tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54174068934630021842024-03-13T08:15:17.847-04:00LETTERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA from: An American Girl DancerElsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-19856918718277075932011-01-19T11:31:00.001-05:002011-01-19T11:32:55.707-05:00thank you for reading !to my readers: i now have a new blofgs at <a href="http://www.kurongarongalife.blogspot.com/">www.kurongarongalife.blogspot.com</a> and <a href="http://www.mufukaworksdance.blogspot.com/">www.mufukaworksdance.blogspot.com</a>. follow me on my life after south africa.Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-3789121235488436192009-10-09T05:35:00.003-04:002009-12-03T11:29:43.611-05:00SELF LOVE<span style="color:#ffffff;">09 October 2009<br /><br />Today, I woke up and I decided to work on the computer today. While I have released myself of my duties for just today of taking dance class and rehearsing the dancers of DTL Entertainment, I am finishing some work on the computer and I found myself reflecting on self.<br /><br /><br />When it comes down to it, I must have self love to keep going. Some one once told me: "if you do not love self, how do you expect to love God. SO TRUE!<br /><br />Now I look at myself and I say: "I LOVE YOU"<br /><br />When I stop depending on other people to love me, I had come into loving myself. I have come into a person of my own right so now I could really LIVE. A new chapter in my life. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">MOVING ON.......... In my life, its not all perfect but I am at peace. A sign that I realize of me really growing. I just finished a conversation on the phone with a X-fling and he was with his new girl. The same girl he meant during our fling. Well that is the title that I choose because we never had a fitting title. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Its funny me and him are friends now. REALLY FRIENDS.<br /><br /><br />We both realize that we have twisted minds so we get along on the level. He really has become a good friend to me. Our friendship is all title mixed up friends, sibling vibe, and worse enemies. But its friends AND HE REALLY CAN NOT HANDLE HOW I AM RIGHT NOW....I AM WALKING THIS WORLD IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT.....I REALIZED: HIS NOT MY HUSBAND, GOD STILL PREPAIRING THAT LUCKY GUY FOR ME.<br /><br />So, what else? </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">My dancing, I laugh at God now because I really got out of shape. when I had stop dancing for 4 months, he now has giving me an opportunity to dance for DIKA / MOKAYDF @ 19:45. OCTOBER 30, 2009. TICKET PRICE $50. I KNOW CHEAP PLUG.<br /><br />I am ready now. guess what? I'm playing in a love triangle and the raped girl. of course, i will get the emotional role. I CANT WAIT...:) So, what else?I am SKINNIER NOW. thats God. I did not even do anything.<br /><br />So, what else?</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I LIVE IN SOWETO.Soweto is so big, I live in Klipspruit. Its a relax place and its in the hood. I just mind my business and the people are like family to me.<br /><br />So, what else?Just dedicating my day to finding sponsors for DTL Entertainment and also looking for fresh new dancers.<br /><br />AUDITION WEEK: STARTING OCTOBER 12 @ SABC 1:00-4:30PM. TELEVISION SIDE ENTRANCE 7. I KNOW CHEAP PLUG. got to be on the grind people<br /><br /><br />A passage from my "Ma" in Soweto:</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">She said: "Let me tell you about the Wash Tower"<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Today as I was reflecting on self, "Ma" was working outside. As she was working, The Wash Tower people had come and she chased them away.<br /><br />Wash Tower - An English Church<br /><br />They once came to her house before she invited them in. They said: "We want to teach you about the Bible" So, they talked about the Bible to "Ma." She said: "she knows the Bible but she wants to know more." After some time, they just stopped coming with no reason why they left.<br /><br />They passed her house with no greeting and they did not come at all. Until now, they had come to her house again.<br /><br />Now, she has chased them away. She does not hate them but she dislikes their ways. "Ma" did study their perception of the Bible and she did not agree with some of their ways.<br /><br />She said: "We all pray to one God" This does not give the right for anyone to try to get some one of abandoning their personal traditions. the Wash Tower have adopted english people religion and they deny their traditions. For example, the black people tradition in South Africa is when your father dies: you must go to their grave.<br /><br />Wash Tower believes you can not community with the dead because they are dead. They add: "your traditions are not right and you must come to the rightful beliefs of our church."<br /><br />"WE ALL PRAY TO ONE GOD"<br /><br />GOD BLESS AND READ MORE</span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-17712687350015850872009-10-08T14:13:00.003-04:002009-12-03T11:46:54.906-05:00SHE SAID: YOU MUST BE CAREFUL3 OCTOBER 2009<br /><br />At this moment, I am sitting in a taxi. Riding in a taxi, the other South Africans think that your not successful. I do not mind. In fact, I do not mind riding taxis because they take me places in a fast matter. If I had a car, I will not have any clue of how to get anywhere.<br /><br />ANYWAYS I am meant for something bigger than myself. This next entry will be hard for me to write because I do not know where to start. When in doubt, you must start from the beginning. My father told me once.<br /><br />So here it is:<br /><br />As August ended, I moved out of my apartment. For a year, I stayed in that apartment and I grew up into a woman there. Instead of leaving on a good note, I left in a panic. You see, my landowner was charging me R7500 ($1000.00) monthly rent. She over charged me because I did not know any better. Well, I found out about the overcharge but it was nothing to be done. So I stayed and I moved out year end.<br /><br />"Money is the root of all evil."<br /><br />As I am moving out, she had given a comment that I kept the place nice. Just like she said when she measured her table during my stay there. All I needed to do was get professional cleaning for the carpet and couches. I never received a writing notice of noise level or anything.<br /><br />In her brand new car, she had come to my work and picked up the keys for the apartment. I had ended a chapter in my life.<br /><br />NOT<br /><br />I just walked into another chapter with that apartment. A week later, she sent an email claiming demage changes of about R10,000. Telling my parents in USA, I also had noise compliments like my parents had enough to deal with. I am glad that my parents know me well enough.<br /><br />She said:"you must be careful"<br /><br />So I just transferred taxis to town, Joburg. I was coming from Soweto. In Soweto, I meant this woman that I live with because my friend took me in her home. This woman is her mother. In my mother's absence, this woman has openned her heart to me and has taking me as her own daughter.<br /><br />She told me her story: from her experiences, she has learned not to trust a man. You must wait until your sure. On the street that she lives, she has witnessed many deaths of young mothers and fathers. The cause has been AIDS.<br /><br />PAUSE<br /><br />To my INTERNATINAL friends AIDS is not only in Africa. This is a problem everywhere. So i am not writing another poor Africans AIDS story. I am writing reality. The reality has been people really think that AIDS could not happen to them. It could happen to anybody even girls like me especially girls like me. What is a girl like me? A girl that has seem to have everything her whole life but her purpose is to fight for her identity.<br /><br />TRUTH: the men who hold AIDS are those ones who wear the nice suits and ride the fancy cars.<br /><br />They say: I love you and they hold the sickness. I guess they believe of holding the world because of their money. They think of being invisable. Se said: You must be careful. I choose now to wait for marriage. For I am meant for something bigger.<br /><br />SHE SAID: "GOD HAS GIVEN EVERYONE SENSE."If you do not use God's sense, your education is nothing. God has given you the hands to work. the people on my street, I am so proud of them of using God's sense and their two hands. When some believed, we were going to live in shacks for the rest of our lives. We built houses. In the past, Joburg was called the city of Gold under white people's leadership. The city was worth alot but they did not give the black people anything.<br /><br />Nevertheless black people, remained clean in their skin becuase they did not loose HOPE. If you went into a black person's shack, you will be surprise of the cleaness. "BLACK PEOPLE ARE PROUD" (just quoting people, no offence)<br /><br />She said: YOU MUST BE CAREFUL.<br /><br />At the moment, I have no money to my name but I am rich. I am rich of confidence of believing in myself. I know one day with my educaiton, two hands, and God's sense. I will become what God planned for me.<br /><br />SHE SAID: "You must be careful"<br /><br />and I listened......Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-29774781949926944002009-10-08T14:06:00.000-04:002009-10-08T14:12:28.729-04:00IM BACK WRITINGTuesday September 29, 2009 I have been in South Africa for a year and a month. I have falling in love, DANCED, depressed, DANCED, dance, DANCED, found God, DANCED, got SAVED, DANCED, taught dance, DANCED, gained weight, DANCED, had sleepless nights, DANCED, got played, DANCED, build a idea for my company, DANCED, workout, DANCED, partied too much, DANCED, felt guilt, DANCED, physical connection, DANCED, lied, DANCED, truth, DANCED,worked at a bar, DANCED, CRIED A LOT, DANCED, felt the LOSS OF FAMILY (being far away from them and wondering if they know I love them ), DANCED, FOUND TRUE LOVE WITH IN MYSELF, DANCED. In the mix of all that, I stop dancing for 4 months in between and it killed me (ya! I gained a lot weight and the biggest I have ever been). I know the only thing that kept me alive. I stopped for a minute but I found out my purpose surrounds DANCE. So there is the TRUTH, my journey in South Africa. Even when I went through the hardships, I had always had dance and the kids in Alexander townships, the professional dancers at DTL Entertainment, and my dance mentor Gustin Makgeledisa of Taelo Dance Theatre, help me find that I will always be a dancer. On September 13, 2009, I got saved and I never looked back. The month before that I read my Bible and I cleansed myself. When that day came I went to the alter and I left my sins behind. Yes! I do not party anymore and everything that went with it. I had become a woman of GOD. So the journey that I started on August 2008. I realized that now. My GOD was preparing me for something bigger than myself. FACT: MY FATHER IS ZIMBABWE SO I AM ZIMBABWEAN. So, What is my destiny? I don’t know destiny is a mystery. What I do know is that I was not placed here for no reason. As I am about to leave SA, I got offered a job position with DTL Entertainment in SA. As a dance instructor, rehearsal director, brand manager, brand manager, and assistant. You see, when you have faith. He deliverers. So now, I have to follow that path. At the moment, I am getting my spirit back. The enemy has tried to break it. So here I am. I hope yall understand: my whole life has prepared me for upcoming. “Dance and be a positive role model” “It disappointed me that me and him ended that way, I REALIZE IT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME.” “I AM MEANT FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN MYSELF”Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-399472415974610372009-07-08T08:28:00.000-04:002009-07-08T08:29:35.524-04:00DEAR MY BEST FRIEND<span style="color:#ffffff;">For years, we watched Sarafina and we both agreed to it being our favorite movie. However after all these years of watching that movie, I finally really got it. It was on the other night on DSTV (South African satellete television) and I really cried the whole movie. Even if I did tear up before, I really cried this time. Simply, I knew where Parktown was now. I felt how she felt visiting her mother in the suburbs working as a maid while they lived in the townships. I knew the looks that the people were given by the other race like they are nothing. Most of all, I felt the result to prayer because they are just tried of everything and they just hoping for their day to come. I FELT THAT BECAUSE I AM HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA NEARLY 14 YEARS LATER. Even if it has been settled through government, its still new of togetherness and people are really trying. There are people coming together but they are some people who just could never forget on both sides. Oh! best friend...you know my heart better than anyone and you know i operate on it always. To tell the truth, I believe my work in dance could contribute on bring togetherness by just simply raising the question. I went through racism in the states and now I am here. I know that I could not ever escape it. But it has been such a vital part in my life, I could at least try to give the chance of people having awareness to it. With an awareness, it gives room for change. To my best friend, I know that I could not change the entire world but I will try to change 3/4 of it. Thank you for still pushing me to my ultimate being! </span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-83990871670988624132009-07-06T09:12:00.000-04:002009-07-06T09:13:21.306-04:00DEAR DADDY:<span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">As the month of June passed, I remember you because June was your month. In the same month of June, it’s your birthday and father’s day. I did call you on father’s day and I was so excited to hear your voice that I did not say Happy Birthday. But I did remember your birthday but unfortunately I had no airtime on my phone. So I decided to tell you how much I love you all in one phone call. By the way, AIRTIME has happened to mean MINUTES in South Africa. <br /><br />Oh daddy! Could you believe that it has been a year since I left the states? Being in South Africa, I have learned so much. Even that I am going through ups and downs here, I am so happy to be here. The one thing that drove me to stick it out was your words a year ago.<br /><br />We were in Greenwood, South Carolina at the lake. You said to both my brother and I: “One day that we should surpass you in achievements in life because that was how the world will grow.” I believed that I have done just that. With your spirit of dreaming in me, I went to see for myself what was out there. <br /><br />I could not express in words what I have seen and felt here. As my year in South Africa goes by, I do wonder if it has happened to be my time to go or if I am just beginning the journey. What ever I decide, I know you will be behind me.<br /><br />I know this because you’re the best dad in the world because you dealt with me all these years. It was your life experiences that raised me into the best woman that I could be. Now I completely have an understanding of the way you raised me. I believe that I could accomplish anything. <br /><br />You have let me go out into world, I hope you know that I am searching for something that I could not even tell you what myself. But thank you for just being there for me.<br /><br />I hope you know that I am not away from family but I have placed myself in the biggest challenge of my life to find my inner self on my own. With this said, I do miss you dearly. All your jokes, quotes, laugh, and even you cutting the grass with that big tractor…..