Sunrise

The sun is rising over New York City. It is too chilly for the birds to sing. Maybe they stayed up all night like I did. In 12 and half hours I will be heading to the airport and my To Do got expanded and reduced siultaneously. Expand/Contract. Expand/Contract. the rhythm of the universe.

I am breathing.

I prefer this to the contracted state of panic attacks! Did I get that shot? Did I buy those must have items? Has enough money been raised? Did I invite everyone who asked to be invited to contributed? Where are my vitamins? Where am I staying in Johannesburg? It's not the safest of places to have to figure this out from the airport.

I am breathing.

A few goddesses came over last night to pray with me and offer intentions and blessings for a safe, protected, well financed trip, as I will be doing so much of it -seemingly- by myself. We chanted the Bliss of Freedom from all constrictions, fear and doubt chant,and I exhaled! Everything is all right! "Hold on! Hold on! We've come so far. We have so little to go. Hold on! Soon we will where the bliss is".

I am breathing.

I am excited that a school was just built for girls in he largest slum in Kenya, Kibera, by the man who is teaching them soccer to keep them off the streets. The girls are so excited about being able to go to school that they have taken on admin work and fund-raising to pay the teacher, as this area is an informal settlement, this not recognized by the government as worthy of funds. I am so thrilled to be able to offer them self-esteem and creative writing workshops in January as well as get them sponsorship here to add rooms and grades and supplies!

I also just giot word that some fellow Pioneers for Change: Artists or Change have taken on hosting me in Johannesburg and have agreed to collaborate with me on offering a Theater o the Oppressed workshop during my stay! I have to get to Africa!

I was a bit sad making it painfully obvious to my family that I would be missing both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Haven't missed both since I lived in Paris. Thank God that they appreciate and respect what I've committed to. My mom is thrilled that I'm doing what I studied (that she paid for)!

The sun has taken over the sky. the birds are still not singing but I have a song to sing!

"For each child that's born
a morning star rises and
sings to the universe
We are One

We are our grandmothers prayers
We are our grandfathers musings
We are the breath of the ancestors
We are the spirit of God"
- Sweet Honey in the Rock

Getting ready for the journey!

Just 5 days to go before Kristi, Jessica, Luis and I board planes for Amsterdam then onto Nairobi! So much to do and ... well, I'll sleep on the plane! I have one more immunization shot to get: more things to put in storage, gifts to buy and ... where's my list?

I am really excited about being able to capture the journey in this blog and share it with all of you!

In the meantime, pray for me!

Blessings!
Anasuya