MARCH 1, 2009
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.
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.
I have been here for seven months now. Through the struggles here, I found myself. I said: “I found myself”
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.
Well….I AM ALIVE. I am accomplishing my dreams.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
I choose for my home base to be South Africa.
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.
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.
Thank you Grandparents for telling me your stories! Being name after my grandmother, I hope to live up to her expectations.
THIS BLOG ENTRY IS DEDICATED TO MY LATE GRANDPA KAPFADZE AND GRANDPA MUFUKA ……………………………………………………….
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
VALENTINE'S DAY
IM A FREE SPIRIT-FEBRUARY 14, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Even when you’re 30, 40, or even 50 years old, you will always be on self discovery.”-Lorica
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.
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.
As the last hour of Valentine’s Day comes to passing, I say: “I LOVE ME.” WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Even when you’re 30, 40, or even 50 years old, you will always be on self discovery.”-Lorica
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.
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.
As the last hour of Valentine’s Day comes to passing, I say: “I LOVE ME.” WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!
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!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
THIS SELF DISCOVERY IS HARD
JANUARY 10, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
JANUARY 5, 2004 – THE BUSH (THE PUB/RESTAURANT I WORK FOR.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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. “
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.
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.
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
IT’S A NEW YEAR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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. “
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.
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.
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
IT’S A NEW YEAR
JANUARY 4, 2009- I AM A BIG SISTER
NOTE: The first Sunday of the NEW YEAR. Yes! I went to church
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
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.
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.
As I grow within myself. I realize to erase needs and to replace them with faith.
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.
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.
Some of blessings……
I see my worth. THANK YOU LORD
I see the beautiful country of South Africa that I am in. THANK YOU LORD
I see the great new Christian people entering into my life. THANK YOU LORD
I see my true supportive group of family and friends. THANK YOU LORD
I see my ability to connect to people. THANK YOU LORD
I see my ability to adjust in every situation. THANK YOU LORD
Currently my situation is adjusting to serving at a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT. Do not worry I am still dancing.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
I thank my bro for always believing in me. Mom and Dad always say, “its just the two of you make it work.”
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.
“TRUST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP”
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
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.
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.
As I grow within myself. I realize to erase needs and to replace them with faith.
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.
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.
Some of blessings……
I see my worth. THANK YOU LORD
I see the beautiful country of South Africa that I am in. THANK YOU LORD
I see the great new Christian people entering into my life. THANK YOU LORD
I see my true supportive group of family and friends. THANK YOU LORD
I see my ability to connect to people. THANK YOU LORD
I see my ability to adjust in every situation. THANK YOU LORD
Currently my situation is adjusting to serving at a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT. Do not worry I am still dancing.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
I thank my bro for always believing in me. Mom and Dad always say, “its just the two of you make it work.”
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.
“TRUST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP”
Monday, December 22, 2008
DEAR READERS: I AM BACK
DECEMBER 22, 2008
DEAR READERS: DID YOU MISS ME? WELL…I MISSED YOU
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
DECEMBER 22, 2008
MONDAY 2:00PM
DEAR READERS: WHEN YOU’RE FED UP BEING BROKE
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.
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.
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.
NEWS BREAK: What’s happening in SA? From ENEWS channel
-SA HAS A BIG WIN IN CRICKET AGAINST AUSTRILA
-ITS HOT
- SA HAS DONATED MONEY TO ZIMBABWE
-ITS HOT
-THE TWO POLITICAL PARITES COPE AND ANC ARE AT IT AGAIN.
-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.
DID I MENTION ITS HOT
NOW BACK TO ELSIE’S INNER EMOTIONS
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.
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.
DECEMBER 21, 2008
SUNDAY 8:20PM
DEAR READERS: PRAYER WORKS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
DECEMBER 21, 2008
SUNDAY 2:00PM
DEAR READERS: PATIENCE
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.
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.
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.
However I did not fear. BECAUSE…..I put FAITH at fear’s door.
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.
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)
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?
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.
NO…. I DO NOT HAVE A NEED TO JUST DRINK MILK ALL MY LIFE.
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.
With that faith, I will be a mature Christian. A mature Christian has put GOD first in everything they do.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY BIBLE, STUDENT’S LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE NEW LIVING TRANSLATION 2ND EDITION.
