Sudan – Deeperlook

PAID

Preamble

Hello, welcome here.

I hope you are doing well.

Today’s topic will be a rub off of a recent topic…

Let’s ride in 🚜

The Bus Rule

In Sudan, if you enter the bus with an acquaintance, there is a friendly tradition that the person in front pays for the bus fare. This is not a fixed rule, it is just a friendly culture I have noticed and I have experienced.

Most times friends insist on paying for each other regardless of their sitting position, its just that the one who sits in front has the opportunity to pay faster than the one behind.

It is sometimes hilarious seeing friends argue about paying for each other and this warms my heart that despite the situation of the country, people still practice kindness with each other.

One of the days I entered the bus with a friend, I sat in front and decided to pay for both of us. She called me and showed her hands with the fee for both of us and we laughed together about it.

“I heard that the one in front pays for the one behind” I said.

“That is true but see, I had the money” she replied.

“It’s okay”

The truth is: I do not always pay for others but when I am led to, I pay.

The truth: Others often pay for me and I wouldn’t lie, it was helpful that they did.

Personally this beautiful act of kindness has encouraged me to be more kind.

The things you learn in a public bus.

Symbol

Using the story above, when the fee has been paid, there is no need to pay again.

The bus conductor would not collect the fee from you again because it has been paid. There were times when the conductor tried to get the fee from me again and all I had to do was to remind him that it has been paid for.

It meant that I was free to leave the bus without paying once the bus got to my location. It was no longer a concern for me to search for money to pay even if I had it. It also meant that if I did not have the fee to pay for the bus, I was free to go.

Free.

The symbol is Freedom

FREEDOM

What freedom means

Freedom means you are free. It means the release from a burden that it was either your right to bear or that was forced on you.

Freedom is the opportunity to breathe with ease and experience rest unbothered and unshaken.

Freedom is the confidence in life that is eternal.

Jesus said in Mathew 11:28

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.
GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION

In many encounters with the outcasts of the land, one of the most frequent words Jesus used were “Go and sin no more”.

These words declared a new chapter for these individuals who did not know that they would experience freedom.

One of such is the story of the woman caught in adultery. Her complete background was not given but Jesus knew that beneath the woman who was called out to be stoned to death, was one reaching out for mercies to be saved.

In His famous response to the leaders who brought her before Him, Jesus asked a simple question:

“Whoever is without sin should cast their stone”

Without a response, the trails of stones were left behind.

The woman still waiting for Jesus’s verdict was shocked by His next words:

“Where are those that accused you? Do they still condemn you?”

“No”

“Neither do I. Go and sin no more”

She had gained freedom when she least expected it.

(Paraphrased from John 8:1-11)

Freedom is Relief. Freedom is to be forgiven. Freedom is to be released. Freedom is to have a second chance.

Romans 5:6-7 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
KING JAMES VERSION

Clause…….

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
KING JAMES VERSION

And that is why with boldness, Ephesians 2:8-9 boldly declares:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
KING JAMES VERSION

Freedom from god is a gift. Freedom from God is by Grace. Freedom from god is recieved by faith.

Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
KING JAMES VERSION

What Next?

Because freedom from God is by grace and rceived by faith, we can continously depend on God’s grace to carry us through. We did not buy it nor earn, we simply recieved. Therefore, when the journey gets tough and exhausting, we can simply call out to God to carry us through.

God who gave us this gift will strenghten us to cherish it.

We have now become God’s responsibility and we know that in the hollow of His hand we remain, no matter what comes our way.

This verse has recurred this year beyond my imagination. I have used it on more than 2 blog posts and it suites perfectly here again.

Maybe you already guessed it 😊

And here it is……

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
KING JAMES VERSION

This verse as simple as it is to recite has strengthened me so much this year and that power in God’s word is there to carry us into eternity even as we believe on His name that we call.

Jesus ❤

Another view with this passage. I used one of my art works to express it in the other posts where it was used.

To pin it:

NoTe

I may do a specific note before this month is over. Many things to notify you of.

If you are new to this page, subscribe to keep up.

N. B

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If you are yet to get the recent download on this blog, simply check the previous post to get it.

God bless.

#fromamedicalstudentfaraway

Experiencing Art outside

Preamble

Cavewoman was concluded recently (check previous post) and in this post, I will be sharing highlights from the art galleries I visited while making the documentary.

Location

Khartoum, Sudan.

Specifically Khartoum 2

I will share the specific location for each of the galleries in case you wish to visit.

Mojo Gallery

This gallery is small in size but filled with multiple artworks on different surfaces. They range from descriptive art to abstracts.

I was impressed with their warmness and the accessibility to the artworks.

There are art prints to purchase and sculpted works too.

