DUNIA mag 9 - Special Edition by DUNIA Mag

Dunia Oct. - Dec. 2012, Issue 9

Special Edition

Inside SCOOP

“You can’t expect compassion from a system that does not see you as a human being. You have to know your true identity.”

TOP Qualities MEN Like in WOMEN

Fashion White Wedding or Indian Bliss?

Trendy Fall Choices Life Coach Chris Cooper

on Executing Your Passion

Isaiah Washington

Real Estate Esther Ayuk

African from America

Helps Families Avoid Foreclosure

Off screen & unscripted on Core Beliefs, Africa & Success

Immigration Seeking Asylum in FINLAND

The Reader’s www.duniamagazine.com

Magazine

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maXtreme ranks top in Fitness App category

Contents

On the Cover Page 32 Actor Isaiah Washington shares some of his deepest thoughts on life, especially relating to knowing your identity and being grounded in who you are.

Contents Profiles & Success

8. Planning Special Events - Danithea Ward

15. Execute Your Passion - Chris Cooper 20. Helping Families Avoid Foreclosure Esther Ayuk

Relationships

26. 5 Qualities Men Like In Women

The 9th Issue October - December, 2012

Cover

30. Off-screen & Unscripted with Award Winning Actor Isaiah Washington

Culture

38. Blissful Indian Weddings and outfits by Shymal and Bhumika

Fashion

41: The Beau Mode Collection - Kachi Designs

Travel

44. Photo Diaries from Thailand and Africa 50. Seeking Asylum in Finland

Inspiration

54. God’s Alphabet Does not Always Begin with an A

Dunia News Flash!

The experience doesn’t end here. Visit us online www.duniamagazine.com

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Publisher / Editorial Director Lema Abeng-Nsah

Managing Editor Innocent Chia

International Coordinator Zuzeeko Abeng

Contributing writers Innocent Chia Anze Mofor Zuzeeko Abeng Danithea Ward Lum Irine Asanji Honore Fon

Welcome to this Special Edition of DUNIA! I find it truly amazing that 2 years later, we are releasing DUNIA’s 9th issue. And yes, even if the cat is already out of the bag for you who are following us on Facebook and other social media platforms, I still get goose bumps at the thought of the icon that is gracing our magazine cover…Isaiah Washington! His incredible journey starts in Houston, TX where he was born, to the nurturing grounds of his acting career in New York, and unto the big screens of Hollywood where he mesmerizes us with his talent, charm and charisma; we learn of Isaiah’s higher purpose in life that is found in the remote villages of Sierra Leone. It is the foundation for a very interesting and eye opening discussion. Themed ‘The Various Shades of Greatness’ ... this issue visits with individuals like Esther Ayuk, Danithea Ward, Kingsley Sendze, Chris Cooper and more, who are following their dreams and making things happen in their own unique ways. The question remains, are YOU following your dreams? Are you growing and expanding your horizons? This issue will inspire you. The flavors of our contributing writers remain unique, because they all come from different backgrounds and live in different parts of the world. In the meantime, MARK YOUR CALENDARS: join us in Atlanta on August 31, 2013 for AN EVENING WITH ISAIAH, an exclusive opportunity to meet Mr Washington one on one, and have a discussion with him (pg 36). We will be celebrating 3 years of DUNIA in style! Thank you again for your support. It is humbling to watch the growth DUNIA is experiencing, knowing it is all because you are telling someone about The Reader’s Magazine. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Please connect with DUNIA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DUNIAMagazine) and on Twitter @duniamagazine. We also love to hear from you by email - mydunia@duniamagazine.com. Wishing you all the best ... from our hearts to yours.

Lema Nsah

(Twitter: @LemaNsah)

Editor’s Favorite Design & Production Wealth Alliance Systems

FLOTUS Michelle Obama plays football with children in New Orleens. Pg 31

Relationship talk & tips In the Gallery

Cultural & Social Issues

Delicious Recipes

Nik’s book launch in London

The DUNIAMagazine.com experience

Fashion Family & Home

“As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep,so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily , to appreciate more lovingly, our own.” - Margaret Mead

Do you LIKE? Meet Josephine

What’s popping online?

New Column: TALK to LIA When taken in moderation, wine has tremendous health benefits. “Thanks to its alcohol content and non-alcoholic phytochemicals (natural occurring plant compounds), wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and slow the progression of neurological degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease,” says Joy Bauer of MSNBC. Recommended: Men- no more than two drinks per day; women- no more than one drink per day. One drink is defined as a 5-ounce glass of red or white wine.

Parenting

How would you rate Kim K’s look? Which other celebrities are going ethnic? Find out online

Events by Noelle Celebrating with a unique & creative flare

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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lanning Special Events

from the Heart

anithea Ward, the Owner/CEO of Events by Noelle, LLC is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She has been married for 13 years. From that union, her only daughter was born in 2003. She is an educator, independent trainer, an active member of Ray of Hope Christian Church, as well as an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as Co-chair of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy. Danithea truly has a heart for serving communities and kids. She has volunteered to mentor girls through Cool Girls, Inc., she is a Girl Scout Leader, and is a committed volunteer Events Coordinator for the Dekalb Community Achievement Center. After having taught and worked tirelessly in the public school system for 12 years, Danithea began to realize her true passion: planning and organizing events, thus, the birth of Events by Noelle, LLC in 2010. The company is based on the belief that their customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Their team is committed to meeting those needs. They pride themselves on offering a unique and creative flare to events while remaining within the confines of the clients’ budget. Some of their services include: book discussions, social events, baby showers, and concerts, to name a few. Having a daughter who loves fashion and parties, each birthday had to be over the top for the Wards! A close friend once said, “Dana doesn’t have a birthday party, she has a production!” Thinking about it, Danithea realized this was absolutely correct. So, after hiring a vendor to come and do her daughter’s 7th birthday party, the epiphany came. She could have done it herself! This is when she put all that she had into writing the vision and birthing Events by Noelle kidz, named after her daughter, Dana Noelle. EBNkidz is a premier children’s mobile party planning service. EBNkidz will never offer a simple party, but a production for boys, girls, teens, and tweens! Her consultant is her very own daughter, who is always on top of the latest trends for kids. They offer Spa, Glamalicious, Tutus and Tennis Shoes parties. Not to mention, Pirates, Superhero, and Game Truck parties for boys. There are so many other themes to choose from, we can’t name them all here. Their parties are unique, creative, and inexpensive. They’ll give your son or daughter a party that they’ll never forget, in the comfort of your home or your preferred venue! So whether you’re planning an event for an adult, visit www.eventsbynoelle.org; or for a child, www.ebnkidz.com, you’ll be pleased that you did!

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What are the core values that guide you? Putting God first, being professional at all times, being overly dedicated and sensitive to my clients’ needs, and setting forth to create an experience that the child will never forget. Why choose an event planner? My services are needed as an event planner to alleviate the stress from the client of having to do all of the leg work for their event themselves. Most clients have day or evening jobs, or either such hectic schedules that don’t allow them to search the internet, call for quotes, or travel to various retail establishments to bring a vision together. So, I do all of the legwork for them! What makes your company stand out? I believe the fact that our vision is always over the top. Birthday planning starts off simple, but, they turn into glamorous events! We pride ourselves on giving more bang for the buck. What are your most memorable moments? We’ve had several. Our most memorable moment was at a Spajama party, the client came down the steps and said “OMG! It’s so beautiful. I knew it [décor/set-up] would be this way.” Then, once the girls put their feet in the spa tubs and experienced the exhilaration, they didn’t want to get out. Priceless! What obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? The GREATEST obstacle that I have had to face is having more materials for an event than what my car could hold. However, it has always worked out, even if I have had to travel with two cars. The next step is to upgrade to larger a vehicle. Tell us something you’ve always wanted to do. I have always wanted to have my very own location to do all that I envision for the company, something that the masses have never experienced before. I would often get upset when I see or hear about other party facilities emerging around me. But, I vowed to have tunnel vision, and not look to the left or to the right, but keep moving forward. Because, when EBNkidz does emerge, it WILL be something that no one has seen before! What’s your favorite party song? I have quite a few party songs that I really love; however, if I had to choose, MY favorite party song would be Let’s Get It Started by The Black Eyed Peas.

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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For an event planner who will go the extra mile contact

Danithea Ward

Events by Noelle

www.eventsbynoelle.org

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

LISS LIFE (LIVING WITHOUT LIMITS)

by Anze Mofor Confidence Courage and committment

Author, Speaker, Consultant

Unlikely interracial and intercultural friendship births new self-help book Authors Ondrej Zouhar and Anze Mofor announce the release of ‘Reverse’.