<br /><br />Daddy! I felt it in my heart that after a year things are coming together here in South Africa. And even if I am stepping into womanhood, I am still your little girl and no one could take that away. </span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-80304406191597581382009-05-11T08:44:00.001-04:002009-05-11T08:46:30.695-04:00DEAR MOM<div align="center">I am 23 years old now that means 23 years ago. You had me. Everyone has expressed that you spit me out. I believed their reference was saying: “I look like you.” WELL! I do not know if they meant of me being your exact twin. But I do know that I have your eyes. I have your eyes that have the ability to look at the world with no limits. Truthfully I had always believed that I do not deserve them. Having your eyes meant to me that I am your reflection and that has always scared me. One of my greatest fears was I will never live up to your expectations. Then I realized that you never judged me. You just have a need for me to be happy.<br /><br />But Mom, you must know why I feel that way. All my life, I have watched you work so hard for Howard and I. So we could have a better life. In result to you, I had always wanted to give back to you by being my best self. At the moment, I am in South Africa. I had a need to prove to myself of making my dreams possible. I did. I am a professional dancer and better yet an international one. I am working in advertising. On top of that, I have pushed myself to be my ultimate being of living in my culture and making it on my own.<br /><br />However after 23 years, I still you more than ever. I have a love/hate relationship with South Africa. After I had gotten out of my depression of financial issues, I had really opened my eyes to the purpose of me coming here. While in deep thought, I believe my whole life prepared me for South Africa. Remember all those dance classes to filling different than everyone else in high school. To College, I met Natty and Dr. Carter both residents in South Africa. To the family, that had all made me have an urge to learn about culture. With all of those experiences, I realized early on that I had to find my destiny because the power has always been within me.<br /><br />Now, I thank you for being my mother. For all your hard work, strong being your ability to make me love myself, your education, beauty, your example of hope for true love, your heart, your understanding, your cooking, your laugh, and of course your eyes.<br /><br />With your eyes of seeing no limits, I ask you to be mother even more in my old age and help me choose my next step in life. In my adulthood, I feel that I need your more than ever.<br /><br /><br />HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO THE GREATEST MOTHER ON EARTH<br /><br /><br />“DREAMS COME TRUE”<br /><br /><br />“EVERYTHING ALWAYS WORKS OUT FOR ELSIE” </div>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-54445874471739318342009-03-16T18:59:00.002-04:002009-03-16T19:07:38.375-04:00SHE HAD TOLD ME<div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">MY VIEW OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb7a8C_lbyI/AAAAAAAAAJE/g5Qw7tpfxz4/s1600-h/PICT0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313925335474335522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb7a8C_lbyI/AAAAAAAAAJE/g5Qw7tpfxz4/s400/PICT0006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">MARCH 17, 2009<br />As she looked through my soul, she had told me that I was going to be great one day. Besides my parents, she was the only person that believed in me. She was a confident, vibrant, and beautiful person. I had called her my second mother being that she was my mother’s best friend.<br /><br />In an environment that I never felt a sense of belonging because I was visually different than 95% of my surroundings. As my second mother, she had told me that I was going to be great one day.<br /><br />Frequently I have many thoughts about her because I seen her in me. As I look over the balcony of my apartment this night, I have deep thoughts about her.<br /><br />In everyone’s eyes, she had seemed to be the happiest person in the world. She had everything a woman could image. But deep into her soul, she was hurting and she had become weak into fighting the demons within her. I have seen her in me. She had told me that I was going to be great one day.<br /><br />In my last day of seeing her, she looked deep into my soul with her red eyes. She told me: “hang on and never let anyone put me down.”<br /><br />She knew” she saw within my soul that I was not that perfect image of a person. I had demons within me and I try to fight them off every day. My demons are based on addiction but I have refused to let it ruin my destiny.<br /><br />“the devil is a liar”<br /><br />She had told me I will be great one day and I will do it just for her. Even when I do not think of me deserving the greatness, I will remember her. Before her demons took over, I remember her being a great second mother to me; I remember her giving me a hug in front of people will never accept my visual exterior as their equal; I remember her great cooking; I remember her great talent of taking care of everyone, and I remember always looking fabulous.<br /><br />She had told me that I will be great one day and I will.<br /><br />Despite what people think of my journey to South Africa, those people will know this journey has given the opportunity to just think about everything.<br /><br />R.I.P my second mother, my greatest memory of you was during the home coming game. You were so proud of me and I was so proud to you support me. My last day of seeing you, I had seen in your eyes of making peace with him. I know you are watching me carefully up there with him. Thank You </span></div>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-89046731853030348802009-03-16T12:14:00.004-04:002009-03-16T12:23:23.802-04:00I HAD A DREAM ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA....YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE WILL TAKE YOU<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58fRMwEvI/AAAAAAAAAI4/34j94Ml0rS0/s1600-h/PICT0028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313821486978437874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58fRMwEvI/AAAAAAAAAI4/34j94Ml0rS0/s400/PICT0028.JPG" border="0" /></a> my homegal in SA<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58evZcYjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/8xY2UJyocqE/s1600-h/PICT0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313821477904867890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58evZcYjI/AAAAAAAAAIw/8xY2UJyocqE/s400/PICT0007.JPG" border="0" /></a> my view outside of my apartment<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58eMK3OoI/AAAAAAAAAIo/rIjt4KF6fjc/s1600-h/PICT0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313821468448471682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/Sb58eMK3OoI/AAAAAAAAAIo/rIjt4KF6fjc/s400/PICT0004.JPG" border="0" /></a> me looking fabulous in my apartment. see family! i have the pics of you guys right behind me.</div><div> </div><div>now! for my blog writing......<br /><br /><br /><div>MARCH 11, 2009<br />At the moment, I am riding on the taxis to go to Sunninghill. After a get together at my flat, I woke up at 6:00am to meet up with my friends. My friends are two girls from Zimbabwe. Actually one of them will be my roommate soon, I will call her M. The other one asked me the number one question: “What are you doing in South Africa? I replied, living to the fullest.<br /><br />Oh Boy! I have lived to the fullest. I found my inner self here. Through the journey of living in some else’s shoes, I have been through many up and downs. Right Now! I am in a place of seeing my future. I started my company called The Mufuka Works. What do I do? I promote events and I am an advisor. Under my company, my main clients are FUSION ENTAINMENT SOLUTIONS AND KEYES LOUNGE.<br /><br />For the past few months, I have been promoting Keyes Lounge. Then I hooked up with Fusion which they inspired me for my company. My boss from Fusion has been like my older brother. I am watching him closely so I could be like him. He said: “I could get my own branch off of Fusion and run it.<br /><br />Then my impromptu company could be official. Well…I will wait till the stars line up for that until then I am moving myself up slowly.<br /><br />Speaking of Fusion, it has been exactly what I was looking for. Their main focus has set to be on representing artists but they are in the mix of event planning with top name venues.<br /><br />My personal experience with them has been in the mix of advertising for Steve H, Hip Hop Pentsula (HHP), and Obita. Steve H. just happened to be one the top Africaans artists.<br /><br />Then my excitement of being with Fusion had come when I was advertising for HHP and Obita. They are the hottest hip hop artists in South Africa. HHP has already established his title. As for Obita, his hot new buzz in South Africa. Speaking of timing, I am going to be a part of him rising up in South Africa.<br /><br />So stay tune as my journey in South Africa continues……………………………………..<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>"i am an artist"</div></div><br /></div>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-11231616304493597582009-03-03T17:48:00.003-05:002009-03-05T08:52:23.307-05:00I HAVE STORIES TO TELL MY GRANDCHILDRENMARCH 1, 2009<br />On May 2007, I did research for my dance seminar thesis on Zimbabwe. My research was in New Mexico at an African Dance Camp. This African Dance Camp was in the middle of Albuquerque which was going through an overcast and it was very cold in the middle of their dessert environment. In this environment, I was living in a tent and taking intense dance, lecture, and music classes. The classes were all based on African culture and especially Zimbabwe. As I left, I was invited to the second session camp just concentrating on Zimbabwe but I could not attend because of summer school at Coker College. As I left the camp, I remembered the hurt feeling in my heart. It was not the fact of leaving the camp. It was the fact of leaving my culture.<br />I never forgot the hurt feeling and it made me in need of knowing more. What did I do? I left everything of my comfort zone and I went exploring my culture in the next best thing…..SOUTH AFRICA.<br />I have been here for seven months now. Through the struggles here, I found myself. I said: “I found myself”<br />As I looked outside of the view of Randburg, South Africa, I had come to the realization of always being on self discovery even when I am 50 years old. EVERYDAY WILL BE DIFFERENT! In result; I will be different so I owe myself to challenge my mind. I owe it to myself to see the world, read good books, spend time with family, take risks, make mistakes, cry, live on passion, love , heart break, make friends, break friendships, sin, research, and live in some one else’s shoes. All in all I owe it to myself to live life. So I could tell my grandchildren stories.<br />Well….I AM ALIVE. I am accomplishing my dreams.<br />Speaking of dreams, I had one dream all my life and it was to be a professional dancer. My professional dancing career has become like drinking alcohol before the required age. Because….once a person had become of age the trill has gone.<br />At sixteen, I was in the mix of the professional dancer scene. At eighteen, I went to college for dance and in the same year I received the title of top 10 dancer for the Millie Lewis Competition. At 22 years old, I had made my ultimate dream of dancing for an international company. My location had happened to be in South Africa.<br />I DID IT! I achieved my ultimate dream. NOW WHAT? Yes! I wanted more. Dance has become my passion but deep down inside I knew of not being a professional dancer forever.<br />This statement has become hard for me to say but it has become brutal honesty. When I watched Hedi Klum on television, she said:” Dance is my passion but deep down inside I knew I was not going to be a professional dancer.”<br />Now! I am an artist and I always will be. But…I am going into a different direction with my art. I have a need to bring dance on a higher level. Finally! I have a need to take out the question, what can you do with dance? Because….. the world will know about the intensity of dance. My new level in life…..promote dance to the mainstream.<br />I choose for my home base to be South Africa.<br />I believe people will always ask themselves, why they are here on Earth. For me, I have always asked myself that question. So I just followed my instincts. I was brought to South Africa by a dream and I will tell my grandchildren my experiences. So they could ask themselves that same question of why are their here on Earth. Hopefully, they will listen to their grandmother’s stories and find out by living life to the fullest.<br />In this day and age, my generation has limited stories to tell their grandchildren. I believe because my generation has become lazy because we have limited things to fight for. I often here from my elders about the civil rights movement, World War II, and my grandmother the independence in Zimbabwe. The elders have told me what they fought for. For me, I also have a need of telling my grandchildren what I fought for……SELF CHALLENGE.<br />Thank you Grandparents for telling me your stories! Being name after my grandmother, I hope to live up to her expectations.<br /><br />THIS BLOG ENTRY IS DEDICATED TO MY LATE GRANDPA KAPFADZE AND GRANDPA MUFUKA ……………………………………………………….Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-22866890586979123332009-02-21T13:14:00.000-05:002009-02-21T13:16:48.142-05:00VALENTINE'S DAYIM A FREE SPIRIT-FEBRUARY 14, 2009<br />For the past few months, I have been just flowing with the universe. In other words, I have been waiting for things to happen to me. If I carried positive energy things will happen, I have always believed in that. Well…I have carried positive energy and things have happened. Today I have stopped to think about things that have occurred in my life. <br /><br />At the moment, I have two things going well in my life. Those two things are signs in my life. These signs have strongly shown to me; his still watching me. He has a stronger faith in me that I do not have in myself. Today has happened to be Valentine’s Day and I did not do anything for the holiday. But I never do anything. I just acknowledge the holiday and I think about my loves and the others who love me. <br /><br />Luckily I have great loves in my life. My creator and his son hold love for me. My father and mother hold love for me. My dear brother loves me. Even if some do not know me completely, all my family loves me. My lovely friends hold love for me. The strangers that I encounter love me. My teachers love me. <br /><br />In the midst of all this love, I lost a little love for myself. At least, I acknowledge the inconsistence of my self love. With this inconsistence of self love, my current life has spun a little out of control. But that’s life! You live and learn. At the moment, I have learned a lot. I deserve more.<br /><br />Even if my life has spun out of control, I am going to have fun taking it back. Yes! I believe in positive energy but you are still responsible for your actions.<br /><br />“Even when you’re 30, 40, or even 50 years old, you will always be on self discovery.”-Lorica <br /><br />So I have always been searching for something. But I am done with my search. I am just gaining my self love. So when life has something to throw at me, I am ready with full armor because I know the essence of me. <br /><br />On this Valentine’s Day, I reflected on the past few months. I just laughed at all little mishaps of breaking my phone, running out of internet, and other little mishaps. Also I looked backed on the friends made by me, my new job as a event planner, my new hair style, the connection made with this one particular person, and how close I feel with my family.