First things first, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
I'm at the beginning of my ninth month in Rwanda! Some days it feels like I just arrived, other days it feels like I've been here forever! Listen, 2017 has arrived, and she did NOT come to play with us!!!!! AT ALL!! Is it me, or does it seem like it's been a long year already?! A few things I've been processing: We said "See you around the way!" to President Obama, Aunty Michelle, and our favorite cousins Malia and Sasha. I guess we still have time to get our lives together because Jesus didn't come back before Cheeto Satan was sworn in. Women around the globe marched in resistance to 45 and his ideas in protection of reproduction rights, health care security, and racial equality? Well, at least I think that's what the march was about, I haven't yet googled the official objectives. All in all, they let him know that they weren't going down without a fight; you go Girls! Candy Corn Kremlin and his peeps removed the ACA registration page and the Spanish translation page from the White House website. Oh, and his supporters learned that the ACA and "ObamaCare" were the same damn thing! More unqualified characters are being interviewed for cabinet positions. Chrisette Michele lost her handful of fans and didn't even get a hand shake. The Nacho Nazi banned refugees from seven countries that just so happen to be densely saturated with Muslims. Allies and enemies all over the world said, "You played yourself!" While protesters showed up and showed out occupying airports to the max, apparently to the point that Sage Steele couldn't roll her suitcase. Girl, bye. Toupée Fiasco acted like the kid that always loses, but now we're playing in his backyard so he decided to change the rules to the game, in order to get his cabinet choices approved. While we all remembered that the Boston Marathon bomber was Russian and Russia wasn't on the ban list, some other things happened as well! Hidden Figures hit box offices like, "Eff your history books." Viola, Taraji, Janelle, and Octavia continues to sprinkle Black Girl Magic and Gold upon the lands! Mexico's president said, "Money for wheeeeet?" Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated trademarked our "Skee-Wee" call, because it's always been a serious matter! Black History month came in like a strong wind! The internet is still undefeated. Black Twitter is sparing no one's feelings! Kirk Franklin went Gospel Gangsta, telling a man he could take him to the King, in Jesus's name. Salmon Voldemort tried to sprinkle Dr. King's name is his Black History Month speech like Lawry's. As if we needed seasoning, and tried to change the name. Little does he know no one acknowledges him or his "official name change." I finally received care packages that were sent in November! AND Beyoncé gave us a photoshoot that said, "I am Mother Eve and I'm birthing Black History!" A rollercoaster indeed!! I joke and pass on the memes like the next person, because you have to laugh from keep from crying. However, one thing that blind sides me every now and then is that I am in a place where very few understand the magnitude of current events. You see, as volunteers, we don't live on posts with other Americans. We don't go to work with other Americans everyday. So, whether we need to process Agent Orange or we want to bath in all the black excellence, we process a lot of things via Whatsapp group chats, spotty phones calls, or alone. As the only American in our villages, we are expected to know ALL the answers to every question about America. There's no way I can explain all the foolery, especially when I'd rather be discussing how great my mother is and the Black Girl Magic and history she's making, or the strides that black and brown people and women are making globally. Because let's be honest, we're out here KILLIN' IT! Although I wish I was surrounded by people that understood the magnitude of what is happening in America, I can't begin to imagine the atmosphere back home. When my father says, "This is embarrassing," oh, it's bad. I've cried, I've laughed, I've eaten a lot of chocolate, and I've questioned my service. In the end, I have come to a conclusion. Marginalized groups have always created their own seat at the table. We take lemons and make lemonade, and even spice it up a little! We cultivate and raise survivors. There isn't an obstacle we can't overcome. This is the spirit that will get us ALL through 2017 and the next four years. So, the next time 2017 gets you confused with someone else, lace up and tell that heffa, "I didn't come to play with you either!" Until Next Time, Live In Love Words From The Wise:
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