It all starts in our childhood BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – In their new book “Reverse: Sometimes we need to take a step back in order to make a better move forward” (published by Balboa Press), authors Ondrej Zouhar and Anze Mofor take a unique and inspirational approach to personal growth, offering readers real-life success stories about people overcoming adversity and obstacles. Zouhar and Mofor contend that people who are unhappy may not understand the deep-seeded roots of their problems. Breaking the barriers of their culture, race and gender, Zouhar and Mofor share their values and what makes them balanced, happy and thriving in today’s challenging society where most people are experiencing economic hardship and societal pressures. REVERSE suggests that the balance and fulfillment people need can be found around them if they are open to finding it. They guide readers to apply exercise, nutrition and spirituality as a lifestyle to bring about the balance, peace, happiness and self-esteem they seek, while helping them set new goals and priorities so they don’t repeat the same mistakes. An excerpt from “Reverse”: “The big dreams of our childhood are usually intercepted by distractions and other external pressures that create harmful internal effects such as negative thought patterns, cynicism and fear… Many who are struggling to find balance and happiness in life have been trapped in the habits of their past due to circumstances they could not control or are even living a life they did not choose. It’s never too late to turn things around.” Zouhar and Mofor believe their book stands apart from other self-help books in that it helps readers recognize and accept growth as a constant occurrence in life. “Many people are tired of the quick fixes and a fastpaced life, which still gets them nowhere,” says Zouhar. “This book helps people slow down, observe and enjoy life as is.” www.duniamagazine.com

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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People, Culture, Lifestyles

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Success

Chris Cooper

Execute your Passion & Get

Sh*t Done

“Even while attending college and acquiring 3 academic degrees, I knew that I was learning and building an arsenal of knowledge that would be utilized one day in my own enterprise.” Chris Cooper knows what it is like to learn, earn and grow. He is an author, an IT consultant, a speaker, success coach and a family man. He helps companies and individuals find solutions and achieve their goals. Dunia M: In your own words, who is Chris Cooper? Chris Cooper: Chris Cooper is an ordinary man who has been blessed extraordinarily. Chris Cooper is a father, a husband, a son, a child of God. Chris Cooper is a friend, a perpetual student of life - one who desires to continue to learn and grow. Chris Cooper is a giver, an influencer and a catalyst for change. DM:. What are some important lessons you learned early in life that set you up for success today? CC: There are so many that I learned; where do I start? Well first of all I was taught at a very early age that God is my source and that all blessings flow and abound through him. I was taught the importance of being presentable at all times. I was taught to

always be ready so I never have to get ready - because when opportunity knocks I want to

answer without hesitation. I was taught to treat people well and to always see the bright side regardless of the situation. I was taught the importance of family and values. I was taught to love myself and others. I was taught to always put my best foot forward and I was taught to NEVER Quit!

DM:. Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and lessons learned. CC: The entrepreneurial spirit surfaced very early in my life. I remember a conversation with my Grandmother when I was just 7yrs old, and her saying "baby don't think you were made to work for someone else." It stuck with me and through my childhood I remember being extremely active in extracurricular activities, and sports. I led the student government association and even worked part-time jobs while balancing schoolwork, etc.- ultimately developing the skill-set necessary to operate a business. Even while attending college and acquiring 3 academic degrees (BS in GS/Mathematics Morehouse College, BS in Industrial Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology, and a MS/MBA from New York University), I knew that I was learning and building an arsenal of knowledge that would be utilized one day in my own enterprise. As a very successful consultant, project manager and strategic analyst, I became the youngest senior manager ever at a major Fortune 100 company and realized that the journey in corporate America was in my eyes 'paid-training'. I was learning and growing at such an accelerated rate that I asked God, “Why me”?

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Success

DM:. What inspires and motivates you? What does success mean to you? CC: I believe that motivation is external while inspiration is internal. So I am much more into inspiration. So when asked what inspires me, my answer is simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; people; people who excel, people who defy the odds, ordinary people who do amazing things. I'm inspired by people like my Aunt Mary who returned to college at age 60 and graduated with high honors. I'm inspired by a young girl who battled substance abuse at a very early age but gets help through a Community based program and ultimately acquires a graduate degree from Harvard University. I am inspired 25 yr old Oscar Pistorius of South Africa who made ple are the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden treasures by history when he became the first double amputee to and it's my company's job to assist in compete in an athletic event at the 2012 Olympics in London. I'm inspired by Bethany Hamilton a true the complete development of indisurfer from Hawaii, who at the age of 13 yrs old viduals and organizations. This company soul was tragically attacked by a shark while surfing, lost has been the catalyst for my books, speaking engageher arm, yet kept her faith and returned to the water ments, tours, etc. My second company is an Informajust one month after the attack. And I am inspired by tion Technology Firm specializing in program and projPresident Barack Obama the first African American ect management. And my third business venture is an President of my country, The United States of America. essential services brokerage firm that helps individuals and businesses save on every day bills. At the age of 25 I had been through so many experiences in the corporate world that folks twice my age had not and I asked God why did I experience it so fast and the answer was simple... I had to be on the fast track so that I would be capable of touching the lives of so many around the world. God let me know that if I had waited to learn these lessons in my 40s and 50s then I would not be the blessing that he created me to be. So in 2005 I stepped out and started my first of three companies. Execute Your Passion is my professional services firm specializing in speaking, training and coaching services. It's based on the belief that peo-

DM: In your experience, what are some common self imposed obstacles that people face and how can these be countered? CC: I believe fear is the most common limiting selfimposed obstacle that people face. Most of us are familiar with the acronym for FEAR (false evidence appearing real) but it's even a bit deeper in my opinion. Fear is not real, yet it's a mind-altering fictitious force that has a real effect. And this fear keeps individuals from reaching their potential. Fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of the unknown cripple most of us at one time or another. My recommended solution is simple - do it. I battle these fears daily and most successful people do as well. It all comes down to a choice: will you allow something fake to keep you from the real benefits of success? My advice is to choose wisely, because those who take a

proactive stance get what they desire while those who choose delayed reaction get whatever's left over. You

owe it to yourself to take a chance and bet on you! It's the best wager you'll ever make!

I've dealt with all types of challenges in my personal and professional life and the ... solution each time has come from: fortitude, focus, & most importantly faith. 16

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My aunt, that young woman, Oscar, Bethany and President Obama share the same passion for life, they refuse to settle, they are resilient and they share the same conviction that nothing is Impossible. Our very own Superman, the late Christopher Reeve said it best when he stated, "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, but when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable!" And I believe that as your read these words and take them to heart that your success is inevitable! So that brings me to the final part of this question, what does success mean to me? That's such a loaded question but I will say that success is very personal and uniquely defined by each and every one of us. To some itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cars, money, and wealth. To others, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status, fame, praise, and prestige. I personally look at success through 3 basic questions: 1. What does it mean to me? 2. Who/what matters most? 3. How far will I go to get it? So to me, it's living life on my own terms,

it's being able to share joy, riches and time with my family and loved ones, it

means not being worried or consumed with the things that plague so many. It means learning from the errors of the past and adopting new disciplines for the future. It means giving back and paying it forward.

DM: What challenges have you faced in life and how did you overcome them? CC: They are so many...where do I begin? Well first of all I was born to a teenage mother in the innercity (Philadelphia, Pa) and it was said that as a black man born in that environment, I would surely be a statistic. I did not have my biological

father playing an active role in my growth and development when I was younger, and I battled with rejection syndrome, and feelings of inadequacy, so I threw

myself into activities and looked for praise from others - all the while searching for that fatherly affirmation. I almost lost my life on my 16th birthday because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I've struggled academically and even failed and had to repeat a course. I've not gotten what I desired on numerous occasions. I've been laid off and also fired from jobs. My business was almost completely annihilated by the recession and I saw insurmountable challenges. So I've dealt with all types of challenges in my personal life and professional life and the common theme and solution each time has come from: fortitude, focus, and most importantly faith. In each of the aforementioned circumstances I had to have the fortitude to deal with

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, but when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable!" Christopher Reeve

Cooper family

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Success

the punches that came my way. I had to stop saying why me and change my language to say why not me? I had to decide if I was going to focus on how bad my situation was or was I going to focus on developing a solution to better myself and those affected all around me. I had to take responsibility for me. And I had look to God where my wisdom and strength comes from. DM: Tell us about your international travels, what they mean to you and what you learned from them. Where would you like to visit next and why? CC: Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I have been blessed to have traveled to some 21 different countries worldwide. My international travels began at age 10 for me when my Aunt Mary took me to Londonit was amazing to be immersed in an environment where people spoke the same language but sounded so different. I was mesmerized by Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Square and The Beef Eaters. That experience marked the beginning of a true appreciation for the world and culture in general. The next major international experience occurred during my collegiate years when I studied abroad in Metz, France. It was amazing. We had classes 4 days out of the week and traveled extensively the other 3 days. It was so liberating just getting on a train and ending up at the coliseum in Rome, or eating a 5- course meal in Prague. I did so much during my time in Europe: horseback riding, white water rafting and skiing in the Swiss Alps, shopping in Brussels, partying in Amsterdam, sipping wine in the French countryside, riding a gondola down the Grand Canal in Venice, to even Running with the Bulls in Spain. But I'd be remiss if I did not share my most impactful international experience and that was my time in South Africa. In the summer of 2008 I was blessed to serve on the board of directors for a non-profit organization (TRG International) whose purpose and mission is to give a voice to those who don't have one, specifically children. TRG does a trip to Africa and other countries worldwide annually to give back to help young orphans get the tools and resources necessary for success. So I was honored to make the trip to South Africa where I was not only able to teach leadership and entrepreneurship to high school students (all orphans), but to give life lessons on so many levels and more importantly to learn from them! But the icing on the cake came my final evening in Durban. Don't get me wrong, visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg was life changing as well but that evening in Durban was one that I will NEVER forget. I was given the opportunity to participate in an authentic Zulu Naming Ceremony. The students had observed me throughout my stay there and asked tons of questions and listened intently as I provided answers about Usher and Beyonce to answers about