<br /><br />As the last hour of Valentine’s Day comes to passing, I say: “I LOVE ME.” WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!<br /><br />Lord! Please hold on to me and forgive me for my sins. My flesh was weak but I am taking back my dignity. For some reason, you keep on saving me from my sins so I know you have a bigger plan for me. I will be going to church tomorrow and let my spirit run free. I AM A FREE SPIRIT!Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-78756655417967257842009-02-11T15:19:00.001-05:002009-02-21T13:14:00.310-05:00THIS SELF DISCOVERY IS HARD<span style="color:#ff9900;">JANUARY 10, 2009</span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">This week at the BUSH….I was full of emotions because I was thinking about home a lot. I miss home but I do not have a need of going back. I am at peace in SOUTH AFRICA. It has given me time to clear my head. South African people are relaxed human beings. They have the most holidays, the whole world stops for them on holidays. Nobody does work or anything. Every day of the holiday has a vibe of Sunday. Even not on holidays, they also have a braai ever weekend. At the same time, they have this South African sense of humor. They are really sarcastic. I had come to South Africa for a mere sense of experience so I could have a sense of self. At the same time, I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to see my ability of making it into an international dance company. To prove to myself, I am good enough to be a dancer. So I did. I made the dance company and I did my other love of marketing/advertising for the company to. I did travel around the world. I accomplished everything my solitarian said I would. Yea! In high school, the solitarian said the dreams of my 2004 class’s aspirations. For me, she said I will become a dancer like I always talked about. Well my solitarian and old friend, I did become a dancer. My dancing has taking to places in life that I only dreamt about. Now, I have aspirations for something more. You see I had to make a dance company because I had to prove to myself of doing it. I had to prove to people who told me “NO.” Now I am here and I still do not believe in me as being a good dancer. I believe me in being a good performer because I have put ever bit of energy into my dancing. Even if I have put all my energy, I will probably not ever be the image dancer that I see for me to be in body sense. So I have found in South Africa the inner worth of my capabilities. I am a dreamer. I have the ability of making dreams happen and not just myself but others. I inspire. Inspiration has happened to be my purpose in life. How will I take this gift into something bigger? I will inspire other people by putting dance work on them and I will inspire the audience by them watching my work. At the same time, I will use my marketing/advertising skills for the whole world to see. “SOME PEOPLE ARE BRILLANT DANCERS BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PUT TWO STEPS TOGETHER,”-LOCIA I accept the fact of me being a better choreographer. I use to be told of me being too much of an emotional dancer. However, my emotions that I put in my dancing are what has got me this far. If they could feel the soul of dancers, I believe more people will connect to dance. So I thank South Africa for giving me the space to think about all of this. Right Now! I am working at the Bush (the pub I work for) and taking dance classes which I started today. We had a holiday for a month and two weeks from Ntsoana. The dance classes I am taking are at Corenergy (the dance church). I start Ntsoana on January 20, 2009. However the Bush and Corenergy had really forced me to connect to my inner self. Corenergy has helped me spiritual connect myself with my body. The Bush has connected me to so many different people. Just listening to people’s stories, they inspired me to so much choreography. It has become like using my presence to tell their story one day. At the Bush, I have meant Africans (mostly dutch language white people), English white South Africans, Zulu, and Suto. I listened to all of them and I watched their body language. In the Bush, these people are one people. You will never know about Apartheid in South Africa many years ago when the blacks did not communicate with the whites well. Ok! I put that in the nicest way possible. They have come a long way from 15 years ago. I often get asked: “IS THERE RACISM IN AMERICA.” I always replied, “HELL YES” Then I always replied there has happened to be racism every where. Now it just happened to be hidden. I have called it silent racism. When your racist and you may not ever know it, I have seen it in people’s eyes. Especially when some first have meant me, I remembered it when interviewing for an internship and I had seen it. What did I see? I had seen their judgment about me that I was not what their looking for. I just knew it was the perception of the color of my skin. I AM BLACK. I JUST KNEW IT OK! It was not until they saw my education and experience qualifications that they begun opening their eyes and ears. They had seen me as a presentable young lady and they asked about my accent. I had told them my parents are Zimbabwean but I was born and raised in America. Suddenly I had become different than other black people. I AM BLACK. I use to say this same thing to my friends at my mostly white private school. I usually will say “I AM BLACK” to my white friends when they slipped the N bomb. They told me that I am different than the other black people. Whatever that was suppose to mean to them. I just knew it meant that I was probably the only black person that they had a chance to connect with. Now I had meant a South African guy who said: “South Africa just put their racism in the books but racism is everywhere.”I have white friends who have told me I am different than Black people. I AM BLACK. Also I have black friends who say I am different than Black people. I have meant people who have many black friends but they still make racist comments now and then. I have seen people’s faces of fear as I approach them, may be from some bad experience they had so they blame the whole race. I have seen white women with black husbands but still get scared of a black man. It could be because they are not their black man. Now I have seen all these things in America and I have seen them in South Africa. I know the same thing goes for all differing races even the other way around with blacks being racist against whites. As for me, I have all different friends and I would not notice their color if the world had not force it on me. I am forced in South Africa and even other places like America or Europe. I choose now not to let it bother my connection to all my people (black, white, Spanish, Chinese, and etc…...) I have a lot of mixed friends. Just those friends in my life, is my hope for unity...well...i know unity is here but some people just need to catch up. Now, it is February 11, 2009. My plan is altered. I am no longer working with Ntsoana Contemporary Dance Theatre. I only dance with Corenery. I do not work at the Bush anymore but I might be soon again because my customers are asking about me. I have a new job as an event planner with Keyes Lounge. I plan parities. I realize that this is my only chance to be a gipsy so I am taking it. I finally asked myself this question: “AM I BEING LOVED THE WAY I GIVE LOVE?” My answer was “NO” For the first time in my life, I believe I moved on and I allowed my heart to open again. In a second, the universe brought something in my life that I never that I could find in someone else. I AM AT PEACE. article featured on www.lettersfromsouthafrica.blogspot.com</span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-44639072761919879262009-01-06T18:47:00.000-05:002009-01-06T18:49:58.187-05:00JANUARY 5, 2004 – THE BUSH (THE PUB/RESTAURANT I WORK FOR.)<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffff00;">Today, I woke up early to go running and I cleansed the body and mind with cardio. Along with Morning Prayer, I was prepared for the day. BOY! Did I need my mental and physical cleanse.<br /><br /> At the BUSH I meant a lot of different people. I meant this boy with red hair and he had black coffee with a rare T-Bone. It was his birthday and he was there with the whole family including his drunken father. <br /><br />On the flip side, I meant two business men. They had given good advice on opening franchises. Through out the day, I had interesting people come in. It was toward the end of the day and I had just finished the book, THE SECRET. The secret has happened to be such a wonderful enlighten book. I recommend it to all people as a self help book. <br /><br />It was going toward 8:00pm and I usually get of at 5:00pm. As I cashed out my last customer, I had a curious customer that I had asked to speak with me. He was curious about my arrival to South Africa. <br /><br />In response to his curiosity, I said to him “for the experience.” I had a long day and I just did not have a patience to explain my whole existence in South Africa. But I ended up staying at the BUSH for another hour talking to this man. I just could not leave the conversation. <br /><br />The man was in between believing in God and Atheist. He believed in 80:20. According to my understanding of his explanation, this belief was based on each person consisting of 80% good and 20% bad. He never said that he did not believed in GOD but he did not say he believed in GOD. He said: “I do not believe he created the Earth, Heaven, Animals, and most importantly human beings. He went on talking about a limbo. According to him, the limbo was the place before heaven where people just float around the area mostly unborn died babies. I was not aware of all the information being voiced out to me. Simply because I do not personal believe in his beliefs so I do not spend extra energy putting that information in my mind. Then he questioned my intelligence and I said only one higher power has the right to judge me…… GOD<br /><br />How did this conversation come up? Well…..I finally told him about my drive to come to South Africa. I am in South Africa because of my faith. The faith in God having a plan for me and I am going to go with the wave lengths of my destiny. I am attacking the steps to achieve it. <br /><br />As a Christian, I do not argue. I have discussions so I answered all of his beliefs with scriptures. At the end of the conversation, I did get disturbed with his presence because I felt this evil vibe around him. The conversation did get heated that this other man intervened. He said to me: “I am inspired by your faith because I could see your positive spirit.” After this man said that to me, I looked at the 80:20 man and I could tell of his unhappiness because of his look of uncertainty of existence. As he consumed more beer, I noticed this look on his face. <br /><br />In the end, he had his beliefs but never explained it accurately. Simply because he just did not know. He expressed about this force creating everything but he could not say where or what the force had come from. So we ended the conversation because it was not going anywhere.<br /><br />However the conversation did affect me because the man’s eyes had held corruption of the world. I actually had come home crying and I prayed to my creator. I told him “OH LORD YOUR ARE A POWERFUL GOD TO CREATE HUMAN BEINGS WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE COMPLEX BRAIN TO THINK AGAINST YOU. “<br /><br />I had come out of my prayer and I had promised myself. I am going to be a better prophet. I am going to fill myself with the word. I am going to be my creator’s image.<br /><br />As I head to sleep, I thank GOD for giving me the opportunity to have that conversation because it tested my faith. I found out that I know myself. As time goes by I do not fear myself in terms of my abilities, I am allowing myself to be an unlimited being that could accomplish anything. <br /><br />We often get distracted with this thing called our body and our physical being. That just holds your spirit. And your spirit is so big it fills a room. You are eternal life. You are God manifested in human form, MADE TO PERFECTION. ~Lisa Nichols<br /><br />IT’S A NEW YEAR </span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-8437674412111655752009-01-06T18:12:00.003-05:002009-01-06T19:53:09.632-05:00JANUARY 4, 2009- I AM A BIG SISTER<span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">NOTE: The first Sunday of the NEW YEAR. Yes! I went to church<br /></span><br />Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>I am a big sister of one male sibling. Even if my brother is more muture than I, I am still his big sister. Being his big sister, I am still in need for him to look up to me. My need is easier said than done. My brother is very accomplished and we consist of two different brain waves. I am an artist and his a academic. Even through our differences, we are best friends. Until this moment of being away from him, I realize my biggest fan within him.<br /><br />Ever since my exile to South Africa, I talk to my brother frequently like always. His always says, “YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ASS BACK.” This strong expression is coming from him missing me. Being his a male, he does not express emotions like I do. I tend to be more detailing with a dramatic approach. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">As I grow within myself. I realize to erase needs and to replace them with faith.</span><br /><br />I am having faith in myself because my brother always held faith in me. Secretly, my need for his approval is a drive for me to be better. So I am being better. With a combination of his support and my faith, I am better. NO! I AM MORE THAN BETTER. I AM BEST.<br /><br />I am doing everything to my best ability. Currently, I am surviving the storm and I am seeing the beauty of life. My blessings are even more visible to me.<br /><br />Some of blessings……<br />I see my worth. THANK YOU LORD<br />I see the beautiful country of South Africa that I am in. THANK YOU LORD<br />I see the great new Christian people entering into my life. THANK YOU LORD<br />I see my true supportive group of family and friends. THANK YOU LORD<br />I see my ability to connect to people. THANK YOU LORD<br />I see my ability to adjust in every situation. THANK YOU LORD<br /><br />Currently my situation is adjusting to serving at a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT. Do not worry I am still dancing.<br /><br />Anyways….I am new to South Africa, I thought of this being a great way of meeting new people and getting information for my upcoming company.<br /><br />OK! My future company consists of dance, food, dance education, and pure entertainment with a Southern African vibe. I am fusing all my loves into one company.<br /><br />SORRY! I can not reveal details of my company. Being this is the internet, my ideas for my company might influence someone for their own ideas. It is just business my readers.<br /><br />So the Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT is called “BUSH.” At the BUSH, I meet all sorts of people. Most of them are all from either Zimbabwe or South Africa. They all ask me two questions: 1) Where is your accent from? 2) As an American, what are you doing in South Africa? I always answer for the experience. I mean not many can say: as an American, I find myself in an African Contemporary dance company and a Rhodesian PUB/RESTARUANT. Well I can say it. Also I can say, “I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE NOW AND I AM APPECIATING EVERYDAY.”<br /><br />I thank my bro for always believing in me. Mom and Dad always say, “its just the two of you make it work.”