Wonderland

New Blog - Note Address

2009-10-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

October 2009 ~

I have transitioned to a new blog because of data overload that is making it harder for this blog to function efficiently. Please save this new blog address: http://jayron-ash.blogspot.com.

You can also simply click here to go to the new blog.

See y'all at "Wonderland 2"

Roxy - A Tribute

2009-09-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

September 13, 2009 ~
It was a wet and dull Sunday, which rightly reflected my mood. Aaron had just found Roxy's body on the road where she'd been hit by a car. She was dead. I think we were all in shock throughout that day.

Roxy was a unique dog in that she had a rare, beautiful and gentle disposition. She was very obedient, and loved best to simply lay her head on my thigh and stay there while I stroked her. If I lapsed, she'll dig her nose under my hand, raise it up and throw it on her back, as if to say: "keep stroking me...that feels good". She'll always come when I called and was very friendly to everyone. She stood totally still when I bathed her and knew to shake the water off only when I stepped back. She'd even come forward to the towel and stand still so that I should dry her off. We don't have a fence but she knew the perimeters of our yard and will not wonder beyond them when she went out to potty. She was an amazing first dog.

My sister was skeptical about her when she came to see Jayron in August. But by the time she left, she'd come to love Roxy. She was shocked and dismayed when she heard the news. Roxy had a similar effect on Aaron's friends - one of them wanted to adopt Roxy and the other one actually wanted to visit the animal shelter where Roxy came from to see if he could be that lucky. My family in OK loved her too. She only had the most positive effect on people who met her. Her only fault - a doggy one, no doubt - she was easily distracted by people or other animals that went by. And that is probably what caused her to take off that fateful Saturday night.

Once she took off after another dog. Someone who owned a store nearby found her and called me. By the time we went to collect her, she had charmed everyone in the store and was sitting in a lady's lap.

We all miss you terribly, Roxy. A colleague at work gave me a couple of books, one was about Dog Heaven, and the other was a memoir written on behalf of a dog. Both of them made me feel immensely better because they talked about the most amazing things - lots of fields to run around in dog heaven, lots of dog biscuits and puffy clouds for beds, etc. That dogs come back (in spirit, probably) once in a while to check on their loved masters and mistresses and to sniff around their old backyards; they never forget their loved ones; and what's more, they are not afraid of dying because, being wiser than humans, they don't collect things and become attached to them on this earthly plain:) Actually, the dog in the memoir said: "I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain objects they have not."

Hahahaha!! Funny, isn't it? But clever.

The dog in the memoir also said that loved ones shouldn't mourn him too much because he had always only wanted to be a source of comfort and a reason for added joy in their happiness. I feel that Roxy would have wanted same.

We'll really miss you, Roxy, your gentle disposition and beautiful silver fur and red paws.

Have fun in dog heaven.

Jayron - 7 weeks old

2009-09-25T13:25:00.001-07:00

Thursday, September 17 ~

I can't seem to stop taking pictures...

I know... this one is a few weeks earlier (now he almost fills out the length of the bassinet when he stretches out). But I love this pose.

Aaron at Clinton Library #2

2009-09-01T00:02:00.001-07:00

August 2009 ~

Aaron and Oben visit the Clinton library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Aaron at Clinton Library #1

2009-08-31T23:47:00.001-07:00

August 2009 ~

Aaron and Oben visit the Clinton library in Little Rock, Arkansas.

OK City - At Ma Angeline's

2009-08-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

OK City ~
We are hanging out with my aunts for a couple of weeks. Here we are at Aunt Angeline's home.

Jayron is enjoying a bath.

All clean...

Tummy time

With cousin Samgella.

With ma Angeline, Clau, and cousin Feh.

OK City - At Ma Kona's

2009-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

OK City, OK~

Claudine, Jayron, and I visited with Aunt Kona, her hubby, and cousin Leh. They live in Edmond.

Visited Edmond Baha'i Center

2009-08-31T20:18:00.001-07:00

OK City, OK ~

Attended deepening at the Edmond Baha'i Center. This used to be my community before we moved to Arkansas. I got married here too. So it felt good to be back.

With members of the community, Beth and Mahyar.

With Shoghi, Niaz and Max Adu's son.

With Shoghi and Max

With dear friend, Anissa, and Jayron.

Jayron & Mom Hang Out

2009-08-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

OK City, OK, August, 09 ~

We are visiting my aunts for a couple of weeks.

Jay, content after eating.

Jayron enjoys lying on my aunt Angeline's tummy.

John and Gail Tolleson Visit

2009-08-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

August 21, 09

Gail and John came to see Jayron. They brought him the cutest little outfits. I wanted to take pics of them! John and Gail Tolleson are really sweet. John and I work in the same building. He's a development officer.

Ma Kona and Family Visit

2009-08-28T14:54:00.001-07:00

August 14-16 ~

My aunt Kona and her family came to visit and see the baby. Gapsia, her husband's little nephew, came along too. We had a lot of fun.

Ma Kona and Jayron had a lot of bonding time together.

Chatting...

My cousin, Babila, and Jayron

Bath time. Ma Kona enjoyed giving Jayron his baths.

Ba Moses and cousin Leh carry Jayron

Gapsia and my cousin, Sigala, join in.

We all hang out.

Babila loves computers.

It's bath time again!

Jayron, all clean and shiny!

Clau Visits

2009-08-11T19:41:00.001-07:00

August 2009~
My sister, Claudine, is visiting. Exciting times. We haven't seen each other in 5 years!! It's fun catching up, cooking together, and all that. She's also excited to meet her new nephew!! Clau is an aunt now!

Time to give Jayron a bath...not Clau:)
We had some good times. Here we were shopping at the farmers' market at the Fayetteville Square. Then we went shopping at the mall. The next day we went to watch the movie - The Time Traveller's Wife. Aaron baby-sitted.

Clau has a talent for making beds. Everyday she came up with a different style.

Here we play with ankle beads.

Hanging out at the pond in front of our home when Clau arrived.

Clau, all sassy, at the Minnesota Mall of America.

Clau at a restaurant in Minnesota

Clau visits San Antonio.

The Jayron Smile

2009-08-11T17:27:00.001-07:00

August 11, 2009 ~

Can’t believe Jayron's only 12 days old! We find so many fascinating things about our little son every day. One of them is his unexpected smile. Whenever Jayron has eaten and his diaper is clean and fresh and he’s well wrapped-up, he will close his eyes and flash a toothless grin. We’ve been trying for a time to catch those grins on camera without success because he does them so briefly and unexpectedly. But I finally figured out right about when they usually occur. So I captured a few today.

JAYRON

2009-08-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

July 30, 2009 ~

Hooray, the long wait is over and Jayron Ebot Ashu is finally here. The delivery went well. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. He is a heart-throbber (if there's a word like that)...but he does do that to my heart. It's amazing how the motherly instinct kicks in when babies come. Definitely a worth-while experience in the end.

I'm starting a journal just for him (maybe first 100 days...) because there's just so much about this experience worth remembering. And it's better written down while it is fresh.

In short, Aaron and I are so happy, and we are grateful to all our friends and family for the support and prayers. We'll keep the updates coming.

Jayron - all cleaned up

Happy and relieved
Happy dad

Friends come to visit

Parents...can you believe it? When did that happen?

Don't cry...

Ah, the hunger signals

Time to go home. Jayron's first feel of the real world. [He can't see yet.]

