Sheba's Sojourn

Wordless Wednesday: Life's a Beach...

2012-01-25T12:07:00.002-05:00

Just know this...

2012-01-08T00:16:00.001-05:00

It will get better!

Be Encouraged...

(I'm sure someone else besides me needed this.)

Happy 2012!

Need Sweet Potato Pie? I got you!

2011-12-12T16:40:00.003-05:00

In the NYC area & have a craving for sweet potato pie? Look no further. Let me help! I'm selling my world famous pies for the holidays (and any time in between) as a last ditch effort to meet my StartingBloc fellowship fundraising goal. They are $11 and need to be ordered by 12/15! See the Paypal link below & thank you for the support!

Wordless Wednesday: Moving on...

2011-11-30T20:15:00.001-05:00

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Travel Deals

2011-11-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

My apologies for posting this so late, but here are the latest Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel related deals that I've found throughout the net. Most of them are time limited, so go to the links ASAP!

Travelocity: Up to 50% off hotels http://www.travelocity.com/Promotions/0,,TRAVELOCITY%7C6858%7Cvacations_main,00.html
Starwood Cyber Monday Sale: Up to 35% off best available rates http://bit.ly/vbyGts
Starwood Hawaii Sale: 50% off Resorts & Hotels in Hawaii http://www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/island-paradise-for-half-price/?ES=FACEBOOK_SWTE_HAWAII_NOV17
Starwood Retreat to the Heat Sale: Specials and upgrades on Caribbean resorts http://www.starwoodcaribbean.com/retreattotheheat?ES=FACEBOOK_SWTE_RETREATHEATCAR_NOV18
Omni Hotels: Rates from $79 to $119 in certain markets http://omnihotels.com/SpecialsAndPackages/SpecialOffers/HolidayTreat.aspx
Jetsetter.com 12 offers in 12 hours http://www.jetsetter.com/sale/pre/cybermonday
Loews Hotels: 20% Loews Best Rate & Free Internet Access http://www.loewshotels.com/en/specials/promotions/cyber-monday?c=__loews_tile_image
Affinia Hotels - NYC, Chicago & Washington, DC 10% best available rates & $50 activity credit www.affinia.com/cyber

Wordless Wednesday: Be Thankful...

2011-11-23T10:48:00.001-05:00

Someone who gets me...FINALLY!

2011-11-15T13:41:00.005-05:00

Five days ago, I received an email that changed my life. Here's how the beginning of it read:

Congratulations! You have been accepted as a Candidate for the StartingBloc 2012 Los Angeles Institute for Social Innovation (February 16 - 20). You were chosen for your exceptional leadership experience, demonstrated passion, and commitment to blend social and economic value creation. We have some fantastic speakers and a gorgeous venue - can't wait to see you there!

This may sound crazy, but at the very moment that I read this, I felt as if God finally showed me my purpose. I immediately flashed forward in my mind to the various events that would take place following my fellowship experience: the Doctorate, the philanthropy, the school, the smiles.

I'm glad that I found someone finally looked at my resume and said, "She's perfect."

I am humbled. It was all worth it.

This is only the beginning...

Give Thanks!

Friday Travel Deals - The 11/11/11 edition

2011-11-11T20:46:00.003-05:00

Starwood Hotels 11/11/11 Promotion (good until 11/21)

Starwood Hotels in North America have an 11/11/11 special rate offer for bookings from November 11-21 for stays completed by January 31, 2012.

This special rate comes as a hotel value-added package with 1,111 bonus points and either $11 breakfast for two, parking for $11 per night, or a room upgrade. Most hotels offer these rates for Thursday through Sunday nights and resorts offer these rates seven days a week.

The special rate is available everyday at all hotels November 20-26 and December 18-30, 2011.

Rate Plan = FMNOV1-9.

Promotion Rate Code = FMV

The guest does not receive the option to choose between parking, breakfast or room upgrade. Each hotel package rate includes one of these options and they are shown on the promotion booking page for the specific hotel.

Happy 11.11.11!

2011-11-11T20:29:00.006-05:00

For the last 10 years, the number 11 has had a special meaning for me. When I pledged Delta Sigma Theta during the fall semester of 2001, I was assigned the number 11 as my line number. I've established many close relationships with special people because of this number. I've seen things manifest in my life because of my connection to it. Today, I share this special day with you. Enjoy! Happy 11.11.11!

Wordless Wednesday: Nuthin But Love!

2011-11-09T21:42:00.001-05:00

This week's travel deals - Meet the experts!

2011-11-05T12:32:00.010-04:00

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

- Mark Twain

This week's travel deals come in the form of frequent flyer resources and websites. I've been following a bunch of travel blogs for the last year or so, and I've gotten a lot of valuable information that will allow me to amass point & miles for no/low cost. So, being that I love to share great information, here are a few travel blogs:

(I'm not getting paid to endorse these sites!)

The Travel Hacking Cartel - learn the art of "travel hacking" from a man who is currently on a mission to visit ALL the countries in the world and as of today, only has 25 left! (This is a paid membership site)
Million Mile Secrets - a young man who understands the concept of big travel with small $
The Points Guy - another young cat. His beginner's guide is a great place to start.
Frugal Travel Lawyer - a woman (GASP) who is playing along side all the big male players
The Frugal Travel Guy - a retired mortgage banker who has passed on his knowledge and travel hacking hobby to his family and the world

Make sure to subscribe to these blogs, as they share a wealth of inside information!

Notice that the "gurus" of the miles and points schemes are mostly male and white. I hope to change that VERY soon...

Wordless Wednesday: Superwoman!

2011-11-02T02:06:00.001-04:00

New Feature Friday Travel Deals

2011-10-28T13:27:00.008-04:00

Almost on a weekly basis, folks ask me about travel deals and for travel advice. Since I receive great hotel, flight and cruise deals daily, I've decided to share my favorites with you.

Presenting Sheba's Friday Travel Deals!

Today's deals are for my favorite places in the whole wide world (so far), Cuba and South Africa.

1. WIN A FREE TRIP TO HAVANA CUBA (yes, you've read correctly)

Insight Cuba (a part of Cross-Cultural Solutions, the volunteer organization that arranged my first trip to Cape Town) is sponsoring a great sweepstakes offering a free weekend trip to Havana, including flight, US treasury license and all fees.

Click for more information: http://www.insightcuba.com/register-with-cuba/

2. PLANET FRIENDLY TRAVEL ESCORTED TRIP TO CUBA $1899

Click on the pic below:

3. SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ULTIMATE AFRICA SALE - R/T FLIGHTS FROM $910+tax

It's my favorite time of the year...time to purchase my South Africa ticket! I'm glad that I waited. The previous sale was great, but this one is even better. Looking forward to gaining Star Alliance Elite status again in 2012! (a round trip flight to SA is about 15,000 miles)

Click on the pic below:

I look forward to helping you obtain more flyer miles, hotel points & stamps in your passport!

Happy Traveling!

My Theme Song...

2011-10-21T16:08:00.002-04:00

Friday's Travel Quote: MOVE!

2011-10-21T15:45:00.004-04:00

Today's Travel Quote is courtesy of my Sistafriend from church, Torie:

"When God moves, I move. Just like that. :-)"

Wordless Wednesday: Signs

2011-10-19T11:23:00.004-04:00

A Sister's Salute...

2011-10-15T23:41:00.014-04:00

I want to take a moment to honor the memory of my South African sister Joanne, who joined the ancestors last night after a 2+ year battle with Breast Cancer. She was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Cape Town during my first trip there in 2008. She had invited me to her "electric blue" birthday celebration, and it was then that I learned of her beauty, her great spirit and her love for life.

celebrating her 31st in Electric Blue style - 9/12/08

Some knew her as Joanne or Jo, but to many others throughout the world, she was an emcee named Controversy. She repped the Cape Flats, South Africa, and the Diaspora to the fullest. She was an artist, an activist, an amazing chef, poet, warrior, lover, sister and a great friend. Her light shined bright for all the world to see.

Controversy performing at the Shrine in Harlem (NYC) in 2009

Her video for "My Sister" - please listen to the words!

Even after she was diagnosed, she continued to keep the faith, encouraging herself while educating and encouraging others. She would post positive affirmations and light on her blog and Facebook status constantly. Even if she were in pain, her spirit didn't express that, and we were able to give back that same positivity, love and light back to her. After looking at all the loving tributes on her page today, that love still continues.

She made this her profile picture on 10/14/10, one year ago... *tear*

To Joanne "Controversy" Petersen, I salute you Sis!

In a few hours, I will be walking in honor of her memory at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk taking place in Brooklyn, New York. It is my prayer that we find a cure for this disease soon...

Friday's Travel Quote: The Journey

2011-10-14T12:40:00.002-04:00

" I don't ever expect to be complete in this life. I am happy for the experiences that expose more of me to...me."

~My Sis, Tess (who I miss dearly)

Thursday's Travel Quote - Don't Settle...

2011-10-06T11:25:00.003-04:00

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it.

Don’t settle."

-Steve Jobs (Rest in peace...)

Wordless Wednesday: Think Different!

2011-10-05T23:12:00.001-04:00

This Weekend's Anthem...

2011-09-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

11 Black Women Inspiring Us to Travel

2011-09-28T16:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Clutch Magazine for this article! (I'm secretly considering myself #11a!)

11 Black Women Inspiring Us to Travel

Before I owned my first passport, before I chose a life of seeing the world, before I understood the privilege of traveling, there was my first travel influence: my maternal aunt. A researcher and university professor, she’d travel across Africa, sending me Sankofa bird bracelets, petite dresses made of vibrant fabrics, hand-painted cloth dolls, and other keepsakes that constantly reinforced my young desire to see the world.

There is power in having your first travel inspiration be a black woman.

I could easily see myself in her, unlimited in curiosity, hungry for knowledge, and seeking the wisdom of the African Diaspora. But inspiring me from afar wasn’t enough. Before I was even a teenager, she took me on my first international trip, Ghana, West Africa, delivering the first-hand experience of experiencing a foreign culture and teaching me the connection it had to my own. But also, the journey left a spark inside me to travel again and again throughout college and now as an independent adult.