DECEMBER 19, 2008 FRIDAY 7:00PM
DEAR READERS: SOME MEN OF THE WORLD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NOT
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?
I THINK NOT.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
“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.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
DECEMBER 11, 2008
DEAR READERS: FAITH
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.
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.
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.
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.
WHAT AM I DOING DURING MY FREE TIME?
1) RELEASE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP WITH BENJAMIN FROM BELGIUM
-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.
-BUT! I am taking myself out of the workshop because I am watching my money. Yea! The transport money became too much for me.
-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
-Hey! It happens when you are in the city.
TO MY READERS WHO KNOW ME: Can you believe I am actually not a drama queen about this?
-When you go through a lot, some things are just more important.
2) CONTEMPORARY CLASS WITH LOCIA-CORENERGY
-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.
- 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.
3) MY BIGGER DREAM
-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.
“THINK BIG”
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.
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.
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.
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!
I PRAYED FOR THIS. THANK YOU MY CREATOR.
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.
TO MY MOM: “everything always works out” ~me
“LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE”~ THE SECRET
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
DECEMBER 2, 2008
APARTHEID MUSEUM
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 infor@apartheidmuseum.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
I walked even deeper into the museum. I saw pictures of starving children sleeping in the streets. I read quotes like:
“When the Europeans came, they had the Bible and we had the land. Now we have the Bible, and they have our land.”
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.
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.
I walked deeper into the ending of the museum. I was left with one quote:
“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
DECEMBER 6, 2008
YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY
I am going to be working at this place, “BUSH.” Get this! Bush is a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT.
FACT: When Zimbabwe was colonized by the British, they called it Rhodesia.
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.
“PEOPLE CRITIZE BECAUSE THEY CRITIZE THEMSELVES”
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?
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.
1) Get closer to God
2) Create my own company
3) Learn different African Dance Styles
4) Get my masters degree
5) Be a healthier me
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.
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.
“SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE ENGERY BY GOOD PEOPLE, BOOKS, AND PRAYER” ~me
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.
“YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY”
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.
“In your past fuck up things happen to you, we are all just rebellion.” ~FROM SOME MOVIE
LET ALL WHO ARE SPIRTUALLY MATURE AGREE ON THESE THINGS. IF YOU DISAGREE ON SOME POINT, I BELIEVE GOD WILL MAKE IT PLAIN TO
MADE. ~Philippians 4:15
NOVEMER 25, 2008
DEAR READERS: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SA? The highlights of SA right now!
*MIBIARM MAKEBA
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.
Now my icon has passed away but I am even more inspired. Simply she lived a rich life. She did everything dreamt of.
HER BIO
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.
Mibiarm Makeba was named: “darling of the American public”
At the request of Nelson Mandela, she returned to South Africa in 1990. This occurred after 31 years of being out of her country.
*PRESIDENTAL ELECTION
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.
RUGBY
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.
South Africa Springboks – the rugby team for South Africa
They won against England. This was a big win.
NOVEMBER 25, 2008
DEAR READERS: WHAT DID YOU SAY? AMERICAN TERMS-SOUTH AFRICAN TERMS
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:
AMERICAN
SOUTH AFRICA
TEXT
SMS
W-A-E-R
water
DRAG OF A CIG
SKYFE
COOKIE
BISCUIT
BUTT
BUM
RESTROOM
TIOLET
WE LOVE FOOTBALL
THEY LOVE RUGBY
FRIES
CHIPS
DEAR READERS: DID YOU MISS ME? WELL…I MISSED YOU
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
DECEMBER 22, 2008
MONDAY 2:00PM
DEAR READERS: WHEN YOU’RE FED UP BEING BROKE
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.
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.
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.
NEWS BREAK: What’s happening in SA? From ENEWS channel
-SA HAS A BIG WIN IN CRICKET AGAINST AUSTRILA
-ITS HOT
- SA HAS DONATED MONEY TO ZIMBABWE
-ITS HOT
-THE TWO POLITICAL PARITES COPE AND ANC ARE AT IT AGAIN.
-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.
DID I MENTION ITS HOT
NOW BACK TO ELSIE’S INNER EMOTIONS
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.
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.
