Where have you been?

You may be asking where is this guy and what is he up to?
I have been to many places recently from Oklahoma to New Mexico and Colorado to California. Now that I am in Dallas-TX after a short visit to Austin-TX, I can tell you that I have been enjoying myself tremendously.

In NM I was enjoying the hospitality of the Navajo people who came to the Bahai Summer School at Kamp Kiwanis. It was five days of reading, studying and socializing. The atmosphere was of spiritual energy, vitality and excitement. The vibrancy of the friends came through their devoted service as clearly exemplified by the children and pre-youth who served meals, did clean-up and participated in activities with such high spirits second to none.

In Modesto-California, I was blessed to be part of the wedding of Cellas and Jamie Awoh Tabe on July 23rd 2006. Their marriage ceremony was a testatment to the principle of Unity in Diversity. He is from Cameroon and she from the U.S.A. While the country was experiencing a heat wave of deadly consequences, these friends were basking in the heat of Love. At the ceremony, prayers and Holy Writings were said in many languages ( Farsi, French, Spanish, English...). Marriage Blessings in Native American and Buddhist cultures was a unique addition to the ceremony. The friends who attended exuded the feelings of joyfulness that I have never witnessed in any marriage ceremony before.Then it was dancing time. We danced like there was no tomorrow and sang a catchy Cameroonian song "On My wedding day".

In Austin-TX it was at the Bahai center that Farid gave a wonderful talk on Human Rights. He stressed the link of the abuse of Women to the spread of terrorism. In simple terms, we cannot ignore the rights of women and hope to have peace. Now is the time to enhance the conditions of women around the world.The three case study he showed of women from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan were really heart-breaking. I thought to myself, that is a mother or a sister suffering like that, so severely for being a woman. Where is the world heading to? It was such a graphic and gripping image of the plight of women.

In San Marcos, Saturday July 29th 2006 it was the 33rd Bahai Annual river float. I had such a great time floating down San Marcos river. The temperature of the water was cold but perfect for the hot weather. In my pimped-out tube given by Anlo, I floated down the river like a tycoon. At the pavillion, fresh beverages were waiting to quench my thirst. After a few conversations here and there with some friends and new faces, it was time for soccer. I played soccer on and off for about three hours. Men!! my bones and muscles got a good deal of it. It was a good match at the end.