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Here are a few success lessons Chris has learned: 1. Never EVER Quit 2. Always invest in yourself 3. FOCUS- follow one course until successful 4. Understand The Universal Law of Abundance- there are more than enough opportunities for everyone, don't be selfish or self serving. 5. Working for yourself will be the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it will also be the most rewarding 6. Success always happens when preparation meets opportunity, so be ready! 7. Planning is important but the execution of that plan is even more important. God, faith, and education. And on that amazing June evening those students gave me a gift that is more priceless than anything else I've ever received, on that evening those children confirmed something that God told my mother when she was just 16 yrs old while carrying me in her belly (that I would grow up and speak life to people all across the world). The Zulu

children named me Vuzisiwze - it means He who raises up nations! Wow, talk about powerful - I get chills every time I hear it or think about it. That was indeed a life changing experience, the connection I felt with the motherland, the prophecy spoken over my life, my calling re-declared and so much more. I wept for 2 hrs straight when I was given my name and did my Zulu dance - it was incredible and words cannot describe that experience. I'd like for my next international destination to be to Australia. I've met some amazing Aussies all across the world and even here in the US, and I'd love to experience their culture, and visit. Also they are a major business player worldwide and I'd love to see it up close and personal. So I'm looking forward to going to 'the land down under'

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DM: You have written 2 books; tell us, what’s the writing process like for you? CC: Yes I've written two books, my first is called "Achieve Your Dreams: 26 Quick Keys to Succeed in Life" and it's a blueprint for success. It's based off of a poem that I do when I speak and the book literally goes from A through Z infusing strategies and solutions interwoven through poems, short stories and my personal growth experiences. My newest book, Get Sh*t Done: How to Stop Quitting & Start Succeeding, has a bold and sassy title but encourages you to take massive action and make things happen NOW without delay. The writing process for both projects was quite interesting; my first book was completed in 30 days, while the second took over 3 months to write. My first coach and mentor told me something that I'll never forget; he said to "give people what they ask for, not what I think they need". And that statement revolutionized the way I approached writing. I tell my clients and budding authors all the time the importance of listening to the voice of your customer. For me the process included an outline, tons of research on human behavior, focused/designated time to write, and a sounding board of friends and family to share some of the concepts with in order to get their reaction. Overall, the process varies per author but from my perspective it should reflect the author's style and their methodology. The bottom line is to write with the audience already in mind!

On a lighter note in Chris’ own words Your favorite sport: American Football and Track & Field Everyday must-have: iPad, iPhone, and my journal What kind of Music do you listen to most & why? I love Neo Soul Music, POP music and Gospel Music. Neo Soul puts me in a mellow and relaxed mood, while POP music gets me pumped for the day and activates my energy. Gospel allows me to connect with God and worship.

DM: What makes GET SH*T DONE a must-read? CC: GSD is a must read because it's a no-nonsense, straight no chaser action guide for everyone who struggles with follow- through and completion. This represents 97% of us worldwide. It helps you overcome procrastination at home and at work. It gives you tips and strategies, solutions for getting things done more effectively and efficiently. It provides a fresh new look on leverage and team work and lays the basic foundation for achievement in all areas. So what are you waiting for? Go to Amazon right now and Go Get Sh*t Done!

What do you love most about your wife? She's truly beautiful inside and out, she's everything I'm not, and her insight is amazing. What’s your favorite food? Don't judge me but I love french fries and I love salad (two total opposites ends of the spectrum) I do enjoy Thai food as well.

DM: Closing thoughts? CC: First of all I want to thank Dunia Magazine for featuring me. It's indeed an honor, and I do not take it lightly. Closing thoughts, hmmm, well I've said so much already but I do want to encourage all the readers that nothing is impossible as long as you believe. I'd also like to say that with knowledge comes responsibility, and as I put on my coaching hat, I'm saying that I provided a lot of information about my life and my experiences and I pray that it inspired you, but the greatest gift you can give to me and yourself is to take massive action. Do not be afraid, go for what you want and never fear failure! Failure is often the name of the game we must learn to play in order to learn how to succeed. The late Dr. Kurt Einstein said, "To the Degree that People know what's expected to the same degree they can succeed." so I am emphatically stating that I expect a lot of you! Success is your ONLY Option! Now Go Get Sh*t Done!

Favorite quote: "Don't ever let anyone tell you to grow up and give up on your dreams" - Musiq Soulchild

www.ChrisCooperlive.com www.duniamagazine.com

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

My business helps families avoid foreclosure. This improves life for you, your family and your community. REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT The secret to avoiding foreclosure is simple. You must take action now. A Professional Real Estate Broker who Assists Because of my level of proficiency clients with Real Estate Sales, Property and knowledge of working in the Management, and Investment Consultation Atlanta Real Estate market I have in the Atlanta Market and surrounding areas. successfully assisted multiple homeowners through the short sale I have been in the real estate business for 11 years process. and served in the capacity of a managing broker for

ESTHER AYUK

the past 5 years which have been the most humbling experience for me. The timing of the role increased my resilience and resolve to succeed even in the face of the greatest adversity as was presented by the down turn of the real estate market in 2006. Opening up a real estate brokerage amidst the real estate market collapse in 2007 and being able to navigate through and keep it afloat has strengthened my belief in the principle of abundance even in the face of scarcity. My team of 10 real estate professionals and 2 unlicensed assistance is set up to deliver at any level of expectation for homeowners looking to buy, sell or lease their properties in the greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area as well as selected destinations in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean.

1400 Veterans Memorial Highway SE Suite 128 Mableton, GA 30126

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A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy and the Obama administration have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved. Many people worry about short sales and the negative impact on credit as well as the time involved in the process. These will all vary based on the prevailing circumstances for each person, so a personal consultation will help determine which way to go. I know what it takes to successfully list and sell short sales in the Atlanta market.

Tel 404.699.0116

Fax 404.699.0117

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Q & A with Esther Ayuk DUNIA Magazine: Tell us about yourself Esther Ayuk: I was born in Cameroon, Central Africa as the seventh child to my father and one of nine girls in my family. I migrated to the United States in 1987 to further my education, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy from Howard University’s School of Pharmacy in 1992 and a Masters in Public Health (Epidemiology) from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in 1999. Shortly after graduating from the School of Pharmacy, I got married to Dr. Augustine Ayuk who is an Assistant Professor at Clayton State University, and we are blessed with three terrific children, ages twenty five, seventeen and fourteen. I have been richly blessed in both my personal and professional life. DM: Why Real Estate? EA: Real Estate as a career just happened as I was not necessarily looking for a career change from Pharmacy. I had a lot of interest in houses and the industry in general, so I did a lot of self educating just for information purposes. The more I learned about the housing market I realized this was definitely an area I wanted to look into further which led to my getting licensed in 2001. DM: What are your core values and how do they guide you? EA: I believe in treating people the way I want to be treated and the rest will follow DM: What does success mean to you? EA: Success to me is doing what I enjoy doing to provide for my family and in the process impact the lives of those around me in a positive way. Making money during this process is an icing on the cake. DM: Talk to us about the power of persistency and remaining steadfast. EA: You have to believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals whatever they may be. If you have given 110% of yourself then you should not be worried about the outcome because the other variable in the equation is bigger than you and you can’t control that. DM: How do you balance family and business? EA: My family comes first, so with the help of my husband we work out our schedules to make sure the children are covered in all their activities. I love the flexibility we both have which has given our children the opportunity to play soccer, dance and tennis with at least one of us always present. DM: How do you deal with clients from different cultures? EA: I serve a very diverse clientele base and have learned to work and interact with each client the way they want to be interacted with. I respect the differences in culture between African families with needs for more

“Africans and African Americans are underserved because of lack of information.” space to accommodate extended family, to the Asian family who practices Feng Shui. I try to understand the negotiating rules from the different countries and use that as a base to educate my clients to compete fairly in the current market DM: Give us some tips on buying a home in this economic climate; especially for first time buyers or those who have been previously foreclosed on. EA: With all the hype in the media I will confirm that it is a buyer’s market but not without some challenges. Home prices have come down in most markets around the county by at least 30% of their peek values in 2005 prior to the collapse of the real estate market. Interest rates are very low, making mortgages very affordable but underwriting guideline have gotten more stringent making it tougher to qualify for a loan. The first time buyer who has worked hard to have a decent credit score of at least 640 and has saved 3.5% for their down payment and a little extra to cover closing cost and reserves will most likely buy a home with an unbelievably low monthly payment. In areas like metro Atlanta most of these individuals will end up paying less for more.

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

This Sunset is Beautiful,

On a lighter note in Esther’s own words Your favorite drink: The Jury is still out on this Must-have snacks: Not a snack person but peanuts will work anytime

But Not all Sunsets Are...

In 2007, Congress passed the Mortgage Debt Relief Act, creating incredible relief for homeowners in distress and saving them thousands of dollars. This act sunsets at the end of 2012. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I can give you the details that can save your home from foreclosure. Visit my website and download a copy of the report titled “This Sunset is Beautiful” at:

www.shortsaleplatform.com Don’t let time run out on you. Contact me today! Esther Ayuk Tel 404.699.0116 Fax 404.699.0117 1400 Veterans Memorial Highway SE Suite 128 Mableton, GA 30126

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Best relationship advice: Be partners in all decisions Most embarrassing business moment: When I forgot my client’s wife name that I was suppose to be taking out to show properties What do you love most about your kids? They are very respectful, fun to be around and very helpful around the house. Favorite quote: “The daily practice of gratitude is one of the conduits by which your wealth will come to you.”

