The Story Behind Africa Dreaming

Africa Dreaming

Living in Africa is not always what it’s cut out to be!  Seriously people, there are things that an American never has to deal with, not even in 70 full years of life.  Since becoming a missionary I’ve had the privilege to live in two countries, both East and West Africa.  I’ve visited nine other African countries and seen many tribes and cultures.  With this privilege it has given me the opportunity to have malaria over 20 times in the last eight years.  I often tease that I am now initiated into the African culture and am connected to my African family.  They  laugh about it, but it’s not really a laughing matter.  Truly, in Africa,  that is how they get through the serious stuff.

Unfortunately, malaria remains a major threat to life in Africa, especially for children five years old and younger.  I’ve seen the affect it leaves in families.  I know people who have had malaria 100’s of times.  Some people are more susceptible than others.  I seem to be one of those!

There was a time in 2022 in the month of February that I was sick with malaria.  None of the normal prescribed medications worked.  It had been a month-long battle of severe weakness, headaches, body aches, and all the affects that come with it.  I was given a stronger medication that is not usually prescribed– the big gun!  This medication knocked me off my feet and my mind for a trip to the funny side  – or should I say, “the far side!”

I was snoozing in the living room when I had a dream/vision (half asleep/half awake) of a zebra with a blue flaming mane! When Steve came to check on me, I told him all about it.  He immediately grabbed my iPad and Apple Pencil and said, “draw it!”  So I did. 

Africa Dreaming was born out of a bout of malaria!

What I learned:  God has made a bad thing a good thing!  Africa Dreaming has been a big hit and is hanging on walls across the USA!  That makes me happy that having a bout of malaria brought something art lovers can enjoy! 

Please pray for Africa’s people – and protection from malaria’s rampage!