A Friend

I am pouting today. I am pouting because I was supposed to be in the US with my family 3 days ago, and I am still here in Rwanda. Now part of this is my own dumb fault. I committed the cardinal sin of international traveling. I got to the airport, bags packed and ready....and realized I FORGOT MY PASSPORT!!! Not just at the house in Kigali....2 hours away in Musanze. Yes, I realize I am admitting my idiocy to the world. I thought of literally everything else that I needed to go home except for the one thing that I needed to get on the plane. I am usually so organized and responsible...I don't know what got into me. So I had to reschedule my flight for the next flight out of Kigali....two days later. Then, yesterday we hear a radio commercial that my flight had been delayed 24 hours due to "technical difficulties". So here I am, still in Rwanda, praying to get out tonight. So while I am sitting here pouting because I am missing out on being with my family and friends back home, I just got the sweetest email from one of my students. He sent me the following poem that he wrote...which totally brightened my day and turned my pout into a smile.

To you.........................

Someone once told me that all you need to succeed
was God, yourself and a friend,

I pushed it away then, but now I realise
just how right he was

A friend is there for you when you need help
physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Phusically a friend is there when you are in trouble
He keeps a watch on you as you climb a ladder and is always beneath to catch when you fall.

He labours with you to enjoy your emotions. When you run crazy,
he makes things still.

He mentors and fetches hope on the springs of the crest for you when you are down
he is ever ready to put helping hand in your homework.

During you screams, is there to wipe tears from you face
and with a gentle slap, triggers you to smile.

In a desert you lean on him as palm tree.
He stretches the arms to fold them over your waist as a belt of mule.

You never get alone when that person is there.
He once again wispered to my ear

If you need a friend like that,
look no further your friend is near you.

He holds ripe fruits for you, and wine to quench your thirst.
He is staring with a gentle and genuine look,

His face is filled with smiles of joy and grace,
He goes no distance but just near you,

He holds a jar and pail
he holds a plate and a spoon

He cares not whether old or young,
but feeds who chose to stay right beside him.

Sister I send this to you to enjoy reading it as you fly, I just want to draw your attention on the true and the right friendship we share. The one you have taught me through you acts. I pray that one day you will lean on him as he wipes all stress from your stress.