A couple days ago, Brandy and I visited the clinic, just so I could weigh myself. Larry had done the same and we had fun converting his weight from kilos to pounds and hearing the Liberians exclaim over how big he was—twice the weight of one of his maintenance men! So, wanting to know my kilos, I stopped by. Outside the clinic, two women sat; I introduced myself and asked their names. Nancy (easy enough) and Kanvee (I asked her to spell it). We chatted and they exclaimed over me carrying Brandy on my back in a lapa, the colorful piece of fabric women wear here as a multi-purpose skirt/hair tie/ baby sling. I told them my Liberian name, the nick name for Rebecca which is R.B. When Liberians pronounce it, it sounds like R.oh.Bee. Kanvee liked that, snapped my fingers in the Liberian handshake, and waved me on my way.

Later that day, Kanvee was in the school, selling snacks to the students during recess. When I saw her and she smiled and chatted and called me R.oh.Bee! and then she asked me if I wanted "kola." She was braking off pieces of what looked to me like a chalky candy. She gestured popping it in her mouth and offered it. Thoughts of clean hands only fleeting, I took it, popped it in, and chewed. It was NOT candy.

I had put something quite bitter in my mouth! Texture of Rolaids, taste of a raddish. Kanvee laughed and said, "It's bitter?" She had some, too, so I knew it wasn't a prank, and I kept chewing. Ew, ew! I thanked her but maintained I really didn't care for it. A few minutes later, however, the aftertaste was pleasant and fresh, like baking soda toothpaste. I asked several Liberians through the day, and here's the scoop on kola: it's enjoyed mostly by older Liberians, used as a stimulant kin to caffeine, an appetite-suppressant and considered by some to be addictive. Larry Googled it and confirmed what we had been told. It was even used in the original Coca-Cola recipe! We enjoyed discussing this new treat and others we have encountered.

The fun turned spiritual the next day when I was reading a book of African poetry and found one titled "Breaking Kola Nut." The commentary explained that the kola nut is "generally offered as a mark of hospitality, and offering kola is a great gesture of friendship." The poem reads like a Psalm, praising Almighty God and his creative strength, and submitting to his will and way. Did Kanvee intend this deep reflection? Maybe she wanted to see the look on my face when I had my first bite. But it could be God sent me to a foreign place and helped me open my heart through the warmth and hospitality of my new friends like Kanvee and others who have become important players in our new life. Breaking kola, breaking bread, God draws us into fellowship with him and with each other.

"And whoever brings kola

 Brings life,

 And brings health,

 And brings prosperity,

 And brings peace,

 And children,

 And what shall we feed them with!

 For it's YOU, God

 Who brings kola

 And ordains its manner of breaking."

 ~Traditional African Poetry