Few builders are building because banks are unwilling to give loans. When you go through a foreclosure, it takes longer to be able to buy another home. But if you opt for a shortsale, it’s a final settlement - you can move on and be able to buy again in 2 years. Shortsales give homeowners an opportunity to plan. D

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SourSop Tropical fruits are cultivated mostly in countries with warm

climates, especially those with 2 seasons: the rainy and dry season. Most tropical fruits are frost intolerant. Soursop is a tropical fruit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a delicious fruit loaded with nutrients. Soursops of least acid flavor and least fibrous consistency are cut in sections and the flesh eaten with a spoon. The seeded pulp may be torn or cut into bits and added to fruit cups or salads, or chilled and served as dessert with sugar and a little milk or cream. For years, seeded soursop has been canned in Mexico and served in Mexican restaurants in New York and other northern cities. Most widespread throughout the tropics is the making of refreshing soursop drinks (called champola in Brazil; carato in Puerto Rico). For this purpose, the seeded pulp may be pressed in a colander or sieve or squeezed in cheesecloth to extract the rich, creamy juice, which is then beaten with milk or water and sweetened. Or the seeded pulp may be blended with an equal amount of boiling water and then strained and sweetened. If an electric blender is to be used,

one must first be careful to remove all the seeds, since they are somewhat toxic and none should be accidentally ground up in the juice. A soursop soft drink, containing 12 to 15% pulp, is canned in Puerto Rico and keeps well for a year or more. The juice is prepared as a carbonated bottled beverage in Guatemala, and a fermented, cider-like drink is sometimes made in the West Indies. In the Philippines, soursop drinks are popular but the normal â&#x20AC;&#x153;milkâ&#x20AC;?

color is not. The people usually add pink or green food coloring to make the drinks more attractive. The strained pulp is said to be a delicacy mixed with wine or brandy and seasoned with nutmeg. Soursop juice, thickened with a little gelatin, makes an agreable dessert.

In the Dominican Republic, a soursop custard is enjoyed and a confection is made by cooking soursop pulp in sugar sirup with cinnamon and lemon peel. Soursop ice cream is commonly frozen in refrigerator ice-cube trays in warm countries. In the Bahamas, it is simply made by mashing the pulp in water, letting it stand, then straining to remove fibrous material and seeds. The liquid is then blended with sweetened condensed milk, poured into the trays and stirred several times while freezing. Some Key West restaurants have always served soursop ice cream and now the influx of residents from the Caribbean and Latin American countries has created a strong demand for it. The canned pulp is imported from

Central America and Puerto Rico and used in making ice cream and sherbet commercially.

The pulp is used, too, for making tarts and jelly, sirup and nectar. The sirup has been bottled in Puerto Rico for local use and export. The nectar is canned in Colombia and frozen in Puerto Rico and is prepared fresh and sold in paper cartons in the Netherlands Antilles. The strained, frozen pulp is sold in plastic bags in Philippine supermarkets. Immature soursops are cooked as vegetables or used in soup in Indonesia. They are roasted or fried in northeastern Brazil. I have boiled the half-grown fruit whole, without peeling. In an hour, the fruit is tender, its flesh off-white and mealy, with the aroma and flavor of roasted ears of green corn (maize)

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Health Medicinal Uses of Soursop The juice of the ripe fruit is said to be diuretic and a remedy for haematuria and urethritis. Taken when fasting, it

is believed to relieve liver ailments and leprosy. Pulverized immature fruits,

which are very astringent, are decocted as a dysentery remedy. To draw out chiggers and speed healing, the flesh of an acid soursop is applied as a poultice unchanged for 3 days. Soursop leaves are regarded throughout the West Indies as having sedative or soporific properties. In the Netherlands Antilles, the leaves are put

into one's pillowslip or strewn on the bed to promote a good night's sleep. An infusion of the leaves is com-

monly taken internally for the same purpose. It is taken as an analgesic and antispasmodic in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. In Africa, it is given to children with fever and they are also bathed lightly with it. A decoction of the young shoots or leaves is regarded in the West Indies as a remedy for gall bladder trouble, as well as coughs, catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery and indigestion; is said to "cool the blood,"

and to be able to stop vomiting and aid delivery in childbirth. The decoction is also employed in wet compresses on inflammations and swollen feet.

The chewed leaves, mixed with saliva, are applied to incisions after surgery, causing proudflesh to disappear without leaving a scar.

Mashed leaves are used as a poultice to

alleviate eczema and other skin afflictions and rheumatism, and the

sap of young leaves is put on skin eruptions. The roots of the tree are employed as a vermifuge and the root bark as an antidote for poisoning. A tincture of the powdered seeds and bay rum is a strong emetic. D Source: Purdue.edu Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Your Personal Trainer On The Move D riven by a passion for fitness and the arts, Kingsley Sendze, creator of MaXtreme, a new work out and

fitness App, is contantly looking to reinvent himself, “I am stubborn, it is dificult for me to abandon a good idea,” he says. It took Kingsley 13 months to bring this idea to fuition. “It started out as a casual idea, driven by the realization of the stark absence of real bona fide quality apps serving the every day person with good quality workout routines that really work and are not just gimmicks. I promised myself that unless I could come up with something that really works, stands out toe to toe with

maXtreme the top competition and could really change lives, then I wasn’t going to have anything to do with it.” Kingsley is a graduate of Boston University with a masters degree in Computer Information Systems. He is also a certified personal trainer. With this app, you can work out everywhere without 3G or WFI, but you must be serious about getting fit because none of the exercises are a joke.

If you are serious or intend to get serious about working out, maXtreme was built for you.

Maybe you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced or super advanced athlete. Or maybe you never exercise but have always hoped to become the deserving athlete you ought to be. You want the best personal trainer with the best flexible deal available.

You want your trainer to verbally inspire you and visually demonstrate proper form. You want to choose your goal (get lean, get strong, get focused, get defined) and then have your personal trainer serve you a choice of smart workouts matching your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced or Jedii) within a decent timeframe.

MaXtreme is that personal trainer you can rely on anytime - anywhere (no Wi-Fi or 3/4G needed) meeting that exact need. “I am on the road a lot, my time is strained and I usually detest having to go to a gym and pay $10 a day.” maXtreme’s travelling edition (included in the base App) offers high-intensity drills (20mins, 30mins or 45mins) that require no equipment at all levels guaranteed to melt the fat away. “I prefer an orderly workout plan mapped out on my calendar like ‘Insanity’”. With the maXtreme-90 edition (included) this App creates a

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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90-day workout calendar and serves you a workout each day with intelligence, while ensuring high intensity and maximum muscle confusion are inherent to deliver the best results. From the settings page you can stop/reset your program whenever you choose. “I have used other great workout apps and DVDs before, and I get bored. I would prefer more flexibility”. maXtreme’s playlist custom option

(included) allows you the flexibility choose routines to create your own named workout, just like a music playlist on your iTunes. An intelligent algorithm injects

warm-up and rest considerations based on your selected options to create the best custom workout. “I am an extreme athlete fascinated only by extreme activity.” The Jedii option (included) is for you. “I just want a bunch of good workouts so I can choose one for the day.” Use the focused option to access 15 minutes targeted workouts (by muscle group); or choose your goal (get lean-strong-defined) and level (Yellow belt beginner - blue belt intermediate – red belt advanced – super advanced Jedii) and select from a basket of 88 workouts (20mins, 30mins or 45mins); or choose the weight-free travelling option and select from a basket of 24 workouts (20mins, 30mins or 45mins).

For every drill, maXtreme coaches you with detailed instructions (pictures and videos) with an easy intuitive interface to make your experience enjoyable and sweaty. Watch your body be re-born as maXtreme

serves you high-intensity interval drills from a mixed basket of strength training, yoga, cross-training, cardio, plyometric, stretching and some ancient traditional movements (rumored to be extinct), specific to your goal and experience level. Invoke the camera on your phone/iPad from maXtreme to track your physical changes. Unlock exclusive rewards as your accrued workout time reaches set milestones. Access your iPod directly from maXtreme and choose music from your library as you sweat. From the top right settings menu, enable/disable Voice Coach to have a vocal coach guide you through each workout session. Retain historical accounts of your workouts. Share your workouts, progress with friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Will it. Sweat it. Earn it.

