Bluebird in a Baobab | Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell

Loading player...
"Many of us save all year to have a moment of this on vacation. We miss so much in our air-conditioned world, away from children and each other, we in the west are so busy being prolific and efficient, alone in a cubicle. As I gaze at this naturally bustling scene of women working together, this seems to be the most natural rhythm for humans"

Jeri Russell is elbow deep in Thanksgiving dinner preparation when she receives and email that will have a profound effect on her life.

A former stewardess with Pan American airlines, Jeri is no stranger to travel.

Soon after responding to the email, she is in the clouds again, flying toward a tiny town in Botswana, having agreed to volunteer there as a homeopathic clinician, teacher, and mentor. Over the next eleven years, Jeri will return many times to Africa, a land that stole her heart and feeds her soul. She will cherish tiny, meaningful moments in a vast continent, and she will learn from those who have so little but give so much.

Set against the backdrop of Botswana, Swaziland (now Eswatini), and Ghana, A Bluebird in a Baobab is a love letter to Africa and its people. Brilliantly penned, this collection of enchanting vignettes, some heartbreaking, others heartwarming, is reminiscent of the fables of old, whispering timeless truths and offering wisdom and hope-a gentle reminder of the power of community spirit and sharing for a happy life.
12 Apr English South Africa Books · Business

Other recent episodes

Rise of the Warrior Leader | Claudio Chiste

Critical Skills for leading people. In the minefield of leadership literature available today, this book provides clarity, adding fresh and unique insights to critical leadership skills. The author draws upon his own unique experience from an unforgiving environment, forged from his background in the military and the international corporate world…
24 Sep 4 min

The Apron Flag | Terence Sorour [Read by Malcolm Gooding]

The story of the Jameson Raid. Johannesburg, 1895. Driven by a sense of injustice over the treatment of fellow Uitlanders, Harold Sandal is determined to take a stand against the South African Republic. He helps the Reform Movement to covertly recruit for an impending uprising backed by Cecil Rhodes. Harold…
22 Sep 4 min

52 Big Questions for Business Leaders | Mike Stopforth

Unlock a new dimension in leadership by asking better questions. Answers are overrated. In an unpredictable world, asking the right questions is significantly more powerful than clinging to stale, dated answers. What you knew yesterday won’t always take you where you need to go. Great leaders stand apart because they…
16 Aug 4 min

After the Fires | Nozipho Tshabalala

Nozipho Mbanjwa-Tshabalala is a high-performing, excellence-driven, successful black woman. At any given time, she knows what is expected of her, how well she is doing, and what is next on her list of goals. Being in control of everything in her life was crucial to her survival and success. For…
18 Jul 4 min

Khanyisa and the Cloud | Melisa Ndlovu

Khanyisa and the Cloud is a story about a young girl with a cloud that only she can see. Some days, it floats in the background—other days, it feels heavy and hard to shake. Though invisible to others, Khanyisa’s family begins to notice its shadow and, little by little, helps…
8 May 4 min