The women below have ventured to almost every corner of the earth, launching careers based in travel and inspiring numerous black women to just pick up and go. In the world of travel media, it’s not everyday that you witness black women hosting travel shows, international documentary series, or cultural expedition blogs. Thus, these women break the norm and want to inspire you to get your passport, book an international flight, or venture to a new place. They are you, in many ways, ready to deliver the lessons, adventures, and joys of traveling to foreign places.

Andrea and Teri are the founders of Travelista TV, the premiere online travel channel for adventure, culture, cuisine, music, parties, and star-studded events. As MBA graduates of Florida A&M University, the two met as classmates, coordinating their spring break trips to destinations around the world and developing videos of their travel. After receiving positive feedback, they enrolled in night classes on filmmaking, formed partnerships with Uptown Magazine, AOL Black Voices, and Interactive One, and eventually, left their jobs to pursue Travelista TV full-time. Andrea has traveled to over 35 countries, and speaks Italian and French. Teri has traveled to over 45 countries, and speaks Spanish, French, and conversational Italian. Watch past episodes of Travelista TV to see these two travel aficionadas hit everywhere from Mali, West Africa to Croatia.

Evie Robbie is the founder of Nomad·ness, the reality show of one woman, with one perspective, traveling one country at a time. Through these journeys, she explores urban life around the world through art, music, food, local pastimes, and volunteer causes unique to each place she travels. Hands down, Nomad·ness is the travel show for the young traveler, adventurous enough to sleep in a tent at a Berlin hip-hop festival (yes, she did it) or travel in the rain through the ruins of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Watch past episodes of Nomad·ness for some lively inspiration!

Ariana Proehl is the creator, producer, and host of the online talk show Know This!, which features interviews, news, and pop culture commentary with a smart and socially conscious point a view. As a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur, she is a “jill of all trades” with a resume that includes work in non-profit, government, philanthropy, self-help, modeling, and the arts. Currently, she is venturing across the United States on a 16-city tour to expose Know This! viewers to next generation voices doing work with passion and purpose. Her work proves that not every trip has to be outside of the country to gain inspiration. Watch past episodes of Know This! to see what’s going on in your world, right here in the United States.

Dash Harris is the filmmaker behind “Negro,” a documentary series that chronicles real-life testimonies of the African Diaspora in Latin America. As a Black Latina, she laments that Afro-Latinos have been invisible and often misunderstood. In the series, she explores the history and present attitudes of race, color, self-identification, and social interaction among Latinos from Latinos themselves. Through candid interviews, you’ll see the good, bad, ugly, and absolute beauty of Latinos’ perceptions of their culture. And hopefully, learn something new about this complex racial demographic. Check out Dash’s work atVenusGenus.com. The series’ trailer is coming soon.

Oneika Raymond is the Canadian blogger behindOneika the Traveller and a language educator. With an intense passion for travel, culture, and language, she’s visited approximately forty countries and taught at international schools in France, Mexico, and China. She’s currently trekking through Central America in route to live in her next destination, London. Oneika is fluent in English and French, but remains a student a Spanish and speaks a few words of German. She offers a “practical” inspiration for living abroad with international education as a career, and posts beautiful photos and compelling descriptions of her travels. Follow Oneika’s journeys here.

Kiratiana Freelon is the author of Kiratiana’s Travel Guide to Black Paris and the blogger behind Kiratiana Travels: Let A Black Girl Show You the World. Prior to graduating, the Harvard alum landed a $20,000 fellowship to travel the world and create a series of travel guides to destinations in the African Diaspora. She set out to countries like Senegal, Guinea-Conakry, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Gambia, which opened her eyes to things you typically don’t see on American TV- houses of strong extended families, gorgeous fabric, and kind people. After four months in Brazil, a year in Paris, working for the Olympics for three years, and numerous other travels, she completed her book and hopes to continue producing “Black” travel guidebooks. Follow her adventures atKiratianaTravels.com.

Tracey Coleman is a storyteller, art director, and travel junkie from South Carolina who landed in New York seven years ago and hasn’t looked back since. The blog Brooklyn Travel Addict chronicles her adventures from Ghana, West Africa to Martha’s Vineyard. She was nominated in the Best Travel Blog category for the Black Weblog Awards, and continues to write with the authentic voice of a newly minted international traveler. Follow her on Brooklyn Travel Addict.

Johnica Reed is a certified jet-setter and go-to girl for global living in a digital world. As a self-proclaimed gadget junkie and early adopter, she was named one of HP’s Tech Tastemakers and works as a cool hunting consultant. From South Africa to Haiti, to China and back, she touts over 200,000 frequent flyer miles each year between clients and creative projects. She also teaches courses for Mediabistro and has been featured in Jetsetter, EBONY, and branded campaigns launched by American Airlines. Currently, Johnica is the VP of Social Media at Buzz Marketing Group. Follow her Tumblr musings at JohnicaReed.com.

Jennifer Poe is the blogger behind Imported Chocolate, your online go-to travel haven. She describes her readers as the college student planning a semester abroad, the girl who just broke up with her commitment-deficient boyfriend, and the employee in a dead-end job that has always fantasized about getting away. In the past, she penned the blog, Hola Morocha: A Black Girl’s Guide to Buenos Aires, which detailed her experience living abroad in Argentina. Currently, she focuses on providing tips for travelers and interviews with women living abroad. Get inspired at Imported Chocolate.

Suhaly Bautista is an environmentalist or “earth warrior” dedicated to advocating for the planet. Recently, she worked with Amigos de las Americas on a volunteer project in Paraguay to empower local youth to express themselves through the arts. She’s currently backpacking through South America, and thus far, has visited Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and more. As she updates her Tumblr with her recent travels, follow her here for beautiful pictures and visual stimulation to pursue your own travel dreams.

Wordless Wednesday: Strength, Courage & Wisdom...

2011-09-28T15:46:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: I am Troy Davis!

2011-09-21T20:36:00.001-04:00

Thursday's Travel Quote

2011-09-15T22:46:00.002-04:00

Have the courage to follow your dreams. It's the first step towards attaining your destiny. - Author Unknown

Wordless Wednesday: Be Still & Know...

2011-09-14T12:24:00.001-04:00

Thursday's Travel Quote

2011-09-08T13:08:00.001-04:00

“All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson

Wordless Wednesday: GET OUT THERE!

2011-09-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: Lead by example...

2011-08-31T15:38:00.003-04:00

Surprise & I in Kliptown, South Africa 2008

Flashback

2011-08-29T19:58:00.001-04:00

The moment that you realize that you let a good one get away.... :-/

Thank You Jill!

2011-08-25T13:15:00.002-04:00

There's something about Jill Scott's spirit that has always spoken to me. So many of her songs sound as if they come straight out of my journal.

I admire and appreciate her ability to share her vulnerability with me. This song right here says it ALL! It continues to be my prayer as well...

Thursday's Travel Quote - Prisons

2011-08-25T12:33:00.007-04:00

"One thing I often say in my speeches is that we gotta be careful of being our own prisons. For example, I mentored a Brooklyn 18-year-old a few years back who had never seen 125th Street in Harlem. Harlem/Manhattan and Brooklyn are both a part of New York City. But even in that great city there are many of us who never venture beyond our blocks or 'hoods. We must. Whole world is waiting for you if you can get the courage to see it, sometimes in the same city."
~Kevin Powell, Writer, Activist, Public Speaker, Brooklynite

Get Ready!

2011-08-23T15:44:00.003-04:00

About 2 hours ago, something strange happened. I was laying on my couch, preparing for a very important meeting taking place tomorrow, and my couch began to shake. Actually, it appeared as if my entire apartment was shaking.

It startled me, but I wasn't scared - only because I really had no clue what just happened.

Then I received a text from my Sister saying that she just experienced an earthquake in her town.

I don't know why this was my first instinct/reaction, but I immediately turned to Facebook and saw my news feed filled with "What just happened?" "Did you feel that?" and "I'm getting out of here!" posts.

It appeared that folks from Vermont all the way down to Georgia had just experienced the same thing that I just had.

...and it turned out to be a 5.8 scale earthquake which originated in Virginia.

Earthquake? Not on the east coast! Those things only happen on the left coast...

Well, I guess not. Let's just add earthquake to the list of natural disasters/things that make you go hmmmm? that are happening in the world. And this is all the more reason to GET READY!

So, I now present to you 4 ways to GET READY!

Get right with your Source! - You don't have to believe in the same deity that I believe in, but at least acknowledge a force greater than yourself that's in control
Get connected - Contact your family and others that you care about. Tell the folks you care about that you love them...NOW!
Get to it! - Are you a procrastinator? Do you have a bunch of items still left unchecked on your bucket list/to-do list. STOP PLAYING!
Get educated - Have no clue what to do during an earthquake or another natural disaster? There's actually a really good source you can refer to: http://www.ready.gov/

Life has a tendency to catch us off guard, and today, for many of us, was definitely one of those days.

That's all the more reason to GET READY!

Thursday's Travel Quote

2011-08-18T12:27:00.003-04:00

Why Travel?

"Because when you leave behind the familiar, you can't help but be changed by the foreign. Because comfort zones become constricting zones over time. Because the world was meant to be experienced, not imagined."

~Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Nonconformity

My Ideal Life

2011-08-14T18:25:00.001-04:00

So now that I have a bit of time on my hands, I’ve been taking moments in each day to strategically work towards my goals. One of the activities that I have participated in since the 1^st of this month is the 31 Days to Reset Your Life Challenge outlined on the Happy Black Woman blog. The premise of the challenge to create a better life through a series of planning and visualization exercises. Since this blog represents my personal journey, I have no problem sharing another intimate piece of my life with you. I’ve been working on being more vulnerable with others, so why not let my audience be the world?