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

5 Qualities men like in women By Honore Fon

ot that I am claiming to know what millions of men worldwide admire in women. What a man in Bombay, India may want from a woman could be quite different from what an African man in Bamenda, Cameroon likes. Same for the differences between what my neighbor the plumber wants, compared to what a fortune 500 CEO admires. Hey! Or am I wrong? Aren’t they all men like me? I will however try to tie in our similarities. I think every man wants something physical (looks and chemistry), mental, social, psychological, and spiritual from the woman (or women) in his life … and admiration begins from our needs and wants. I promise to not sound like the 21st century Sigmund Feud giving lectures; I am just another man talking 1- So let’s begin with the physical. We all know men got the testosterone, stronger muscles, signature body parts, more hair, etc, going for them. However, different men have different things they admire in different women, but one thing you can be sure of is that you need to get him physically attracted to you if you want him to stick around. We want to like what we see, and then we can start seeing other things we like about you. A woman who looks good and feels good about looking good is sure to attract her kind of man. But first you have to realize that looking good has much more to do with your attitude than just the makeup you’re wearing. 2- Now, some guys don’t mind a not-so-smart woman as long as she looks like Beyonce; but for most guys, the combination of both beauty and brains is a strong magnet. We want to hang out with a woman who can at least sustain a conversation, stimulate our minds, tease us, make us laugh, and question some of our vices while

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

“We want to like what we see, and then we can start seeing other things we like ...” noticing our virtues. Now, it takes an intelligent girl to pull that off, don’t you think? 3- A man’s world doesn’t just end in the bedroom and the kitchen, and even if we pretend that’s where we want you, we soon tend to get bored and seek after your more sociable friends. Nobody is asking you to be a Michelle Obama ... after all, how many of us are Obamas or Romneys (lol, not to leave out the Republicans). However, we like to see your charming side in a social setting … entertaining guests, taking care of your mom, holding a reasonable conversation with our friends, and being liked and admired by your colleagues and relatives. That shows we have a good sense of judgment … hi!hi! And yes, we like a woman with a good social IQ, but not necessarily one who goes overboard with the socialite stuff. 4- A little psychology won’t kill. Your guy or hubby wants to know that you know him; that you understand him and that you care about how he feels. He may be playing tough and hiding his feelings, but he truly is scared of that new job, he really is worried

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Relationships about not having an erection last night and of course, yes, he is still pissed off at his mother-in-law - your mother for being disrespectful the other day. He wants to be understood and cared for. Sometimes, we are still little babies missing our mothers. Just be thoughtful and caring enough to notice and work it out with us. There is always a right way to make someone know they are wrong. Connect! 5- Now, somebody say “Amen!” Oops ok, not everyone here goes to church. Sorry, people, but I was not even talking about religion here. We all crave something beyond the ordinary, beyond the visible and sometimes too, beyond the thinkable. For many, it’s God. For others, it’s nature and for others still, its yoga or some other thing I don’t quite understand myself. You should have at least some spiritual side that appeals to or intrigues him; somewhere you can take him when all reasoning fails. Something intangible but important, like hope. 6- Did we say 5 Things Men Like in Women? I added an extra bonus - number 6. When all esle fails, don’t forget the Bedroom! Yes, that’s right! We want sexual compatibility at all cost. Don’t ask me to pray before sex when you know I may lose my erection in the course of the prayer. One sure thing is that taking us to the bedroom can at least get us arguing again about your spending habits, but this time, while hugging you and listening for real. And remember, this was just another man speaking.

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Marni Battista, founder of Dating With Dignity says, “The number one thing men crave when it comes to relationships is finding a woman who’s confident, secure, and feminine. Men are, in fact, clear on one thing; a woman who, despite her beauty, good humor, kindness and tight butt, needs excessive reassurance is someone who quickly becomes an albatross.” Corey Allan, PhD, founder of Simple Marriage says, “Realize that relationships are not intended to make you happy but to help you grow up into a better person.”

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Obama zone

Michelle Obama plays flag football with children and former NFL players and coaches in New Orleans , September 8, 2010. REUTERS/Cheryl Gerber

Michelle Obama smiles at her daughters during their visit to the Ciudad de Deus Favela neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, March 20, 2011. REUTERS/Jason Reed

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

President Obama and wife move to the music as daughter Malia looks on as they attend an Olympic men's exhibition basketball game in July, 2012. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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Michelle Obama waves before addressing the first session of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 4, 2012. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Michelle Obama reacts as champagne splashes onto her during the christening of the National Security Cutter Stratton at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi July 23, 2010. REUTERS/ Lyle W. Ratliff

President Obama toasts with first lady Michelle Obama in Ollie Hayes Pub in Obama's ancestral home in Moneygall, May 23, 2011. REUTERS/Maxwell's/Pool

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Off-screen & Unscripted with award winning actor

Isaiah Washington

Core Beliefs, Life & Success

t is now a matter of historical record that on the evening of February 12, 2005 at the PAFF Canada Lee Awards, Isaiah Washington discovered through African Ancestry’s DNA testing that he is 100 percent connected to Africa. The actor, producer, philanthropist, father and world citizen shares a common ancestry with the Mende and Temne people of Sierra Leone on the maternal side, and on the paternal side with the Mbundu people of Angola. Feeling reborn, and backed by scientific proof, it all came together and made sense that Washington had always felt this intense connection with Africa that was, till then, inexplicable: “Africa had been inside of me all along,” he writes in his memoir A MAN FROM ANOTHER LAND: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life. “She was inside my DNA. She was beckoning me and guiding me my entire life through my dreams.” Not known for running away from challenges big or small, on-screen or offscreen, he made no qualms about answering the call to reconnect with the land of his ancestors in May of 2006. A la Hollywood cameras turned on him and pressures that come with - Isaiah was stepping into an environment that was best familiar to him only via a recurring dream and a fearlessness of new frontiers. Sierra Leone would indeed welcome their son with open arms, one whose ancestors had been sold into slavery, the elders still unable to look him in the eye and provide a reasonable response to his emotional outburst when he brought up the subject of why his forefathers had been sent away and abandoned at the mercy of slave masters, “Before I am inducted

as … chief … my great-great-great-great-great grandmother says that she forgives you.” The answer would be that it had happened due to “extenuating circumstances”… It was hardly consoling enough, but on this maiden visit to Sierra Leone, Washington would be crowned a bona fide traditional leader, Chief Gondobay Manga II. As far as popular folklore goes, the coronation was not by happenstance. It fulfilled a prophecy about a man from another land who returns to Sierra Leone to help rebuild this diamond-rich nation trapped in the cycle of poverty. A new chapter in the life of this great son of Africa’s was now unfolding. Washington would soon find out that very few were particularly interested in helping rebuild a small, very poor African nation the size of South Carolina. Undeterred by career troubles, funding challenges, cold shoulders, and faced with inner demons encouraging him to quit, Washington would refuse to throw in the towel. In February 2007, grounds would be broken for the new Foday Golia Memorial School in Njala Kendema, Sierra Leone. The school would open its doors to the first 150 students on November 15, 2007. Isaiah Washington’s The Gondobay Manga Foundation was indeed fulfilling its mission of making a difference. Almost five years since the doors of that school were opened, DUNIA was honored to have a conversation with Chief Gondobay Manga II last August 2012 to revisit the path traveled, that which remains to be traveled and so much more.

“I am Pan-African just like my heroes Kwame Nkrumah, Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012 www.duniamagazine.com 30 Malcolm X and Reverend Leon H. Sullivan...”

African From America

For the first time in history, in April of 2010 Isaiah Washington became the first African American to receive full citizenship from an African country solely based on DNA.

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Dunia Magazine: How have things changed in Sierra Leone since you first visited in 2006 and how have you changed as a person since then? Isaiah Washington: Sierra Leone is still evolving. Personally, my life has changed because I made history in many ways. I feel more responsible especially because I was made Chief, to help the people there. DM: Do Sierra Leoneans and other Africans actually treat you like a chief? IW: Yes, especially in the village; they do not know who Isaiah Washington the actor is, they know me as Chief Manga. Not so here, where I am known as the actor. DM: What projects are you working on in Sierra Leone [and other parts of the world]? And how can readers help? IW: I work with Melissa T. Faux (Sierra LeoneanAmerican in Atlanta) and Yolanda Butler (AfricanAmerican in Chicago), both are The Gondobay Manga Foundation volunteers. I am also working on a documentary called Africans vs African Americans produced by Peres Owino, who is very talented and creative. It shows the differences between both groups and will foster understanding. I am excited about this documentary to be released 2013. We are expecting a powerful response. I am looking forward to the controversy and dialogue. Most diseases like cancer grow in dark places. It

Isaiah and a young child in Sierra Leone, 2010

Isaiah Washington shows off his Sierra Leonean passport after obtaining citizenship in 2010

is time to shine the light into what’s going on in Africa. Whenever I travel to Sierra Leone, I have cameras following me. Most people have no idea just how different Africans are … in all 50 something countries, values, customs, traditions are different. Even in Cameroon, there are different villages, people speak different languages. Just because everyone has dark skin, “African Americans should be interested in are not all the same. There’s having a better understanding of Africa and they need for continuing education. its people; and in finding some answers...” I preach tolerance and being open minded … and challenging the closed off mindset. By understanding ourselves and our identity is a good start. I am Pan-African just like my heroes Kwame Nkrumah, Malcolm X and Reverend Leon H. Sullivan. For the first time in history on April 26, 2010, I became the first African American to receive full citizenship from an African country solely based on DNA and my ancestral link to the Mende and Temne peoples. I don’t go “Wow, the work is done!” No, there’s more work to be done. Africa is a large continent with over a billion people. If you educate all these people, half will become competitors and the other half can move out of poverty and help create a middle class. I am very interested in Africans becoming

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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Photo source: SierraExpressMedia.com

Isaiah is on Twitter: @IWashington

competitive like China. We need to give a voice to the people who built the pyramids. DM: Should African Americans be interested in Africa? IW: Some African Americans don’t want to wake up from the slumber they were put in some 400 years ago. Some of them don’t want to be called Africans, but black. What’s black? Do they know that there’s no country called black? African Americans should be interested in having a better understanding of Africa and its people; and in finding some answers. Then we can all begin to have a dialogue and then a relationship. That’s why I enjoy what I am doing. DM: Regarding what you are doing…has racism played a part in it, you think? IW: Things were stolen and hidden from us because of one word: competition. Not racism. This was done because Africans are fierce competitors. If you don’t believe it, watch Michael Jordan, Gabby Douglas, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant. “We still have to control you! You can take the trophies home, but we will control you with what’s called endorsements... by corporations that don’t employ our people like Nike.” Like Amy Winehouse said, “What kind of fuckery is this?” I don’t believe in racism anymore. The word race stands for Royal African Company of England. The only race that exists is the one that says, “Ready, set, go!” Why is competition so important that people have to go around a track in circles to

win? Who’s the fastest, the strongest or the smartest? Racism doesn’t bother me, because now I know the source: it is competition! No one helps their competitor win. You can’t expect compassion from a system that does not see you as a human being. You have to know your true identity. People of African origins are generally very humble, compassionate and our ability to be tolerant has been used against us. My mantra is “The worst threat from men of hell May not be their actions cruel Far worse than we may learn. And behave more fiercely than they.” by Chinua Achebe Revolution is not the key, evolution is. I don’t believe in revolutions, because people get killed in them. But if you evolve, there’s no turning back. If people wear plates on their lips today, don’t laugh at them, that’s the way they are, because DNA has memory and it’s beautiful. DM: As an African American working with Africans and people of different cultures, what has been most challenging for you? IW: My greatest challenge has been language barrier. It’s always frustrating.