That is Aaron's favorite bib!!

Close-up, while ever-alert Jayron wonders what all the flashes from the camera are.

Sleep baby sleep

In crib

This crib will last a loooong time!!!

Baby's room

4th Baby Shower!

2009-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower #4 ~

Yes, I am very honored that so many people love and think of me. This was my fourth shower and friends, family members, and well-wishers continued to shower us with gifts.

My African friends decided to throw me a surprise party at my own house! They cooked good food and brought Aaron and I gifts for the baby.

Adeline had her baby almost a month ago! Now it's my turn, she says. Two weeks to go!

Guest-of-honor goes first!

Hmmmm!!

Aaron and Almamy - good friends

Let's eat...then dance.

Adeline and Bricia did some of the cooking.

Henry cooked as well. He made the jollof rice!

Alphonse and Shinique dig in.

Henry loves photos!

Aaron is warming up!

Ah, balateh!!

Dancing oh!

Gift-unwrapping

I got some really nice things too.

Can't lean out much farther...:)

Aaron was having a good time!

Everyone sat there and waited to say "Awwwwww" as we read each card:)

July 4th in Eureka Springs

2009-07-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

July 4 ~

What a day! Aaron and I set out for Eureka Springs with our dear friends, Bricia and Almamy. We intended to stop at the Beaver Lake because our friends hadn't been there before. We ended up passing the main docks and mainly flew by the lake. It is a huge and beautiful lake; runs all the way into Missouri.
We made it to Eureka Springs to join the festivities led there by African Aya. Lots of drumming, dancing, and merry-making. Anyone who had a drum, or any favorite instrument for that matter, was invited to play, but the rhythm was ochestrated by the leader of African Aya, a very gifted Kenyan drummer. He's in the middle of the first and second pictures in the pink shirt.

After walking through the streets of Eureka Springs, doing lots of window shopping (they have great shops there), we left for Fayetteville to see the spectacular fireworks. We got there at the tail-end of the program. Same thing with the Roteo. I had never witnessed live bull-riding before and I was sad when we arrived just as the show was finishing. We watched the ensuing fireworks anyway. We just had so many functions to attend that day that we almost missed them all driving from one to the next. But all in all, we had fun. Ended with a good movie - Dancing with Wolves featuring Kevin Costner.

3rd Baby Shower with Baha'is

2009-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

June 20, 2009 - Kamran and Perla Talebi's Residence

The Talebis hosted the baby shower for us, although Lani and Sherry were really the organizers of it all. It was one lovely event. We started by some friends reading a few prayers. Then they gave me the prayer for expectant mothers to read. Afterwards, there were several fun games. For one of them, everyone got pegs, and if you could make someone say the word "baby" out loud, he/she got your peg. Then we did a word scramble with Jayron's complete name. The challenge was to see who could come up with the highest number of words in 8 minutes. Guess who won!!:) Then we burst baloons and extracted little notes from them that asked each person to complete a certain baby rhyme. And finally, the grand game was the treasure hunt through the grounds of the Talebi residence that led us to the bed of a truck that had our crib gift! It was amazing and fun. In the last two pictures, you can see Aaron re-arranging the baby's room in order to accomodate the crib he just built. We had fun building it for 3.5 hours! Yep! Actually, Aaron just had me lay there and read the instructions while he did the actual engineering. It is a complex one that is able to change into a toddler bed and then a twin bed afterward as the baby grows bigger! We are so grateful to the Baha'i friends. Jayron is one lucky little boy!

The Diaper cake! With a monkey holding a banner that says "Jayron" and trying to mount the cake! That was soooo cute! Jennifer and her mom, Sherry, made it entirely out of diapers.
Lots of munchies. Hmmm...

You can see I had started collecting quite a few pegs and perching them on the sleeve of my dress.

Getting ready to begin

Little Naomi samples Jayron's blue swim cap! Doesn't it look cute on her?

Aaron and our ABM, Dan Reimer.

On the treasure hunt

Looking for clues...

Everyone was excited and accompanied me.

Finally we find the treasure!

Lani, third from left, put together the treasure hunt guide. Good job, Lani!!:)

Some of our dear Marshallese Baha'i friends.

Dayna was having a good time!

With Tuba and Amin

Sherry and her daughter made this ingenious diaper cake! Thanks, Sherry!

We love it!

Re-arranging Jayron's room after building the crib.

The completed crib. After we put in the hamper and bottom drawers, it will be all done!!

Fombe Family in Green Africtude

2009-06-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma City - June 14, 2009

They had to take pictures for their church directory. I thought they looked too cute!!

Earlier, we had been to visit Bertina and Divine's baby, Dina.

Aaron loves babies

Baby Shower - Oklahoma City

2009-06-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma City - June 13, 2009

It all began with the confirmation ceremony of my cousins, Samgwa'a and Samgella, at the Catholic Church. Notice the ointment on their foreheads in the first picture. It is a big ceremony. The arch bishop is there and he annoints the entire class himself. He is escorted into church by the Knights of Columbus. It's a solemn occasion where the confirmants consciously confirm their faith. My aunt's family is a very strong Catholic family.

Anyways, that's how it all started. Aaron and I came to Oklahoma City for the occasion. I had no idea that a surprise baby shower was in store for me afterward. The second shower in a week, I might add. And what's more, Aaron was keyed in on the surprise but I had no idea! Everyone really outdid themselves in showering me with gifts. My aunt, Angeline, God bless and sustain her and her family, did a wonderful job putting it all together, with lots to eat and drink.

Ma Angeline and her cousin, Leh.

With Auntie Salome

With Ma Dora, Ma Sue and others

My cousins

Everyone was just bustling around and enjoying the festivities

I was in the seat of honor in the corner

With Ba Fombe, my aunt's husband

With Ni George

Hubby dear...

My cousins are smiling back at Aaron as he goes around taking pictures

Eating time. Can you imagine all the food!!!!

With Sabina

Ma Angeline and Ruth. Ruth helped with the cooking too.

Opening gifts and acknowledging the wonderful people who gave them.

With Martine. She gave me some really cool stuff.

With cousins Frank and Sharon. Notice the nice comfy cushy (pottie) they got me.

Ma Grace (middle) defended Aaron when they teased him about how it all happened!!:)

With cousins

And their mom

This family gave me three huge packets of Purex soap for baby's clothes. Awesome!

Ma Salome, Ma Angeline, and cousin Leh.

With Bertina. She had her baby girl, Dina, just some 5 months earlier.

Cutting the cake

My Baby Shower - U of A

2009-06-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower - June 10, 2009 ~

It's some 7 weeks to D-day! Our Development Office at the University of Arkansas threw me a baby shower. It was fun. Aaron and I are planning to decorate the baby's room in a jungle theme, so the office had the cup cakes decorated with little animals on them! Even the paper napkins were jungle. It was so sweet!! All my gift bags had different animals on them...as did the gifts. So exciting! Aaron and I had a good time and were very thankful of the kind gesture. I wish we had a picture of the office crowd who were looking on as we opened the gifts.

Sharla wrote down the gifts for me.

I had to take my shoes off at some point to be able to bend over!!:) My boss, Brenda, who was taking the pictures, could not resist taking a picture of my bare feet:)

My friend, Gladys, had meticulously decorated the gift bag with little frills all around the edges. Just like Gladys to go all out for someone.

The baby has to be a Razorback! That's for sure.