So here goes, the narrative of my ideal life:

I am living in a major metropolitan city on the East Coast of the United States, though I spend half of the year traveling both domestically and internationally. I live alone in a fabulous apartment with lots of space to entertain. At least twice a month, I hold Sunday dinner for friends and family. Throughout the year I also host movie nights, game nights, and natural hair meetups. I spend the summer on beaches in Florida and the Caribbean and the winter visiting my amiga in Hawaii and my extended family in South Africa. I earn a six-figure income as a much sought after Education Consultant and small business owner. I own five investment properties and will pass them on to my children as high school graduation presents. I am debt free and have a sizable retirement account. I am a panelist at business, community development, and social justice related conferences and workshops throughout the world. I have close relationships with my family, and spend time developing stronger bonds with my parents. I have a supportive circle of girlfriends who encourage me, motivate me, and hold me accountable for my actions. My friends and relatives visit me several times a year to celebrate holidays, triumphs, or sometimes, for no reason at all. I have a handsome and amazing partner who prays with me, and embodies reciprocity, honesty, love, and respect. We always go to bed happy. J I serve the community through membership in my Sorority, honoring the lifetime commitment I made ten years ago. I take weekly dance classes and am an avid Bikram Yoga practitioner. (Namaste.) I take continuing education classes in writing, real estate and personal finance to continue to hone my crafts and I read at least one book a month. I take cooking classes and go on wine tastings several times a year to expand my palate. I pray upon waking up and going to bed to connect with my Source. I write at least 5 things in my gratitude journal daily. I am a faithful tither, giving 10% of my income to my church and other charitable causes. I smile and laugh daily. I encourage thousands through sharing my personal journey on Sheba’s Sojourn.

New Message...

2011-08-10T23:58:00.002-04:00

It's Okay!

2011-08-08T23:49:00.009-04:00

About 3 weeks ago, a light switched on inside of me. I had been grappling with a major life decision for months, and I finally felt at peace about it.

I called my Boss to inform him of my decision. His response was this:

"The world needs you. You are destined to do great things and it would be selfish of me to try to keep you here. Sometimes it's not about the length of the visit, but its about the quality of the stay."

And with that, he accepted my resignation.

For some reason, I feel compelled to encourage someone. As my Boss pointed out to me, when things don't work out, it's important that you don't look at yourself as a failure. Sometimes, things just don't work out! However, what's important is that you put forth your best effort and that you learn from the experience, whether it is a job, a relationship, a business attempt, school, you name it...

The last year has been a major life learning experience for me. I relocated to a place that was completely out of my comfort zone and I explored a new career field. There were many aspects about my transition that were difficult. At the same time, I gained some really amazing insight and resources into a field that I will continue to pursue. Plus, I developed relationships with great people who I will never forget.

All was not lost. I was able to walk away saying I tried my best and it didn't work out. But you know what? It's all about perspective folks!

Perhaps you've been beating yourself up about something that didn't go the way you had planned.

I'm here to tell you that IT'S OKAY!!!

My anthem this weekend...

2011-08-05T13:43:00.001-04:00

Some Inspiration

2011-08-04T00:52:00.002-04:00

Glad to say that I did that last week. :)

Day 14 – What did you learn from traveling abroad?

2011-07-20T20:01:00.004-04:00

Lessons from traveling abroad

About myself:
It takes me being away from home and out of my comfort zone, to embrace my fears and to trust more. I think because so many cultures are more laid back, welcoming and friendly, I am able to open up more. South Africa was the perfect remedy to getting away from New York. Being in New York for a long period of time will make you not trust anyone (if you let it, and I did). Traveling abroad completes me, which is why I make it a point to get out of the country at least once a year.

About the USA/Americans:
We're loved and hated at the same time. We live in the land of opportunity, but yet so many of us don't have adequate access to basic liberties: housing, education, food, jobs, healthcare. Sadly enough, we are also very arrogant and ignorant. EVERYONE else knows about what's going on in world affairs, but we rather focus on celebrities and reality tv. We claim to be a superpower, but yet we are losing when it comes to the intelligence battle. If we keep it up, soon we won't have the brains to back up all the hubris that we are displaying to the world. However, I still love my country. We're far from perfect, but I'm grateful to be from the States. (It's an ongoing battle in my head.)

About others:
I've traveled to some of the most impoverished communities, and the generousity and humility shown by the people was refreshing. I've visited my friends who live in one room shacks with no electricity or running water, and they went out of their way to make sure that I was fed and okay. I enjoy going to areas where travel guides or websites would advise me to stay away from. Why? More often than not, it is because they are filled with real people. People who raise families, care about their households, and do what it is that they have to do to survive. They may not live in the best areas, or have the best of everything, but they make the best of their circumstances. And they still have the ability to smile...and love.

Day 13 – A favorite travel quote

2011-07-19T11:02:00.003-04:00

"Travel is at its most rewarding when it ceases to be about your reaching a destination and becomes indistinguishable from living your life." - Paul Theroux

Interesting enough, I borrowed this quote from the webpage of Johnica Reed, who I have been following for a few months now. I was reading an article featuring her on living the jet-set life, and she definitely spoke to me through this quote:

"I live on a plane. I live in the world. I don't identify with a home, per se. I'm most comfortable when I'm in a foreign land. And I live well with the best of everything. The best of food, the best hotels, the best people and the best experiences."

Although I'm not there literally, I'm already there in my mind! (At least that's the first step...)

Day 12 – Someone who influenced you to travel abroad

2011-07-18T11:59:00.002-04:00

Nana. My original travel buddy. She's taught me all there is to know. She's been to Africa 15 times, and actually was my inspiration to want to go to South Africa. She used to lead tours to the continent, and she's also done mission work. She's the reason why I can't stay still to this day. At least I've learned from the best!

Happy Mandela Day!

2011-07-18T04:31:00.004-04:00

Mandela Day on July 18 is an annual international day adopted by the United Nations. It is more than a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to take his life’s work into a new century and change our world for the better. Mandela Day asks us all to embrace Madiba’s values and honour his legacy through an act of kindness. Who knows, it might leave you inspired enough to make every day a Mandela Day!

Mandela Day includes a series of events involving interactive art, entertainment, music, film, educational outreach and community service with the hope of inspiring people around the globe to embrace their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better.

For more information, please visit the official Mandela Day website.

30

2011-07-18T03:50:00.003-04:00

It feels so good to make it this far
And i didn't think I could take it so long
There were days I wanted to quit
I said surely this is it
But I held on
And I watched as so called friends turn and walk away
It hurt so much I didn't have words to say
But even when my day turns to night and nothing seems just right
Lord I thank you for for my life

(chorus)
For my life lord I thank you
For every victory in you I've seen
And all the moments I know it was you who kept me
So I thank you for for my life

Verse 2
And I watched you take my family from there to here
And when times where a little rough God I know you were near
And the moments I thought I fail
I was reminded of your nails
So I held on
And if I never live to see another day
There is nothing I would change or take away
I've had so many ups
That they far out way my downs
Lord I thank you for my life

(back up top to chorus)

Verse 3
I realized some didn't make it..
I could've been one of the ones who lost my way
And there was times lord I know I almost went crazy
But I'm still here with my life

(back up top to chorus)

It may not be all that I hope for
And every dream has not yet been realized
And to see your face one day God
I know its all gonna be worth it

Yeah!

Verse 4
So i thank u
Thank you for every mountain every valley God
every thing you brought me through
Thank you!
I know I know it was you
Just wanna take the time to say thank you Jesus for my life.

Thank you Jesus for my life.

Day 11 – Did you have any milestones or “firsts” while traveling or living abroad?

2011-07-17T08:15:00.004-04:00

Originally I was going to comment about my first official breakup which occurred while I was in Brazil, but who wants to relive that mess?!!!

So, I'll admit that my first interracial kiss occurred while I was in Spain. It happened on my birthday in 2001. His name was Juan and he had nice lips. Not a bad kisser either :)

Giving Myself Permission

2011-07-16T16:23:00.009-04:00

So as I approach this next chapter in my adulthood, I'm giving myself permission to do new things, and to get rid of some bad habits. I guess you can call it a bucket list, if you will.

So, here are 30 things (in no particular order) that I give myself permission to do in my 30s:

learn a new language
learn to braid hair (don't judge me!)
get another tattoo
institute a consistent date night
take cooking lessons
get licensed as a massage therapist
bungee jump
go out more with others, less solo missions (GASP)
take photography lessons
go to brunch more
have dinner parties
get over my phobia of going to the movies alone
call people more
get back into my bikram yoga practice (namaste)
allow myself to wear makeup
perform on stage again (I miss dancing)
go to Hedonism (alone or not - GASP)
do a dance flash mob
have a consistent prayer partner
develop a stronger sister circle
actually use this NYS real estate license I just renewed
finally get my notary stamp and use that too
get another degree (GASP)
go to Trinidad or Brazil's Carnival
go bike riding
attend wine tastings
buy myself flowers
attend more concerts
go to the gun range
launch this business venture (STAY TUNED…)

30 Years to Life

2011-07-16T13:35:00.002-04:00

30 years to life (2001) Trailer by Afro-Style-Communication

I remember seeing this film as a part of a Blackfilm.com screening (I think). As I approach my 30th birthday on Monday, a lot of the topics addressed - careers, friendships, marriage, kids, being grown - seem all too real...

Day 10 – A favorite foreign movie

2011-07-16T12:46:00.002-04:00

I would have to say that my favorite foreign film is a silent documentary called Suite Habana, which shows a day in the life of 10 real people in Havana. I remember having to watch it as a part of my Cuban Art & Culture class during my Grad School study abroad experience. It really opened my eyes to the lives of the people I was living amongst. It definitely tugged at my senses because it depicted both the highs and the lows of living in Havana. It showed the privileged vs. those who lived "on the other side of the train tracks." Although no words were spoken, this film said a lot.

I actually bought the film before I left Cuba. If you are interested in seeing it, just let me know.

Day 09 – A song you like from another country/language

2011-07-15T02:24:00.005-04:00

Of course, I have to start with Mama Africa!

I like this version because she takes us to school too!

This is actually the version we used to listen to on the way to volunteer placement:

(Dedicated to my Muffins!)

And then there's my Contemporary Group Malaika. LOVE this song:

Shout out to Israel, our driver! He used to go IN on this song!!!