<br /><br />Even if I came through some difficulty of adjusting, he always will keep me patient. Now! I am seeing my patience lead me to the pathway of my destiny. I am the big sister but I look up to you.<br /><br />“TRUST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP”</strong><br /></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-50231812012601265192008-12-22T08:54:00.004-05:002008-12-31T11:31:23.019-05:00DEAR READERS: I AM BACK<span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff66;">DECEMBER 22, 2008<br />DEAR READERS: DID YOU MISS ME? WELL…I MISSED YOU<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAVE POSTED A BLOG. BUT I ASSURE YOU THAT THIS WAS NOT INTENDED TO LEAVE YOU IN THE DUST. UNFORTUNATELY I HAD NO MONEY FOR MY WIRELESS INTERNET SO I HAD TO RELY ON INTERNET CAFÉ. FACT: WIRELESS INTERNET AIRTIME IS EXPENSIVE. NOTE: IF YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH AFRICA, THE INTERNET CAFE ARE VERY NICE AND CHEAPER. YOU COULD FIND THEM ANYWHERE. THAT MEANS: I COULD NOT POST MY BLOGS BECAUSE ALL THE JUICY READINGS WAS ON MY COMPUTER. YES! THIS MEANS I DID NOT FORGET YOU. EVEN IN MY ABSENCE, I HAVE BEEN WRITING. I MIGHT JUST START A LITTLE FUNDRAISER FOR PEOPLE TO HELP ME KEEP THIS BLOG GOING…..JUST JOKING OR MAYBE NOT<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff33;">DECEMBER 22, 2008<br />MONDAY 2:00PM<br />DEAR READERS: WHEN YOU’RE FED UP BEING BROKE</span><br /></span><br />When you’re truly fed up of being broke, the ideas start to run easily. How do I know this? Well…I just walked an hour and a half for internet café and I am going to count my pennies for 7.50R for the ride back. This walk took me a longer time today because the heat was actually unbearable. As I walked by the people blocking the sun with their umbrellas, I was sweating like crazy. I kind of understood why some people steal because I must admit the thought of grabbing the umbrella for my self had come across my mind. But hey I am not trying to complain because this torture was actually a blessing in disguise.<br /><br />As my flesh was suffering, I started to rack up ideas on the future. I started thinking to myself: “how I going to make it big one day?” Then it hit me. I got to start somewhere. So I started to think of ideas of taking more action toward my goal. In case you’re not reading my blogs by date, I got a bigger goal now and it will be my company.<br /><br />I have to keep my mind on success and health because those are the two things I strive for. If I doubt myself for a moment, I will get off track. So even if I am fed up being broke, this will be my mind set.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">NEWS BREAK: What’s happening in SA? From ENEWS channel<br /><br /></span>-SA HAS A BIG WIN IN CRICKET AGAINST AUSTRILA<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">-ITS HOT<br /></span><br />- SA HAS DONATED MONEY TO ZIMBABWE<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">-ITS HOT</span><br /><br />-THE TWO POLITICAL PARITES COPE AND ANC ARE AT IT AGAIN.<br />-COPE is the new political party in South Africa and ANC (African National Congress). These two parities are becoming like rivals at a high school basketball game. Hey! Its politics. When I get more information, I will post it up.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">DID I MENTION ITS HOT</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">NOW BACK TO ELSIE’S INNER EMOTIONS<br /></span><br />Speaking of Zimbabwe, most of you probably do not know but my parents and most of my family are from there. I actually was planning to go there for Christmas to see my Grandma, Aunts, Cousins, and Uncles. Yea! It was not my plan to spend Christmas by my self but if you are not completely cut off from world. You will know that I could not possible visit Zimbabwe right now.<br /><br />Does it kill my emotions? Of course it does. Especially being so close and I could not do anything about the current situation. I just pray that my family over there will be ok. I pray because I have not heard from them. So I just put it all in God’s hands.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ffff33;">DECEMBER 21, 2008<br />SUNDAY 8:20PM<br />DEAR READERS: PRAYER WORKS</span><br /></span><br />If you read my last blog entry just below, you will read about my prayer to GOD of wanting to go to church this morning. Well Readers….he answered my prayer. After I wrote my blog entries, I went for a walk. It was a rather long walk and as I was about to turn around. I had seen a church, Rosebank Union Church. It was beautiful and inviting.<br /><br />I walked in shouting: “Thank you Lord for answering my prayers” I walked even more into the church and I knew this was the church for me. I have been to many churches in South Africa and it was always something not right. I am a member of the Salvation Army Church but it was too far for me. But….the Rosebank Union Church has happened to be walking distance.<br /><br />Ok! Back to my story, the church just happened to be having a carol service. It was filled with loads of Christmas songs. After the program, they ended in a teaching about Jesus’ gifts and what does he want from us.<br /><br />I related to this teaching because this was my first Christmas that I finally got it. Being this was my first Christmas away from my family and friends. I did not worry about the gifts receiving or giving because they were no one to give gifts to or the other way around.<br /><br />But it did not bother me that I was not getting gifts. It was because all I wanted for Christmas was to be in a church worshiping Jesus. I wanted to thank him for saving my life. Truly that was all I wanted for Christmas and I got my Christmas gift. On December 25, 2008 at 8:00am, I will be in church at Rosebank Union Church worshiping my savior.<br /><br />MY PRAYER: Oh Lord! I feel that I am not worthy. But you have saved me from so much in this life showing that you love me more than I love myself. My flesh has been weak and I have giving into many temptations on Earth. But I do know that way of life does not serve me. As I walk on your path, I know it will sometimes be hard to tear away from old temptations. But I do pray that I will hold my shield against all temptations. To tell them, I will not be taking that easily because I know this path with you DOES SERVE ME BETTER. Now I am not perfect but I am holding you at my center. I am living this life that you have given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN<br /><br />AND SHE WILL HAVE A SON, AND YOU ARE TO NAME HIM JESUS, FOR HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS. ~Matthew 1:21<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff33;">DECEMBER 21, 2008<br />SUNDAY 2:00PM<br />DEAR READERS: PATIENCE</span><br /><br />Hello Readers! Many of you know that I had come to South Africa to fulfill my dream of dancing internationally. But my true intention was self discovery. Well I have found myself. God has put me through the storm so I could see my purpose right here on Earth.<br /><br />All my life, I have been giving everything a person could ever ask for. When I got to South Africa, I was stripped from physical items and I was left with myself, my faith, and my GOD. It was all I needed.<br /><br />Recently I had a power shortage and my electronics was cut off. I HAD NO TELEVISION, COMPUTER, WASHER, AND ON TOP OF THAT MY PHONE GOT STOLEN. This was a big deal to me because I have no close family here. So my electronics was my way to the outside world.<br /><br />However I did not fear. BECAUSE…..I put FAITH at fear’s door.<br /><br />Instead I choose patience. I continued my fast and I took my silence time to read my Bible. As I read my Bible, I found fascinating stories in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. I did not need television because these books in the Bible were my soap operas. What better soap opera than these two books? The two books included stories about David and Jonathan’s friendship surpassing family conflict and many other obstacles. The family conflict: Saul, Jonathan’s father, was trying to kill David. The reason why Saul tried to kill David was because of his developed jealousy. When people started giving acknowledgment to David, Saul developed jealousy. They had given acknowledgment to him because of David’s faith in God. With David’s faith, David killed Goliath, a fighting Philistines champion from Gath. Goliath was like twice David’s size. The books were also filled with adultery and many wars. It was better than any movie on television.<br /><br />Then I revisited my favorite book ECCLESIASTES. I love this book because of the purpose to spare future generations the bitterness of learning through their experiences that life is meaningless apart from GOD (My Student’s Life Application Study Bible). While you have god in your center, “People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts form GOD.: (Eccles 3:13)<br /><br />The next morning I read the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews was about the spiritual growth of a Christian. It has explained to me by asking: Are you a Baby Christian?<br /><br />What does it mean by being a baby Christian? Simply a baby Christian has stayed at just drinking milk and they never allow themselves to GROW UP.<br /><br />NO…. I DO NOT HAVE A NEED TO JUST DRINK MILK ALL MY LIFE.<br /><br />I could stand. I could walk. I could see with both eyes. I could talk. I have a place to live. I have food. I have a great family. I have experienced REAL LOVE. I have LOVE. I have friends like David and Jonathan in the Bible. HEY DEB! I have a strong will. On top of that, I HAVE FAITH.<br /><br />With that faith, I will be a mature Christian. A mature Christian has put GOD first in everything they do.<br /><br />When I woke up this morning, I prayed to go to church. While my dance company has been off until January, I am low on my money income. So I do not have money for transportation to church. As I was reading my Bible this morning, I kept on coming across scriptures about going to church and worshiping with other Christians. Well….I hold in my heart faith and GOD answered my prayers.<br /><br />After my electronics have been off for a week; they all turned on. So I had the opportunity to have television church. The first teaching was on fasting and miracles.<br /><br />This had come to a blissful surprise to me because these teachings were exactly on mind. I am fasting at the moment and I have been praying for a MIRACLE.<br /><br />My miracle has been to accomplish my dream that I had in the shower on November 26, 2008. I have taking that dream and I have put it into writing. On top of that, I have made a life board of how I picture my future. On my life board, I have posted all things that WILL come true.<br /><br />In my exile to South Africa, I have found that until I respected myself fully. I could accomplish anything with my GOD at my center. It has taking me 22 years of patience to get to this point and I just feel at peace. I feel at peace because my relationship with GOD has a strong center. And I just know that he has been putting me through this storm so when I see the sunshine. It will all be worth it and I will have a great testimony to help my other Christian brothers and sisters.<br /><br />This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3<br /><br />I AM THANKFUL FOR MY BIBLE, STUDENT’S LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE NEW LIVING TRANSLATION 2ND EDITION.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff33;"><span style="font-size:180%;">DECEMBER 19, 2008 FRIDAY 7:00PM<br />DEAR READERS: SOME MEN OF THE WORLD</span><br /></span><br />I have traveled quite a few places such as European countries, Mozambique, the South of America, the North of America, the West of America, Mexico, and of course South Africa. In all the places, I have traveled. Some men are still the same.<br /><br />Now! What do I mean by this statement? Well…..in all these places, some men are still the same on their approach to women. The approach may be in different languages but the intent of the approach has stayed the same.<br /><br />As I am walking on the streets of South Africa, I go through the daily men hollering at me. I hear Kungungan, Salobia, hey sweetheart, the whistling, and the constant talking to me till I answer. In all truth, I go through the same thing in every other place that I have traveled to.<br /><br />By the way, Kunganen means “hello” in Zula and Salobian means “hello” in Suto. They say both because they are not aware of what tribe that I come from.<br /><br />Now! My mind has started to wonder. What are the intentions of these men? It could not possible be that they desire a date from me. If they respect themselves enough to have a descent woman in their life; they will definitely not deserve her by shouting at her. To put it in a better prospective, if you really get serious with this woman and you introduce her to your mom. Will the conversation go with you mom like this: hey mom! I will like you to meet the girl I beeped at with my car horn and now we are going to get married. That will sound really good.<br /><br />NOT<br /><br />Of course! These approaches do not only happen to women just taking a walk outside. Some of these men will rudely approach woman in stores or worse during exercising. Do you really think they will give you their number while their on the treadmill?<br /><br />I THINK NOT.<br /><br />Now! I know the approach to this issue of some men has a funny address to it. On a REAL NOTE, I am writing this because I am personally truly tried of being treating like a piece of meat. We are in a time of independent women and this does not mean that we do not have a need of marriage. Simply, we demand respect.<br /><br />Unfortunately, we are being treated like meat. Now! I meant what I said about some men of the world. BUT….I must admit some men of South Africa are bolder according to my experiences.<br /><br />Being bolder, this statement was not a compliment because the boldness could be quite creepy at times. THE MESSAGE TO MEN: just think if some one treated your little sister or mother like that. How will you feel?<br /><br />Now! Of course I am admitting all the good men in South Africa because these men are actually the most polite men that I have meet. Unfortunately, the bad seeds of some men in South Africa are drowning out all the good dread lock guys, the business executives, the momma boys, the men I dance with in the industry, the good baby daddies, and of course the Christians that all treat their women as the Queens of the World.<br /><br />SINCE some of you men decided to have taking the bolder approach. I have decided to have taking a bolder approach to protect myself. You may call me mean but I rather be mean then give into your rude approaches.<br /><br />So as I continue my daily routine through South Africa, I have my ear plugs on blocking off all the Kunganes, Salobonia, the hey sweetheart, the car beeping, and etc. They are nothing but irritating sounds to me. In the end, I respect myself and I pray for you to respect yourself to.<br /><br />“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.<br />1 Corinthians 13:4-5<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff33;">DECEMBER 11, 2008<br />DEAR READERS: FAITH<br /><br /></span>On May 5, 2008, I remember sitting in Hartsville, SC at my Bachelor of Arts graduation ceremony. In my mind, I began thinking to my self: “Ummmmmmmmm what is next for me?” I remember talking to my dad about attending grad school after my BA. During the conversation, we both take a look at each other and came to a realization. I am not ready to extend my education yet. After completing two Bachelor of Arts degrees, I came to be burnt out in my mind and I came in need to go seek a re-self discovery of myself. So I decide to go pursue my dream and see what happens.