The Moth Radio Hour: Zimbabwe, Camping, Goths and Grace

Release Date: April 10, 2018
Host: Kathryn Burns

The Moth Radio Hour brings together a collection of true, personal stories told live without notes. In the episode titled "Zimbabwe, Camping, Goths and Grace," listeners are taken on an emotional journey through diverse experiences ranging from adolescent struggles and cultural transitions to profound acts of compassion.

1. David Crabb: Zimbabwe, Camping, Goths and Grace

Timestamp: [02:22] – [18:40]

David Crabb opens his story by reminiscing about his teenage years in San Antonio, Texas, where he identifies as a goth kid. Surrounded by a tight-knit group that shared his unique style and interests, David felt a sense of belonging after years of feeling like an outsider. "Being gay was the least interesting thing about me. They were like, that's all you got," he reflects ([03:15]).

However, his world shifts dramatically when his family moves to the small town of Seguin, Texas. David finds himself more alienated than ever, struggling to fit into a community vastly different from his previous environment. His experience takes a pivotal turn when he attends what he believes to be a goth-friendly party in New Braunfels, only to discover it's a skinhead gathering. This leads to an unexpected and profound friendship with Max, a compassionate skinhead who defies stereotypes. David describes their bond, saying, “Max looked at me like what I was saying was the most important thing he'd ever heard in his life” ([07:50]).

Their friendship deepens over the summer, providing David with a brotherly connection he desperately needed. However, their relationship faces a tragic end when Max dies in a car accident just as both are gearing up to start college together. Reflecting on Max’s impact, David shares, "Every time I go back to San Antonio, I will drive to New Braunfels and I'll go to the cemetery where Max is... I talk to him about the same stuff I always did" ([17:45]).

2. Patina Gappa: You Say You Want a Revolution

Timestamp: [22:36] – [31:56]

Patina Gappa narrates her childhood experience in Zimbabwe, highlighting the nation's tumultuous journey to independence in 1980. She paints a vivid picture of the transition from Rhodesia, a country under white minority rule, to Zimbabwe, characterized by newfound freedom and the challenges that accompanied it. "Zimbabwe is only 29 years old," she states, emphasizing its youthful democracy ([23:10]).

Patina recounts the joy and chaos of celebrating independence, including Bob Marley's iconic song, "Africa Shall Liberate Zimbabwe," which echoed the nation's hopes. However, she also delves into the personal impact of these political changes, particularly her family's move from the township to white suburbs. This transition was fraught with cultural clashes, especially at her new predominantly white school. She shares a poignant moment when her teacher unjustly called her a "goat," sparking laughter and alienation among her classmates. "Everything I did was wrong. Everything I did was wrong," she laments ([27:05]).

Despite these hardships, Patina finds solace in moments of unity, such as school assemblies where she sings the school song with fervor. This duality of joy and struggle encapsulates her journey toward finding her place in post-independence Zimbabwe. Her story underscores the complexities of cultural integration and the enduring quest for identity in a rapidly changing society.

3. Liz Allen: Learning to Lead with Seth and Simba

Timestamp: [32:38] – [38:29]

Liz Allen takes listeners on a humorous and heartfelt adventure from her days leading middle school students on backpacking trips in the wilderness. She introduces Seth, a perennial participant known for his reluctance and lack of preparation. "Seth, you can't bring your jeans," Liz recalls admonishing him as he attempts to blend incongruously into the rugged outdoor setting ([33:50]).

Throughout the two-week expedition in Jackson Hole, Seth embodies the quintessential reluctant camper—constantly unprepared and indifferent. His escapades, including bringing his stuffed animal Simba, often disrupt the group dynamics. Yet, Liz's patience and leadership gradually cultivate a transformation in Seth. The turning point comes during a group confrontation where the children express their frustrations, leading Seth to show genuine remorse and commitment ([37:15]).

The climax of the story unfolds when, despite his usual demeanor, Seth takes the initiative to wake everyone with a homemade breakfast and a song, demonstrating his growth and newfound responsibility. "He had actually literally gotten up an hour early," Liz marvels, "He had taken down the food, he had made breakfast. He had made me my coffee" ([37:50]). This moment encapsulates the essence of leadership development and the profound impact of perseverance and empathy.

4. Kate Braestrup: Grace Under Pressure

Timestamp: [39:41] – [52:56]

Chaplain Kate Braestrup shares a deeply moving account of her role as a chaplain to Maine's game wardens. Her responsibilities extend beyond providing pastoral care to the wardens themselves; she is also called to the scenes of tragic accidents and violent incidents in the wilderness. Kate describes the emotional toll of being present at a crime scene where a man has brutally murdered his ex-wife and children before taking his own life ([40:20]).

During this harrowing incident, Kate attempts to offer a blessing to the deceased shooter. "I want to retrieve this moment from evil. I want to redeem it," she explains, illustrating her struggle to find compassion for someone who caused immense pain. As she lays her hands on the body bags of the victims, she grapples with the limits of her faith and the nature of unconditional love. "From human hands to God's embrace, From human life to human memory, from love to love," she recites, highlighting the sorrow and complexity of her role ([51:10]).

Kate's story delves into the profound challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to providing comfort in the aftermath of tragedy. It underscores the delicate balance between professional duty and personal emotion, and the enduring search for grace in the face of unspeakable loss.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour weaves together diverse narratives that explore themes of identity, friendship, cultural upheaval, leadership, and compassion. From the gothic corridors of Texas high school to the transformative landscapes of Zimbabwe, the rugged trails of the Tetons, and the solemn scenes in Maine, each story offers a unique perspective on the human experience. Notable quotes and poignant moments linger, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the universal quest for connection and understanding.

Notable Quotes:

• David Crabb on finding his crew: “I finally felt like I found my crew.” ([05:00])
• Patina Gappa singing at school: “Africa shall liberate Zimbabwe.” ([25:30])
• Liz Allen on Seth’s transformation: “He would wake up everyone with a song for the new day.” ([37:55])
• Kate Braestrup on love and tragedy: “From human hands to God's embrace, From human life to human memory, from love to love.” ([51:10])

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