Day 08 – A favorite food from another country/culture

2011-07-14T08:25:00.004-04:00

STEAMED BREAD!!!!!

OMG. Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water! When I first stayed in Cape Town during my volunteer assignment, my Sisis, the cooks of the house, first introduced me to steamed bread. It reminded me of bake or the bread that my cousins in Trinidad used to make. As the weeks went by, my Sisis would soon have to make me my own stash of bread because I used to steal the pan that was made for the entire house and take it to my room. They gave me the recipe, but I haven't tried to make it because I know it won't taste like their's. That just means that I have to get back soon so that they can make me some. :)

So, thanks to Google again, I found a recipe. The site says that the traditional name for South African Steamed Bread is Ujeqe, which is pronounced OO-JE-(CLICK)-E. Ummm ,yeah, my Xhosa is horrible, so I'll just stick to steamed bread!

Enjoy!

This was my spread from my South African Thanksgiving that I hosted in Cape Town in 2009. My Sisis made me steamed bread! (in the bowl behind the spinach). Yes I did try to bring some home to New York, but that didn't work out so well...

I found my Cuban Boo!

2011-07-13T12:36:00.007-04:00

The internet is a powerful tool.

I was just re-reading my post on my Adventure with Keiler, and something prompted me to search for him. I typed "Keiler Cuba" into Google, and wouldn't you know, I found a site that had a article about a Musician named Keiler Brunel Perez. And it had pictures!!!!

"THAT'S MY BOO!" I screamed (in my head).

He's on a British site called Culture Crossroads. In this pic, he's the second from the left.

They even have links to some amazing Cuban music as well. As soon as I heard this clip, I was taken back to Santiago. I hope you enjoy.

Day 07 – Besides people, what did/do you miss from home?

2011-07-13T08:21:00.003-04:00

When I'm abroad for a long period of time, there are a few things that I miss:

My church - Emmanuel Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY
My Nana's cooking
Being able to drive somewhere/My car Maxie the Maxima
Chilling in Brooklyn on any given weekend
Staying on top of the latest music

Day 06 – What does “home” mean to you?

2011-07-12T15:52:00.004-04:00

Interestingly enough, I wrote about this before. Click here.

I think Bilal summed it up best: "...It's all too deep..."

Day 05 – What do you bring with you when you travel?

2011-07-11T23:27:00.003-04:00

So when I go overseas, here are the staples that I must have!

a week's worth of underwear (at least)
journal
iPod
travel guide for location
expired ID (not current, so there's no drama if it gets lost)
passport with at least 2 copies (one on paper, and one wallet sized)
comfy shoes
camera with all necessary chargers & cords
a stash of $100 USD in small bills (emergency $)
an open mind

Day 04 – A picture of you in another country

2011-07-10T23:55:00.000-04:00

So here are a few pics of me on my Carmen San Diego flow...

Spring Break in London - March 2002

Cape Town, South Africa - November 2009

Playing Capoeira in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil - August 2007

Cruising in Mexico with Nana - December 2009

Havana, Cuba - June 2004

She's still got it!

2011-07-10T23:51:00.007-04:00

Today I had an amazing day with my Nana. It was organic, spontaneous, eventful, and LONG, but I loved every part of it.

We talked about life as women, relationships, friendships, family (she tried to ask about my love life, but I quickly changed the subject) and traveling.

We sang old gospel songs, we laughed, and we cried. And upon driving into Brooklyn to take care of some more errands, we stopped at the drummers circle in Prospect Park and decided to dance!

It moved me to see everyone's reaction to her dancing. I heard someone behind me yell out, "Go 'Head Grandma," while I noticed some of the younger dancers salute her by bowing and touching the ground near her, which a common form of showing respect. Sadly, I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't videotape it! :(

At 82, (which she's PROUD to announce daily, it seems) and having had a minor heart attack less than 2 months ago, she has a lot to celebrate and dance about!

It is my hope that you find the time to dance as well!

PS. Nana's been doing this for years!

Day 03 – An adventure/challenge you had while traveling or living abroad

2011-07-09T23:16:00.007-04:00

Me and my Cuban Boo

So during my study abroad experience in Cuba in 2004, I managed to meet a young man named Keiler, who was a musician (drummer) in Santiago. Now mind you, I only spent about 4-5 days in Santiago, but Keiler became my Boo. From that first day, we met up every night in the Plaza near the hotel. My Spanish wasn't that great (although I had studied abroad in Spain previously, and was taking classes in Cuba all in Spanish), and his English wasn't great either, but we understood each other. Sometimes we used other people to translate for us.

One day, Keiler prompted me to come somewhere with him. Initially, I had no reservations about this because it seemed like everyone knew him and I thought we were just going to a bar, cafe or somewhere local. Before I knew it, we were headed to what appeared to be a bus stop. A huge flatbed truck which was half filled with people approached us. Keiler hopped on, and extended his hand for me.

"Ummm, where am I going?!!!" my inside voice said.

Keiler paid for both of us, and about 15 minutes later we reached a neighborhood with buildings that reminded me of projects.

"OMG, he's taking me home! I'm about to die!" (The NYC in me was definitely taking over!)

Oh, and another thing, it was getting dark.

We hopped off the "bus" and walked into one of the buildings. He lived on the 3rd floor. As we approached the door, he smiled at me and said, "I want you to meet my Mom."

"Oh Lawd!"

He opened the door, and there stood a dark skinned, big boned woman. She smiled at me with this really intense smile and I smiled back. Keiler introduced me and said something else that I couldn't understand. Then her smile turned brighter, so much so that all I could see was her gold tooth. LOL.

She offered us food and coca-cola, which I accepted (My intercultural communications studies taught me not to decline food in someone's house as not to offend them). We had rice and a few pieces of chicken. Then we watched Telenovelas for about 30 minutes as we ate. (I later learned that the telenovela was the only option we had due to the limited choices on Cuban TV.)

I thanked her for her kindness, and told Keiler that I had to get back to my hotel. I said my goodbyes (during the course of dinner, it seems that the word spread of Keiler's American "girlfriend" visiting, so lots of relatives and friends came by) and we left.

I don't recall much of what else happened after that, but I did make it back safely.

Looking back at this, I can't help but laugh.

Keiler and I lost touch, but I hope that he is doing well, and that he still has the CD player with the love CDs that I gave him as a going away present.

I definitely get a lot more adventurous when I'm overseas...

Day 02 – Where you’d like to travel next

2011-07-08T19:37:00.003-04:00

So I still have the goal of traveling to each continent. My original goal was to have this feat accomplished by the time that I was 30, but given that I'm about to be 30 in 10 days, and I have only covered 4/7 continents, I've pushed this back to 35.

P.S. By the way, I'm always looking for adventurous travel buddies!

Wait, I realize that I didn't answer the question. I'm thinking that I'm ready for Asia. I try to make sure to eat Chinese food everywhere I go (I've had it in Spain, Cuba - THE BEST, South Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad and England), so why not try the real thing!

I also have a goal of visiting the 7 World Wonders, so a trip to China would satisfy my urge to tackle the WALL!

Day 01 – Favorite place(s) you’ve been to

2011-07-07T22:51:00.013-04:00

Ok, so many people already know my favorite destination. But, I'm sure you would be surprised to find out that I have 2 favorite places.

Tied with South Africa, my favorite place of all time is...Cuba

I traveled to Havana and Santiago with NYU in 2004 where I studied Dance and Cuban Art & Culture. AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I'll let the pics speak for themselves...

Me on the Malecon (waterfront in Havana)

Government Building with Che'

El Capitolio (look familiar?) We were friends at one point...

and I thought the morning 4 or 5 train was bad!

'57 Chevy (I think...)

Cute lil girl

Dominoes! (They offered me a drink of whatever was in that bottle. I smiled & declined...)

Rumba in la Callejon

This place has a magic that I can't describe. I think the beauty of it in is large part due to the fact that it isn't Americanized. Not yet, at least... *sigh*

The 15 Day International Travel Challenge

2011-07-07T21:58:00.005-04:00

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...

So I know I haven't posted in a while (well actually that isn't the case, I just haven't clicked the "publish post" button for the last 4 entries) but anyways, I'm back!

I wanted to refresh this space because I'm definitely in a travelling mood. Besides, I created this blog to share my travels with the masses. So, the sojourn continues!

I was looking at a number of travel blogs today and I came across something called "The 15 Day International Travel Challenge." I've decided to take the challenge.

Here’s how it will go:

Day 01 – Favorite place(s) you’ve been to
Day 02 – Where you’d like to travel next
Day 03 – An adventure/challenge you had while traveling or living abroad
Day 04 – A picture of you in another country
Day 05 – What do you bring with you when you travel?
Day 06 – What does “home” mean to you?
Day 07 – Besides people, what did/do you miss from home?
Day 08 – A favorite food from another country/culture
Day 09 – A song you like from another country/language
Day 10 – A favorite foreign movie
Day 11 – Did you have any milestones or “firsts” while traveling or living abroad?
Day 12 – Someone who influenced you to travel abroad
Day 13 – A favorite travel quote
Day 14 – What did you learn from traveling abroad?
Day 15 – Advice to someone who’s thinking about traveling to another country

I hope you enjoy this as much as I will!

Back to me!

2011-03-31T16:56:00.004-04:00

I honestly have not been my true self for the last 6 months.

I realize why folks warned me before I took this step.

Sometimes you have to learn through experience...

learning...

Learning what?

I thought that was why I came here

to learn

Higher Learning...

and funny enough

I ended up at a place that's ready to explode

But no more!

I'm getting back on track

focused on my mission

to transform lives

and encourage through love.

No more selling pipe dreams

"bamboozling" brilliant minds with false hope

contributing to the blatant theft of an amazing life experience

it's time

for me to refocus

stop selling myself short

stop selling

stop

selling...

myself out

selling...

lies

selling...

Damn, when did I become a saleswoman?

I thought I was an encourager,

a motivator

an activist

a person committed to social justice

an educator

but for the last 6 months

numbers have been the priority

But no more

I'm rejecting everything that has come with this experience

and getting

back

me.