“Africa is a large continent with over a billion people. If you educate all these people, half will become competitors and the other half can move out of poverty and help create a middle class.”

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

DM:: You recently did a movie in Nolywoodwith top actresses like Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke, what was the experience like? IW: I found the actors to be extremely professional and talented. I was very impressed and I can’t wait to do it again. DM: What does success mean to you personally? What are some success principles you implement in your life daily? IW: Success means being able to achieve lifelong goals … in a minimum of ten years and having the vision to create them. People want to do things too fast. They have to be patient. Being patient does not mean you are lazy, it means you are doing something. See where you are in the first 5 years, make adjustments and change your approach if you have to. In 2016, I’ll see what I’ve accomplished in Sierra Leone and what kind of impact I’ve made since my first visit in 2006. It is important to be extremely organized and be cognizant of time management – this is key … so as not to waste time. DM: ‘tis the season…What are your thoughts on President Barack Obama? IW: I am not going to talk about him until 2017. I am more interested in the formerPresident Obama. Everyone is more powerful as a former president. What he’ll do and stand for. They are trying to discredit him now and have threatened to assassinate him. When you separate yourself from the bullshit, then you can see clearly. I don’t watch TV. I remove myself from all the bullshit that they try to feed me. I think for myself, that’s what MLK wanted for me, to be a critical thinker. George W. Bush has done more to eradicate malaria out of Africa than anybody else. He has done more for Africa

Source: wikipedia

while he was in the White House than any other American president to date. He organized the First White House Summit on malaria on December 2006. I was the Master of Ceremonies. DM: What words of advice would you have for the younger generation as far as following their dreams, and life in general? IW: To be realistic about their goals….Being realistic about your goals can be very difficult, but set them, dream and pray. If you are a spiritual person, prayer is powerful to utilize because it’s tough out there. I try to be the best example in what I do. My advice is to try as hard as possible and have faith. It’s not easy on any level. Even rich people are working hard to hold on to their wealth. Don’t cut corners or cheat. Resist the temptation of taking short cuts. So I would say, my best advice is work hard and pray (if you’re a spiritual person). DM: Any closing thought(s)… IW: In closing, I wish everyone success, wealth, selfknowledge and health. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be wealthy … of what value are cars and homes if you’re not healthy? Your best asset is your health. D Written by Lema Abeng-Nsah with collaboration from Anze Mofor and Innocent Chia

www.gondobaymangafoundation.org

“Success means being able to achieve lifelong goals … in a minimum of ten years and having the vision to create them.”

“I think for myself, that’s what MLK wanted for me, to be a critical thinker.”

May 2006: Isaiah is named one of People’s “50 Beautiful People” June 2006: For his portrayal of Dr. Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, he is honored by TV Guide Mag as one of “TV's Sexiest Men"

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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Book When I was done reading A Man from Another Land: How finding my roots changed my Life” by the actor, producer and philanthropist – Isaiah Washington - all I wanted to do was ask him, “How are you doing Isaiah? The emotional response that Isaiah unshackles, in me and others who have read the book, is meticulously woven in the outcomes of a narrative that juxtaposes triumphs and tribulations which are simultaneously personal and communal. This centerpiece of personal, community, racial and continental befuddlement, I submit, is the story of perception of slavery, identity, conflict and human development starring Africans and African Americans. Here’s how Isaiah Washington captures it: “I felt a range of conflicting emotions – anger, hurt, disgust – but at the same time I was very proud about what I saw and heard there. The anger stemmed from my own ignorance. I knew nothing about Bunce Island’s history and its connection to the development of the Southern region of the United States... pg 138

Photos by Frank Ishman

During a meeting with the members of the BO Council, I felt my spirit shift from the despair I had been feeling earlier to something different. In the middle of the meeting I felt compelled to say, “Before I’m inducted as an honorary chief tomorrow, my great-great-greatgreat-great-grandmother says that she forgives you.” The women in the council dropped their heads. The men sat there staring at me, speechless. Raymond’s brother, Alieu Manga, jumped and shouted, “There were extenuating circumstances, there were extenuating circumstances, there were extenuating circumstances then! What would you have done?” he asked. I heard myself say, “I would have died before I sold you away.” Pg 143 Such riveting dialogue, smacked squarely in the middle of 286 pages, far from a mere coincidence, is a perfect segue from the chronicles of personal and family trials, adolescence, military service, university education, the foundations of his acting career, his peak and crash in the star show Grey’s Anatomy and his new found identity and purpose. Yet, the dialogue on slavery denies to be

Thoughts on Isaiah Washington’s

A Man from Another Land

By Innocent Chia buried and cuts through the pages for me, coming alive, as it were, with a sense of urgency that now is the time when dialogue must be had among all parties involved for a healing process to begin in earnest. As an African I ask myself, is it possible for this generation of Africans to explain or even try to make excuses for acts allegedly perpetrated by their “great-great-greatgreat-great-grandparents” such as what Alieu Manga posits, “There were extenuating circumstances”. If you state that there were extenuating circumstances, the next logical question would be, ‘What were those circumstances?” As a matter of fact, whatever historical evidence the world currently knows are narratives of the slave master. The story of the African chiefs who traded has not been narrated ad nauseam as has that of the buyer and master, and part of it may well reside in what documentation the chiefs may or may not have had. However, this is a dialogue we must all begin to have; not always keeping quiet like the women in the council did, as if to wish it away; or making defensive and unpalatable excuses at the risk of further alienation. Is it not high time Africans accept to transmit the forgiveness from Isaiah’s “great-great-great-greatgreat-grandmother” to our “greatgreat-great-great-great-grandparents’? What is wrong with that? Africa is as much a victim of slavery today as the sons and daughters that its forebears auctioned off into slavery. In other words, slavery haunted the Africa of my ancestors yesterday and remains unshackled in my world today. Who says Africa would not be better off today had some of her strongest and most viable children not been shipped off across the Atlantic and to other parts of the world? This intersection of suffering, past and present, readily explains the heart of Washington’s commitment that he “would have died before I sold you away”. By the end of his tale in “A Man from Another Land” the reader is able to tell the great

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extents to which Isaiah Washington is willing to go for what he believes in. A Man From Another Land is in many ways a reflection of life in general – the ups and downs, triumphs and falls, sorrows and joys … it is about the strength of the human spirit and especially about the power of finding your purpose and being grounded in your identity. Truth be told, when I was done reading “A Man from Another Land” by Isaiah Washington, it was difficult to remain indifferent to his experiences. I felt like picking up my phone and calling him to ask a few questions: “How are you doing Isaiah? How about your wife? What did you do to make it work? How about your family in Sierra Leone – how are your relations with the Manga family? What happened to your fight against corruption in that community? What initiatives have you put in place to continue the fighting? What can we do to help foster the great works you started in Africa? I could go on and on… …And Isaiah Washington may need a sequel to answer all of the questions.

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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Blissful Indian Weddings Indian weddings are all about

celebrating family, tradition and culture with a display of color. Typical in these weddings are Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature luxurious outfits, colorful wedding decor, and bright sweets highlighting the happiness and enthusiasm that such celebrations bring to the couple and families involved. These unique designs by Shyamal and Bhumika beautifully showcase traditional Indian wedding outfits made from rich and colorful fabrics. In India, marriage is about the union of two families ... not just two people. Marriage ceremonies are certainly not your everday standard affair. Celebrations in this culture are lavish, with lots of food and drinks, and can go on for days - sometimes as long as 5 days. An important part of the celebration is when the bride is anointed with turmeric, and "henna" (removable flowery body art painting) is applied to her hands and feet - to beautify her. In the old days, the bridegroom would 'see' the bride for the first time on the wedding night, since the family usually made all wedding arrangements without consulting the couple. Things have certainly changed today of course; the couple actually plans and makes most of the arrangements for their wedding. A very common ritual is when the bride and groom are required to walk seven steps around a sacred fire symbolizing the fact that they are both going to face trying times together and overcome such together. Traditional dancing and lots of gifts are exchanged between families. Shyamal and Bhumika has mastered the art of incorporating both the modern day woman and the traditional Indian woman into his unique custom designs. Not only do Indian women feel regal in his designs, women from other parts of the world can also experience a touch of your typical Indian wedding when they wear his exclusive pieces.

