Bala 2013 (in pictures)

 

 

 

This weekend has been phenomenal. After 3 weeks of hardcore working hard, writing my research paper, designing and preparing for presentations here, there and everywhere I've been looking forward to taking a break, particularly anticipating my Church Weekend-Away to a small stunning town called Bala, set in the glorious scenery of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

It was our little retreat together, a time to get to know each other well, for friendships to really blossom and for God to truly manifest himself in us as we looked at the exciting things our church has coming up in the next few years. From my perspective, It  was unmissable. I happened to miss the previous one which took place 2 years ago, and this being my last year as a student, was more of a reason to make sure I attended. Amazing things took place. Lots of revelations, reaffirmations but above all, tears flowed. Of Joy, true authentic JOY that comes from a higher source. We worshipped together, studied the bible, had an Amazing session which was led by our guest speaker Ric Thorpe who came all the way from London.

We bonded, laughed, interceded for one another and grew closer and closer to God. The whole experience far exceeded my expectations, and I'm so glad I had the chance to just take a weekend off to hibernate, stop worrying, focus my sight and faith on the author of time, who is in control of my future and to marvel at the beauty of his wonderful works through nature. So I shall end there, (Still learning to write less and less, rounding things up, cutting to the chase etc)...So here is a few picture I took this morning. A few of us decided to wake up early (6:30am to be precise) and go for an early morning walk to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. It was beautiful, I love how peaceful and calm the mornings are, a perfect time to reflect, meditate, have a one to one time with yourself and God. I am going to try more and more to incorporate this little early morning rise reflection in my daily routine to balance the long busy days. I hope this finds you well, and that you've enjoyed your weekend. Enjoy, (c) Fufu Photography.

 

 

 

 

Finding Contentment in your Single-ness...

Greetings all, So it's been a while. Too long you may even say. Apologies for the absence, I've been SO preoccupied with University life and making the most of my final EVER semester before graduating, that I have lost track of time. Much needed time to blog. Lots has been happening and I promise I'll allocate a set time, when I can fill y'all in on what's been happening in my journey thus far. It's bound to be an interesting one, Believe you me, Life has been extremely fascinating recently. Lots of challenges, Accomplishments and more Trials. But I'll come back to that. Soon. I promise!!

 Anyhow, the main purpose of this post, which is supposed to be brief (Hence why I am quickly typing it up at 2:39am, while my mind drifts off thinking about how on earth I'm going to wake up at 8am for class)...It's all about that four-lettered-word. L.O.V.E. YES, it's back.

We hadn't quite escaped it just yet. It is Valentine's day after all so y'all should've expected this. But like the previous post, this ones also been inspired by a recent online reading I came across, following the twitter sphere, blogs, news exploding with love messages, and what I like to call valentine's day madness; I had to do what I had to do, sharing my thoughts with you guys.

10 questions with El Rehema

Biography:

 

"El Rehema is an up-and-coming Bradford-based rapper/producer dropping his second EP #EternalJourney in February 2013 - date to be confirmed. Refusing to confine himself in a box, he describes his music as human music mirroring the social conditions of people the world over. He bases his subject matter on personal experience, from spending his formative years in the Democratic Republic of Congo to ...tackling issues such as teen pregnancy, among others."

 

I caught up with El Rehema to try and find out more about what has been the driving force and influence behind his music as well as hearing first hand what his upcoming EP #EternalJourney has in store for his broader audience. He also happens to be my brother and I do feature on some of his songs which is about to be released later in February 2013. This is just an opportunity for you guys to find out more about him. I'm very excited to use this platform as a way of elevating and appreciating upcoming talents, and simply ordinary individuals who are inspiring many in their field of profession. This is just the beginning, so watch this space. Inspiring Thursdays! :)

When the going gets tough, BAKE.....

So it's the end of January already? Like, how did that happen...I feel like it was just yesterday I was here posting about how I'm so excited for the new year & the awesome adventures I have ahead. That was 3 weeks ago, oh my. To be fair, life has been super busy for me (nothing has changed)...I did warn you guys that blogging this semester is going to be a challenge, and indeed I was right. It's proving to be more than just that. And the mere thought of that sucks.

Another year, another chance to get it right!!

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a  H A P P Y   N E W    Y E A R !! Full of 'Furaha' (Joy), 'Salama' (Peace), and 'Baraka' (Abundant blessings) indeed in all you do. There's a little Swahili lesson you weren't expecting. :) I proclaim that 2013 is going to be a good year for me!! Just reflecting on what 2012 offered is overwhelming. Through tears and laughter, each day brought forth more HOPE. I have come to a conclusion that it was most certainly a year of new discovery, 'Out with the Old, In with the New'. The year I started Blogging, and as most say, So far so good!
The journey had been a fascinating one, and rather tricky at first. I always knew taking this up would sometimes mean putting a little bit of myself out there to the world. A little bit of my soul, my personality, my frustrations, my fears and Joy. It's been amazing being able to document my journey through this platform and for that I smile.

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.

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!