Christmas Vacation Nostalgia

It's less than five days until Christmas, and there’s still shopping to do. Family and work duties pile up. This is the moment when I feel nostalgic, remembering our family vacation to Africa, four years ago this week. Here's a view into that special experience.

We Wish You A Happy Thanksgiving Day!

From the Bandon-Bibum Family

to Your Family

A Thanksgiving Wish

As we share a Thanksgiving meal with our loved ones today, let us seize those cherished moments to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Here is one description of the Holy Spirit from the Holy Bible: "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control." (Galatians 5:22-23) These virtuous qualities could change the world for the better, one person at a time.

On the other hand, the Holy Bible describes "the works of the flesh", the extreme opposite of the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5:19-22.) The qualities of the "flesh" amount to sin, and evil. These constitute a path to spiritual destruction. The manifestations of sin and evil can be seen in the many crimes and horrors which occur in the world.

Therefore, we have an opportunity today and everyday of our lives, to incorporate the "Spirit" into our lives. We can do this in our treatment of each other, our spouses, family members, friends, co-workers, and business partners. We must try to remember to treat them with kindness and gentleness, even when they anger us. With our co-workers, who may irritate us at times, we can have self-control and pray for peace. Not easy at all, I know. Yet, we should do it.

Let’s open our hearts so the Holy Spirit can guide us, today and always, as we demonstrate our thankfulness to God.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Howard University Homecoming Brings Back Memories

Howard Homecoming 2011 has concluded, yet my wonderful memories continue. At 18, I came to Howard University and experienced a top quality academic education. Also, Howard University was where I met my husband, Chrys. So, I am very grateful for the Howard experience.

"An Eye Opening Experience in Cameroon" Featured In Apinke

My "An Eye Opening Experience in Cameroon" article is featured in the Summer 2011 issue of Apinke, an elegant, new lifestyle magazine. In this article, I reflect on my experiences during my trip to Africa with my family. If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so and to enjoy the summer issue of Apinke. See http://apinke.com/.

A Summer Wedding, African Style

I attended the wedding of a family friend last weekend. A summer Saturday afternoon is often a good day for a lovely and romantic wedding. I've attended, and have been a part of, numerous African (mostly Cameroonian) weddings in the past 25 years. This includes the ceremony of my own wedding, which took place in Cameroon. (I'll tell you about that in an upcoming article, so stay tuned.) I hope that you have some fun summer activities planned for this weekend.
Best Wishes!

First Lady and Daughters in Africa

As you probably know already, our First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, is visiting Africa with her daughters, Sasha and Malia, as well as with her mother, niece, and nephew. On this "good-will" trip to Africa, they've met reknown African leaders, such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Since I've visited Africa on three occasions, I know the excitement and pride that Mrs. Obama and family felt when embarking on this journey. Memories of my last journey to Africa with my family come to mind. When we returned from our three week trip to Africa in January 2008, our children had an experience of a life time.

Click below to see a quick glimpse of our African experience, first hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhVUmcYIxtA&feature=related