Booster seat!

And high chair!

And here I am in my sea of gifts

With Aaron

My Lilies

2009-06-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

June 3, 09

My lilies came back this year, in full bloom. Sahar, I wanted you to see, in case they were all gone by the time you visit:)

Surprise Shower for Adeline

2009-06-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Adeline's Surprise Shower - May 30, 09

Adeline is a great friend of many of us the Africans and she's having a baby boy, Yumbi, in mid June. The party was fun. And she was surprised; she had no clue, and that was a real treat. She was so happy too. The turnout was just great, and we ate, danced, ate, and danced some more, talked, opened gifts, and watched Nigerian movies until 3am, although we'd started at 6pm the previous evening. That's the African way!

To make the weekend even more special, Aaron's good friend, Wilson, his wife Harriet and their two little daughters came to visit for the weekend. So, it was one busy and fun weekend.

Adeline walks into "Surprise" and is still looking baffled in the first few pictures.

Everyone's trying to capture her surprised face.

Then we get ready to eat

Adeline, guest-of-honor, launches the eating part.

Bernadette and me - the dancing has began.

Group picture - hooray!

Aaron and I are having the time of our lives

And the guys too...

Dessert time

Fun pics

We all tease Adeline that her baby, Yumbi, will be born while she is dancing. She loves to dance.

Circle dancing

More guests eating

Aaron poses:)

Gifts time. This is after Adeline has made a speech and told us about the baby and the guests have all offered comments and advice and encouragement.

Angelle talks to Adeline about the joy of having a baby.

This man was a very good dancer!!:)

2009-05-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Devil's Den State Park - May 23, 2009

We had a great afternoon. Bricia, a Gabonese friend of ours, Aaron and I chose a trail with lots of caves. Also reminded us of back home - the natural forest, evergreen, insects, wet ground from earlier rain. It was cool and pleasant. I also wanted to give 7-month old Jayron his first hike!:)

Going ever higher...

Entrance to the first cave on the trail

I emerge.

Climbing down the rocks gingerly...

Aaron doesn't really have a pink bag:) He was just carrying Bricia's.

Do you really think you can lift that rock, Aaron?

Aaron emerges from yet another cave. He was the daring one. Some were pretty tight and sleek.

Bricia and I venture...not too far...into this one.

Cold mist circled in this cave. Come on, Bricia, you can do it:)

Aaron doesn't know what to expect here, but he's not giving up.

Me neither

Gathering specimens, Aaron said:)

Another rock face.

I say eh!!!

Ah, a waterfall...or something like that.

This was a pretty river, especially further upstream where people could swim.

At the end of the trail.

Mushu and his cute car

2009-05-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

Finland - May 2009

Mushu just sent me these pics of his cute car. I don't even know what it is...I just know it's shining!!:) Way to go, Mush!
Looking good, little bro.

2009-05-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Summer 2008

I'm serving my famous quiche at an office meeting. Jeanie just sent in this one.

Sound of Africa 2009

2009-05-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday - April 25, 2009

This event, like others past, was enjoyable and memorable. It was a celebration of African dance, food, and culture. Lots of performances, powerpoint slides, a beautiful talk by a Nigerian lady on why children are on the streets of Africa, a call to raise funds for clean drinking water in parts of the continent. The turnout, as always, was very good. Approximately 300 people. For more pictures, visit the African Students Organization website by clicking here.

Aaron and I were in African attire
John and his wife, Gail, attended and had a good time. John and I work together.

A drumming performance

A dance from Cameroon

African Aya gave an outstanding performance

This guy was something else. He led the African Aya group in drumming. He can drum like nothing you've seen before.

At one point, the audience was called to dance to the music.

This kid was having a good time too!

Our friend, J.P., from Gabon was in the mood!

And his sister, Bricia, was equally having a great time.

This lady was one of the dancers for African Aya.

Baby Stages

2009-04-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

April 5, '09

My mother sent me some African outfits to suit my current condition:) Aaron has been having fun taking pictures. And no, we haven't picked out a name yet. Still having fun with the options. Here's to 22 1/2 weeks!!

Okay...enough for now...

Oklahoma Weekend Activities

2009-04-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

April 3-5 - Oklahoma City, OK

Aaron and I spent the weekend in Oklahoma. It was a weekend full of activity and lots of eating and partying. One of the first activities we attended was in the Catholic Church. My aunt, Ma Angeline, and her family are Catholics and their kids were taking part in a skit depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross that mark Christ's suffering in His last few hours on this earthly plane before His crucifixion.

The children did a really good job and the youth commentator had a very sweet voice. From the solemness of their actions, one could tell that the kids were really engaged in the play and its significance.

In this first picture, the women of Jerusalem, Christ's mother Mary in the lead, morn for Christ and for themselves. My 6-year old cousin is the little one with the blue scarf. Here Christ meets His mother. My two twin cousins act Christ and one of the Roman soldiers.

Here Christ falls down for the third time. Victoria, one of the women who had wiped His face, stands by helplessly. One of the observers had been commanded to help Christ carry the cross.

The soldiers nail Him to the cross.

The soldiers throw lots about dividing Christ's garments.

The women watch helplessly as Christ dies.

He is taken down from the cross and put in His mother's arms.
On Saturday night, we attended a birthday party. Here's my cousin, Feh.

Feh took this picture. She's good!

And my twin cousins, Samgwa and Samgella. Looking really handsome, as usual.
With my dear hubby.

Naw-Ruz - March 2009

2009-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Naw-Ruz - We celebrated it on Friday, March 20th at our Springdale Baha'i Center.

A Feast of Hospitality and rejoicing, is what Shoghi Effendi calls it. It comes after our Fasting period.

This sacred day, when the sun illumines equally, is called the equinox, and the equinox is the symbol of the Manifestation of God. The Sun of Truth rises on the horizon of Divine Mercy and sends forth its rays. This day is consecrated to commemorate it..." (Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 301)

The kids are having fun.
Aaron was taking pictures, which explains why he doesn't feature in any of them.
This guest (on the right) was moved by the singing.
The Marshallese friends, who make up a huge part of our community, are always a delight to be around. They are also marvelous cooks.

Later on, Aaron and I went to an African friend's home for a BBQ party. We all had a great time.

Adeline and Henry love to dance!

These friends are all from Cameroon

A friend's fruit dish gift on his birthday. Isn't that absolutely beautiful? I couldn't resist taking a picture. The cantaloupe was so delicious!

We are a B-Cluster...YEAH!!!!

2009-02-26T10:05:00.001-08:00

Saturday - January 21, 2009

Our cluster reflection meeting largely centered on our new B-cluster status and what it meant. We had a celebration, lots of food before the meeting, and then cake during the meeting. It was a wonderful event. Our ABM, Dan Reimer, answered all questions, we talked about what it meant for our core activities and the general growth of the cluster. We analyzed statistics of where we were 18 months ago as far as activities and the tremendous progress we had made in that time. Then we reviewed our pledges from the previous meeting, shared experiences, and made new pledges.

After the meeting, we had a tutor gathering (our first ever). All 17 tutors in the cluster were present! And after that, we had a meeting of our core team. It was intense. One could already feel the impact of this bold step that our cluster had just taken forward!

