Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, when Christians all over the world begin the observance of Lent, a period of repentance in preparation for Easter. There's something so beautiful about joining in this service that is so similar all over the world, kneeling to be marked with ashes in the sign of the cross, a symbol of mourning. Although in different languages, people all over the world are reminded "from dust you came, and to dust you will return" "kwa maana u mavumbi wewe, nawe mavumbi utarudi".
The reminder of the fragile nature of life has been far too present in the lives of my colleagues these past two days - our secretary lost her mother yesterday, and a coworker lost his wife today. My prayers are with their families.