Hiking Kili Et Cetera, now 6 of 5: Stuck not Courage.

There is nothing noble or character building about voluntarily trekking up an old volcano, however tall it might be. Nothing special to see here when thousands do it every year. But then, we had no idea what we got ourselves into on this trip. Quite like every day I plant my feet on the side of the bed in the morning. 

I did feel trapped though, only seeing up and no real way back down. The feelings of being stuck are soul sucking. Being stuck happens. 

When last in Africa, it was the west coast, in Senegal. Made a visit to Goree island off of Dakar, a slavers house with a door of no return. Under the sweeping stairs were tiny hot rooms labeled “Recalcitrants”. A visiting Pope had shaken off his handlers and crawled into one to pray. Upon being found, he emerged claiming,”unless you know what it is to be a prisoner, you have yet to learn what Christianity means.” 

Being captive to an event that must be seen through reminded me of that moment. It must be said strongly this little musing is not to diminish the incomprehensible cruelty of the real thing of slavery. 
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That said, we get a minimal glimpse in daily life of being in places and relations that feel less than free choice, though I enter into them freely. Life still seems stuck some days. Maybe it’s why I am drawn to work in a prison setting, quite apart from Deacon Byrer’s not so subtle recruitment! Not to pander to those there, but because I know I am one of them. (I’m wearing a Kufi a friend in prison made for me)