Video by Leila Seradj based on UHJ Letter

2009-02-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

"Let them not..." from Leila Seradj on Vimeo

Her words:

"I made this video using photos from bahai.org/attaining : images of Baha'is from five continents engaging in common yet diverse activity. Text from a recent message dated 20 October 2008 from the Universal House of Justice (the international governing body of the worldwide Baha'i community) to the Baha'is of the world.

The song is called "Spiritual Medley" by the Harvard Kuumba Singers."

Plight of Iranian Baha'is in Iran

2009-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Iranian Baha'is have suffered for over a century, and continue to suffer, persecution at the hands of Iranian authorities in Iran. Recently, seven of them were rounded up and put in prison for almost a year, and are now facing a trial. Their only "crime" is that they are Baha'is. Yet, the Muslim authorities heap unfounded accusations on them, including spying for Israel and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

All over the world Baha'is and even non-Baha'is are raising awareness of this injustice. Baha'is are also organizing prayer gatherings everywhere on behalf of these seven Baha'i friends. Please remember them in your prayers and thoughts.

To read more about this situation, please click here.

Rainn Wilson, a Baha'i, wrote an article about this on CNN. He's an actor in the TV comedy, The Office. Click here to read his article.

Ice Storm in NW Arkansas

2009-02-13T14:06:00.001-08:00

It started Tuesday, 27 January for about a week!

It was awful. It was the worst ice storm Arkansas had seen in a very long time. No power in some parts for a week and up to 2 weeks after that. It was sleek and dangerous. So many trees were destroyed or simply lost several limbs. Everything took on a diamond-like quality for a while...you know, all white and shimmery.

Our neighborhood - it was like a ghost town

The willow tree near the pond in front of our house just bent over from the weight of the ice.

The trees looked pitiful

While the grass shimmered

Most trees looked like they had diamonds on their branches

Power lines were down

The roads were a mess

The streams all looked white

Aaron's truck was part covered in ice. Fortunately we park his car outside our garage because it is difficult to have both his truck and my car in at the same time. That was a good thing because my car was stuck in the garage, and since I didn't know that you could disable the electric power trigger and manually lift up the garage door, we had to use Aaron's car to run all our errands (which mostly comprised eating out, since there was no power to run our electric cooker).

We finally escaped to civilization in Oklahoma. They too had suffered a serious snow storm but had thawed out most of the roads and had electricity. We went to my aunt's home on Friday and returned to Arkansas on Sunday. By then, there was electricity in our neck of the town.My cousins - Samgwa'a & Samgella My aunt - Ma Angeline

With my sweetheart

Interfaith Harmony Day celebration

2009-01-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 18, 2009 - St. Paul's Episcopalian Church, Fayetteville, AR

The event was a blast. Over 10 Faiths were represented, and more than 300 people attended. We started at 2pm and went on till 5:45pm. Everyone evidently had a great time. The planning committee, of which I was a part, met for almost a year to plan the event. It was a huge success. Tables were decorated by each Faith and manned by its members. Guests visited the tables throughout the event to learn about the Faiths, receive material, and get some refreshments. Meanwhile, performances ranged from chants to recitals, choir songs, group songs, children performances, and an interfaith panel discussion. Several reporters were also present to cover the event. CNN did a brief report as well. Click here to access it.

Mohja Kahf, a professor of Middle Eastern studies danced in anticipation. She's a Muslim and also represented Islam on the panel.
Chava Schacter, the lady laughing and dancing with Mohja is a member of the Unitarian Church. She coordinated the whole event and headed the planning commitee. She's Jewish too.

The Set-up part: The Muslim table

The native Indian table - Arco Iris

This lady receives a soothing scent
Others...can't remember them all.

The Goddess Worship table. They honor the power and divinity of Women. I was told by the ladies that the 4 cardinal strengths that represent North, South, East, and West are Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. You can see symbols of them on the table.

More...

St. Thomas Catholic Church

More...

The Unitarian Universalist Church

More...

Baha'i table set-up - from left to right: Lani, Anne, Janet, Sherri, and me

Janet stands next to our We Are One Family poster

We had the best food, and only our table had bottled water. That attracted many people to our table. We had a very tasty dish from our Marshallese Baha'is too...I don't think I took a picture of that dish. News spread fast about that one and it was eaten quickly. It was made of pumpkin and cream mostly. Very good!!!:) We also had delicious home-made fruit salad, home-made tuna sandwiches, and home-made cookies of various kinds.

Sound check After a welcome by Chava, the Buddhists started the performances with a haunting Buddhist chant performed by a man dressed in Buddhist robes. That was followed by Buddhist songs. Performance from the Unity Church - Divine Intervention Choir

The Quaker Faith followed.Some of our Marshallese friends pose for a picture.

In the meantime, people went around visiting the tables. So many people came to our table. We gave out a lot of material. Since I was sitted behind our table, I could take pictures of some of these people. Ahhh!! Notice the yellow dish to the right of the table - that's the famous Marshallese dessert.

More visitors, going away with food or material or both. People especially loved the golden rule bookmarks, cards, and posters.

Sherri had made over 100 sandwiches...and boy! were they delicious!!!!

More guests

Here's Meroosh, my Indian friend. We play volleyball together too. He is from the St. Thomas Catholic Church, and that was his wife in the earlier picture I took of their table. He came by to visit our table.

Visitors to the Muslim table that was right next to ours.

Lots of attendees. These are Baha'is in the beginning of these two rows.

The children of the St. James Methodist Youth Choir. They sang so well.
The Interaith Choir (Unitarian Universalist and First Christian Church). They were phenomenal. They also did a great rendition of "Siyahamba".

Felicia and her kids Ibrahim and Naomi. She's a friend of the Baha'is.

Then the panel discussion. The panelists were (from L to R): Baha’i, Episcopal, Unitarian, Universalist, Muslim, Jewish, Arco Iris, Society of Friends (Quaker), and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

After the panel discussion, a performance by Harmonia

The Muslims' performance started with a call to prayer: Allah'u'Akbar. And then the guy and Mohja read some verses and did some chants as well.

Then it was our turn - The Baha'is. I started with a quote on the oneness of humanity and religion, and why the NSA of the U.S. had introduced World Religion Day in 1950. Then I told two stories from Abdu'l-Baha. Next the Baha'is sang three songs: We chanted "Blessed is the Spot"; we sang "God is One" (special request by Chava from the Unitarian Universalist). We sang it in English and Marshallese, and we had song sheets for the audience to join us. Then we sang "Teaching Peace" and everyone could join us too. It was fun. The diversity in the Baha'i group was so apparent.

Next was a performance by a choir from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.
Finally we closed with a pretty song by the Goddess Worship group.

Chava, Mohja, and I, all members of the planning committee, were pretty happy at the end.

Baha'i Winter School, Tahlequah

2009-01-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Oklahama Baha'i Winter School, Tahlequah - January 1-4, 2009

It was a very inspiring conference, from every account. We had wonderful guest speakers: Ms. Erica Toussaint from the NSA (a wonderful speaker and story-teller); Dan Reimer and Behzad Rohani (Auxiliary Board Members); Mahyar Sadeghi and Simin Rohani (Cluster Insitute Coordinators); amongst others. The program was diverse with music devotions; youth, JY, and children's classes; practice Anna's presentation, evening programs including games, prayer beads-making, Persian dance, grilled hotdog sandwiches, etc; youth vespers; dawn prayers....it was all lots of fun. As you can see, I tried to take pictures of most things. I should have taken some pictures of the beautiful mountain ranges that surround the area. That means cell phones didn't work there...or at the most, they barely did!