I met an artist who came to display her artwork. She was super friendly and gave her contribution on how I could get supplies.

The curators in the gallery were encouraging too.

They have a percentage they collect for artworks they display and the possibility of having your artwork displayed depends on quality of media and surface and thier interest in the supposed artwork.

Location

Mojo Gallery
Khartoum, Sudan
+249 91 290 5846

https://maps.google.com/?cid=17880319948968549090&hl=en&gl=gb

Shams Gallery

I laughed more in this place. They were super warm. I met one of the main painters (I forgot his name, my bad 😳). He told me that he travelled to Lagos, Nigeria for an art exhibition. He along with two others were the only ones selected for the program. He said he loves Lagos and would love to visit again. I met him while he was painting and asked few questions which were answered.

With him was another who was probably just a guide in the gallery.

I also met the one who frames the pictures and his English was very good and it was easy communicating with him.

I showed them my artwork (Affection) and they commended and encouraged me to keep practicing. I also got directions to the art store where I could get better and cheaper supplies.

Location

Shams Gallery
67th Ave E, Khartoum, Sudan
+249 91 290 2911

https://goo.gl/maps/eiydpjqrUDyspHyc8

End note

There should be more galleries but these are the ones I visited in the process of creating the last series.

I felt inspired and encouraged after checking these places and even though I felt sad for finding them in the last period of my stay in this location, I am grateful to have still viewed them.

You can visit my art gallery via the ART page 😊.

You are welcomed to view anytime.

Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (KJV)

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Until next post, still

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Beautiful Hands (Henna Art)

Preamble

It has been interesting coming up with topics in between Cavewoman.

Today’s topic is more cultural, and I will not dive into it excessively.

It is going in line with the tone in Cavewoman 3 (The previous post)

Henna

Henna also known as Mehndi is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia Inermis.

It is greenish in colour and has tobe prepared by first drying and grinding it dry. Afterwards, water is added and additional lime, sugar or oil (especially the eucalyptus oil) to increase the intensity of the colour.

It is popularly used to dye the hands and legs but can also be used to dye the hair.

It can be black or red but the red is more preferred because of its attractive appearance.

One of the most popular brand in Sudan. Culled from the internet

I also observed an alternative by watching multiple Korean series 🙈. That is the Balsam flower. Its colour is similar to the red henna and is applied by crushing the leaves to paint the hands and nails.

The Art of Painting

Painting of hands is an old tradition and some of these evidences can be seen in archaeological sites where hand prints were left as memories.

It is a way to leave marks of your individuality in an area until the paint wears off or the paint is replaced.

Culturally it is significant Asian, Middle Eastern and Northern African countries. It is a of way of life of these people and plays a huge role in celeberations.

In Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, the males paint their hands during weddings either because they are related to the bridegroom or they are bridegroom themselves.

(Honestly, the first time I observed it, I was super surprised 😁)

In Sudan

For the females, only the married ones are allowed to cover their hands in paint especially with the red henna. The single ladies can only draw patterns with the black henna and paint their nails with it.

Once a woman is sighted with red henna on her tips and palms, it is immediately assumed that she is married.

In Nigeria

Males do not paint her hands with henna and the usuage is not limited to only married people, single women can paint with any they chose to.

My experiment with it

I am familiar with Henna art but I never tried it until I moved to my current location. I was hesitant at first but finally tried it about three times.

The last time I tried, it turned out to be the most beautiful. It coloured my finger tips well.

In this blog post, I am simply using henna as an illustration to drive to a point.

Lets ride in 🚤.

What do you do with your hands?

I have an internal belief that everyone has the ability to do something, no matter how simple it may be.

The ability to be creative differs but it is inherent in everyone.

There is something good you can do.
O. R. A

Henna painting also serves as a way to create memories and in analysing how the dye deepened on my fingers, I will correlate with the strenght of memories and the ability to do something.

Creating memories is often done within a period of time. It ranges from minutes to hours, to days to years. It also depends on who you are creating the memories with and if the person is one who still retains their position in your life after years must have passed, then the memories created bears a deeper significance.

As the days progressed the tint of the henna deepened. As we progress in life and create memories with those we cherish, the dept of our love for them deepens.

Memories begets memories
O.R.A🌻

Lest I focus too much on memories, in line with the previous post (Cavewoman 3), there is something to do while you still breathe.

I know many of us are trying our best. We are trying hard even when it does not seem like our efforts are valid.

I really get you

But the truth is: While you are alive, this is your opportunity to do something worthwhile.

And if you have hands, it is your opportunity to do something with it.

I have thought about it several times, there are many creative things to do with the hands that are simply therapeutic and essential.