<br /><br />As I came to the opportunity to seek my dream of being an international dancer and finding my roots in South Africa, I am also gaining so much more. I am becoming a woman and my dream is enhancing to a bigger dream.<br /><br />It is becoming evident to me that the universe is already choosing my outcome. Leaving me with two choices, I can go with the universe or go against it. I decide to go with it.<br /><br />Currently I am not dancing with Ntsoana because it is December. In December of South Africa, everything shouts down. It is holiday time. Personally I do not like not doing anything but I am actually seeing a positive side to this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />WHAT AM I DOING DURING MY FREE TIME?<br />1) RELEASE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP WITH BENJAMIN FROM BELGIUM<br />-This is a workshop for professional dancers to keep training on the off season. The workshop includes yoga, release technique class, and rehearsals for shows on the weekends. I am having the opportunity to meet people in my profession even some circus artists.<br /><br />-BUT! I am taking myself out of the workshop because I am watching my money. Yea! The transport money became too much for me.<br /><br />-On top of that, I came to a set back because someone has talking my phone and money. Yea! I got robbed but I was not aware of it happening (what a blessing that I did not know it). SO MOM DO NOT WORRY<br /><br />-Hey! It happens when you are in the city.<br /><br />TO MY READERS WHO KNOW ME: Can you believe I am actually not a drama queen about this?<br />-When you go through a lot, some things are just more important.<br /><br />2) CONTEMPORARY CLASS WITH LOCIA-CORENERGY<br />-For 3 months, I have been taking this class. I call it DANCE CHURCH. Locia’s is the messenger. Before ever class, the dancers and I state our value. What is value? Value is our worth. For example, if you’re an inpatient person, your value will be patient. Then you take this value and translate it through your dancing. We do this because dancing is an expression of our emotion inside.<br /><br />- On some days people go through a breakthrough and they will be just crying. I go through a breakthrough everyday. This class is giving me an opportunity to really be real with myself. It also is giving me an opportunity to include positive people in my life. After ever class, I go with two of my closet friends and we discuss life. My value this week: SELF HONESTY.<br /><br />3) MY BIGGER DREAM<br />-I am now having time to develop my own company. I am using my time off to do research on starting a small business. I promise my readers when I get my idea stable. I will share my dream of my company with you. Trust me this company is like nothing you ever heard of. It will be a good service to the world.<br />“THINK BIG”<br /><br />So for the past weeks, I am on my active self HONESTY. I am taking the time to be the person I want to be. At the same time, I am enjoying the ride.<br /><br />Today I woke up and I did my running and yoga. Then I walked up the hill by the dance company so I could go to the internet café to email my parents and work on my market research for my company. On my walk back, I had come across this girl who looked exactly like my old college roommate LaTonja. She even wore LaTonja’s favorite color, RED. I walked even more and I stopped at my old massage lady’s business, HB Health and Beauty Shop.<br /><br />This lady has my religious beliefs and I enjoy talking to her. Simply she holds positive energy. She also has been making her dream into reality by starting her own business. Do I need to say more? Well…I will. When things come together in the universe, they come together. As I said before, this time I am going with it.<br /><br />My discussion with HB today was about treating your body as a temple. I also mentioned to her about this free arts administration class that I am trying to get into. GUESS WHAT? By faith her sister has happened to be the Co-Executive Director of the program. Was it luck? Of course not!<br /><br />I PRAYED FOR THIS. THANK YOU MY CREATOR.<br /><br />On top of all this, we talked about self dedication. We covered a lot of things and I needed it. I told her “see you later” and I walked back to my place with this feeling of taking on the world.<br /><br />TO MY MOM: “everything always works out” ~me<br /><br />“LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE”~ THE SECRET<br /><br />THE LORD ANSWERED, “IF YOU HAD FAITH EVEN AS SMALL AS A MUSTARD SEED, YOU COULD SAY TO THIS MULBERRY TREE. ‘MAY YOU BE UPROOTED AND THROWN INTO THE SEA,’ AND IT WOULD OBEY YOU! ~Luke 17:6<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff33;">DECEMBER 2, 2008<br />APARTHEID MUSEUM</span><br /><br />On this date, I went to The Apartheid Museum- a museum to remember the history of the past separation in South Africa. It is located in Cnr Northern Parkway and Good Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg. You may email <a href="mailto:infor@apartheidmuseum.org">infor@apartheidmuseum.org</a>.<br /><br />I went to this museum by the request of this Belgium choreographer Benjamin. Currently I am working on a dance project with him and he brought the rest of the dancers and me to this museum to inspire choreography out of us.<br /><br />As I walk through the museum, I wrote down some notes. The first thing that had caught my eye was Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa. It was her in her younger days and she made me feel a sense of hope of this life. Immediately, I saw a picture of white shirts swaying in the wind. This symbolized purity to me. In a deeper description, it was a sign of pure innocence in life.<br /><br />I walked deeper into the museum as I discovered about the history about the street I am currently living on in South Africa. My street was named after a man named Jan Smuts. He was a white prime minister that was involved in inter war years 1918-1939. His history actually shocked me because my ignorance did not realize that the street I live on represented a man’s belief against my skin color.<br /><br />A fraction of one of his quotes: “If there was to equal manhood suffrage the whites would be swamped all over South Africa by the blacks and the whole position for which the whites have striven for two hundred years or more would be given up.”<br /><br />I walked even deeper into the museum. I saw pictures of starving children sleeping in the streets. I read quotes like:<br /><br />“When the Europeans came, they had the Bible and we had the land. Now we have the Bible, and they have our land.”<br /><br />As I walked even deeper into the museum, I could not help but feel pain. I could not help but feel struggle. I continue to feel this struggle and pain throughout my ENTIRE body. Even more so I felt the separation. As a nation, I still feel that separation within us to this day.<br /><br />Yet in my belief, we are one people that come from one creator. We all come from one father. This father has the only power to judge us. I wondered what made some people think they had that power to judge blacks. WE ARE ONE PEOPLE. WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE SAME FORCE.<br /><br />I walked deeper into the ending of the museum. I was left with one quote:<br /><br />“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” ~ Nelson Mandela<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff33;"><span style="font-size:180%;">DECEMBER 6, 2008<br />YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY</span><br /></span><br />I am going to be working at this place, “BUSH.” Get this! Bush is a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT.<br /><br />FACT: When Zimbabwe was colonized by the British, they called it Rhodesia.<br /><br />Well this is the place that I hang out at and I love it. Until hanging out there for a couple of days, I realize the foundation of BUSH being my Zimbabwean culture. Can you say my creator works in miraculous ways? I love it there because the people are just so nice to each other. It does not even matter the color of your skin, your income status, or even if you’re just UGLY according to who ever thinks that they are superior. All that that matters is the person you bring to the PUB/RESTAURANT. Believe it or not: there are NOT many places like this anymore.<br /><br />“PEOPLE CRITIZE BECAUSE THEY CRITIZE THEMSELVES”<br /><br />On one particular day, I began looking around “BUSH” and I began noticing people my age group. They include within themselves ambitions. But what are they doing to make those ambitions come true? Hell! What am I doing to make my ambitions come true?<br /><br />Then I realize that I actually include a lot of ambitions in me. This can be dangerous. So I am finally starting to write my ambitions down.<br /><br />1) Get closer to God<br />2) Create my own company<br />3) Learn different African Dance Styles<br />4) Get my masters degree<br />5) Be a healthier me<br /><br />Then I ask myself how I am going to accomplish my ambitions. It will take work. But with my God at my center, I am focus on my main goal of creating my own company. Yes! I do know the universe is already in decision of my outcome.<br /><br />But in the mean time, my creator is giving me the opportunity to figure it all out and I must instill the courage to listen for my way. When you are try to force things to happen, it becomes rough on the soul. So at least I am having some thing to drive me and I will just enjoy the ride for now.<br /><br />“SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE ENGERY BY GOOD PEOPLE, BOOKS, AND PRAYER” ~me<br /><br />As I am walking out of the BUSH, I take one good look around. I say to myself, “I will not sit around waiting for things to happen in my life and I will not blame anyone or anything for my failure.” The universe is holding a great purpose for me.<br /><br />“YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY”<br /><br />What do I mean by that quote? It is simple. People’s thoughts can destroy or make their destiny. For example, Donald Trump’s main thought is wealth. Weather he realizes or not, his thought of wealth drives him to his destiny in life. He never questions it. When he lost it all, he still came back to his destiny in life. As I listen to some famous people’s stories on television, I notice that everything in their life lead them to their success. They actually allow themselves to go through life and just let the natural process happen. For me I am having no regrets in life; I know that things happen for a reason.<br />“In your past fuck up things happen to you, we are all just rebellion.” ~FROM SOME MOVIE<br /><br /><br />LET ALL WHO ARE SPIRTUALLY MATURE AGREE ON THESE THINGS. IF YOU DISAGREE ON SOME POINT, I BELIEVE GOD WILL MAKE IT PLAIN TO<br />MADE. ~Philippians 4:15<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />NOVEMER 25, 2008<br /><br />DEAR READERS: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SA? The highlights of SA right now!<br /><br />*MIBIARM MAKEBA<br />For the past days, Africa has been morning for the late music icon Mibiarm Makeba also known as Mama Africa. Personally, Mama Africa has influenced me when I first heard her in Simon’s African concert video. Her voice literally shot through my soul because I could feel her realism. In fact I always listened to her when I was choreographing a piece.<br /><br />Now my icon has passed away but I am even more inspired. Simply she lived a rich life. She did everything dreamt of.<br /><br />HER BIO<br /><br />Mibiarm Makeba was born on March 4, 1932 (my birthday month) in Johannesburg South Africa. She was banned into exile by South African government in 1960. After exile, she went to America. She did not even get to go to her mother’s funeral. In 1965, she was the 1st Black African to win a Grammy Award.<br /><br />Mibiarm Makeba was named: “darling of the American public”<br /><br />At the request of Nelson Mandela, she returned to South Africa in 1990. This occurred after 31 years of being out of her country.<br /><br /><br />*PRESIDENTAL ELECTION<br />Currently, South Africa is going through a presidential election. They are many political parities such as NP, PAC and ANC. All I know so far, Jacob Zuma, the running mate for ANC (African National Congress). His nickname, Jay Z was given by the young people that I know here.<br /><br /><br />RUGBY<br />It is kind of like football. Yes! I know by saying this will offend some fans of both sports but it’s the only example in my mind.<br /><br />South Africa Springboks – the rugby team for South Africa<br /><br />They won against England. This was a big win.<br /><br />NOVEMBER 25, 2008<br /><br />DEAR READERS: WHAT DID YOU SAY? AMERICAN TERMS-SOUTH AFRICAN TERMS<br /><br />When I arrived to South Africa, I realized quickly my American way of speaking was completely different from South African way of speaking ENGLISH. So in the past few months, I have learned South African terminology of certain words/customs. On the flip side, my friends here have learned my way of speaking. Slowly we are eliminating the question: What did you say? Also my readers please remember I am a southern girl:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff33;"><br />AMERICAN</span><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">SOUTH AFRICA<br /></span><br />TEXT<br />SMS<br />W-A-E-R<br />water<br />DRAG OF A CIG<br />SKYFE<br />COOKIE<br />BISCUIT<br />BUTT<br />BUM<br />RESTROOM<br />TIOLET<br />WE LOVE FOOTBALL<br />THEY LOVE RUGBY<br />FRIES<br />CHIPSElsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-50440898415137385792008-11-17T10:05:00.003-05:002008-11-17T14:51:41.354-05:00DEAR READERS: POSITIVE THOUGHTS ATTRACT POSITIVITY<span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">NOVEMBER 16, 2008<br />“You’ve come to this juncture in your life, merely because something in YOU kept saying, “You deserve to be happy.” YOU were born to add something, to add value to this world. To simply be something, bigger, and better than YOU were yesterday.” ~Lisa Nichols<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Heading back to my place, I was walking slowly and I was breathing even slower. As I reached my place of rest, I just laid my head down and I slept. I woke up feeling lost in my mind and I just knew that I needed a change.<br /><br />All week, I have been recognizing my blessings but also my emotions going from high to low. Maybe the reason being, I am unconsciously worshiping my God on my convenience. What do I mean by this? Simply, I seem to come to him most when I am in trouble. Well…you already know this may have some consequences. In the end, this has physically and emotionally drained me. Simply when I come to him, I come to him with my negative and I forget to discuss my positive aspects in my life. Then I just do it my way sometimes. Well of course the smart thing to do will just fully commit my life to God and just trust him. This really will be a sensible solution because I already know that worshiping him on my convenience has just not quite worked out. Even if this sensible solution has made sense in my mind, it happened to be an easier said than done.<br /><br />As I recognize my blessings, I do ask now why God has chosen me for this goodness in my life. I asked myself this because I do not feel deserving. Then I asked myself, what has God saved me for to do in this life?<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Then I realized it has taking my life’s experiences to even come to this point of asking questions. At least I realized now that I worship by my convenience. One last question to me what I am going to do?