From the ordinary into the extraordinary ... the Indian way

Photo: Andy Shah Photography

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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Culture

luxurious elegance with Shyamal and Bhumika

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Photo: Andy Shah Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012 39 Photography

Indian bliss: Character and sophistication combined

Photo: Andy Shah Photography

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The Beau Monde Collection

Trendy this FALL with Kachi Designs

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Kachi Designs Fall 2012

The Beau Monde Collection

Pretty meets witty in this modern fall collection. Feel like royalty in the regal jewel-toned dresses with enough sass and class to wear to a night out of town or to a wedding. Perfect as a prom dress. A Beau Monde woman never wears "just anything", her life style is a form of art. The Beau Monde Collection is the perfect blend of fun and eclectic, with a hint of edge for good measure.

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The Beau Monde woman has a certain joie de vivre which is reflected in her sartorial choices (Kachi Designs) www.duniamagazine.com

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Travel

T H A I L A N D

Victory Monument as seen from the Skytrain station Photo by Philip Roeland

welcome Bangkok Skytrain Photo by Philip Roeland

Street vendor Pai, Thailand Photo by Philip Roeland

Tuk-tuk, Bangkok Photo by Philip Roeland

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The custom requires a girl to maintain chastity until marriage. Violation of this rule is regarded as misconduct, leading to a loss of reputation. Those foreigners who are not that familiar with the Thai etiquette often turn into the victims of their own kindness and sincerity of feeling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the outstretched hand will not be taken, even if they want to help a young girl to get out of the car.

Thai clothing is traditionally made from a variety of cotton and silk textiles. Each ethnic group has its own distinctive patterns for clothing, domestic, and ceremonial purposes, thus transforming textiles into markers of identity

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Abuja Skyline

Photo by JSpencerUNC

Notes from Africa Mami Akara selling puff-puff at the side of the road in Lagos, Nigeria.

Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

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Fulani girl in Benin Photo by Dietmar Temps

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Muhuila women on the market in Mucuma, Angola

Photo by Alfred Weidinger

Young Fulani girl in the West Nuba Mountains of Sudan

Photo by Rita Willaert

Natural Appeal

School children playing in the village of Iba Ibeju in the creeks of the Lagos lagoon in Lagos State Nigeria.

African masks by Baba Steve

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The Fulani Woman in West Nuba Mountains of Sudan Photo by Rita Willaert

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Seeking Asylum in Finland From paper: Asylum Application Procedures In Nordic Countries

by Zuzeeko Abeng

Photo by Mirari Erdoiza

Introduction

The right to seek asylum is guaranteed under international law. The key legal document that defines who is a refugee, his or her rights and the obligations of states dealing with refugees is the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, commonly known as the Refugee Convention, and its 1967 Protocol.1 The Refugee Convention is grounded in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which grants everyone the right to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.2 The terms “asylum seeker” and “refugee” are often confused. It is worth noting that an asylum seeker is someone who has sought international protection and whose claim has not yet been determined. A refugee on the other hand is someone who has been recognized as in need of protection under the Refugee Convention and its Protocol.3 By the end of 2010, there were more than 10.55 million refugees under the responsibility of the UNHRC, an increase of +1.5% (153,000 refugees) compared to 2009.4 According to the UNHCR, the deteriorating situation in Somalia accounted for the increase.5 In the same period, women and girls constituted less than half (47%) of all refugees globally.6 Out of the 10.55 million refugees by the end of 2010, developing countries hosted 8.5 million refugees, which is four-fifths of the global refugee population, and granted refugee status to over 2 million refugees. Asia hosted over half of the global population of refugees (54%), Africa hosted 23%, Europe hosted 15%, North America hosted 4%, Latin America and the Caribbean hosted 4% and Oceania hosted 0.3%.7 The country with the highest number of refugees at the end of 2010 was Pakistan – with 1.9 million refugees hosted. Afghanistan accounted for 29% of the global refugee population under the responsibility of the UNHCR the end of 2010.8 An estimated 728,000 applications for asylum were lodged globally and 122,200 claims were appealed by the end of 2010.9 During the same period, a total of 223,000 people were either recognized as refugees (175,200) under the Refugee Convention or granted a complementary form of protection (47,800). This includes 22,700 people whose asylum applications were initially rejected but later granted on appeal. This paper focuses on the asylum system in the Nordic countries, precisely asylum application procedures, types of residence permits granted to asylum seekers and asylum application statistics in countries in the region. The Nordic region, it is worth mentioning, was the only region in Europe that experienced a fall in asylum applications in the first six months of 2011.10 1 UNHCR, ”The legislation that Underpins our Work”, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49da0e466.html [accessed on 20 February 2012] 2 Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/3b66c2aa10.html [accessed on 20 February 2012] 3 UNHCR, ”Ten Years of Statistics”, UNHCR Statistical Yearbook 2010, p. 15 4 Ibid, p. 24 5 Ibid 6 Ibid 7 UNHCR, ”Ten Years of Statistics”, UNHCR Statistical Yearbook 2010, p. 6 8 Ibid 9 UNHCR, ”Ten Years of Statistics”, UNHCR Statistical Yearbook 2010, p. 8 10 UNHCR, ”Asylum Levels and Trends in Industrialized Countries”, 18 October 2011, p.2 available at: http://www.unhcr. org/4e9beaa19.html [accessed on 20 February 2012]

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Paper Aims A representative from Amnesty International – Finnish Section – met with representatives from other Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Finland on 17 February 2012. Some participants of the meeting expressed the need for a compilation of information on the asylum system in place in other Nordic countries. This paper is aimed at informing people or organizations interested in asylum systems in Nordic countries, about the various application systems in place in this region. The paper examines asylum application procedure, types of residence permits granted to asylum seekers and asylum application statistics in five Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. National asylum systems are there to examine applications for refugee status and to decide which asylum seekers qualify for protection. According to the UNHCR, if asylum application procedures are “fast and fair” people who know they are not refugees will have little incentive to seek asylum. This benefits both the people for whom the system is intended and the host country. This paper concludes with an assessment of similarities and differences between asylum application procedures in Nordic countries, which country has the fastest asylum application system and which of them has the highest asylum approval rate, based on available statistics.

Asylum system in Nordic Countries The 38 countries in Europe received 144,000 asylum claims during the first half of 2011, which is an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2010.11 The 27 Member States of the European Union (EU) received 123,400 asylum applications, 13% more than during the same period the previous year. The Nordic region was the only region in Europe that received less asylum applications (20,400 claims) during the first half and second semester of 2011.12 This section examines the asylum application system in the Nordic countries, precisely in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. It also discusses the types of residence permits granted to asylum seekers and asylum application statistics in the various countries.

Finland In Finland, the Finnish Immigration Service makes decisions on asylum applications. Prior to 1 January 2008, the agency was known as Directorate of Immigration. It commenced operation in March 1995 under the Ministry of Interior. Besides processing and making decisions on refugee issues, i t handles matters related to immigration, residence permit and Finnish nationality.13 The Finnish Aliens Act enshrines the right to asylum for aliens.14 It states that aliens residing in Finland are granted asylum I they reside outside their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution for the following reasons: o ethnic origin o religion o nationality o membership in a particular social group or political opinion According to the law, asylum is not granted if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the asylum applicant has committed crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, serious non-political crimes and crimes that contravene the principles of the United Nations (UN). 11 12 13 14

Ibid Ibid Finnish Immigration Service, available at: http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2470 [accessed on 5 March 2012] Aliens Act (301/2004, amendments up to 1152/2010 included), Section 87

