Funeral in Eersterust

Who would have thought, here I am
In Eersterust for funeral on a cold winter morning. Times like these make you understand the power of sacrifice and denying of self (although in another language). May I continue to learn this hard lesson.

Paulin kantue

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My trip back to Europe in ONE word (Part 1/2) - Coronavirus

It was a normal working day on a hot and usually dusty afternoon in Yaounde when I got the call to come and collect my Visa for my upcoming trip to Italy. I was elated. It had been 17 years since I had last seen my foster aunts and cousins. I was beside myself. I distinctly remember my trip back to wish my father goodbye and how emotional I was because I knew that somehow I will not see him for a long while. I remember the bus trip back to Yaounde and how surreal it all felt (especially since there was a job interview lined up in Munich). Me on the bus (in the middle of nowhere) on my way back to Yaounde. Clearly I was too excited to sleep (like someone next to me). I was already missing my lovely Cameroon. On the news, the coronavirus (covid-19) was beginning to show its ugly head in Italy and various other neighbouring countries. My aunt even told me to postpone my trip, but it was too late. I was already packed. Don't mess with a black man and his luggage! Me, mysel...

Affirming in Disagreement

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. - Proverbs 15:1 Do you know how to affirm your spouse even when you disagree? It's a big step in learning how to have meaningful conversations. Take this example: A wife has shared that she is hurt by something her husband has done, and he responds, "I appreciate your sharing your ideas and feelings with me. Now I can understand why you could feel so hurt. If I were in your shoes, I'm sure I would feel the same way. I want you to know that I love you very much, and it hurts me to see you upset. I appreciate your being open with me." This husband has learned the art of affirming his wife even though he may not agree with her perception. Of course, he has a perspective and will eventually share it, but first, he wants his wife to know that he understands what she is saying and can identify with her pain. He is not condemning her interpretation, nor is he telling her that she should not feel up...

Self-reflection on Bondage

Paid a visit to a slave museum in Mercado Dos Escravos, Lagos, Portugal. Although it's clear they tried to not be too gruesome with artifacts but rather more informative on town history and Negro assimilation, this picture struck me to the core. The African/black man/woman WAS and still IS in bondage. Bondage of the mind (self-hatred) and of the body (racism). Bondage of poor access to healthcare, housing, sanitation and job opportunities. The reflection of the chains (in this picture) symbolizes a foreshadow of its impact on our children and probably our children's children. A museum will NEVER fix that. There's so much atrocities in this world. Most of them are rationalized and institutionalized so it's negative connotations is removed (through legal jargon) or plainly ignored (through our silence). Self-reflection on one's actions in this world must be mandatory. An appreciation of the beauty of ALL mankind MUST be imprinted in our minds. "We are fearfully a...

The Bandjoun nomad

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