Mimi the Clown was born here in Tunisia. She doesn’t say a whole lot, mostly because she doesn’t speak Arabic very well, and her costumes are thrown together from the weekly markets, which are full of produce and used clothes. When I buy the wild clothes, the vendors give me strange looks. One time, after finding some great clothes for Mimi, my daughter and I stopped to visit a friend. Along with the gift of hospitality, Tunisians are also gifted with curiosity. Our friend wanted to see what I bought. Ahh! The look on her face when I pulled out the odd-looking clothes that were meant for Mimi! She didn’t know what to say!
But enough about Mimi! I want to talk about Peach E. today. Before moving to Tunisia in November 2009, I was known as Peach E. Keene. Peach E. loved to do skits at church. She was always welcome and well-received. My church family was very supportive of Peach E., even supplying finances sometimes for me to go to weekend clown schools.
I was reminded of some of my favorite gags when I read a recent Clown Antics article. (See Gags and Giggles). I really miss being able to use things like brown ‘E’s, pink ‘I’s, and black ‘I’s.
I also remember the fun of making props that I had heard about at the clown schools. I had my very own ‘prescription’ glasses and ‘Contact’ lenses. It was easy to create a skit using these homemade props.
I remember asking the Lord for skit ideas in my morning quiet times. I would be laughing out loud as I wrote down what I heard in my spirit! The Holy Spirit has a great sense of humor and gave me a lot of material! I am still dependent on the Spirit of God.
Clowning was a great way to get messages across. The audience can be laughing one minute, and getting hit with a powerful truth the next, and it is mostly in visual pictures rather than words.
Then the Spirit led us to Africa. Peach E. gave Mimi her wig and makeup bag, and Mimi learned how to be funny without word play and puns.
I wonder who will go back to the states with me: Peach E. or Mimi the Clown. Glad I don’t have to think about that; Mimi and I are happy here.
1 comment
I thank you oh so much for sharing your story. God recently laid it on my heart for me to start a clown ministry. I am 51 years old and I have several disabling isusses. I really could not understand why on earth God would want me to honor him in this way. I have seen a glimmer of light around the tunnel and decided to give it a try. Your story fueled my fire. I marched in the local town Memorial Day Parade Last Monday and I was so well received. I enjoyed meeting the people, talking to them Young and old.