The Return of ...

2011-02-13T08:24:00.003-05:00

Twisted Sistah!

Wash, deep condition, trim & style by
Camille Rambert of Natural Hair by Camille (Brooklyn, NY)

After sharing the journey of combing my locs out on FB,
I finally was able to share the finished product yesterday.

LOVE IT! :)

Thanks India!

2011-02-11T01:11:00.003-05:00

Today marks the end of a 7+ Year Journey...

I give thanks for all energy & experiences contained within them

and the new beginnings that come with their RELEASE!

2011...unloc(k)ed & reloaded!

Why Now?

2011-02-02T00:45:00.002-05:00

In my lifetime I've managed to:

-move out of the house at 13 to attend a prestigious boarding school
-study abroad in 2 countries
-drop everything, suspend my job search and go to Africa for a much needed sabbatical

and manage to get homesick upon moving to Pennsylvania!

*sigh*

Just a thought...

2011-01-20T22:46:00.003-05:00

I wish that students of color at Predominantly White Institutions had the privilege of just going to class & enjoying college...

freewrite

2011-01-12T02:01:00.002-05:00

I also found this while cleaning this past weekend.

Written: Summer 2008, during the UrbanWord session with the HS program I managed
Where: in da Bronx
Mood: I usually just observed the poetry sessions, but this time I decided to do the assignment with my students
Goal: take a certain number of minutes (5-7) to create a piece using the following words:
insatiable, peace, pink, bore, cultures, seven, why, shock, articulate, depressed, shy, night, love, relevant, & significant

We sealed the deal with an insatiable kiss
by the water where peace consumed us
and the pink scarf I was wearing caressed his skin

we never bore of each other's company
sharing life, love, liberty
intertwining cultures
rich history,
indivisible like the number seven

never questioning why or how this love affair began,
both shocked at how it came to be
but articulating our feelings through loving expression

depressed when we're not around each other
never shy when explaining why I love him so
each night I pray that we will endure
with this love we share
because it is both

relevant and significant...

The Box

2011-01-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, while cleaning out my old apartment, I came across it.

There it was, hidden under a pile of clothes I intended to give away.

The Box...

My inner voice confirmed that it was finally time for me to get rid of that box.

LET IT GO!

A few years back, I dealt with the demise of "us" by throwing all tangible memories, cards, gifts, & photos into the box. It wasn't just an ordinary box, it was colorful & different, just like we were. The hoarder in me couldn't see the need to get rid of it back then. It was all too raw & painful. I wanted to hold on to the smiles contained in those pictures, the thoughtful words expressed in those cards, and other expressions of love.

Yet fast forward to the present day. So much has happened since then. I'm at complete peace now.

I smiled & laughed while I looked at the contents of the box for the last time. For a second, I was sad. Then, I began to shred and discard its contents.

In her sermon yesterday, Rev. Newton said DON'T LOOK BACK!

I promise I won't now.

The Box...is gone.

The close of a another year...

2010-12-31T11:37:00.005-05:00

In a few hours it will be January 1, 2011. 2011! WOW...

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who feels that this year has flown by!

So many great things have happened, I:

-worked at my old scholarship organization

-assisted 5 students in going to African Leadership Academy

-collaborated with lots of great colleagues on great community initiatives

-was a finalist for a fellowship at Harvard

-interviewed at amazing higher education institutions

-became a college admissions officer (HUH? How did that happen?)

-moved to a new state

-traveled to 16 states (including 5 new states: Arizona, Louisana, Illinois, Wisconsin & Indiana)

-got accepted into another graduate business program

and so much more!

I'm just happy to be here! I'm so blessed, and I've witnessed the blessings of so many of my friends and family.

But it hasn't come without challenge...

There have definitely been highs and lows, a lot of lessons learned, people removed, yet replaced (which I've gotten used to), tears, and lots of emotion...

and what I know it that it is all a part of the process!

I remain grateful through it all and welcome 2011 with open arms, for I know that so many great things and transformations are to come!

I wish you all a blessed & prosperous 2011!

Peace...

Two important words...

2010-11-01T17:42:00.003-04:00

Dear Ms. Fritz,

I just wish to thank you on the behalf of that select group of students whom of which you visited at Leadership and Public Service. You did a great job in "selling" your school to us and quite honestly, I am sold. I will be applying to Lehigh as soon as possible because of the fact that I want to go to a school that has a feeling of homeliness, and your school seems to have that. Again I want to thank you for taking out time to visit us, and Lehigh sounds to me to be a great place.

Sincerely,

A Future Lehigh Student

(You never know how these 2 words will change your life...)

GIVE THANKS!!!!

Someday we'll all be free...

2010-10-17T13:44:00.009-04:00

"I wish I could be like Moses, round up my people, and move out the ghetto...and live a better LIFE." Bilal, "Sometimes"

I couldn't help but be reminded of these lyrics on Friday. Last week, I was in Chicago on business, and I decided to take full advantage of being a tourist and taking in as many tastes, sounds, and smells that I could. On Friday, after getting done with my day earlier than I had expected, I decided to drive to Indiana...Gary, Indiana to be exact.

My mission was clear, head straight to 2300 Jackson Street. I wanted to see the house that Joe & Katherine built.

However, once I entered Gary my shock soon turned to anger. I had so many questions.

What the heck happened?

Why do people still live here?

How do they survive?

I've seen poverty firsthand, and as crazy as this may sound, I would have never expected to see such conditions in my own country!

Gary, Indiana looks like the worst sections of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. There were abandoned houses, empty lots of land where houses once stood which were now filled with garbage and unkempt grass, businesses that looked like they upped and left about 30 years ago.

It was depressing. Even Jackson Street was crazy. The Jackson House was the only highlight of the entire city. I only spent about 45 minutes in Gary. I was so upset, I wasn't even interested in getting lost or exploring more of it. I rushed back to Chicago as soon as I could.

It's makes me wonder, we as Americans are quick to share our resources with other countries who experience disaster, strive and turmoil (and I'm not saying that we shouldn't), but sometimes we need to take care of home first!

Life...is what you make it!

2010-09-21T22:42:00.003-04:00

I guess I'm not the only one.

thinking,

wondering,

asking why

we give so much and don't get in return

we like/love/lust after the wrong one

we constantly end up in the same place, the same mental space

hoping that someone, somewhere will finally appreciate

what we represent

i need someone to "GET" me...

ALL of me!

even the ugly parts

The circle of trust gets smaller

and sometimes i let this notion distract me

in the past, I let my mind believe that pieces of me are splattered all over the place

in undeserved pockets

but I've retrained it to accept that

I have blessed so many

in word

and deed

and those who really appreciate my light

are here

maybe not physically

but they speak my name when they pray

they call/email out of the blue

they like my status :)

they travel on this sojourn with me

and so I remain grateful

for the life lessons

because I get it now

everyone can't stay all the time

so here's the solution

enjoy the time while it lasts

smile,

laugh,

cry if you need to

and then move on.

keep it simple!

Come fly with me (an affirmation)

2010-08-09T01:37:00.004-04:00

come fly with me!

i used this phrase as the tagline for this dating site i joined. i thought it captured in short who "he" is...

wait, let me take a step back first.

early last year, i had a guy "friend" tell me:

"you won't have a man because you don't know how to stay still."

soon after sending him on his way and erasing his number

i realized that he wasn't used a sista like me -

one who wasn't scared of seeing and experiencing the world.

( i also concluded that he was mad that i didn't like him as much as he liked me, but i digress...)

he wasn't ready!

but he's not the only one.

so many like him are limited...

in their travels

thoughts

and actions

so i'll just leave them in their small box,

on their small block

in their small little town or city

in their small country

with their LARGE insecurities

and wish them well...

because my thoughts are BIGGER, GREATER, more CREATIVE!

my world is infinite...

with possibility!

with hope!

with joy!

with a love that will transcend galaxies, yet alone borders!

i'm one half of a "we" that will

eat beignets and sip cafe au laits at cafe du monde

hold hands as we walk along the malecon in habana

give offerings to Yemaya on the shores of bahia

climb table mountain

tackle the great wall

and implement our own solutions to the world's problems

every day together will be an adventure

where we will learn

about self first, so that we can better

support each other's dreams

and grow

and SOAR!

so i've recently added extra pages in my passport

bought a bigger memory card

and sturdier luggage

in preparation for the moments that we shall document together

but, until then

i travel alone

patiently...

peacefully...

prayerfully...

I embrace...

2010-08-07T04:35:00.006-04:00

...my past

forgive them

forgive him

forget him

(still working on this)

...my insecurities

thick thighs

my "fatty"

unwanted, negative attention

not speaking up/out when I should have

...my fears

never fully trusting someone

being alone

not fulfilling my purpose

a legacy that is misinterpreted/misunderstood

...my failures

love

repeated cycles of lust

mishandling of finances

grad school

a move overseas

never telling him I loved him

not trusting God with EVERYTHING

...my desires (in no particular order)

a closer walk

motherhood

stability

independence

a hug from time to time

companionship

support

returning home, to Africa

helping kids

travelling the world

learning

loving

striving for better

I embrace...

now!

that ever so often, I'll experience these "moments"

where no "secret", law of attraction, framework, or ounce of faith

will stop these thoughts from running through my mind

these 4am moments

where the best resolve to get over "going through"

is just to write

release

dump it into the world

so that i can move on...

Technology vs. People (a haiku in 3 parts)

2010-07-19T23:20:00.003-04:00

Blackberry withdrawal...

unplugging from the matrix

back to the basics

Social media's

destroying relationships...

EVERYTHING'S online!

new experiment

disappearing for a while

"friends" will be revealed...

Umi Says...

2010-07-18T23:35:00.003-04:00

My Chile,

I was there 29 years ago and I am so proud of who you are! Although there are times when we each do our own thing and tension, confusion & judgement may appear, there is never one moment that I don't reconcile that with the love I have for my baby girl.

You have grown and experienced some amazing things, met some amazing people, visited some amazing places AND I feel so grateful to know that you honor life enough to value it as a GIFT.

