Wednesday 19 December 2012

A tribute to my mother...

The 5th of December marked a very important day. A day that no-one in my family will ever forget. It was mama's birthday. Not just any anniversary, a milestone...she hit the blessed age of 60. A day that accumilated so much emotion, looking back in hindsight at the marvels of her life. A From the day she was born up to now. Her journey has been a fascinating one, an inspiring one. She has come so far! Only by grace!! 

She has achieved so much in her lifetime that deserves an award but above all...she has given even more. Her time, her energy, her possession, her love to help those around her. Even when she has nothing, it never prevents her to go out of her own way to be a blessing to others. She lovingly, gracefully and joyfully offers up sacrifices for the sake of others. Like my father always says, 'Maman a un don de donner'. He couldn't be more right. Her entire lifestyle demostrates this quote by Anne Frank, 'No one has ever become poor from giving' - and indeed her willingness to give her everything has not only blessed  herself but our entire family in so many different ways. For that I am admire her! I ought to tell her of that more often.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Praise you in the storm!

 
Image by Phil Moore/ Al Jazeera
Exactly 2 weeks ago yesterday the city of Goma (eastern Congo) was captured by the rebel group M23. Fear crippled me. Fear of the unknown, and my heart went out to the mass population of the city and the surrounding area. Amongst them were some of my family members, close relatives and friends. The innocent civilians who's lives were placed under immense danger, who were terrified and therefore had no choice but to leave their homes and forced to become IDPs (internally displaced people). The fear of living in horrible conditions, lacking food or sanitation for themselves and their children, no roof over their heads but above all...simply not knowing whether they'll see another day!