#TheMotherland

During the long hours of travel in order to reach #TheMotherland, All I could Think was how long the hours must have been for my ancestors as they were transported across the ocean being brought to America. Everything that they had to experience trying to survive and those who didn't survive by choice or by circumstance (sickness, starvation, etc.)

I had moments of being very uncomfortable due to the seating on our flight as we crossed the Atlantic. I began to feel a certain wave of panic and emotional unbalance to the point where meditation was my only outlet. I started fussing at myself because if my ancestors could make it over here packed like sardines in the bottom of a slave ship, then surely I could maintain myself for just a few more hours. Well, as time dwindled down, my anxiety subsided and we headed to the next flight which took us over the continent of Africa. Ironically, I didn't have not one moment of panic and slept the majority of the time.......did my mind unconsciously become aware that I was back home?

We arrived in Nelspruit which is almost like being in the country and is the home of Krueger Wildlife Park Reservation. There were so many banana and macadamia trees along the highway. The bananas were covered in white bags as they continued to grow so that the sun, monkeys and birds wouldn't interrupt their growth. Our guide explained to us that the bananas and macadamias are exported to the USA. The land is visibly rich!!

The first night was full of laughter and fellowship as we learned bits and pieces of each other's culture. As I listened to Pretty and Cindy speak to each other, I yearned to be taught the dialect. It's amazing how in America, we require all foreigners to learn English. Swazi is the language in Nelspruit and is one that I will teach myself along with Zulu. Pretty explained to us that she is fluent in almost 10 different languages!! Now that's some #QueenPower!!

On Day 2, we rose early to go embrace the wildlife at Krueger Park.We arrived at the gate and our guide requested our passports in order for us to be registered for access. I realized that I left my passport in my luggage at the hotel but had a copy of it folded in my wallet (thanks Mom 😘) Whew!! Before we began, I went to the restroom (or toilet as they call it) and was pleasantly surprised at how clean it was. Each stall had a dispenser next to the tissue that sprayed a cleansing mist for you to clean the seat of the toilet. Anytime that I've been to a public restroom in America, the smell is overwhelming before you walk in the door so to experience such cleanliness.......it was a true reflection of Godliness. We drove into the reservation park and were immediately met by what our guide referred to as spring buck. Spring buck looks just like what we call gazelles in America. There were groups of them all the way through the park and seeing them in their natural habitat was very humbling. Surprisingly, we were also met by a family of giraffes and elephants. I giggled to myself because in America we are required to stop at duck crossings but in this instance, it was the natural wildlife of Africa. I admired the giraffe as she slowly made her way across the road........pausing to turn and look at us as if she knew we wanted to take a few pictures. Now that's what I call "Swag" 😊 Even after she made it across the road, she stopped again and turned her face toward us for one last picture before she began to eat off of the trees. Further down the road, a mother elephant pushed her baby elephant along while the others stayed by the water hole and bathed themselves to cool off from the heat. Expectations were great when it came down to finding a Lion or lioness, however, time was against us and we had to avoid being locked in the park. The restaurant was amazing and Life was the name of our server at Cattle Baron. He was a bundle of joy which added to our wildlife experience. We made our way back towards our hotel but first we enjoyed the company of a family friend who welcomed us and showed us around their 30,000 sqft mansion. The view from their balcony was amazing but the art captured every bit of my interest. There was a picture that had been purchased from a guy they met on the street. The painting was cleaned, framed and now hung in their family room. It reminded me of a friend of mine who had triplets because it was a colorful ensemble of three African girls who looked as if they were praying together. The other amenity of the home that caught my eye was the outside shower. MiMi explained to us that she takes her showers out there even if it was raining! How cool is that?!

We made it back to the hotel after a long day and before we turned in, we decided to take a walk down the street. In America, some would fear to step foot out on a dark street but here, it was so quiet and comfortable that it made you want to keep walking........and we did!

Day 3 was sort of a rest day for us except for getting my locs retwisted 😊 We also went back to the "Mansion In The Hills" and ate a very healthy dinner prepared by MiMi and her mother. We discussed politics on every level as we filled ourselves with grilled chicken, grilled fish, grilled vegetables, and salad.

As we stood on the mountains of God's Window, I began to reflect over my life and began to give thanks for the blessings that the Most High has continued to pour into my life. Reflecting over the growth that has occurred and the wisdom that has developed from every experience. Life is full of happiness......we have to find it, grasp it and hold on to it (even when others attempt to pull it away).I closed my eyes to take in the sounds of the birds chirping and the thunder of an approaching storm in the distance. The air smelled so pure and clean with a hint of rain that immediately began to relax every part of my spirit. Then.........I felt.........Love!!

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style." ~Maya Angelou~

Visiting #TheMotherland brought so much peace to me and was a wonderful way to escape the chaos of America. Blessings Learned: Whatever you speak into your spirit will come to pass so keep it positive!! Know that you are in control of your life's direction so if something isn't going your way, change your mindset and let The Most High guide the way. All Hands On Deck!!! Be mindful of what it means to compromise and remind those around you of the concept as well. Enjoy You For Who You Are........You Are Original.......No Copy Can Be Made ✊🏽❤️🖤💚

Dear Kings & Queens:

Plan Your Trip and Go Home For A Few Weeks!!! Pack light as Erykah Badu would say and you will be filled to the brim 💪🏽🙌🏽

Peace, Love & Light,

~*~Nzuri Asha'~*~

#SpokenAngelsInc

#SoundOffEntGrp