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

Section 87a (2) clearly defines acts that amount to persecution. These include, acts of physical or mental violence, discriminatory legal, administrative, police or judicial measures, disproportionate or discriminatory prosecution or punishment, absence or denial of judicial redress resulting in discriminatory or disproportionate redress, gender-specific or child-specific acts and prosecution or punishment to perform military service that would include the crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts that violate the principles of the UN. Besides granting residence permit on grounds of asylum, the Finnish law allows the granting of residence permits on grounds o “subsidiary protection” if the requirements for granting asylum are not met but there substantial grounds to believe that if returned to his or her country of origin or country of habitual residence, the person will face a real risk of serious harm and he or she is unwilling to return due to such a risk. 15 Serious harm that warrants subsidiary protection in Finland include the death penalty or execution, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, serious individual threat as a result of armed conflicts.16 Finland also issues residence permits on humanitarian grounds if a person does not qualify for asylum or subsidiary protection, but he or she cannot be returned dues to an environmental catastrophe or insecurity as a result of armed conflict or poor human rights situation.17 Actors of persecution or serious harm include the state, parties or organizations controlling the state or part o the territory of the state and non-state actors – if it is proven that the state or an international organization controlling the state or part of the territory of the state are unwilling or unable to protect the person fleeing persecution or serious harm.18 It is worth highlighting that in accordance with the Aliens Act (301/2004, amendments up to 1152/2010 included), an alien may be refused a residence permit on all three grounds: asylum, subsidiary protection and humanitarian protection – if it is reasonably suspected that he or she has committed acts that violate the principle of the UN, war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggravated crimes or crimes against peace. In Finland, an application for asylum is submitted at the border or at a police station as soon as possible after entering the country.19 The applicant’s photograph and fingerprints are taken and his or her identity and travel route to Finland is investigated by the authorities who receive the application – the border guard or the police. The applicant is accommodated in a reception centre until the asylum application process is complete. The Dublin Agreement Unit of the Finnish Immigration Service investigates, among other things, whether the applicant has been in a member state of the Dublin II agreement, whether he or she has a family member who is a refugee in a member state of the Dublin II agreement. Dublin cases are returned to the country where they first entered. If it is established that the application is not a Dublin case, the Finnish Immigration Service processes his or her asylum application. The applicant is interviewed by the by Finnish Immigration Service and it is investigated whether he or she is eligible for a residence permit for reasons other than asylum. Other reasons include subsidiary protection, humanitarian protection, family ties or employment. A person recognized as a refugee is granted asylum and issued a travel document and residence permit card. A person granted subsidiary protection is entitled to an alien’s passport and is entitled to municipal housing. The same applies to a person granted subsidiary protection or humanitarian protection.20 A negative decision by the Finnish Immigration Service means the applicant has to leave Finland. He or she is removed by the police.21 Decisions of the Finnish Immigration Service can be appealed at the Administrative Court of Helsinki. The decision of the Administrative Court can also be appealed at the Supreme Administrative Court if given a leave of appeal.22 Positive decisions are also subject to appeal. 15 Aliens Act (301/2004, amendments up to 1152/2010 included), Section 88 (323/2009) (1) 16 Ibid 17 Aliens Act (301/2004, amendments up to 1152/2010 included), Section 88a (323/2009) (1) 18 Aliens Act (301/2004, amendments up to 1152/2010 included), Section 88c (323/2009) – Section 88d (323/2009) 19 Finnish Immigration Service, ”Flowchart: Applying for an asylum”, available at: http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content. asp?path=8,2476 [accessed on 5 March 2012] 20 Ibid 21 Ibid 22 Ibid

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Parent Jokes

1. No matter how hard you try, you cannot baptize cats. 2. When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3. If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4. Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato. 5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food. 6. Reading what people write on desks can teach you a lot. 7. Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair. 8. Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac. 9. Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time. 10. School lunches stick to the wall. 11. You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 12. Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. 13. The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap. Shared by UC Berkeley Parents Network

In 2011, there were 3,088 asylum applicants in Finland. The bulk of the applicants came from Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, the Russian Federation, Islamic Republic of Iran, Syrian Arab Republic and Nigeria.23 Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011, a total of 3,567 decisions on asylum were made, of which 1,271 were positive and 1,890 negative. There were a total of 766 Dublin cases. The average processing time between 1 January 2010 and 31 October 2010 was 344 days for normal procedure cases and 78 days for accelerated procedure cases (Dublin cases, manifestly unfounded cases and applications submitted by applicants from safe countries). The total average processing time for all procedures was 239 days. There were 5, 988 asylum applicants in 2009 and 4,335 decisions were made, out of which 1,373 were positive and 2,568 negative. There were 1,488 Dublin cases. The total average processing time for decisions on asylum in 2009 was 149 days.

Conclusion

All Nordic countries recognize the right to asylum as laid down in the UN Refugee Convention and receive asylum applications from persons seeking international protection from persecution or ill-treatment in their country of origin or country of permanent residence. Besides granting UN Refugee Convention status to qualified asylum seekers, all Nordic countries issue residence permits for other reason to persons seeking international protection. If an applicant is not recognized as a refugee, Nordic states explore the possibility of issuing a residence permit for other reasons including family, risk of facing the death penalty or environmental disaster if returned to country of origin. All Nordic countries are Member States of the Dublin II Regulation. Hence, when an application for asylum is submitted, an investigation is first made to establish whether the application is a Dublin case. In line with the Dublin II Regulation, asylum applicants in Nordic countries are returned to Dublin II Member States where they first arrived. After an application for asylum is submitted, as a general rule, asylum seekers are accommodated in reception centres where they live free of charge until a decision is made on their application, after which they are granted residence permits or expelled. Based on available data, Nordic countries, with the exception of Iceland, receive thousands of asylum applications annually and make thousands of decisions. Between 1996 and 2009, Iceland received less than 500 asylum applications yearly. In 2009, Sweden received the highest number of asylum applications, followed by Norway, Finland and Denmark. Despite the differences in the number of asylum applications received, there is a similarity in the decisions made: the majority of decisions in all Nordic countries are mostly negative. Application processing time and asylum approval rates in all Nordic countries vary. This is partly because asylum application numbers fluctuate and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Some states receive more asylum applications and have more negative decisions, while others like Iceland receive fewer applications and make less negative decisions. Based on statistics in this paper, it would be misleading to conclude that Iceland has the highest asylum status approval rate in the Nordic region simply because out of the 23 applications that were not Dublin cases in 2009, Iceland rejected only 5 applicants, while 9 applicants received positive decisions.

23 Finnish Immigration Service, â&#x20AC;?Statistics on Asylum and Refugeesâ&#x20AC;?, available at: http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content. asp?article=3129 [accessed on 5 March 2012]

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Dunia 9 / Oct - Dec 2012

God’s Alphabet does not always begin with an A Sometimes in life it is normal to wonder

whether the choices we’ve made and those made by nature on our behalf are leading us to our purpose on earth. There was a time when I felt like I was pursuing the wrong goals, gathering strengths around "valueless skills" that would never land me the lucrative job with the right “credentials" that I had always dreamed of. I wondered what good skills like being able to speak multiple languages - from Limbum to German, French to Lamnso; English to Luganda; Norwegian to Ngemba; Swedish to Aghem; being able to sing and write songs, poetry, novels, and inspirational pieces – were to me. I love to serve people and do volunteer work; adding to my bank of experiences is being a mother of two beautiful kids; I also love to cook for my loved ones. I even started believing the negative voice that lied to me that the career skills I'd acquired over the years were inconsequential and that in order to be hooked up to the North American money line, the only choice I had was to become a nurse. My hesitation over rushing into school when I travelled to Canada was perceived as laziness and not being proactive in clutching a career like “everyone else”, although deep down, I was truly still searching for my calling. Now I understand God doesn’t take us down the same path as He does the other person; He didn't have to start my alphabet like everyone else. Now I realize the skills and experiences I have gone through have added value to my life. More value than I could ever thank God for. 1. Communication skills I acquired notably when I studied Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Buea and during the 4 years I worked as a journalist, have always come in handy and been utilized to the fullest. 2. This experience and others have helped develop interpersonal and people skills that have always made it possible for me to be able to get along with apparently difficult personalities and obtained the confidence of untouchables. 3. In 2002, I travelled to Norway, and undertook studies in visual anthropology, encountering a new culture and learning new ways of interacting with these different cultures; I learned the Norwegian language, I dared to ski, went on cruises and film making adventures with my Norwegian comrades. This experience and others helped me develop versatility which has attracted more opportunities that have helped me grow. 4. Wherever I went, I was always

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called to be a volunteer of some sort. Even as I served God and humanity, I couldn’t see God’s hand in this until I actually found Him when He gave me a Phonecall in the rain in 2011. 5. Humility was bred in me by work experiences like being a cleaner and care-giver in Europe, and a doorto-door sales rep in Britain; these experiences have made me develop empathy and help me serve others who come my way at all times. 6. Personal losses like the passing of my dad in 2010, a series of heartaches and years of career inconsistencies in the diaspora have helped build my faith and made me believe God always knows the future better and is always ahead of me with a solution each time there is a problem. 7. Being a broadcaster, public speaker and inspirational writer in the past are qualities I strongly require to handle my newly launched Talktolia Show and other services in my growing business and ministry. 8. Being a mother, I have learnt a lot about God’s love, and the fruits of the spirit through my children. Many chapters of my first book written during maternity leave were greatly inspired by my children. 9. God inspires me to make articles out of almost every subject biology, history, geography, chemistry, animals and insects, all of nature as God created it. I’ve written articles inspired by engineering and connected them to the Bible, about accidents, road blocks and even cues in the supermarket. As a writer, when I reflect on the origins of the subjects I write about, I realise God uses both my formal studies and informal experiences to bring to light subjects that everyone can relate to. This means, God is able to use me as I am, with the knowledge I have already acquired even as I continue to learn everyday.

time comes, lots of other dead areas of your life would become speedily alive for “…those who trust in the LORD will

find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”(Isaiah 40:31)

In conclusion, it really doesn’t matter what everyone else says, sees or thinks. Your life and your destiny are in God’s hands. Don’t rush to fix your future because people criticize or minimize what you do for a living. It might take a little time but “be patient and wait on the Lord, for what He has for you will be yours at His own appointed time” (the words of my Late Father Rev. Joseph Asanji, to me in 2008). If you can relate to my story, please, ask God to inspire you and show you your true calling where you will be fully utilized; where there will be no struggles, no regret, no inferiority complex and above all no self-doubt and waste of time and energy. It doesn’t have to be a bed of roses all the time, but we could only enjoy the roses better when we know Christ stood behind the thorns all along. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) LIA: Lord Is Able.

It may seem like it’s taken you some time (and pain) to get to where you are today, but God reveals Himself through our experiences and places us on the solidified grounds on which He wants us to walk. We have to trust God to guide our dreams in the direction He desires them to go. God’s time is the best. As Habakkuk 2:3 says “the

vision is for an appointed time. Though it may tarry it will surely come to pass”. And when that

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