A Bluebird in a Baobab

By: Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell

Narrated by: Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell

"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.

©2024 Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell (P)2024 Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell

Such an interesting book in many ways

First of all, I loved Jeri speaking her story rather than reading it. I’ve never been to Africa, so all of her adventures were so interesting and often scary. It is hard to fathom such a different lifestyle over there, the hardships, travel, life in general and health concerns compared to life in the United states. I was also very intrigued with homeopathy and want to learn more about this way of healing.

Vivid landscapes and tender human moments

A Bluebird in a Baobab is a lyrical and emotionally rich collection that stays with you. Jeri paints vivid landscapes and tender human moments with grace and insight. Each story speaks to themes of resilience, connection, and hope. A quiet, powerful read I highly recommend.

The Dr Quinn of Africa with a true heart for its people and Homeopathy

Jeri is the Blue Bird in the Baobab, Quirky, loving, thoughtful, practical and humble, Jeri takes us through her volunteering trips in such a touching, generous poetic way while describing some heartbreaking stories too.
Each short chapter gives the opportunity to meet the very special people that are her African Homeopathy legacy.
I relished ever moment I spent reading/listening to this book. Thank you

A Gorgeous Memoir of Hope, Homeopathy, and Healing

Author Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell, a trauma therapist and a registered homeopath, is an American who has lived most of her adult life in the UK and South Africa. Her memoir, A Bluebird in a Baobab, chronicles her years of volunteering as a teacher and clinician in homeopathy clinics in in Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Ghana. In exquisite prose and with great humility, Russell recounts stories of the welcoming communities she encountered and the dignity of each clinic’s patrons. Readers learn of Russell’s adventures (observing elephants) and her misadventures, including wrestling a giant moth out of her quarters and the serious accident that could have taken her life. This book is essential reading for anyone thinking about how to make the world a better place, and for anyone wondering how homeopathy can complement contemporary Western medicine. Russell's beautiful recording of this compelling work is a balm for the heart and mind.