<br /><br />First I recognized this place of questions before and I have learned my incapability of going through this alone. So I must find the right church for me. I n this day and age, this could be difficult. Most importantly, I must stop putting unwanted things in my body of self medication of not filling full. I must start feeing myself with God’s word.<br /><br />I know what you’re thinking my readers. Oh! This will not be easy. But I am learning life is not easy. So I chase after the quote: “YOU control your own destiny.”<br /><br />I pray for God to show me what he has saved me for to do in this life. Then I realized that’s it! He has given me the opportunity to find out and now I must take that opportunity. Thank you South Africa for given me a new vibe to figure all this out of my self discovery.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff0000;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;"></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-4587490767624943542008-11-12T18:44:00.003-05:002008-11-12T18:51:57.423-05:00THROUGH THE CAMERA, MY PICTURES OF MY LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqn_QYkMI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Ob49rhFv5w4/s1600-h/1-18-2g-768x624-Minibus-Tax.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267921424367521986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqn_QYkMI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Ob49rhFv5w4/s320/1-18-2g-768x624-Minibus-Tax.jpg" border="0" /></a> mini bus taxi (<a href="http://www.google.com/">www.google.com</a>)<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqnyRenDI/AAAAAAAAAII/P0h2e0r42g0/s1600-h/township.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267921420882451506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqnyRenDI/AAAAAAAAAII/P0h2e0r42g0/s320/township.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />townships (<a href="http://www.google.com/">www.google.com</a>)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqnmChCyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/IWm2owzZgo4/s1600-h/SELLO+PESA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267921417598470946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZVYJRn5J0Z8/SRtqnmChCyI/AAAAAAAAAIA/IWm2owzZgo4/s320/SELLO+PESA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sello Pesa<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-27680086847806237572008-11-12T18:22:00.005-05:002008-11-19T14:24:31.582-05:00DEAR READERS: MY FAMILY IN SOUTH AFRICA<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">NOVEMBER 12, 2008</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#33ff33;">******************************************************************************************************************</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#33ff33;">FAMILY-</span> Family denotes a group of </span></span><a title="People" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">people</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"> affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. Although the concept of consanguinity originally referred to relations by "blood," many </span><a title="Cultural anthropology" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_anthropology"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">anthropologists</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"> have argued that one must understand the notion of "blood" metaphorically, and that many societies understand 'family' through other concepts rather than through </span><a title="Genetic distance" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_distance"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">genetic distance</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">. (</span><a href="http://www.wikapediaencylopedia/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">www.wikapediaencylopedia</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">)<br /><br />*****************************************************************************************************************<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">As I arrived in South Africa, I realized my family here picked me up as I was down in emotions. It was not my blood related family. It was my family by choice.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">*******************************************************************************************************************<br /><span style="color:#33ff33;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"><span style="color:#33ff33;">MEET MY FATHER (artistic director Sello Pesa)</span><br />He was the only one that knew my intentions in South Africa. When I am in deep trouble; I go to him. And he has given me advice to only guide me through. But like all my parents he has to let me go to figure it out on my own.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">MEET MY MOTHER (mother of the church)</span><br />She actually has many children amongst me. She has the blessing of being the mother of the church in Alexander’s townships.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">In </span><a title="South Africa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">South Africa</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">, the term </span><a title="Township" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Township"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">township</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;"> usually refers to the (often underdeveloped) urban living areas that, under </span><a title="Apartheid" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">Apartheid</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">, were reserved for non-whites (principally black Africans and </span><a title="Coloured" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloured"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">Coloureds</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">, but also working class </span><a title="India" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">Indians</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">). Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities. (<a href="http://www.wikipediaencyclopedia.com/">http://www.wikipediaencyclopedia.com/</a>)<br /><br />In addition to visiting mama, I often go to the townships to visit my best friend.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">MEET MY BEST FRIEND- (work mate of dance company)</span><br />We met at the company that I dance at in South Africa. When I am down in emotions, his my self confidence, my drive, but most of all his made me feel at home in South Africa. He has welcomed me into his family, friends, and life. In fact, he was the one who introduced me to mama.<br /><br />His my tour guide especially my tour guide of the taxis. In fact, the taxi drivers have become my brothers.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">MEET MY BROTHERS-(the taxi drivers)</span><br />Like all siblings, we have a love/hate relationship. Before I knew the signs to stop the taxi drivers, they all use to wave at me and smile. They will tease me and just leave me. They were making me stronger because no brother has a need for their sister to be a sissy. When I finally figured it out, I realized the taxi drivers actually helping me with getting around. Also, I had sat in front one day and you know what that means. It was my job to distribute the taxi driver’s money to the passengers. Well, I messed up that day and I had come up short by 11 rans. I had felt awful and I tried given my own money to the driver, my brother. He had just smiled and he said, “NO”.<br /><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">MEET MY FAMILY BY MARRIAGE- (the rest of South African people)</span><br />They are my extended family. In South Africa, the people here generally care about each other but they are also just trying to survive themselves. As I rode back home from Johannesburg City, I watched the people around me. Oh! In case you forgot, I am in the Gauteng providence in Craighall. Ok! back to what I was talking about. I actually stretched my head out to watch this driver in a BMW give their food to a beggar.<br /><br />Oh! My reason for coming back from Johannesburg City was dance. Yea! I have been traveling back and forward everyday for this audition dance workshop. The audition was for this dance project in Germany. I had made it through the first cut but I did not make it through for the entire project. But I was still happy because I actually made it through the first cut. Hey! Maybe Germany was not for me. But I was still able to attend the rest of the workshop for classes.<br /><br />I love attending the classes because the dancers and I had a chance to talk about our emotions. I found out the rest of the dancers were feeling the same insecurities about dance as I was. The talk had enlightened me. And I made new friends out it.<br /><br />At the moment, I am counting my blessings and I am realizing my better days of hope. With my new family, I am making new friends, working out, reading more, working on bad eating habits. And of course……I am dancing my heart out. In fact, I am finding the movement with in me. Could you say choreographer in the making? Hold up! I know one dream at a time.<br /><br />“YOU should control your own destiny.”<br /></span></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-10040881105343503482008-11-08T11:00:00.005-05:002008-11-08T11:14:24.145-05:00DEAR READERS: A LETTER FROM VOTING ABROAD<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff0000;">Since November 5, 2008, I have been having better days because I have been experiencing days of hope. Also, I am not the only one. My current home country South Africa has an uplifting spirit of hope because they are sharing the victory with my country USA. The victory has to do with the USA chosing the right choice of our new president Obama. I am feeling so good that I was a part of that. The following letter was from voting abroad:</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Dear Elsie,<br /><br />We made it happen – by electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and by electing Democrats across the country, from around the world.<br /><br />Most importantly, you made it happen!<br /><br />You are the volunteer who registered countless voters. You are the help desk for </span><a href="http://votefromabroad.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">VoteFromAbroad.org</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">. You are the caller to hundreds of voters in swing states. You are the person who helped form a new committee of Democrats Abroad in one of nine countries around the world. You are the backbone of your country committee, from the Global Primary to Election Day events. You are the team that has kept our members informed and engaged, participated in debates, held training sessions, opened your home for events, and didn’t stop. You are the person who donated your talent, your expertise, your time, your money. You are the voter who helped make it happen.<br /><br />You are our oldest voter, a 106-year old nun in Rome who looks to a President who is able to govern. You are a Marine veteran in New Zealand who inspired your family to vote Obama. You are a first-time voter in Paris who helped spread the word in our 'Where on Earth Will You Vote' video. You are a voter from DA – Afghanistan, our 44th country committee, voting for the 44th President of the United States. You are a voter who took the overnight bus to Sao Paulo to get your ballot couriered just in time. You are the voter who made sure your vote counted this year. You are the voter who made the difference.<br /><br />We voted from virtually every country around the world, in every state across America – and D.C. We voted overwhelmingly from countries with committees in place to get out the vote. We voted from military bases in bigger numbers than ever before, we voted in more countries than ever before. First-time voters cast ten times more votes than ever before. We voted the official ballot, we voted the write-in ballot, we voted by mail, by diplomatic pouch, by express mail. We voted and won in a number of highlighted battleground states: in </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59915&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Colorado</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59916&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Florida</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59917&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Indiana</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59918&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Iowa</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59919&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Michigan</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59920&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Minnesota</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59921&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">New Hampshire</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59922&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Nevada</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59923&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">New Mexico</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59924&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">North Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59925&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Ohio</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59926&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Pennsylvania</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">, </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59927&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Virginia</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;"> and </span><a href="http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=59928&qid=3726236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Wisconsin</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">. And we helped make it happen. (Although North Carolina remains undetermined at this writing.)<br /><br />In Barack Obama, we have a President-elect who brings a depth of understanding to the challenges Americans – both at home and abroad – face today. A leader committed to reengaging with the rest of the world, disengaging from Iraq and restoring our global reputation. A leader who understands that our economy is not only in crisis but impacts worldwide markets.<br /><br />But there are no easy solutions to these challenges. And we won’t be able to meet them head on unless we are once again a united America. But today we can look to the future and to leadership that works for and with all Americans, wherever we call home.<br /><br />Today, I know we are all thankful that we could participate in this historic election and take our country in a new direction.<br /><br />Thank you for making it happen,<br /><br />Christine<br /><br />Christine Schon Marques<br />International Chair, Democrats Abroad<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;"></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-73315910892281483282008-11-04T14:54:00.007-05:002008-11-09T04:47:24.997-05:00DEAR READERS:ELECTION DAY: I AM A LUCKY GIRL BUT I AM NOT LIVING THE GLAMOUR LIFE.<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">NOVEMBER 4, 2008 </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">In my opinion,this year's presidential election of America is the biggest election in history. It is about change and the American dream coming true. My blog reflects living the dream with conflicts.