Enjoy your 29th year on the planet!

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES & THOSE YET TO COME...

WITH LOVE FROM UMI - 'cause Hallmark doesn't make cards as loving as this.

:) I love this.

Chapter 29 & FINE...Let's go!

What does my blog say about me?

2010-07-12T18:06:00.004-04:00

So a friend of mine sent a link from www.typealyzer.com that analyzes blogs. Here's what they had to say about Sheba's Sojourn:
The analysis indicates that the author of http://shebassojourn.blogspot.com is of the type:
ISFP - The Artists
The gentle and compassionate type. They are especially attuned their inner values and what other people need. They are not friends of many words and tend to take the worries of the world on their shoulders. They tend to follow the path of least resistance and have to look out not to be taken advantage of.

They often prefer working quietly, behind the scene as a part of a team. They tend to value their friends and family above what they do for a living.

I think they got me right :)

Abandonment Issues (a Haiku)

2010-05-24T04:21:00.001-04:00

written 5/23/10

my childhood haunts me

it manifests while I'm grown

i can't be alone...

I dedicate this to all who can relate.

It is my prayer that with time, you find peace.

The Circle

2010-05-15T00:39:00.004-04:00

Right now, in this sacred moment,

I just want to acknowledge and give thanks for

the "Circle"

the prayer warriors,

the carriers of beautiful smiles, encouragement & inspiration

the messengers,

the shoulders which bear my tears,

the wide-open ears who listen to all of my crazy thoughts and ideas

the cheerleaders,

those who may not see me but once-in-a-blue, but always demand & expect GREATNESS!

I give thanks for my ever-widening circle!

With gratitude,

Sheba

Favor...

2010-05-10T01:28:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when I ask the Creator "Why Me?" I get "Why NOT you?" as a response...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25, 33-34 NIV)

This is just a reminder...DO NOT WORRY!

(Your) Faith + God's Favor = Forward Progression...

Amen.

Are You Listening...

2010-04-20T16:22:00.006-04:00

This is a call to action!

As the world shifts in front of our eyes and legends transition to a better realm

I can't help but wonder....

Are you listening?

They are calling us to be better,

to do better

are you listening?

A necessary word...

2010-03-29T19:22:00.001-04:00

On this day, God wants you to know...
... that your love is a gift to the world. Let your love radiate out to all you meet. Let your love touch the hearts of people you don't even know. Let your love reach to the far corners of the earth. Love is what is saving the world.

I needed to see this today. While it was posted as my friend's message on Facebook, I claim it as mine. It was written for me to see in this moment I'm experiencing. I'm questioning a lot right now, and this message just proves that I need to continue to push through. My love is a gift, although everyone may not be appreciative of it. Not everyone is out there to take advantage of & drain my time, energy & attention. Things happen for a reason...

I was meant to see this affirmation, because it is confirmation that I'm on the right path.

Moving on...

N (named Lerato, meaning L-O-V-E)

ok, that was my MJ, "This is It" moment, Ha!

Knowing...

2010-03-28T00:25:00.004-04:00

In August of 2007, I resolved to take a break from people. After constantly being disappointed by so-called friends, relatives, and men (in general), I had had enough. I was done.

I decided that I was going to take a year off. I needed to get me right, physically, spiritually, and most of all mentally. At this point, I was depressed. I was alone (having gone through a tumultuous breakup with my first love), I was unemployed (after busting my tail for an organization that didn't really appreciate my work), and I had gained weight.

I was surrounded by many people, but yet I felt like I was by myself.

I smiled and laughed often, yet I was unhappy.

I cried, a lot...

God removed things & people from my life, and I needed to unearth the reason why.

A year later, after much thought, prayer, reflection and WORK, things began to change.

I relocated to South Africa, and guess what, I fell in love again! Not with anyone in particular (despite what many of my friends believe! LOL!), but with life. I met people who were hospitable and caring. Even though people didn't know me that well, they LOVED me. They helped me recognize the work I needed to do. Life became simpler.

I guess I needed to get out of my comfort zone, and the US for that matter, to realize what was important.

What a difference this period has made.

I felt the need to share this because I KNOW I'm in a different place now. I KNOW how to release people who don't have my best intentions in mind from my life. I KNOW not to be stuck on stupid. I KNOW what tools I need to help me through these rough patches. I KNOW who my support system is. I KNOW my heart. I KNOW my purpose in life is greater than anything I can think, dream, or imagine. I KNOW whose I am. I KNOW I'm at peace. I KNOW I'm Chosen.

I KNOW my true worth.

(another light bulb moment, taken @ Jo'Burg a club on Long Street in Cape Town, South Africa)

Always Evolving...

Pressing my way...

2010-03-16T10:11:00.002-04:00

In spite of feeling defeated,
I'm still claiming victory.

I am fighting this known fear with my faith
& it will get me through...

My recurring prayer will always be...

I am praising my way through this uncertainty,
this confusion...

and I give thanks for what has, is, and will be!

God knows my heart & the desires of it.

and ultimately God knows what is best...

My recurring prayer...

2010-03-11T10:33:00.003-05:00

"In the face of the unexpected (yeah)

you never know what's gonna happen tomorrow,

but I wanna live, I wanna live, I wanna live!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, ohhhh.

I wanna live, I wanna live, I wanna live

with an open heart (yeah)..."

-India.Arie, Living (Interlude)

Testimony Vol. 1, Life & Relationships

The Power of Words...

2010-01-26T12:56:00.002-05:00

Teboho said...
You have such a beautiful soul. The world is yet to see your true worth.
January 4, 2010 2:04 PM

Such a small, yet powerful statement. I have been feeling very blah lately, but I am grateful for my mentee Teboho in South Africa for reminding me of the work I have to do. My day has been transformed. I receive this and hope that it truly comes to pass.

Give thanks,
N

Reciprocity...

2010-01-21T23:44:00.005-05:00

"The social norm of reciprocity is the expectation that people will respond to each other in similar ways—responding to gifts and kindnesses from others with similar benevolence of their own..."

(definition taken from wikipedia)

Recently I had an epiphany that hit me like a mack truck. I figured that I may not be the only person that is going through this, so I thought I would share it with the world...

I consider myself to be a compassionate person. When it comes to people that I care about, be it family, friends, or even someone I may be interested in, I extend myself. Okay, let me rephrase that, I OVERextend myself. There have been countless times where I have consoled people during late night phone calls, connected people with resources, traveled across state lines to be there for someone (often times when I knew my funds were low & I couldn't afford it), fed people, or bought an extra _______ with someone in mind. (The list could go on, but you get my drift...) I've done these things because I felt in my heart that it was the right thing to do. No, I don't think I deserve an award or a pat on the back for anything I do or have done. (It's actually a lot simpler than that...keep reading)

However, I've had a number of events occur over the last few months that made me come to the conclusion that I'm not so sure that these same people that I care about would return these gestures to me. And how have I come up with this conclusion? It's actually very simple, it hasn't happened! Damn! This really effed up my head for a minute. Okay, longer than a minute...

I had someone tell me that reciprocity is the hardest thing to attain in life. Really? Is it that hard? I guess the optimist in me wants to believe that this statement is false. I want to believe that people are not so self-serving and self-absorbed that we forget the old idiom about one hand washing the other.

I won't stop though, but I may just scale back for a while and continue to reevaluate/reduce my circle...It might even be that I attract these kind of people, so I may have some adjusting to do myself. I do recognize & acknowledge that.

At the end of the day, I know that God is the ultimate provider, consoler, and protector, but sometimes, a sista just needs her fellow MAN to look out for her and not have her feeling like she's hanging alone in the dust!

Is that too much to ask??

*sheesh*

(Ujima is still obviously on my mind...)

Want Ad

2010-01-16T00:21:00.006-05:00

Originally written Saturday May 19, 2007. Still relevant today...

Want Ad
Current mood: pensive

ISO (In search of...)

~inspiration

~peace amongst all this madness

~a cause to celebrate instead of lament

~forgiveness for the mistakes I've made

~an answer to my recurring prayer

~motivation

~ internal peace amongst all this madness

~a reason to cry tears of joy

~my muse to sit at my feet and be inspired to create his greatest work

~a subject to daydream about

~hugs and kisses to shower me when I'm feeling alone

~a place to really call home

~revelation

~world peace amongst all this madness

~recognition for a job well done

~a solution to the equation that has been planted in my head for the last five months

~that tingly, giddy feeling...

~confirmation that this isn't just a rehearsal (as they say)

Still searching for…

longing for…

hopeful for…

grateful for…

Liberation

Answering the call for Haiti...

2010-01-13T15:27:00.004-05:00

I'm sure that by now we are all aware of the devastating earthquake that has hit Haiti. We've seen the news reports (some helpful, most not for focusing on the wrong things), & we've seen the pictures. Here's where Ujima (collective work & responsibility) comes into play. For those who wish to actually DO SOMETHING and help our brothers & sisters in Haiti, I've compiled a list of resources where you can devote your time, $$$$, and attention. (Thanks to the the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Black Student Alliance of NYU Wagner, the African Dance NYC listserve, and my other friends for forwarding me this information)

News:
NY Times Lede Blog (updated very frequently)http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/gleaning-information-from-haiti-online/?hp

NECESSITIES:

Cash donations
First Aid
Hygiene
Bulk medical supplies
Clothing & shoes (adult, teen, toddler, infant)
Canned & dry foods
Cleaning products
Cases of water
Blankets and linens
Flashlights
Batteries
Candles
Matches

TO CHECK ON FAMILIES: US STATE DEPT. HOTLINE: 888-407-4747

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE BELOW:

PRAYER

We all know that prayer changes things! Lift up those currently in Haiti as well as those here in the US with relatives and loved ones there. Also pray for those who are and will be working as a part of diaster relief missions. As most of us know, the biggest population of Haitians outside of Haiti is in BROOKLYN, NY!!!

If you are not a praying person, then please send positive thoughts & vibes, meditate, do yoga and ask for donations in support, or just spread the word!