For example : Cooking, knitting, cleaning, painting, sewing, drawing, kneading and baking, typing, writing, driving, patting on the back as a means of emotional support, clapping to cheer someone and….. (add your in the comment section)

The truth is that you may not be profesional in any of them or even the best but at least you are able to do something good.

I try at cooking, crotcheting, baking, sewing, painting, typing, writing, cleaning, braiding my hair, I pat on the back at emergency moments 🙂, and clap when necessary etc.

I won’t lie, I cannot say I am very good at any but I try.

Try

The dye was fading but even though faint, it left traces that were still beautiful to behold. Memories may fade but if they were good enough, they will leave a mark that won’t fade.

I have personal reservations on making memories and maybe it is too idealistic and unrealistic but I love to create memories with people that won’t fade.

I love to create memories with people that won’t change negatively.

I want to create memories with peope that won’t become peope I do not want to relate with again.

I know my criteria is unrealistic but I am trying to be sincere with every memory I make so when I look back, I am comfortable my sincerity in the captured memory.

Taking you back to doing something with your hands, it reminds me of this verse

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (KJV)

God wants us to be useful with our lives.

Our hands should not be ones that shed blood nor ones that plan the harm of another person.

They should not be used to hurt another or steal or cheat/defraud.

They should be hands that blesses others.

That comforts others and cheer others.

Most importantly, they should be hands that pray and praise.

Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. (KJV)

You know, what you do with your hands is very important and if you did not know, this post is a reminder.

It took Covid 19 for many people to start washing their hands regularly, even though this should be a normal helathy routine.

I hope you have not stopped though 😏

And to end today’s post, I want to remind you that I write and create arts.

You can find them on this blog via the Menu button and if you came to this post via the Home menu, then you would have seen them displayed on the front page.

Your support and feedback will mean alot and I also hope that whatever material you get from me blesses you richly.

They can be found via ART page. Where the Handmade and Digital options are available.

Cavewoman is coming to an end 🙈. The next part would be the second to last part. If you have not checked the previous parts, I encourage you to do so.

Also, the documentary would be the final part. I also hope to see you then too.

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The Contact page is open for questions, enquires, suggestions and feedback.

Until the next post, it is still

#fromamedicalstudentfaraway

HERITAGE 1🇳🇬

I DID NOT PLAN TO DO IT IN PARTS BUT IT HAS HAPPENED THIS WAY……

The next part will contain pictures.

This post is more than a year old. It is one of the notorious ones on my list.

I am African. I am a Nigerian. I am an Igbo human. I love all these three with every inch of my being.

I am grateful for this opportunity because I have only come to accept my heritage with pride as I grow older. I was not very excited about it when I was growing up but it is different now.

Though proud of my heritage. I am not proud of the things done in my homeland. I am not proud of our mentality that keeps us down. I am not proud of some babaric acts we display. I am not proud of how we have failed to utilize what God blessed us with.

Africa is encrusted with precious resources. With precious blessings and I wonder how we refuse to see this. How greed, envy, foolishness, and hate has eaten us deep.

We look down on ourselves, hurt each other. Therefore even when we flee the lands we love, we are still treated badly outside😢😢.

Africa a land of gold, diamonds and every kind of precious stones. Every kind of precious metals. Every kind of precious food.

Africa, bursting with colours, culture, and everything bright.

If only we knew we are powerful when we together. If only we knew that we are the answers to the prayers. If only we knew that hate can never be the answer…..

I am an Igbo girl. I cherish it with all my heart. I still have lapses though in cultural knowledge but this I hold dear in my heart.

I had to say this before the next part which will contain more details. Right now, my heart is in pains. We inflict ourselves too much. If only we knew that our problems are within us.

Hate is a strong word
Love is stronger
O.R.A
Hate cannot be the answer.

To those who lost their lives for no reason.

Nigeria. Sudan. South Africa. Any other place I am not aware of. 🏳

#fromamedicalstudentfaraway

LIFE: MORE THAN HALF OF 2019: ⏭2⃣0⃣1⃣9⃣

Wrting is therapy. I told you before.

This topic came now. I am sorry for always bugging you with how I still have older topics, I can only tell you. Anyother person will think I am crazy for talking about it too much.

2019

It is sad. It is sad.

Every day one sad news or the other.

This year has been so historical.

Correct me.

So eventful (medically, that is not a very positive word)

2019, has been a very strange year with so many overwhelming happenings especially in the two places I have spent most of my time in.

Tears, tears overshed

Thoughts, thoughts. Over thought.

Only the living can live. Only the living can breathe.

Only the living can plan. Only the living can………

Some of the happenings are mainly rooted in issues that could be easily solved if not that humans as we are can be as (evil) as we can be.

Nobody is exempted. Power intoxicates, blinds you from seeing.

