In with the new

Happy new year reader, yes, even as we wave goodbye to January and start the business of what happens after the resolution fever ends. Last year, there were some concrete resolutions that were made, to make Obama president, to have a prosperous 2008, and we again re-examine the promises we made to ourselves and try to wish again, or celebrate what happened. I think that even as the economy here tanked, we collectively sigh in relief that in these harsh economic times, we have hope. And hope is like oxygen, partially in the air, scarce, but necessary for living. My president looks like me. He is not one thing – but if the step grandson of a peasant can be moving into the White House, I see the power of dreams. There is a whole post about the whole linking him to his Kenyan roots, but how much more is there a general feel-good feeling about him? Aaaah, sweet.

This year started well for me. I was at home. It also started with much loss – with people transitioning too swiftly, old and young, men and women. May God who comforts, comfort those who are left behind. How indeed we have to cherish being here, and get on with the business of living. I tell you, the deeper questions of spirit, of a life that is filled with meaning, and missing them, those are part of what we are left to grapple within ourselves.

On that note, let me sign off. More on the Kenya trip to come.

Back from Mama Kenya

When you are in Kenya, time automatically slows down and you stop wondering what time it is and how late you are for this or that or the other. You tell time by asking your neighbour and bond over Bamba 50 airtime and overpriced food at international events.

You listen to music like “Nasikia Utamu” and you are aware of how being home is Nyummylicious ! It is mutura at KKs by the roadside and looking seriously for Imodium after the fact. It is downing large amounts of sweet fermented porridge, prepared by a loving grandmother. You are constantly aware of just how flavorful the water is, fluoride enriched and all, if you are upcountry.

If there are friends that you find, you are surprised how well they know you, so well that they read the changes the years have brought to your youthful facade. You are met by visits to see your nieces and nephews, heralding your entry into the world of being an auntie, a “shangazi” and your love for things baby – or ‘Waa Waa’ is called into focus.

You are acutely aware who left the city, because you rarely see them over the time that you are there. You are thankful that it is the holiday season, and that people put aside their differences to celebrate the season of good cheer.

If you are a real Kenyan, you spend beyond what you had planned in December and squeeze into January clothes rueing your indulgences. If just a Kenya traveller you are sure your groaning ATm card will show you pocket dust when you return. It is so sweet to be in the spirit of giving. You wonder when you will stop being in the EABL induced spirit of the season.

When you realise that Nameless’ lyrics are the cutest thing ever, you see a new something, and you are truly becoming corny. You know when you see the one whose sweet nothings once made your heart ‘paragasha!’ in high school you will wish you were 16 again but for a minute. The reality of how things have changed makes you happy. Ah, you know you are a grown-up, and you laugh over coffee, real Arabica from the Highlands with your old high school mates. You are no longer ill at ease at your old school, and even welcome to enter the staffroom and meet all your teachers, and yes, some ask you to call them by their first names…well, almost.

I am back for a season, however long that may be. Nothing will remove the flame of my home from where it is. I love Kenya, God bless us everyone.

La Femme Afrique shows topical insights from an African woman living in the United States. Africa content includes the arts, writing, food and people.

Do they know it’s Christmastime

How did I get involved with these concerns? How will the songs on the radio translate to real action…I join with BandAid and ask, “Do they know its Christmastime at all?”

As an introduction, you and I should explore the history of the causes that share the twin goal to fund HIV/AIDS affected communities in Africa. ONE aims at addressing the causes of AIDS, Poverty and Aid. See the issues here.I was intrduced to the one campaign by this kidShuqran for that intro.

Here is what the ONE Campaign does
Why ONE percent?

Americans have always been a generous people – just look at the outpouring of support for the victims of the tsunami. Yet, most Americans would be surprised to learn that less than ONE percent of the federal budget is currently marked for fighting AIDS and poverty around the world. Surveys show people think it is over 15%.

ONE percent of the U.S. budget is approximately $25 billion, and redirecting that much more money will take time. Directed to honest governments, private charities and faith-based organizations, this support would provide the tools and resources they need to really make a difference.
What is 1% of your salary?

By directing an additional ONE percent of the U.S. budget toward providing the most basic needs – and fighting the corruption that wastes precious resources –we can help transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries. If the U.S. were to devote an additional ONE percent – one cent more for every dollar spent by the federal government–to helping the world’s poorest people help themselves, America would demonstrate a commitment to the Millennium Goals, an internationally agreed upon effort to halve global poverty by 2015.Imagine if you donated that 1% to someone who may never see it?

One percent is not merely a number on a balance sheet. One percent is the girl who gets to go to school, thanks to you. One percent is the AIDS patient who gets her medicine. One percent is the African entrepreneur who can start a small family business. One percent is not redecorating presidential palaces or money flowing down a hole.No massive investments in elephant schemes here! Serikali, are you listening? This one percent is digging waterholes to provide clean water. One percent is a new partnership with Africa and the world’s poorest countries, where increased assistance flows toward improved governance and initiatives with proven track records.

With an additional ONE percent of our budget we can help prevent 10 million children from becoming AIDS orphans; We can help get 104 million children into grade school; We can help provide water to almost 900 million people around the globe; We can save almost 6.5 million children under 5 from dying of diseases that could be prevented with low-cost measures like vaccination or a well for clean water.

America gives less than one percent now. Were asking for an extra one percent to change the world, to transform millions of lives–but not just that – to also transform the way the world sees us. One percent is national security, enlightened economic self interest, and a better safer world for us all.

As for the (RED) Campaign, shopping is a way that we can do something for this project. I suppose the best things in life are RED!
Let us think about the potential. Today is Black Friday and everybody I know from here to Texas was out buying something. Imagine if these items were RED products… and we were still donating these monies while we indulge our materialism…wouldn’t it make some kind of a change. We are always making the appropriate noises about donating money to Africa, e.g poor NGO infrastructure and the list goes on.

Check out these items

I see (RED)!!!!

La Femme Afrique shows topical insights from an African woman living in the United States. Africa content includes the arts, writing, food and people.