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">***********************************************************************************************<br />I had come from good parents. I went to good private schools in both high school and college. Big Ups to Coker College! All my life, my parents had given me the world. They did this because they actually followed the role of being a parent and beyond. Most of all, they are giving me support to follow my dreams.<br /><br />My dream was to be famous with a purpose. I decided long ago to be a part of an international dance company. I went through the audition process with fear in my heart. But I was not going to ask myself one day "What if?" </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">I did what it took to make my dream come true. I decided to dance in South Africa. I wanted to learn more about African Contemporary dance. I was driven to do this when I was teaching my black students dance in South Carolina. Notice! I said I decided because no one was going to chose my destiny.<br /><br />When I graduated from college, I took this teaching job in the summer and I was only being paid $500.00 and my rent was $250.00 a month. Also, I was getting paid at the end of the summer. So my parents had supported me financially in food and rent. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">At the end of the summer, I had held an African Dance Concert for my black students. My father had come to see it. It was important for him to see it because he was sharing a part of my passion. After the concert, I talked to my Dad and I discussed with him my dream of dancing in South Africa.<br /><br />Initially I wanted to go to Zimbabwe because I have more family there. However Zimbabwe was going through some things. So I decided my best bet was to head to South Africa. I was driven by my students that I teach because I saw in their eyes how much they strive to know about their ancestor’s culture. It was the same look I had in my eyes at their age. So in order for me to teach them more I had to know more. I had to physically go to live, breath, eat African Contemporary Dance. My dream started as dancing for a international dance company and it had become into dancing international with the purpose of searching for my inner self. <br /><br />So I had contacted my South African professor and I had asked him to help me. He did everything for me in the dance sense because I only asked him just for that. Also I had worked out my details of where I am going to stay and how I am going to get there. I felt stable going to another country of people who I did not know but I had no idea how hard it was going to be.<br /><br />I live positively and I try to look for the good in everything. At this moment, I just can not take it some things. I got to South Africa and I had a warm welcome until I moved into my permanent home with X and my reality had come to life. It was impossible to live with X. She degraded everything about me until I could not handle it any more. Here I was away from everything I know because of my purpose of learning more about what I do. X had read my diary and I moved out. Then I lived with Z and I knew this was not permanent but it was a breath of fresh air. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">However…the distance to the dance studio was a full hour.<br /><br />I had to travel by mini taxis to the dance studio. I had to figure out the best route to get me there and I got lost many times. I did get traumatized traveling by taxis but I believe God was watching me. Simply I was a girl traveling to a non familiar place and it was a nightmare. I do not know the language and people do not understand me. I often felt their voice through my body as they kept screaming to me “WHAT?” However, I soon got use to my route and I had better travels.<br /><br />When I left to Mozambique and I had no idea where I was going to be staying when I get back to Joburg. But I had to just enjoy touring in Mozambique but I still had what is next in my mind. When I got back from Mozambique, I knew I had enough money for food but not for rent.<br /><br />When I got back Z got an apartment for me but my roommate was going to be a guy. Yea! So I knew that was not happening. So I continued paying 60 rans to travel back and forward to the dance studio. Finally I had found an apartment for 7500 rans and I could not afford it. Obviously it was because I just graduated. So my parents had agreed to pay just for that. I am on my own for the rest.<br /><br />So why do I have money issues? Just like everything in the world, you have to start from some where. I am in the training development program for the company. The money that I have saved up; it all goes to my extending permit fines.<br /><br />While I am on my very expensive self discovery, I am on a temporary visiting permit so I will have the opportunity to explore this dancing and find my true roots. Did I mention that my late grandmother’s roots come from South Africa? Well…yea its true. Anyways…the permit is holding for only 3 months and I realized that I need to stay longer. But…I do not know how to do this. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">So I just extended it again and it cost a fortunate.<br /><br />In fact, South Africa is expensive sometimes. Currently, I am a broke 22 years old gal whose parents still support her. I am lucky to be following my dream but I am not living the glamour life.<br /><br />I do not have money. I do not know the language so I walk around just listening to sounds all day. Then I remember my kids faces and how I want to keep my promise to them. My promise of learning everything about African Contemporary Dance and I will open my own company for them and others to have a positive hobby to do. A hobby that could become a serious career. You see..I always wanted to do something with a purpose and I believe this could be done by starting in the beginning with the kids. Kids should respect their bodies. When they respect their bodies, they will respect themselves and I believe this could be done through dance.<br /><br />For my parents, I love them so much because they do not have any money. They are just middle class parents with one child in college and the other following a dream. A dream that does not pay much. But…I am gaining so much here. I am gaining my self. The dancing I do has made me connect to my body and I could not describe what a better dancer and person I am. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">One day I know I could award my parents for all the hardships they are going through because of me. I love them for continuing to support me because they believe in my dream.<br /><br /><br />To tell you the truth, I know this situation has to change because I just can’t live like this. I love dance but I can not let it destroy me. Unfortunately, the world is cruel to artist.<br /><br />Right Now! I am a lucky girl living my dream but this dream has extreme consequences. So I am not living the glamour life. Dear God! I got less than 500 rans in my pocket. Please! God do not think I am going back on my prayer to you about becoming a part of a international dance company. I am just stating that some things must change. I am better than this.<br /><br />As I talk about dreams coming true, the people I know in South Africa are cheering for Obama. They are just as excited as me. As of right now, the American Society holding a Obama Party in South Africa but I could not attend because I do not travel on taxis this late. One day I will meet the American Society and maybe things will be better for me in terms of my unanswered questions.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">In end, Dance is everything to me because it is the only thing that can not be given. I am exposing my outer and inner self to the world. This makes me face my fears and most importantly it makes me see the meaning of life. How? by making me know my self. <br /><br />“If it is easy, it is not worth it”</span></span><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-44054327465515394322008-11-03T13:48:00.008-05:002008-11-09T04:53:46.496-05:00DEAR READERS: my mind connects to my body<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">NOVEMBER 3, 2008<br /></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">About</span> a year ago, my physical trainer told me” “your about to put your body on display to the whole world.” At the time, I was a driven senior college student trying to loss weight for my final dance show. My physical trainer not only had taught me how to workout but he had taught me how to tap into my feelings. I needed this guidance because I was also preparing my mind and body to audition for dance companies. Who knew that it will be a dance company in South Africa? Honestly, I did not.<br /><br />You see anyone who knows me. They know I am always on a diet. I put myself on diets because through my life I developed a food fixation. My food fixation developed by me not feeling full. There are many reasons why I feel this way and I just do not need to rekindle those reasons. Let me just say: Thank God! I am an active person or I will be huge as a house. I do know the battle within myself that I always have to control. Well…they say the first step will be to claim it. So I claimed it. Now I ask myself what am I going to do about it?<br /><br />Well…I guess I should admit some things. I do know this: I have a lot of quiet time to myself lately and my fixation has come back. Simply I have nothing else to do. My fixation could be best explained by eating foods that I know are not good for my body.<br /><br />You see readers; these are the things that I think about as a dancer. Being a dancer, it consisted of me allowing myself to give my complete being to the audience. Easy said then done. After many years of dancing, you think I will be use to this already.<br /><br />Well…not really. In order for me to do this, I really have to look myself in the mirror and I have to make a conscious choice to tap into the real me.<br /><br />At this point, I know you may be sympathizing but I know your wondering. What brought up all this? It was my workshop audition for the Germany tour AT DRILL HALL IN JOBURG CITY. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;">Pause for the cause...this morning I was there early at the location and I was right in front of the building but I had no idea which room. I walked around while men where hollaring "sissy" to me until I found some obvious dancers. You know men are the same everywhere; they will always try to hollar at the ladies. Ok! I am pressing PLAY. This workshop audition consists of classes for 2 weeks and then they pick 5 dancers to go Germany. After the first week, they are cutting out dancers for the next week’s round of audition. As I took a look around, I realized that I was one of the better in shape girls. It was like all this time I was judging myself too hard.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;">Now all I am going to concentrate on trusting in myself and I am going to finally not judge myself too hard.<br /><br />I am doing this more because I did it in the audition workshop today. I started to dance freely because I was not worried about my body image to the world. My trainer was right about tapping into my emotions first before I even start to work out my body. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;">I miss my trainer so much and I do sometimes hear his harsh voice as I work out now.<br /><br />My body is on display to the world but I do not need to worry about it to the extreme. My reason for my sanity is because my mind is getting in tune with my body. If my mind is in tune with my body, I will not want to destroy it with unhealthy food. For all you non dancers out there, I advice you take a dance class because the force of looking at yourself in that giant mirror really allows you to be in touch with your whole being. (OK! I know that was not a strong sentence but you get the point)<br /><br />So, I finally said it all. Obviously, I am not perfect and I am glad you know that now. Frankly, I feel better.<br /><br />All in all, my day was wonderful. The audition went well and I am looking forward to dancing for the whole week. Also, I am ready to watch the elections tomorrow and I am hoping to get my second opportunity at this bar. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;">In this blog posting, I brought out a lot of things and I know this will help me with my issues of my fixation.<br /><br />“BEAUTY IS YOUR ETERNITY GAZING AT YOU THROUGH THE MIRROR”-think about it</span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-33578150398551472832008-11-02T06:57:00.002-05:002008-11-02T07:01:25.997-05:00DEAR READERS: I AM JUST A SOUTHERN GAL<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">NOVEMBER 2, 2008</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">I am BLACK, Zimbabwean, South African, but most of all I am just a southern girl from South Carolina. I lived in Beaufort but I went to high school in a small private school in Ridgeland.<br /><br />It was there where I grew up. Since the 5th grade I attended that school. I t was only till the 6th grade that I realized my difference from the rest of the class. I was the only BLACK person in the class. I realized it when a classmate of mine called me out of my name. You may imagine what he called me. For I have no reason to mention the name, you just need to picture my feelings at the time.<br /><br />My feelings of always wanted to be accepted by my peers but never felt I was. Being around my pale friends all the time but judged by the people in my neighborhood. It was a split conflict for me. At the same time I was going through puberty.<br /><br />It was only my senior year of high school that I felt accepted at my school. To my shock, I won homecoming queen. The first person I hugged was my mother’s late white best friend, Miss Missy. I called this woman my second mother and she had 5 boys at my school that were my brothers. With the bondage of her and my mother and my little brother and her youngest as friends, we are a big family. After Miss Missy passed I wondered if she knew how much it meant to me for her to recognize me as her daughter right in front of everybody. Especially, the people that was unsure of my presence at the school. It may not be a big deal to most but I was the first black to get this honor of Homecoming Queen.<br /><br />I mention my experience now because I am realizing my high school days still have an affect on me. After four years, I realized it more in South Africa. I realize my content feeling of being a loner. In high school, I always felt like a loner because I felt no one got me. When I got to South Africa, I felt like the same lonely girl in high school.<br /><br />This time it was not the color of my skin however my southern self. This was funny because I never been told about me having a southern accent. Even if I was raised by Zimbabwean parents; I am southern girl. Where did I become this? my small private school.<br /><br />I learned to talk with a drag but I talk a little fast. Yea! Nobody understands my accent here. I say yes ma’am and sir out of respect. I always say ya’ll and most of all I am friendly. I am friendly but I use it as a dangerous weapon. I like to have parties by a fire with a small group of friends. I listen to country music because it reminds of everything. I still have my camouflage jacket in my closet. It was given to me by my friend.<br /><br />As I walk barefoot through my apartment lot, I realize no matter where I go. I am just a southern country girl with big dreams. And this girl used her southern charm to possible get a second position at this bar. Being I only dance certain days, I need something else to consume my mind. Hopefully, it works out. So when the boss of the bar asks me: Can you tell me about yourself? I will answer I am just a southern gal with big dreams.