The Children of Africa

The Children of Africa, originally uploaded by cathyb53.

Suit: Community

Description: This card comes from a song/chant:

"We are the children of Africa, and we will stand up united.
A heavy load, a heavy load, it's gonna take some real strength."

Strong earth-women, and beautiful children look out to us, to me. This card makes me think of my Sisters in Rwanda (www.womenforwomen.org), who are never far from my thoughts.

Who are you and what do you bring me?
We are Ones who look to you with our beautiful children's eyes. We are holding pencils, and a goat, and our need for you and our trust that you will help us is shining out to you. We need so much, but we will gladly work for it; we know that we are no different than your own beloved children. And we may need much, but look at all the strength around us - our beautiful country, our strong colors, and our strong and powerful women. We are the root of the world.

We give you our need and our trust, and the strength and beauty and power of Mother Africa. One of our gifts to you is that we allow you the chance to open your heart to us, to become more closely tied to all of us by sharing some of your bounty. Truly, that sharing is what makes us fully human.

What do you want from me?
We want you not to ever forget us. Do not ever forget our need or our incredible strength. We remind you that we are all as loved and as worthy of love as your own children born from your body. We want you to help us get started - we don't ask that you do it for us, just that you help us be able to claim our own strength so that we can be fed and educated, so that we can do the same for those that come after us.

How will I remember?
Whenever I look at happy, growing children anywhere, I will remember. When I see strong, beautiful, earthy colors, I will remember. And I will remember your powerful Mothers as well.