There's nothing quite like a festive African party. For an African woman, the preparation of the food is more than a labor of love...it is hard work requiring skillful handcrafting and hours of preparation. It is within this arduous process that my adolescent memories of entertaining linger, mostly because of the women who surround my mother to assist in the cooking.
I vividly remember their arrivals. Some are wearing their "good" clothes...others carry fancy bags brimming with colorful lapas, lace blouses, high heeled shoes and headdresses. Throughout the morning, a chorus of greetings welcomes each new entrant. This intimate gathering of sisters...Click to continue reading...
Picture courtesy of OziAfricana's photostream on flikr.com
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
I did click and read on. Beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing. We have definitely lost our way when we don't show our daughters that we are strong and demand respect and not abuse. For us and for them. I'm going to continue my study on the website you linked me to.
Thank you again.
Lola,
This is a beautifully written post and I've learned so much from your links and words. I often feel we've lost so much here in Canada where we all live so far away from the other women in our families. I'm fortunate that my Mother and Stepmother live nearby and I learn daily from them what it means to be a woman and protect the sisterhood.
My son's girlfriend sent me the most beautiful email last night....she is surrounded by all three of my sons in western Canada (the other side of the country from me) and she said she feels so blessed to be close to them as they are all fine, good young men and if more men were like them, the world would be a much better place. It brought tears to my eyes and at that moment I knew I had done something right, the most important thing.,,,raised kind, good men who treat women, and all people, with respect and dignity.
I believe in my heart that the world is getting better....I have hope.
Jo
Lola,
This has got to be one of the most poignant posts I have ever read. There is much that we, as women in America, take for granted on a daily basis.
The traditions surrounding mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, and the ever-widening circle of family are rich in history, familial customs, an emotional crossing of geographic boundaries that transcends race and distance.
To foster an environment where women are encouraged to grow and learn, to revel in our uniqueness, and to share our feelings in a safe and caring venue should not be only a dream.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.
Lola those sound like great memories. It is always very interesting to me to see or read about different cultures and how they do things. Having been born in a different country, I have also experience this myself.
Lola,
I clicked and read the story. It is so well written, sad and inspirational at the same time. For me it is not an excursion into another culture, it is a caution about the cruelty and low value for life, which is still there. It often turn into not how people live, but how people survive as this 13-yo girl. There is so many places, where people are closer to death then to life. Where they do not die accidentally, but where they survive accidentally.