Grateful for the little things

As a child in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Lu Khani learned to outrun thunderstorms, play sports, and to be grateful for the little things, as Britt Coker finds out.

I lived in Zim for 18 years, completing my high school education before moving to South Africa for university. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I always felt the world was your oyster. However, like many others, I made the decision to leave, largely due to the economic challenges facing the country. My mother and older brother also made the move, settling in the UK.

Growing up served some unforgettable moments. Our neighborhood was like a big family – all the kids were mates, running around barefoot on the streets. There was this exhilarating thrill in chasing after the ice cream man whenever we heard the bell on his bike. And oh, the freedom we felt, especially during the rainy season when the air was heavy with the scent of rain-kissed earth, dashing away from approaching thunderstorms, their dark clouds looming in the distance. So many memories flood back from those carefree days.

My wife’s born and raised in Nelson. She spent a good chunk of time in Cape Town - six years. We didn’t cross paths until about two years into her time there. We just clicked, you know? She thought I was cool, and I thought she was cool. Easy. When it came down to starting a family, we made the move to Nelson, where most of our family ties are.

Nelson is a gem of a place, akin to a smaller-scale Cape Town. The Cape Town region boasts breathtaking scenery; it’s truly magnificent. And then there’s what they fondly refer to as the Garden Route – a stretch of land peppered with towns reminiscent of Nelson’s charm.

The All Blacks, they’re synonymous with New Zealand. And who could forget the allure of Lord of the Rings? But what really caught my attention was the Ring of Fire. As a kid, I pored over atlases learning about countries and their capitals, and there it was—New Zealand, right in the midst of it. I thought, ‘I’d love to visit, but settling down? Not for me.’ But here I am!

I am appreciative of the simplicity of life here. Everything is conveniently nearby. If I need to be with family, it’s just a short 15-20 minute drive away. In my home country, because of the economic strife acquiring everyday items can be a challenge and come with a hefty price tag due to ongoing hyperinflation. Here, I can easily pop to the shops and find what I need without breaking the bank. I most certainly don’t take that for granted.

I find that here, people’s mental health needs seem to outweigh the physical needs - this really strikes me! Interestingly, at least from my personal viewpoint, everything you require is often within arm’s reach, even if it may seem otherwise. In contrast, the reality back home is starkly different. Many people there can endure days, even weeks, without adequate food, electricity, or sometimes even basic water needs.

In Zimbabwe, there’s a prevailing sense of community that transcends individuality – ‘it’s about us, not just about me’. This village mentality underscores a powerful belief in unity: ‘We’re stronger together.’ Compared to what I’ve so far observed here, this ethos feels more tangible and robust in Zimbabwe. It’s a realisation I’ve had to grapple with—the notion that here, personal space is cherished at an elevated level, while there, hospitality often means welcoming others into your home, offering them the best you have, regardless of having less than them. Of course, boundaries are essential to prevent exploitation, but at its essence, it’s a pledge of solidarity: ‘I’ve got your back. If you’re in need, I’ll support you without expecting anything in return.

I’ve noticed a remarkable trait among folks back home - a genuine sense of gratitude and joy, even amidst their trials. While I’ve encountered similar spirits here, I yearn to witness more forward-looking attitudes. Life may throw its curveballs, yet as long as breath fills our lungs, hope persists. Let’s cherish the goodness around us and acknowledge the ease amidst challenges. Gratitude, in essence, has the power to transform our perspective entirely.

I anticipated a time when change would be necessary, and now that time has arrived. Embracing the richness of my wife’s cultural background has become a priority, fueling my desire to understand and appreciate it to the fullest extent. While I dearly miss my own family, I cherish the moments we can connect and long for them to be closer to us.

I started playing hockey in first year of high school. I have continued since and have been selected to represent my home country throughout the age groups. Appreciatively, since moving here I have been selected to represent New Zealand Hockey at masters level. In 2023 I had the privilege of being selected in the leadership group and co-captain the New Zealand O35’s team in the Trans-Tasman series vs Australia. Later this year I have the honour of playing in the World Cup to be held in Cape Town for my age group.

I believe in empowering business owners through strategic advice and accounting expertise. As a Chartered Accountant and founder of Business Navigators in Nelson, I advocate aligning lifestyle aspirations with business objectives for sustainable success. Both must intertwine seamlessly; otherwise, one thrives at the expense of the other.

There’s so much in this world that is beautiful, and it’s easy to miss it. I strive to embrace reality while maintaining an optimistic perspective. Let’s pause for a moment and reflect: What lies before us? How can we transform it into something truly extraordinary?