Setting up on the first day.

Ms. Erica and me

Dearest Cindy van Cley. She plays the guitar and led us in many sing-along songs.

The daughters of my dear friends, Sayena and Chester Besong. Chester is Cameroonian and Sayena is Persian, so these kids are half-Cameroonian!

Some of our devotional perfomances.

I was one of the speakers. I gave an hour-long presentation on International Pioneering. It was very interesting and the friends found it very informative. We had a devotional part, a quiz part about pioneering, we had a "sharing experiences from the field" part, where some friends came up and talked about their wonderful experiences and made the friends cry; then we had questions and answers, and then everone's handout had a short pioneering prayer with the name of a pioneer behind it so that we could all go home and pray for the pioneers out in the field, then we acknowledged the international and homefront pioneers in the room, and everyone went away with bookmarks showing our pioneering goal for the Five Year Plan, as well as pretty pioneer prayers. I also had goal countries in a visual format printed out for people to take with them. The presentation also featured a visual part where I guided the friends step-by-step from a powerpoint presentation how to apply for pioneering from the national website. So everyone who got through that hour realized the pioneering has many facets and everyone can help achieve the pioneering goals for the 5YP.

A presentation on Huququ'llah by Perla Talebi and Keith Angier

Sing-along time!

The young fella, Andreas, with the beautiful smile was visiting from Columbia. He really had a good time. We also had an exchange student from Germany. He chanted a prayer in Deutsch.

Behzad and Simin Rohani are up front

David, in the back, with the green folder, is on the School Committee and was the school director.

Ralph Ferguson and Kamran Talebi from Arkansas smile for my picture! Thanks, guys.
Bernadette Rohani was a fantastic MC.

Our CICs, Mahyar and Simin, did a great job teaching us about, and demonstrating, Anna's presentation.

They used Victor as their seeker in demonstrating the use of Anna's presentation.

Mateen gave a brilliant report on Project Anis, of which he was a part.

Dan Reimer takes on a more difficult seeker, Terri Angier, in demonstrating Anna's presentation. Terri was watching a very important football match and Dan had to deal with that.

Terri finally decided to give him sometime, since her husband could later tell her about the part of the game she'd missed!:)

Our School Committee. From left to right: Mike Bigler, Tony Oates, Jacky, David Gainey and Kerry Koskie. Karen Darling on the far right is the Schools Coordinator.

Dan Reimer and me

The devotions group for that afternoon.

Trey Yancy gave a presentation on Spiritual Dynamics. He also taught some of the youth classes.

The Rohanis and me.

Erica Toussaint gives one of her talks

Meal Time

A great guitarist from Oklahoma, and the black guy is from Mississippi.

Chuck had some good stories and jokes during one of the evening activities. He also coordinated the prayer beads exercise.

Diane Ferguson had a couple of jokes too!

Kayhan Movafagh shared his experiences as a pioneer during my pioneering presentation and drew many a tear from the audience. He also told some jokes in the evening.

This kid did an Irish tap dance! Fun!

The Marshallese friends from NW Arkansas sang some of their moving songs.

A presentation by the 3-5 year olds! They were soooo cute!

Karen received a couple of gifts from the Marshallese friends. I don't remember what they call that flowery crown!:) Also notice her beautiful necklace.

Evening activities. Limbo time!

Get lower...

Keith and Chase Angier, and the gentleman from Oklahoma whose name eludes me right now.

Jump rope

Persian dance! I learned that it was all about screwing in the light bulb (that's how you know how to move your arms and fingers!:) ) Isn't that funny?

Everyone was trying it.

Erica gives her closing remarks on Sunday, the last day of the school.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2008 ~

Had some African friends over. We just cooked, ate, relaxed and watched movies until about 5am. Then on New Year's eve, we did the same at Bricia's house until the wee hours of New Year's day. So much fun....and food! That's the African way!

Aaron with Bricia (Gabonese) and Adeline (Cameroonian)

Jean-Pierre, Bricia's brother

Bricia and boyfriend, Amami (he's Senegalese)

Regional Conference in Dallas, TX

2009-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dallas - December 13-14, 2008.

It's funny - I was so excited the first day, I forgot my camera. I was dismayed when I found out. Of course, parking was so difficult that there was no returning to our host's home to collect it. So all the wonderful workshops, addresses by amazing people like Kenneth Bowers of the NSA who was our MC that first day (and spoke in Farsi at some point to a Persian family who declared there!) and the Regional Council representative, the youth presentations, workshops, evening's activities, devotional readings and musicians, artists, etc, I didn't capture a single one!! But I have them in my heart. And also, if you visit this website and scroll down to select the Dallas conference link, you'll get a glimpse of some of the good things I could have captured that first day with my camera. It was all simply incredible. The spirit there was tangible and moving.

The second day continued on a more practical note. We split into our various clusters and had consultations. The A cluster friends were encouraged to join the C cluster friends and see what service they could render them. These friends could even consider pioneering to these C clusters to help the friends there launch teaching campaigns.

Then towards the end, about 3 hours to the end of the conference, the friends in Arkansas, and I think some from parts of Oklahoma too, were advised to leave early because there was a snow storm alert. Imagine our chagrin when we returned to nothing but rain. I hear the end was marvelous. But I am glad that we, at least, got a chance to attend most of the conference, meet so many loving people and old faces, celebrate our victories, revive that fire to serve the Cause the most we could...and so on. Aaron had to stand up to his employer just to get those days off and it was well worth it.

It was wonderful to see Mrs. Lincoln whom I have served at the International Teaching Center in Haifa. And also to meet one of the newer ITC members, Miss Baatar. These ITC members shared with us inspiring stories from the other conferences that had already held, for example, how despite the war in Congo, the friends had trekked long distances, bravely and happily stood up to army blockades to make it to the site of the conference. Miss Baater went through the elements of the institute process clearly and with examples. Mrs. Lincoln conveyed to us the vision the House had for us. It was all very, very inspiring.

The message: we're advancing fast and our achievments have been many, but there is so much more to do and the time is now. The multitudes are ready. Each one of us has a role to play!

Filing out of the main hall to our workshop rooms Miss Erica Toussaint is first in the row, you can see Mrs. Lincoln and Miss Baatar to her left, and a counsellor to her right, whose name has just slipped my mind. That's bad because he, so beautifully, coordinated our first workshop. It will come to me later...Mr. Kenneth E. Bowers, secretary of the NSA. I borrowed this picture and a couple of others from the Baha'i news websiteMr. Gene Andrews addresses the friendsThese friends are from my community in NW Arkansas - Amina and Sherri.
Some of our performers
With Miss Toussaint, Mrs. Lincoln, Aaron, and Miss Baatar

Trying to get a clear picture with the dim lights

Aaron and I were so happy to be there. Aaron was so popular with his African look!

With my former coordinator. Ginger Wich, when I served at the International Teaching Center. It was great to see her, I tell you!

With some of the Dallas friends. With Mrs. Lincoln

With Quddus Nasseri, a most active and wonderful Baha'i. We also served at the ITC together. He's now in Houston, TX.

With Aaron's friends when he previously lived in Dallas, TX.

I also borrowed this one from the website. Mrs. Lincoln led the friends in this song, she wrote herself: Would You Give Your Heart to Baha'u'llah. This was at the end when we had left for Arkansas.

