortlessly channeling the traffic. As we drove through Red Deer and Ponoka - the beautiful houses, the flowers and lush green lawns, the absence of garbage – I simply soaked in the sights with wonder. I am so blessed. What twist of fate, of happen stance, of God’s undeserved grace, that I was born in the time and place that I was. As I observed and benefited from the vast infrastructure of roads and avenues and services I thought, “May I never complain about paying my taxes again.” I truly receive so much in return.

I attended to certain business matters that needed consideration. Invariably I received helpful and courteous service, (courteous even from the one agency telling me they could no longer be helpful). Clerks, officials, receptionists, whomever, volunteered help and information so that I could make informed decisions and choices. If I remotely approached a sidewalk, all traffic ceased and I was beckoned to cross. Friends, family, acquaintances, welcomed and hosted us with open and gracious generosity. I am blessed beyond description.

Throughout our time and travels we met young people we had met in our past. Invariably they were driving a nice vehicle. They owned a house. They were beginning a family. They had jobs and careers, and many, on the side, had started businesses. They live in a land of opportunity, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Today, weeks later and back in Lesotho, as I write and reflect back on what I experienced in Canada, I am again humbled and awed and overwhelmed. I come from a land of incredible wealth and opportunity. Truly, I am blessed beyond measure to be able to call Canada, “home”.

~ Benno ~