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">VOTE FOR OBAMA </span></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-22956241720526769592008-10-31T14:57:00.005-04:002008-11-01T19:22:47.478-04:00DEAR READERS: IS IT HALLOWEEN?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">If you took a look at my “got recent news?” section on this blog, you will read that I had plans tonight to go to this performance. Well….I went but I did not see the performance. At 7:00pm, I took a taxi to Joburg city. Even if I have been on the taxi many times to Joburg city, I still get nervous taking the taxi there especially at night. I really do not have any reason but the fact that Joburg city has a record for being one of the biggest crime cities.<br /><br />As I am riding in the taxi, the taxi closely approached this over crowded city. It was just crowded like any other city on a Friday night. I reached over to the taxi driver’s ear and I asked him to drop me off on Bree Street. Quietly I said it because I did not want the recognition of my American accent.<br /><br />As I left the taxi, I got right on the phone to let my friend know I am on my way. He said: “just head back because our arranged ride never called.” This means all sorts of things: it means that we do not have a ride back after the performance; it means that I just spent 7.50 rans for no reason and I am about to spend another 7.50 rans to go back; it means that I added on to my chances of getting robbed by coming to Joburg city for nothing; it means that once again I will be spending the evening alone.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">So I just went to the taxi rank near Drill Hall and I asked around for a taxi straight to Randburg. If this was a month ago, I would have freaked out but I was confident because this was becoming my home. One of the guys I asked about the taxi to Randburg said: “Are you English? Are you a BLACK English girl?” I said yes and I moved on. He was so shock to see a BLACK English girl in South Africa. If he knew I was American, his reaction would have been a lot more. I get this kind of reaction a lot. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;">A month ago the guys who fixed my washer were so surprise to see a black American. They said: “I never meant a black American.” Then I realized the shock reaction from everyone was not because I am American but black too. Anyways…I am done talking about the perception of people have on me.<br /><br />I got on my taxi to Randburg. I had a sense of pride because I realized my new comfort of me living in South Africa. Simply I am becoming comfortable. I reached my apartment and I had a craving of ice cream. I went to McDonalds and the ice cream was out. I went to all the near by places and they were all closed. Oh well, I just went back to my place and I realized my not need of ice cream. I am supposed to be on a diet. I turned on the television and I am watching Notting Hill. Then it had come to me: the reason why the guy in McDonalds was dressed like a vampire.It is Halloween.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"></span></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-82432973039320364182008-10-31T11:20:00.001-04:002008-10-31T11:21:25.371-04:00DEAR READERS: I THINK I AM A WOMAN<span style="color:#ffcccc;">OCTOBER 26, 2008</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">I am a woman of many personalities. Through out my life of becoming a woman, I had many prominent men enhance my life. This enhancement from male figures really is true that many women never admit. Many women become who they are because of a bad or good influence from a man. <br /><br />The first man in my life is the only man that has an honest intention. This man is my Dad. He loves me for me and that’s all to it. He wants the best for me and not for him. Long ago, he taught me that not all men think like this. Through out my years of growing into woman hood, I found out men do not really care about me. They care more of what is inside of them that needs attention.<br /><br />At 22 years old, I get it Dad. This understanding is driving me to do more with my life and I know great things will come along to me. My description of men is my comparison to all people in this world. Sadly, this is true and I believe once I do it my way. I will gain the respect that I deserve and I will find a position in my life that holds the heart of my Dad.<br /><br />So, how will I do this? Obviously, I already made some drastic choices like my move away to South Africa searching for the dream. In case you forgot readers, the dream is to be apart of an international dance company. Pause for the cause…I will like to go back to the checklist made long ago.<br /><br />1) Permit<br />2) Body Image fix<br />3) Making Friends<br />4) Living Arrangements<br />5) Getting closer to God<br /><br />In case you are wondering, I am placing getting closer to God under everything because this holds everything together for me. My faith is getting stronger but I am still doing actions that I know are not right. But…you may judge if you want. Let us not forget, this is my personal relationship with God. You know…his picking me up because he knows the place I am coming from. So….I am getting closer to him by just talking to him and I am trying to figure out incidents that happened to me in the past. If I figure it out through him, I can move forward and I will not let those incidents be my excuse for sinful acts. This is a hard process for me and I am braking down a lot. When this happens, I read my Bible.<br /><br />THE BIBLE-this is the library of books and it is there for me and others. It is there for guidance of life on Earth. My God is so wonderful that he knew my need for this guidance. Also, he knew: it will be hard to follow this guidance. <br /><br />So I test the waters and my temporary visiting permit to stay in South Africa is over in November. Do not worry! I am having the extension to February and I am hopefully getting it in October. This permit will be to February and until then I will decide what is next. <br /><br />Currently, I am taking control of my body. Everyday, I am working out at the gym. I am following my rule not eating after 7:30pm. I am taking more dance classes and yoga. My biggest challenge is my eating habits. I love to eat but I am controlling it a lot more. I read two diet books and I put them together to make my own diet plan. This one book, Perfect: Counting Calories, it taught me the realization of my overload on calories in my body. The second of the books, Eating Right 4 Your Blood Type, it made me realize the different bodies and different blood types. This blood has traveled from our ancestors. I knew this is far fetched but it makes sense. It shows what foods are best for your body type. It just makes sense. However, I do not follow the entire book because I need to take my baby steps. Lord knows: I have learned my lesson of not following a diet but making it my life style. This life style is working for me. I am noticing a difference so I am going to see if I stick with it.<br /><br />As for friends, I am making friends. My best friend here is from the townships of Alexander in South Africa. We work together for Ntsoana Contemporary Dance Theatre. In addition to working with me, he is a working actor on television and theatre. His amazing with humbleness, he is my rock here. He actually makes me not go completely crazy. I trust him because my director trusts him. And this is self assuring to me.<br /><br />Until….I saw where he came from then we even became closer. Yes! I came to the townships and it is a wonderful place. Alexander, the township, is a huge place of a big family of people but you must know people to feel safe there. I felt safe because I came to the church there. <br /><br />The church experience was amazing. Even if I did not know the language; I felt the Lord’s presence. The music was amazing. They had great singers and the best band. It was in this church that I visually saw the Lord’s presence everywhere in the world. Then I realized my blessing, it was my curiosity of wondering how other people live. I am very fortunate to be walking as a South African. Some people will never know this feeling because they will only know their set surroundings. They will die and never see the whole world the Lord has created for us. Personally, I could not live with that feeling but I do know some people are truly happy with that feeling. <br /><br />After church, we went to my place for a braai. In the states, we call it a bar-be-que. Anyways, this braai lead for me to have a bigger braai set for this Friday. Well…..the Friday has come. So, my weekend consisted of braai and new friends. I felt like home. In fact I felt so much like home; I got home sick.<br /><br />Yes! I am living the dream but I still think of the old USA. For instance, who will be my next president? Well…I do not know but I do know. I will have a say to it. Proudly, I voted by </span><a href="http://www.votingabroad.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">www.votingabroad.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">. I read the easy directions and I faxed my vote to Broad of Registration Beaufort, South Carolina. I am mailing my hard copy vote on Monday. <br /><br />I voted for change, dreams, and most of all human service. I am a college graduated with a duel Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and communications. After I graduated, I decided to work for an after school program for the less fortunate African American kids. I worked as a dance coordinator to have these kids respect their bodies. With that respect, they could inspire themselves to do anything in the world. Notice: how I said inspire self. <br /><br />To do this, I had given them an African Dance Camp. You could not respect yourself without knowing your roots. As they were learning their roots, these kids had something to look forward to and that was the African Dance Concert at the end of the camp. They realized with hard work anything could happen. At the concert, they all got awards and they saw visually that their hard work was worth it. <br /><br />For me to make this happen, I worked everyday for 6 weeks with the non-dancing kids. I was only required to come for 2 days of the week because that was what the budget could afford. Nevertheless, I cared more about the kids of Jacob ’s Ladder in Harstville, SC then the money. I did the same program for the Salvation Army for free in my home town of Beaufort, South Carolina. Seeing the change in the kids, it made me go to Africa to learn more about that type of dancing so I could be a better teacher. To tell you the truth, I also needed to learn more about my roots. <br /><br />In truth this journey is a personal community service to enhance my country USA. The kids of the USA are screaming for a positive figure in their lives. Some people may think dance will not change anything but if you look at the ending outcome of my kids. You will know those some people are wrong. I did not go to school for nothing. So with the emotional and financial support of my parents, they are making my need of community service to these kids one day happen. <br /><br />I know you are asking: why could my country help me do this enhancement of my knowledge in order to be an assistance of my community one day? To my understanding, the person I am voting for has asked the same question because he has lived through this. <br /><br />He is an educated person that accepted a low paying job to serve his community. He had struggled paying bills because of his belief of bettering the community. Now! He just wants young people to have the opportunity to serve the community because in the end. We will enhance the entire USA with the physical experience not just our book knowledge. <br /><br />In South Africa, I am listening to his speech on CNN while reading his book “Dreams from my father.” I think about the day I was fuelled to helping with his campaign in South Carolina at Coker College. I think about why I am still fueled to spend 300 rans to send my vote to USA. I am fueled because among my personal reason of voting for him. They are many other obvious reasons of his views on tax cuts, medical care policy, and many other things that I believe Barrack “Barry” Obama should be my next president. <br /><br />His journey in life began with a dream and the rest is history. My father, the dreamer, has accomplished everything in his dreams and more. Now! My father has passed this character trait to me and I am also following my dreams.<br /><br />To follow my dreams, I am going by my recent advice form my best friend here in South Africa: “Do not let the little things bother you.” You see my readers, I am strong but I take things personally. If I keep on allowing myself to do this, I will not be able to focus on my dream because I am carrying negative energy. Now! I am working on leaving that negative energy with the men that do not have a good influence on my life. <br /><br /> </span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417406893463002184.post-26082781253273301522008-10-29T09:54:00.002-04:002008-10-29T09:56:05.588-04:00DEAR READERS: MY HOLLAND DANCE TOUR EXPERIENCE. WE BROGHT SOUTH AFRICA TO AMSTERDAM AND THE HAGUE<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><span style="color:#990000;">SEPTEMBER 30, 2008</span><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;">On this day, I woke up in Holland. Why? The reason: I am on dance tour in Amsterdam. The last time I made an appearance in this city was in 2006 on a European study abroad trip. Now! I have seen it in a different light. At this moment, I am staying in a hotel boat and my window has shown me the view of the water. Immediately after viewing the water, I walked the streets in comfort because of my familiarity of the place.<br /><br /> However, I do not walk the streets alone. All together with me are about 20 dancers, technical crew, and choreographers and we all are walking the streets in pure bliss. As I was walking, I asked myself: how many people have the opportunity to be in Amsterdam on a dance business trip? Well….I did not know the answer. I did know I have the opportunity to be here for the Afrovibes Festival 2008.<br /><br /> The opening of this festival was today by a piece from the world-renowned Gregory Maqoma. The entitlement was “Last Chance.” It was a breath taking experience to watch this performance. It brought me to a world of emotions. In my opinion, the piece showed comparison of a woman to a yellow truck. This comparison related to me so much that I had actually cried.<br /><br />I believed I cried because of my personal in between moment of a girl becoming a woman. It made me want to be as strong as her. This section of this piece hit me deeply. Even through, the piece had covered many issues but that issue affected me the most. Then, I had come to the realization that I am sharing the stage with these amazing dancers. For the first time, I felt a sense of luck and belonging.<br /><br /> All of a sudden, I felt the people around me becoming my dancing family. Honestly, my dancing family has geared me into my adulthood. They have made me find my inner self beyond my flesh and remove my lack of confidence to become a confident woman.<br /><br />Throughout the trip, I had experience many things such as shopping at the market, the Amsterdam’s way of transportation on bikes, and I meet many people such as the organizer of the festival. He had seen my interest in the organization of the festival. Briefly, I had mentioned my communications degree and he asked for me to send my CV. Well….I did not waste anytime and I sent it right in. The quote I leave with you my readers: “No one is going to hand to you; you must take it.” </span></span>Elsie Mufukahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17222237978914450800noreply@blogger.com0