Ma Angeline's RN School Graduation

2009-01-06T11:10:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 12~

Ma Angeline graduates from Registered Nurse school. We are so proud of her!

Loved ones pinned the graduation pins. Here, my aunt's husband, uncle Georgie is doing the honors.
Ruth, her mom, and Martha were there too.

Auntie Janemary and I

Yep, Aaron made it!

The star of the evening
The Family

Baha'i Paysans in Lewisville, TX

2008-12-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Paysans - about 5 years ago.:)

Yaounde Regional Conference

2008-12-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yaounde Regional Conference - November 29-30

Yaounde - the capital of Cameroon - is one amongst 41 cities around the world selected by the Universal House of Justice, at this mid-point of the Five Year Plan, "to celebrate the feats already achieved during the Plan [as well] as to deliberate on its current exigencies". Here's an excerpt from the report on this conference: "Some 1,200 participants gathered at the Cameroon National Bahá’í Center for the Yaounde regional conference, 29-30 November. In addition to the hundreds who had come from across Cameroon, there were 90 from Chad, 45 from Congo, 18 from Equatorial Guinea, 20 from Gabon, and 10 from Sao Tome and Principe. A high percentage of those attending were youth, ages 12 to 22." Please click here to see more pictures and read the rest of the report, and others.

On the row with Sahar's parents, Kamran and Fariba Frooghi, my mom and dad are sitting right after them. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Sahar says that the lady in green is the wife of the Fon of Baba! Behind, the man with a baby is Ibrahim Nyambi. He was an ABM in Ndop for a long time and had once served at the BWC.Towards the back, the lady in purple looking back is dear Auntie Lucy from Bamenda.

So many familiar faces! I can see Mr. Chongwain wearing a Bamenda tribal cap, with Jackson from Yaounde sitting right next to him on the left.

The Persian lady looking back is Auntie Manal Gillett.

Baha'is from Mamfe, SW Province in Cameroon standing in front of the National Center

Baha'is from Gabon

The Buea choir performed

Baha'is from Chad participate in a workshop

Thanksgiving in OKlahoma

2008-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 27 - 30 November~

Thanksgiving was special. I had a great time in Oklahoma with my aunts Angeline and Kona.

At Ma Angeline's house
Ba Fombe and Ma Angeline
Auntie Janemary and Uncle Jean-Patrice. Sabina carrying Ruth's little baby.
With my cousin, Leh on the left, and friend, Quinta and her daughter.

Ruth carves out the Turkey. It was dewicious!!!:) Martha, Ba Fombe, and Emma.

Ba has loaded. Ready to attack! I think that was round 2!!:)

My Nigerian friend, she too had a very cute baby. And Sabina

My cousin, Feh, in the middle, poses for the picture.

My cousins, Samgwa and Samgella

Auntie Janemary and her son, Fred, and sister, Martha.

At Ma Kona's the next day. The sky was so beautiful we took some outside pictures. There's my cousin, Leoga.

In front of their home, with my aunt, Kona.

We were on our way out to see some friends.

Cluster Reflection Meeting in Springdale

2008-11-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

Cluster Reflection Meeting - Springdale, AR, November 15

There were about 45 friends present, a good turnout . And the room was charged with energy and a warm spirit. Auxiliary Board Member, Dan Reimer, and his wife, Jennifer, were there and as usual gave us good guidance. We talked about our core activities, where we are and our goal, we read and discussed the letter from the NSA on C-level clusters (our cluster is a C and the goal is to make it a B by Ridvan). Then we focused on devotional meetings, what it takes to open your own, how simple but beautiful and profound it can be, etc. Shelly and Terry Pittman coordinated the event and brought in some beautiful ideas from their experiences in Houston and Mexico. For example, below are a couple of boards. After the discussion on each core activity, you could commit to either one and then go stick your commitment on the board. The friends loved it! It was a good meeting. Dan and Jennifer said they'll see us next at the regional conference in Dallas on 13 and 14 December.
Below: Tuba tags on her pledge for a devotional meeting

Aaron tags on his pledge to finish Ruhi Books 5 and 7.
The friends were divided into groups from the 3 different communities of Sprindale, Fayetteville, and Rogers. Each balloon denoted an area.

Dan Reimer observes from the back of the room

Lani Froelich leads the discussion. Shelly Pittman and Jennifer look on.

Terry Pittman talks about devotional meetings.

Group photos

Lani

The two complimentary movements

Shelly and me

Ruhi Book 5

2008-11-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

My Ruhi Book 5 classmates. ~

Besides our tutor, there are four more of us taking the class. Aaron was able to join us last Saturday.
Below: Our tutor, Amy McGehee
Dacia Clark and Lani Froelich Aaron and Amy From right to left: Lani, Amy, Edison, and me.

My Poem Won 1st Place!!

2008-11-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

November 2nd - Taste of Africa Event

It was an occasion to give the people of Fayetteville a taste of African food and culture. It was a great success and we had over 150 people present. At the event, prices were also awarded for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winners of a poetry competition. Contestants had to write on one of three topics: Advocate for Africa; Unity in Africa; Wealth in Africa. My poem on Wealth in Africa won first place!!! And what's more, my prize and certificate were awarded by the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Dr. G. Dave Gearhart! I was asked to get on stage and read the poem. It's gratifying...and encouraging...so many people have asked me for a copy since then. See poem below.

WEALTH IN AFRICA

Wealth- vast implications, it hints at great proportions,
Where money is in plenty; and value is abundant.
Wealth conjures a picture of ample and good fortune,
With riches, perhaps cars, a big house and maidservants.

Wealth in Africa…ah, that’s a different story.
Not what a westerner perhaps would in his mind envision.
Its wealth lies in people, in culture; nature’s abundance,
Resilience, collective effort, community at its core.

Now I have seen both worlds…I have filled the western shoes.
It looked like wealth – at first – but I too soon learned its price.
An SUV whose comfort just sealed my pledge in debt.
This house, oh the payments, next year will I be here?

A job, “We’ll employ you, but how much can you deliver?”
“Work, work, and work some more…Vacation? Maybe later.”
Family, “By God, mom, I am working again this Easter!”
For this wealth, for this life, can I afford the price?

Oh yes, I’ve seen that world; now I look back to Africa…
My continent…How often I‘ve taken your gifts for granted,
A house my father built, on his own land, with his own toil,
It will always be his, his children’s, his grandchildren’s.

Time…so highly valued and scarce in countries yonder,
Is but another good of commonplace value in these lands.
Grandfather needs a fence; the neighbor, a new roof,
I have time, I have time, my people, I have time.

Though funds are oft depleted, in a sense they’re overrated.
Here green hills so fruit-laden are a harbor and a haven.
The farms, their fresh produce sure to come with every season,
Eight months of lush rain, of rich harvest and much grain.

‘Tis a night for celebration, when the talking drums start calling,
As the steady rhythm’s beating; around the fire bodies sway,
Men and women, children, elders soon throng the vast clearing,
Exchanging the day’s stories, with the full moon looking on.

Africa, land of plenty - rich soils, diverse cultures,
Strong people with open hearts, resilient to the last,
Sharing joys with each other, bearing sorrows a part of living,
Yes, wealth not in silver, but in shared humanity.

Jacky Ambe Ashu

Mehdi and Nassim Teku

2008-10-31T13:26:00.001-07:00

It's Nasim's Birthday - September 24, 2008 - already 2 years old!!