DECEMBER 21, 2008
SUNDAY 8:20PM
DEAR READERS: PRAYER WORKS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
DECEMBER 21, 2008
SUNDAY 2:00PM
DEAR READERS: PATIENCE
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.
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.
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.
However I did not fear. BECAUSE…..I put FAITH at fear’s door.
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.
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)
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?
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.
NO…. I DO NOT HAVE A NEED TO JUST DRINK MILK ALL MY LIFE.
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.
With that faith, I will be a mature Christian. A mature Christian has put GOD first in everything they do.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY BIBLE, STUDENT’S LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE NEW LIVING TRANSLATION 2ND EDITION.
DECEMBER 19, 2008 FRIDAY 7:00PM
DEAR READERS: SOME MEN OF THE WORLD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NOT
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?
I THINK NOT.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
“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.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
DECEMBER 11, 2008
DEAR READERS: FAITH
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.
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.
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.
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.
WHAT AM I DOING DURING MY FREE TIME?
1) RELEASE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP WITH BENJAMIN FROM BELGIUM
-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.
-BUT! I am taking myself out of the workshop because I am watching my money. Yea! The transport money became too much for me.
-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
-Hey! It happens when you are in the city.
TO MY READERS WHO KNOW ME: Can you believe I am actually not a drama queen about this?
-When you go through a lot, some things are just more important.
2) CONTEMPORARY CLASS WITH LOCIA-CORENERGY
-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.
- 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.
3) MY BIGGER DREAM
-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.
“THINK BIG”
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.
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.
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.
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!
I PRAYED FOR THIS. THANK YOU MY CREATOR.
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.
TO MY MOM: “everything always works out” ~me
“LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE”~ THE SECRET
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
DECEMBER 2, 2008
APARTHEID MUSEUM
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 infor@apartheidmuseum.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
I walked even deeper into the museum. I saw pictures of starving children sleeping in the streets. I read quotes like:
“When the Europeans came, they had the Bible and we had the land. Now we have the Bible, and they have our land.”
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.
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.
I walked deeper into the ending of the museum. I was left with one quote:
“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
DECEMBER 6, 2008
YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY
I am going to be working at this place, “BUSH.” Get this! Bush is a Rhodesian PUB/RESTAURANT.
FACT: When Zimbabwe was colonized by the British, they called it Rhodesia.
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.
“PEOPLE CRITIZE BECAUSE THEY CRITIZE THEMSELVES”
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?
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.
1) Get closer to God
2) Create my own company
3) Learn different African Dance Styles
4) Get my masters degree
5) Be a healthier me
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.
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.
“SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE ENGERY BY GOOD PEOPLE, BOOKS, AND PRAYER” ~me
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.
“YOU CONTROL YOUR OWN DESTINY”
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.
“In your past fuck up things happen to you, we are all just rebellion.” ~FROM SOME MOVIE
LET ALL WHO ARE SPIRTUALLY MATURE AGREE ON THESE THINGS. IF YOU DISAGREE ON SOME POINT, I BELIEVE GOD WILL MAKE IT PLAIN TO
MADE. ~Philippians 4:15
NOVEMER 25, 2008
DEAR READERS: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SA? The highlights of SA right now!
*MIBIARM MAKEBA
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.
Now my icon has passed away but I am even more inspired. Simply she lived a rich life. She did everything dreamt of.
HER BIO
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.
Mibiarm Makeba was named: “darling of the American public”
At the request of Nelson Mandela, she returned to South Africa in 1990. This occurred after 31 years of being out of her country.
*PRESIDENTAL ELECTION
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.
RUGBY
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.
South Africa Springboks – the rugby team for South Africa
They won against England. This was a big win.
NOVEMBER 25, 2008
DEAR READERS: WHAT DID YOU SAY? AMERICAN TERMS-SOUTH AFRICAN TERMS
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:
AMERICAN
SOUTH AFRICA
TEXT
SMS
W-A-E-R
water
DRAG OF A CIG
SKYFE
COOKIE
BISCUIT
BUTT
BUM
RESTROOM
TIOLET
WE LOVE FOOTBALL
THEY LOVE RUGBY
FRIES
CHIPS
Monday, November 17, 2008
DEAR READERS: POSITIVE THOUGHTS ATTRACT POSITIVITY
NOVEMBER 16, 2008
“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
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.”
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.
“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
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.”
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.
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