Ms. Mabel "Potter"

I must admit that I have the best friends in the world. They vary in size, height, background, but they all carry the same trait: bestJ. My girlfriends from college, Nana & Zainab, are just an amazing bunch. We have shared a number of interesting, intimate, and unforgettable moments together, many without trying. Recently, our lives have taken such an “adult” turn that we often struggle to find time to spend together. But when we do unite, it’s like old times and it’s those times I treasure the most. This summer, I demanded that we each plan a “Girls Girls” day. What happens is that one of the girlfriends will organize a day of events that we must not do something typical (movies, dinner, someone’s house) and should not spend more than $40. It was my idea but even I couldn’t organize my day! This summer has been unfairly busy with work and prepping for Ghana but one of the girls came through and planned us a date with pottery.

 Clay Café is located in Chantilly,VA and is a place for one to paint the pottery of their choice. What would make Clay Café even cooler was if you were able to make your own pottery! But considering the time it took to even paint the pottery, I think it’s a good idea that the items came premade.

We all got to work; it was amazing how intense we were working on our creations. It was like being in elementary school again. It’s terrible how we take such things for granted. The quiet, the colors, the comfort of friends was entirely rewarding.

Nana chose a bowl, along with Zainab. I chose a plate. A portion plate I call it (hehehe). "Happy Yourself" is a self-explanatory inside joke.

Overall, it was a unique and fulfiling way to spend the day as girls (literally). I enjoyed the peaceful opportunity to paint, although I didn't finish my plate. If ever you want to relive those Monday Art Days from primary school, check out Clay Cafe.

Cheers to your choice Nana.

Africa's Newborn

I have a bff I have known since the 9^th grade, Akuender. She’s tall, rich black, sarcastic, loving-kind, and South Sudanese. I have been aware of her country’s struggle since I could remember and it has, in a sense, been my struggle as well. Akuender’s father passed away working relentlessly for the freedom of their land. I have met numerous members of her family (she has plenty, Lord…) and chatted with them about Sudan and their hopes for their country. Her family has endured grave hardship and met unheard of blessings in regards to her country’s power struggle. She left Sudan a young girl and found refuge with her family and close friends in Virginia. Since I have known them, her family has quietly and proudly waited for the day of redemption. On July 9, 2011, the sun rose on South Sudan. A nation birthed from a hard labor; Africa’s newborn. Seeing this day has been but a dream for the new Sudanese and I was proud to celebrate with Akuender and her family. I noticed Africans are really prideful of their country and some seldom get involved with understanding the problems of the countries surrounding them. Befriending Akuender and knowing her family allowed me to get out of my “Ghana-bubble” from time to time and witness a different culture, a different language, and a different story. In the end, as cliché as it may seem, we are truly one people. Their joy should be our joy. Their sorrow, our sorrow. Their revival, our awakening. Arise South Sudan, we welcome you.

Akuender and her cousin, Susanna

This boy kept his arm erect with the flag the whole night (Akuender's sister in the corner:)

 My girl, her country flag

May we encounter more things to celebrate!