The need for self-discipline

 

The time has come! The one that was highly anticipated yet with so much energy it has already drained me. I was looking forward to 3rd year of University but nothing prepared me for this. It's as if if January was just yesterday. My mind can't seem to fathom just how on earth April is upon us. For me, this month holds a particular significance. It's a month that will make or break me. It's what I've been looking forward to since the beginning of this degree, seeing just how far I've come. And with no information of where I'm heading after this chapter of my life is over, I open up my arms and I embrace the mistery.

Million Women Rise 2013

As I write this post, thousands of young girls and women from across the country have congregated in central London for the annual event of Million Women Rise march, which takes place every March to celebrate International Women's Day (8th March) with three primary focus;

1) PROTEST: against racism and sexism against women that still exists in our society.

2) RESIST: the culture that objectifies women and girls, blaming the victims and glamorising sexual violence and thus subsequently giving power to the abuser.

3) EMPOWER: the survivors of such violence to know their worth and exercise their rights.


Among them is my mother, who is quite well known in the arena of women activists as she has worked directly with victims of rape and domestic violence for many years. She is also due to speak at the end of the march, at Trafalgar Square with 3 other Congolese women activists who work for peace and justice. I had the huge privilege of finally being able to attend last year's event with a group of powerful, strong women from my home-town, driving 5 hours down to London and 5 hours back. I was blown away at how organised and brilliant the whole day turned out. So much so, that I put a photo/video montage together on Youtube to share my phenomenal experience with others. I'm so gutted I can't make it this year, but for those of you who were not previously aware of this organisation, Please check out their website http://www.millionwomenrise.com/. (Mama happens to be the star of the show, as she and a few other familiar faces are the face of MWR's website).

 

This is our month. And every other day of the year. Let's celebrate each other and acknowledge that we are indeed SUPERWOMEN. From my house to yours, Happy International Women's Day.
(Watch the video I made here:)

ONE WOMEN, ONE BODY, ONE SONG, ONE LOVE

Happy Saturday, <3

Fufu

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.