Nasim is Gabby and Dibo's daughter. They now have little Mehdi, who is a handsome baby. See below. Mehdi and friend

Candle-blowing time!

Ah, the diva! Sahar, are the male divas?? The proud mom!

Nasim having fun with her friend

And the proud dad

Oh, isn't he cute?

This one eh!! They go leave am for e hand!!

Mush and Dibo!! Weh, my sister and brother...looking good!!

And my other brother, Sahba, looking hot too...and growing so fast I almost didn't recognize him in that picture!

Birth of the Bab

2008-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrated at sunset on October 19th, 2008 at the Baha'i Center in Springdale ~

For the benefit of my non-Baha'i friends, the Bab was the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah. He has a unique, dual station in that while He came to prepare Mankind for the advent of "Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest", Baha'u'llah, He also brought a unique Book and Teachings. And so the Baha'i Faith is blessed with these Twin Manifestations, the Bab and Baha'u'llah. This day, we were celebrating the birth of the Bab. He was born on October 20, 1919. A Baha'i day typically goes from sunset of the previous day to sunset of the day in question. And so we were having this celebration on the evening of the 19th. Anyway, to learn more about these Great Personages, click here.

The weather was great and everyone was in a fine mood for celebration. We started with a potluck dinner. There was a lot to eat.

The junior youth. I teach the junior youth class and these kids are so smart and fun.

John, Kamran, and Farhad

Rosanna and Rosina. Some of our Marshallese ladies.

Hertin and his wife, Torqui

You go, Elena!

Torqui preps the children for their prayer and music presentation

Some of our Marshallese men. Franklin is in the middle, and the gentleman up front with the white cap, whose name I've forgotten, is chairman of the Springdale LSA.:)

Lani and the kids

Kamran and more Marshallese friends

Me and the junior-youth girls

The program has began

Kamran Talebi and his dad, Amin

My junior-youth group helped me with trivial pursuits on the life of the Bab

The kids present a prayer accompanied by piano music

Perla Talebi, facing forward, and Tuba, Kamran's mom

Lani hands out presents to anyone who attempts or gets a question right during the trivial pursuits activity

Branson Trip

2008-10-10T06:20:00.001-07:00

Fun trip to Branson - October 8 & 9

Aaron and I decided to take a quick little vacation (before he had to return to work) and go up to Branson to visit the Silver Dollar City. The city is a very popular vacation resort with game parks, tons of shows, rides, craft shops and several other shops that sell all kinds of things from indian carvings and artwork to paintings, sea shells, tapestries, you name it. There are music shows and music plays all around the park, especially country and folk music. The city is mostly decorated in a quaint way, artfully depicting the oldies style in the early 20th century. You could see lantels and old chests in some areas, saloons and the like, blacksmiths, ladies in petticoats, etc. The city is strictly for entertainment. At 6pm, shuttle buses get everyone out of the city to their different parking lots. Branson itself features many, many shows and it is really a very touristic town. You can go on several river rides too. The hills and lakes give an awesome view in several places, especially with the Fall leaves everywhere. It's a place you can visit over and over again and always have something different to do there each time.
Below is a pretty bridge we crossed into Branson
Aaron was driving. I was busy trying to keep my stomach down, lots of ups and downs and twists in the road to Branson.

A replica of the Titanic. Notice the ice below the ship which was the cause of its wreck.

Haloween scarecrows were everywhere.

Trying to capture the city behind and around us.
A show called The Saloon
An artshop behind us

Taking a train ride around the city
An armed robber buried along the path as you go on the train ride. Notice his boots sticking out of his grave. He is there to set an example to others who venture to stop and rob the train. (Of course, all of this is theatrically staged. We were stopped by two other armed robbers who were scared away by our conductor using his fake gun and very loud, booming voice)

At the blacksmith's

The lady ushers and sellers were mostly dressed 18-century style.
These two greeted everyone as they walked in and out of Silver Dollar city. The one on the left is actually a man!...Yep! Notice also how wet my pants are around the waist and thighs. I had just come out of a slosh canoe ride that takes you through rapids and gets you drenched in the process. It was so much fun I went twice, and thus my pants were having a hard time getting dry.:) My shoes squished as I walked too!!

Clau and Mush in Finland

2008-08-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Claudine visits Mushu in Finland ~

Chai, my siblings are cute!!!:-)
Clau on the plane. Clau, did the pepper from Mushu's okro soup get into your left eye? It looks kinda red!:-)
Below are pictures of Mushu shortly after he got his own apartment - his pre-dreadlock days!!:-)

Grandma Visits

2008-08-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

My maternal grandma - Ma Francisca

I was so happy to bring her to visit from Oklahoma. She has been visiting from Cameroon for some months now and stayed with my aunt in Oklahoma. My grandma was always there during the early years of my life, when I was often sick too, I'm told, and so I am very close to her. She had a great time in Arkansas, although she felt that we lived in a "bush"!! It was too natural, she felt. Well, she'd been in Oklahoma city all along. But she loved sitting out in front of our house and waving to the cars that went by, while watching the ducks and geese swim to and from the pond that lies in front of our house. She'll often take long walks too along the many quiet streets that surround the area.

I'm glad she came.

Gustaff's Visit

2008-08-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gustaff visited me for about a week. We had lots of fun visiting friends, chilling and watching movies, seeing the Baha'i friends, doing some direct and indirect teaching. Gustaff enjoys nature and so always loves his stay in Arkansas with all its greenery. His drum, of course, charmed everyone he met and played to, as did his radiant countenance. It is always a pleasure to see him. He was even able to lend a special touch to our cluster reflection meeting.

Gustaff playing his drum, the "Djembe". This was at the Pittmans' home. We had a contact there, Mike, who is taking Ruhi Book 1 with the Pittmans. Mike loved the music.

Gustaff and MikeHere we are in front of the buiding where I work at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Pets!!

2008-08-19T16:07:00.001-07:00

Oliver, the great dane; Cloey, the standard poodle; and Max, the very hyper little Shih Tzu

They belong to our dear Baha'i friends, the Clarks.

My schnauzer/Yorkie - Roxy. Isn't she just cute??

Isn't she cute with her eyes completely covered by her hair??:-)

Roxy - My Miniature Schnauzer

2008-06-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Roxy ~

I finally took some more pictures of her last night. Isn't she cute?! She's 3 years old and really sweet...and also very smart. Notice how in the third picture she puts her head on my leg? She likes to rest her head in my lap while I read or watch TV. And then I'll stroke her idly as I read. When I stop and rest my hand on my leg, she'll dig it up with her nose to remind me to keep stroking her!!!

By the way, I was told she might have some poodle blood in her because of her curly coat and red-colored paws. But a colleague at the office showed me pictures of yorkshire terriers (Yorkies) and she looks more like them!! Yuppee!! We just might get to the bottom of the ancestral tree afterall!!

Roxy was a stray and was found and taken to the shelter. They don't know very much about her either.

Wardville - Oklahoma

2008-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Surprise visit to Aaron's rig ~
He didn't know I was coming and was pleasantly surprised indeed. I rarely visit him at work because the rigs are often very far away in the middle of nowhere! This one was just some 3 1/2 hours away from our home in Arkansas.

We had a good time. Wardville is one of those areas near Atoka, and close to the Texas border, where there are numerous small lakes and lots of lush country.
Having lunch by one of the lakes

Under a weeping willow. They were numerous around this lake.
This was hilarious. Maybe from the heat...I don't know...but Aaron's sun shades just fell apart all of a sudden. Hehehehe!! Gave him kind of a pirate look. You can tell he wasn't very pleased!!:-) It was very sunny and the guy needed his shades big time!