EMPLOYER MATCHING FUNDS
Inquire from your employer if they will be offering matching funds. If not, and you want to encourage them, that would be great also.

CHURCHES/RELIGIOUS HOUSES
Your church may raise a collection, if not, see if they can. (Faith without works is DEAD!)

TEXTING CAMPAIGNS

Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization. www.yele.org
AMERICAN RED CROSS Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.

REPUTABLE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR DONATIONS

UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF. www.unicef.org

U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. 10038 (800) FOR-KIDS (367-5437) www.unicefusa.org

Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

AMERICAN RED CROSS 2025 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (800) REDCROSS (733-2767) www.redcross.org

A note about the Red Cross: A donation to the Disaster Relief Fund does NOT necessarily mean that it will make it to Haiti. If you make a donation to ARC, call the number and specifically state that you want this to be used for the Haiti Earthquake Relief. Also, please know that a percentage of every dollar will be used for administrative overhead so for every dollar you donate, around 89 cents goes to the disaster fund (again specifcy Haiti). (Thanks for this information Soror J.Arnett, former ARC employee.)

AMERICARES 88 Hamilton Avenue Stamford, Conn. 06902 (800) 486-4357 www.americares.org

MERCY CORPS Dept. WP.O. Box 2669 Portland, Ore., 97208-2669 (888) 256-1900 www.MercyCorps.org

OXFAM AMERICA Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, PO Box 1211, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211 (800) 77-OXFAM (776-9326) www.oxfamamerica.org

THE SALVATION ARMY 615 Slaters Lane P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA 22313 www.salvationarmyusa.org

SAVE THE CHILDREN Haiti Earthquake Children in Emergency Fund 54 Wilton Road Westport, Conn. 06880 (800) 728-3843 http://www.savethechildren.org/countries/latin-america-caribbean/haiti.html

Partners in Health (Paul Farmer's organization) - Zanmi Lasante (“Partners In Health” in Haitian Kreyol) is PIH’s flagship project – the oldest, largest, most ambitious, and most replicated. http://www.pih.org/where/Haiti/Haiti.html

A.M.E. Church - Since its founding 28 years ago, AME-SADA has demonstrated the implementation of its mission, Helping People Help Themselves, by providing essential assistance to those in need through health, micro-credit and education programs, as wells as emergency humanitarian aid in Africa and Haiti. www.ame-sada.org/

WORLD VISION Haiti Earthquake Relief P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, Wash. 98063-9716 (888) 511-6548 http://www.firstgiving.com/HaitiRelief

CARE 151 Ellis Street Atlanta, Ga. 30303 (800) 521-CARE (521-2273) www.care.org

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA/MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10001-5004 (888) 392-0392 http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

The Haiti Project is a fundraising and awareness project led by The Global Syndicate, an organization founded by Georgetown alum Jacques-Philippe Piverger. The organization supports existing non-profit organizations that provide lifesaving education, healthcare, and economic development services to Haitian men, women, and children living on the island – a majority of which survive on less than two dollars per day.

Please consider helping The Global Syndicate's Haiti Project in two ways: 1) Donating to http://www.theglobalsyndicate.org/get_involved.html. All proceeds support relief efforts of Project Medishare and Yele, two partner organizations that have robust structures in place to help on the ground: Any amount is huge!

2) Become a volunteer/leader of The Global Syndicate in order to provide long term sustainable development and help mitigate risk of this happening again in our life times! Email info@theglobalsyndicate.org to pledge the most valuable resource: your time. They really need your help now!

Let's give Haiti the same attention the world gave Thailand and those other Asian countries when the Tsunami happened 5 years ago...

Thanks in advance for your HELP! Hopefully, we will all answer the call!

Peace,

2009: A Year in Pictures

2009-12-31T01:12:00.037-05:00

January: Obamania

February: Back to Africa...as an Employee!

March: "Honest" chilling in NYC

April: Partying with NY Housewives

May: Viva Las Vegas

Escape to MIA

June: DST Business (OO-OOP!)

Singing Karaoke for MJ

July: Presidential Encounter (look closely)

Happy Birthday Sheba!

August: Preparing for WAR with my Emmanuel 20/30 fam!

September: Reconnecting with Georgetown fam in DC

October: working & PLAYING in Johannesburg

November: Thanksgiving in Cape Town & catching up with my class

December: Crusin' with Nana

2010...LOOKING AHEAD!!!

GIVE THANKS!!!!

Collective Work & Responsibility

2009-12-28T22:35:00.003-05:00

December 28, 2009

Today represents the 3rd Day of Kwanzaa called Ujima. Ujima means Collective Work and Responsibility and the full definition is To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

The more I think about what this truly means, the more I think that we as a community are growing further away from it. Today's society is too focused on "I" to even care about a "we." Look on the news, look around...do we still care about each other? Are we trying to build solutions together?

*sigh*

I hope that people prove me wrong...

I couldn't help to think about Ujima as I began to reflect on all the lives and institutions lost this year. There are too many to name. We just lost Percy Sutton this week.

I just want to salute a few of the many who have transitioned:

John Hope Franklin
Rev. Timothy Wright
"Pop" Winans
Naomi Ruth Sims
Ernie Barnes
The Boys Choir of Harlem

and to those taken too soon:

Oscar Grant
Derrion Albert
Shaniya Davis

(Mojuba & Ase')

Who will be their replacements?

I am...

2009-12-04T10:24:00.001-05:00

Living my life's dream
Leaving my past behind
Learning to love again, yet
Leaning on God for discernment & increased understanding of self
Lost in a land that no longer feels like home
Listening to the voices of God & my ancestors
Livened by the sound of drums
Lifted by the Source
Laughter, smiles & tears combined in one
Lerato, meaning love (renamed in South Africa)

last, but not least

I am...

Nneka, ever growing, always evolving...

Ase'.

Giving Thanks in Cape Town

2009-11-26T18:07:00.012-05:00

Today was a great day. I've been so blessed to be exposed to the people that I've met along my journey.

I made the decision back in September that I wanted to spend today with my new family in South Africa...and this is a decision that I don't regret one bit!

This was my first African thanksgiving, and the first thanksgiving period for many of the 15 or so people I spent the day with. Here's a pic of the spread:

The menu included BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, spinach, macaroni & cheese (made by me), steamed bread (my absolute favorite!), and for dessert, peach cobbler (also made by me)

Before we ate, we held hands, and I asked my Sisi (sister) Natasha to pray. She began to sing "How Excellent is your name" in English and prompted us to bow our heads & close our eyes as she began to pray in Xhosa with a hint of English. Although I didn't understand all that she said, I knew exactly what she meant just by the fervor and intensity of her voice: God is good!

After we said amen, we all hugged each other.

As we ate, we shared what we were thankful for.

I was glad to have had the opportunity to share this occasion with people here who have touched my life.

My Sisis Natasha, Bongy, & Nolundi (they call me Noluthando, which means love)

Me, Shirley & her beautiful daughters Malika & Tahira

My niece Malika

Me & Simone

Although I try to give thanks everyday, I took today especially to sit back and acknowledge my blessed life and all the things that I am thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Peace,

Nneka

I love what I do!

2009-11-20T13:03:00.002-05:00

Dear Ms Fritz

I would firstly like to thank you for hosting me while I was in New York city, I truly had the most fantastic time of my life and I doubt that I will ever forget such an experience. You are simply the best. The trip to Los Angeles and Texas was great and most importantly the speech went very well. I arrived back at Tuesday and I am truly greatful for what you did for me and what you continue to do for the academy. I miss you so much and hope you are well.

Teboho

It is sentiments like these that trump any frustrations or doubts I've had about the work I've done so far (this year especially) and what I have yet to do...As long as lives are changed and peoples thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs are widened to the vast possibilities of life, then I am good.

Give Thanks...

A Proud Mentor...

2009-11-20T13:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to watch two of our first year students in action, and I wanted to quickly share that experience with you.

On Friday, John Sankara delivered a stirring presentation in Los Angeles at the UCLA/Pacific Council Conference on Leadership and Governance in Africa. John shared his passion for agriculture and his belief that agriculture will be the engine of Africa’s economic growth. After his 20 minute talk, John was kept on stage for a round table Q&A session with a former senior-level manager at Microsoft – and almost all of the questions were directed to (and answered clearly by) John! He was simply outstanding.

On Saturday, Teboho Mabuka addressed 500 people at an event in Dallas – with the likes of Russell Simmons, Smokey Robinson, Barbara and Jenna Bush, and Dikembe Mutombo in attendance. Despite the luminaries around her and the pressure of the stage, Teboho calmly delivered a speech with all of the passion and poetry of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”. It moved everyone in attendance, and the stars came to Teboho to have pictures taken with her after the event! She was exceptional.

Everywhere they have gone, John and Teboho have spoken glowingly about YOU. You are their inspiration and their role models. They rave about the passion and pedagogy of their teachers; the kindness and generosity of their admissions officers; the unending commitment of our staff. I have heard each of them say that they have never been around a group of adults as committed or dedicated to their growth and success. You are very special, and the fruits of your labor are already evident to all who meet them.

Teboho and John have only been on the ALA campus for two months, but their experience here – their experience with you – is changing their lives. Their dreams and goals for Africa are bigger than ever, and I have confidence that they – and their peers – will reach their lofty dreams. On Saturday night, a stranger walked up to me and remarked that “meeting Teboho made [him] realize that Africa’s prospects are bright.” The continent’s prospects are bright indeed, in large part because of the amazing team that supports these young leaders each and every day.

Thank you for all you do, each day, to support our students in their quest to transform Africa.

Chris

______________________________________________

Chris Bradford

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

African Leadership Academy

(I LOVE that my Mentee already has an extensive "Access Granted" celeb photo album!)

[can't be confined...]

2009-11-15T17:03:00.014-05:00

This is a dedication to all of my fellow "out the box" thinkers & doers...

I, like many others, can't be confined to [this]

for in our worlds, our potential is infinite

We can't be restricted to living/loving/striving for better in one place

There is too much out there that still needs to be done!