As they say, until you give a man power do not call him(her) humble.

Few rational people left and if you try to rationalize, you stand chances of bigger troubles.

Emotions seeping in, ration seeping out.

Humans have the highest developed minds but sometimes we behave as if we do not. As if it would have been better we were not humans.

Or maybe, we have become monsters……
“The heart of man is desperately wicked” my Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9
It goes further in verse 20 to say that God searches the heart.

We cannot see a person’s heart with our eyes.

Events reveal people’s heart, your heart.

Sometimes all we need to do is pause, pause in our steps, calm our emotions, calm our thoughts and think.

Think

Think: what am I doing?

Where am I going?

What is the purpose of doing what I am doing?

What am I expecting as a result?

Is it it possible? Or am I chasing the wind?

Should I run away? Should I fight back?

Do I have what it takes?

Can I do it?

Am I sure?

After all this, what next?

What next?

This question is so important. Have you asked yourself?

If you got all you ever wanted, would you want something else? Will you be satisfied?

Life is selfish

Life is beautiful

Life is unexpected

Life is growing.

Life is straining.

Life is art.

Life is living.

Life can leave you with unanswered questions……

What is life to you?

Life continues after you……

Unless you exist when it exists……when it ends…….

2019, you remain as year I will tell about a lot.

You tried me emotionally……

Spiritually, Intellectually…….

I will not say I am tired of you but I will insist on my blessings.

I will remain grateful.

I will continue to hope.

I will continue to pray.

I will continue………

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Happy new month in advance…….

LIFE ISSUES

Life Issues

“Life has no specific color

It comes in the shade you follow

Times you grief, you wish the whole world grieves with you

Times you win, you wish the world sings with you

Times you lose, you wish no one did better than you

Times you felt lonely, you wish no one else was having such a very great time

Times you felt hurt and betrayed, you wish you never had to feel that way

Times you made mistakes, you wish you had a time machine

Times you wanted a little love amd got none, you wish that you became the Cinderella or the Charming Prince

They say if wishes were horses beggars would ride on them

I’ll say, I rather keep being a dreamer till I ride that horse

So life, I am still painting the colors

I’ve got hope and that’s what I hold on to

My faith,though a mustard seed is sprouting and growing

And one day it will move mountains for me. “

An excerpt from QUIET MEMOIRS Volume 1

Something light💡

Check my podcast : RoseCast

The Minimalistic Culture was shared.

There is a Podcast page on this blog where you can easily listen to the moat recent podcasts.

Kindly check the links out and do not forget to leave your thoughts…..

Today is the last of July, how has 2019 been for you so far?

N.B I used only one emoji today and today’s write-up is longer.

#fromamedicalstudentfaraway

SOMEBODY IS PRAYING FOR YOU🙏🌳🌿☀

It is more than a week my birthdate passed, my 365 days. It has been adventure being alive, an experience I am grateful to experience, not because I wished for it but because my life was spared to experience.

There are special times that prayers are needed like crazy, like the way you scramble for crumbs after starving for days without any meal.
I really missed sharing words. I still have more than 10 posts waiting for me. More than 10!🤒
This is my favourite month because my day is in it, and because it is a four letter word, and because June sounds pretty, and because June is June😇😘

But then, this month did not allow me express but I still love June like the way I love cats even after they try to scare me in my sleep😂😂. You can call it true love😂😂💝💝

You will need prayers, and someone would be praying for you. The times when you are weaker than you could imagine, strenght would come because someone is praying for you.
This topic is two months old but how beautiful it fits now. At this moment I am typing it and at the moment you would read it.

How beautiful are prayers, hearts in beautiful tune with maker, words that maybe no one can hear reaching the heavens. How beautuful it is to just pray and talk to God.
I am listenely to Even when it Hurts by Hillsong, and it fits beautifully. You can say that everythings is fitting beautifully when you surrender to God. When you surrender to His tender arms. How beautiful is the peace that flows after the tears are shed. How I love being there, in God’s presence, knowing He wraps me well.
I speak of what I experience. I share what I know. I share what has been real to me. I share as it comes because it comes from a real place.
Somebody is praying for you when you cry, when you worry. Somebody is praying for you when you doubt, when you are tired of life, when there are no answers to your throbbing questions, throbbing pain.

The song playing now is With Me by Gil Joe and Nkay. I love the song so much, like the way I love cats💝💝

Just as someone is praying for you, I hope you are praying for someone. They must not know because that is part of the beauty in praying for others.
Now playing Confident by Stefanny Gretzinger ft Bob. I love this song the way I love quietness. The way love peace.

I hope to post soon. I miss posting.
I hope you are doing well.🌿🌿

Philippians 1:4
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

#fromamedicalstudentfaraway