Mushu - in Finland

2008-06-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Way to go, small bro!!! I like your dreadlocks!!

Fombes visit us in Arkansas

2008-06-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Weekend of June 14 and 15.

My aunt Angeline, her husband, and my 3 cousins visited from Oklahoma.

Roxy - my miniature schnauzer. She's 3 years old and really sweet. I adopted her on June 13. My cousin, Feh, loved her as soon as she saw her and dotted on her throughout the weekend.
The boys make a chocolate cake.
Feh can't wait to taste it!!
We watch "The Amazing Zorro".

We had planned a boat trip as a treat for our weekend guests. The boat belonged to the Clarks - Baha'i friends of ours. We went over to their house by 11am to clean out the boat and prepare for the trip.

Feh and I play with Max.
With Ma Angeline

Samgwa
Samgella on the hammock

Max wants to get on as well
Ma Angel tries to find a balance!:-)

Samgwa is going down!!:-)
Feh is content

Will I get on? We'll see...
Samgwa helps
The guys clean out the boat. It hasn't been on the lake since last summer so it is kinda dirty
Don't fall in!!
Heading out...

Aaron and Ma Angie stretch out
Uncle Georgie is ready to swim. Alan is steering the boat.
Feh and I feel secure in our life jackets
Callin (left) and his cousin (Gabriel). Callin is a good water skiier

Ah, the wind and water spray feel good on the face

Swimming time!

Feh comes out of the lake, content.
Ma Angie and I relax and soak in the afternoon sun
The boat going at full speed!! It felt great!
Ma Angie was exhilarated and let out a "whoa" everytime the boat jumped on waves

Uncle Georgie climbs back in after swimming. Aaron just got in too!
Callin is great at water skiing
His dad steers while he skiies side to side
Uncle Georgie watches from the back of the boat

Aaron and I relax in the back
Mother and daughter
The boat is just gliding now after a giddy few minutes of high speed over the waves
Eating at home
At our own little pond in front of our home

With cousin Feh

On the swing

Aaron decided to work off a heavy lunch on the mower!!:-)
My aunt and hubby relax

Aaron....are you working or what??:-)

Good Friends!!

2008-06-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Pictures of some wonderful friends of mine. Seeing them together calls back good memories of high school days.

From left to right - Mbakis, Miranda, and Kome.

Mbakis recently lost his mom. My sincerest condolences, Mbaakoh. This picture was taken at the wake-keeping in London.

Another Teku is Born!!!

2008-06-09T13:57:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!! - June 4, 08

Welcome to the world, Oben Mehdi Teku!!! Naseem has a brother now. Gabby tells me that mother and son are doing fine. Congratulations, Dibo and Gabby. [Dibo is my childhood friend. We grew up living in the same towns and doing the same activities for at least 9 years of our lives.]

Meanwhile Naseem is growing up fast!!!!

The Universal House of Justice

2008-06-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

BAHA'IS ELECT UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

HAIFA, Israel, 30 April 2008 (BWNS) -- The results of the election of the nine members of the Universal House of Justice, the governing body of the Baha'i Faith, have been announced.

Delegates to the Tenth International Baha'i Convention cast ballots yesterday for membership in the council that serves as the head of the religion.

Those elected are Farzam Arbab, Kiser Barnes, Peter Khan, Hooper Dunbar, Firaydoun Javaheri, Paul Lample, Payman Mohajer, Shahriar Razavi, and Gustavo Correa.

Members are elected for five-year terms.

The Universal House of Justice has its permanent seat at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Membership requires residence in Haifa.

Any Baha'i male age 21 and over is eligible for election. Both women and men are eligible for election or appointment to all other Baha'i institutions.

In His teachings, Baha'u'llah provided for the elected institution of the Universal House of Justice, which gives a continuing source of divine authority to guide the worldwide Baha'i community and to legislate on matters not spelled out in the Baha'i sacred writings.

The delegates that voted in the election are themselves members of national Baha'i governing bodies from around the world. They were chosen in earlier elections in their own countries.

The Baha'i Faith, which has more than 5 million followers, is established in almost every nation.

To view the photos and additional features click here:
http://news.bahai.org/

By the way, I was fortunate to serve as an executive assistant to Mr. Shahriar Razavi, second from the right, during my 2-year service at the International Teaching Center.

The picture below touched me deeply!! Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Cameroon - Kamran Frooghi, David Gillett, and Guebe Francois - 3 of the 8 members who made it to Haifa, humbly and solemnly walking the stage to cast their ballots in the election of the House of Justice.

Uncle Kamran is Sahar's dad and one of my spiritual parents. He has been a pioneer in Cameroon since the year I was born. He is much loved by the friends in Cameroon and is really special. In the picture, he is in full Bamenda traditional regalia. [By the way, his designated name amongst the Bamenda people is Pa Ngwa. Everywhere he goes, he's so much loved that the people give him a tribal name to show that he is one of them.]

Uncle David too is another of my spiritual parents. Has been a pioneer to Cameroon too for just about as long as Uncle Kamran. He did wonders for my English language - made sure I spoke it right.:-) He is very gentle and a wonderful teacher.

Uncle Guebe too is another of my invaluable guardians. I miss them all really much. Sahar, thank you for this picture!

Egusi Pudding Recipe

2008-05-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Egusi Pudding

A visitor to my blog asked me for egusi pudding recipe when she saw egusi pudding in the "Cameroon" entry.

Here's how I'll make it.

Boil meat, or fish, stock or dry fish, or whatever kind of fish you like (remove all bones), with spices such as fresh ginger, garlic, pepper, salt, and maggi. Use enough water because you will need the broth to mix the egusi.

Grind egusi to a fine, soft powder.

Pour the meat and broth into the egusi pudding and mix until you have a fine paste. The texture should be about as thick as a cake mixture before you bake it.

Taste for salt and maggi.

Beat in two eggs to help the mixture hold well as it cooks. (This is optional)

Optional: you can also boil a number of eggs, peel them and put aside. You could insert one in each bundle so that when the pudding is made, when you cut it into slices, there'll be eggs in the middle.

Okay, now if you are in Africa, you could use warmed plantain leaves to make the bundles for cooking.

If you are in the West, you will need to put a pot on the stove. Line it with aluminium foil and put some water at the bottom of the pot.

Then, depending on the bundle sizes you desire, cut up rectangles of aluminium foil and cling wrap. Cut two rectangles of clingwrap for each rectangle of aluminium file and cross them over the alum. foil.

Dish out a scoop or two or the egusi mixture and fold the clingwrap and aluminium foil around it. Do that until you have tied all the egusi mixture into bundles. Put them in the pot of water as you tie them. Cover the pot when you are done.

As the pot cooks, the water dries up so that you have to periodically add about a cup full of water. Let the pot cook for about one hour.

Then open one of the bundles to see if it is ready. If it is, all the others are. Then give it about 10 minutes to cool and then open bundles and cut up the egusi pudding for serving.

I hope that this is clear enough. It is hard to explain these things sometimes, and I am happy that the person who asked for the recipe is African and would be able to visualize and better understand the recipe.

For a glimpse of egusi pudding, Click on "Cameroon!!" to view the October 2007 posting.