~children still crying somewhere

~people still dying

~someone whose world could be changed with just a smile or a small investment of time...

so, we go out and do the work!

the world needs REVOLUTION!

a complete paradigm shift

and its up to me/you/us

to not contain our [thoughts/beliefs/possibilities]

to think that you can't be a part of the solution

a way of thinking that only makes you a part of the problem...GET FREE!!!

Only as an adult did I discover that I was destined to be a -

solution builder

change maker

risk taker

Therefore, I can no longer just claim Flatbush, Brooklyn, the five boroughs, Brick City, or the tri-state area for that matter...

I'm trans-continental

a child of the diaspora,

An African, who just happened to be born in America, with Trini & Southern ancestry

I've resolved that home is wherever my heart leads me

and that the world is both my classroom and playground...

My mission will lead me to the ends of the earth

and I will love all those who I encounter...

I came, I saw, I....

2009-11-06T05:05:00.006-05:00

shopped at Northgate Mall
was approached by "Brother Jerome" who said his spirit led him to me, and he was looking for a Christian woman to support him in his ministry
partied with Hugh Masekela at Fred's birthday party
saw people I connected with at the 2008 "Americans in Africa for Obama" fundraiser
connected with my Georgetown family (Leila, Marsha, & Brionne)
went to a John Legend/Keri Hilson concert
connected with my EBC family (Ernesha & Dannese)
went to 2 Jozi clubs: Mynt & Moloko
shopped at the African Craft Market in Rosebank
partied at an exclusive Jozi mansion (owned by someone I know)
ate at McDonald's & Nandos
went to Bikram Yoga
got pulled over by the Johannesburg Police (who, eventually, just wanted my phone number)
became an SA soapie (soap opera) junkie: 7 de Laan, Generations, Isidingo, Muvango
watched Takalani Sesame (Sesame Street) & learned that they have a monster named Kami who is HIV positive...whoa!
watched SA's Got Talent & Superdance
took Arabic, Leadership Development, & Entrepreneurship classes at African Leadership Academy
assisted students with college applications (including one Early Action app to Georgetown!)
met a student who participated in the LEAD Global program (I'm a LEAD alum!)
saw Michael Jackson's This is It for $3.00 (R25)
connected with a New Yorker I was introduced to months ago over email
had going away drinks with friends
went apartment hunting
went to Montecasino...whoa!
was given a going away dinner at a fabulous Thai restaurant by the ALA office staff (and I'm still recovering from that Jam Jar drink!)

and now, 3 weeks later, I'm leaving Johannesburg and headed back to NY (but not for long!)

New...revisited

2009-11-04T04:19:00.002-05:00

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Revelations 21:5

This was actually a post that I began in June and never published because my thoughts were incomplete. However, given the circumstances in my life at present, it's more relevant to complete my thoughts now...

New.

...A word I've struggled with in the past, but yet it is one that's so necessary. I will admit that historically, "new" was hard for me to do. Letting Go, and Letting God, in many aspects of my life, was easier said than done for me.

But fast forward to now, and it's clearer to me that God is doing some "new" things in my life. And these new things just make it apparent to me that in certain instances what God has for me and what I want for myself are completely different and that God's timing is always best.

In terms of the things I wanted to happen in my life this year, I can honestly say that I have accomplished many of them. I've worked for an international education organization, I've saved money, become a faithful tither, developed a somewhat regular workout regimen, spent time with my loved ones, connected with my church family, met people in various circles, cleared debt, and I found my way back to South Africa...twice!

So, I'm preparing for my "new" life:

new adventures

new career path(s)

new people to meet (new love, perhaps?)

and perhaps even a new location

and I'm excited about it.

"See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

I'll just leave you with encouragement from Inspirational Speaker & author Jewel Diamond Taylor:

"As you make room for God to do a new thing in your life you must have the the courage to do a "new thing" for yourself. Growth requires pressing consistency, dedication, purpose and courage."

I pray that we all have the courage to step out and do something new!

Peace,

An African's take on African-Americans...

2009-10-29T13:07:00.002-04:00

Interesting article I read a few days into my return to SA...

http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/khayadlanga/2009/10/19/“i’m-in-the-motherland”-we-laugh-silly-us/

Africa, the motherland

We must not ridicule nor confuse genuine emotional responses with ignorance when African Americans first land here. The ignorant ones are those amongst us who so readily dismiss this response without a moment’s pause to consider or understand the reason for the reaction. (For a while, I was in this number. I too used to laugh. I am no better than the ones who still do.) Simply calling African Americans who do that when they get here is proof of our own ignorance. We who laugh are the ignorant ones. I don’t think we understand the overwhelming emotions that African Americans go through when they come to Africa. I was at the stadium last night when American songstress Keri Hilson said, “it’s good to be in the motherland”. There was much giggling, some even said they knew she’d pull the motherland line. That is said from a place of ignorance and a failure to empathise.

Instead of ridiculing people when they express this, we ought to feel nothing but humility, that we were blessed. It is a blessing that our ancestors were not removed by force to be sold as slaves. A form of slavery where men and women did not give birth to families, but instead bred slaves, much like one would breed cattle, where one’s children were nothing but a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. Families and people from the same villages were separated so they could not pass on stories about their native land to one another. Clearly we don’t understand. We may never have been slaves, but our lack of empathy and lack of understanding might as well be slavery — of our own making and choosing.

In the 80s, when the late great American comedian Richard Pryor decided to leave it all behind for a while and live in Africa, he went to Zimbabwe. I remember watching (it was DVD obviously) him do stand-up about his experience. He said, I may not be quoting him word for word but he said something like, “I went to Zimbabwe. I know how white people feel in America now,” he paused, “relaxed”. We have no idea what it’s like to be black in America.

Yes the kissing of the ground and saying I’m in the motherland may be old. It may be so for us. But it’s not old for the person who steps out of a plane and lands here for the first time. For them, that feeling, that overwhelming emotion is new and needs to be vocalised. Let us criticise ourselves before we criticise.

I have had several conversations with African Americans and when they find out how developed Africa is they say: “American television never shows positive images of Africa. All we see are children with flies, wars, nothing positive.” Granted, some have admitted to me and beat themselves over the fact that they didn’t find out more for themselves about the state of the continent and not just rely on the media.

As much as some of us blame them for having this image of Africa, some of us have one of two images of the African American: the ghetto-living, hoochie mama with her projects, gangster boyfriend. Then there is the image of the high-living rapper, basketball player or football player. We don’t stop to think that there may be those who live in suburbs. This too for us has been the image of the African American. Let’s look at ourselves before we judge them.

In other words, they make assumptions about us, we make assumptions about them too. So neither side has the right to feel superior. We are all wrong for not trying to find out more.

We can either chose to live in our ignorance or try to understand why they feel the way they do when they get here. In fact I would suggest that not just African Americans should feel that way about the motherland. Everyone should. After all, this is where humanity started, if you believe in evolution that is. Some of the world’s oldest human fossils are found right here in Jozi in fact. They are right, this is the motherland. Now leave them alone.

The Invitation by Oriah

2009-10-29T05:32:00.003-04:00

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

I have no doubt that the Divine has a plan and a purpose for everything. I soooo needed to read this piece, at the exact time that I did, and I'm glad that God connected me to the person that introduced me to it. This is indeed where I am in my life right now...

Thank you Annie!

Give Thanks,

"fenced" in...

2009-10-28T17:46:00.011-04:00

The above image shows the front gate of a gorgeous estate in Johannesburg. I happen to know the owner of this estate, and had the opportunity to spend some time here last weekend. The home is gorgeous - one of the nicer homes I've visited in my life. It has 2 floors. On the first level there's a large eat-in kitchen, a wine cellar, formal dining and living rooms, a bar (a room of its own), and a game room. In the expansive backyard, there is a large outdoor living room, pool, jacuzzi, and a tennis court.

So most of you who know me know that I requested a tour of the rest of the house!

(C'mon Son!)

Upstairs there were 3 bedrooms and an office/study. The farthest room was a guest bedroom with an en suite bathroom and a HUGE walk in closet. The second bedroom, was a bit smaller in size, and the bathroom was across the hall. I peaked my head into the Master Bedroom only to see that it was the size of a large studio apartment. Upon walking towards the stairs, that's when I noticed it: a large, ceiling to floor gate extending the full length of the stairs. It had been pushed back so I missed it on the way up.

I was so taken aback by what I saw that I had to inquire about it.

"Do you use this gate?"

"Of course we do. We lock it every night before we go to bed," the owner replied.

Whoa! I thought to myself. "Isn't it a fire hazard?"

"Well, yes, but this is Johannesburg. We have to make sure that we are safe."

I left the conversation at that, since I didn't intend to dwell on a touchy subject...

However, I was completely blown!!!!

While I had struggled with the high walls, electric fences, and the over-saturation of ADT signs everywhere in my first visit to SA, this time, it really hit me. This man and his family had to literally lock themselves in their home. What good was it to live in the lap of luxury if you can't really enjoy it?

I'll keep this in mind as I continue my South African property search. I may just stick to a flat!

Sidebar - In a later conversation, I learned that the gate is referred to as a "rape gate", meaning that someone can break into the home and take all of their material possessions, but can't take the most valuable. I'll let you just marinate on that. That in itself could be its own post...SMH

Sheba's Sojourn

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Flashback

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Get Ready!

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Some Inspiration

Day 14 – What did you learn from traveling abroad?

Day 13 – A favorite travel quote

Day 12 – Someone who influenced you to travel abroad

Happy Mandela Day!

30

Day 11 – Did you have any milestones or “firsts” while traveling or living abroad?

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30 Years to Life

Day 10 – A favorite foreign movie

Day 09 – A song you like from another country/language

Day 08 – A favorite food from another country/culture

I found my Cuban Boo!

Day 07 – Besides people, what did/do you miss from home?

Day 06 – What does “home” mean to you?

Day 05 – What do you bring with you when you travel?

Day 04 – A picture of you in another country

She's still got it!

Day 03 – An adventure/challenge you had while traveling or living abroad

Day 02 – Where you’d like to travel next

Day 01 – Favorite place(s) you’ve been to

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freewrite

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