WHEN IT RAINS...

One of our biggest shortcomings as people is we always imagine we have time. Time to travel, to change jobs, to make that big purchase or go back to school. Time however can be so misleading. Three years ago, I found out first hand, after my family and I went through an agonising experience, that you can't bank on time. It was the kind of experience that makes you question life and see things from a different light.
So how do you deal with bad days? How do you shield yourself from the rain? Here is a recap of what turned out to be an emotional week and a short description of the month of November, the year 2014. 

Myra...

PLEASE DON'T TOUCH MY BELLY!

Last week, my husband and I were at the supermarket trying to stock up on essential supplies. It was a few days before the repeat elections which meant we needed to be prepared for anything. Like many other Kenyans, we ended up contributing to the long supermarket queues, empty shelves and congested aisles trying our best to get as much as we could. The shopping experience in this particular supermarket is never the best since they have no air condition or fans (If you've been to Kisumu, you know how important this is). The store however is usually better stocked so they have us stuck on stupid coming back every time we have to bulk buy. One of the things I am most grateful for is that marriage has given me someone to go shopping with. Prior to this, society had already branded some of us as impulse buyers and spend thrifts. Those are just titles though it doesn't necessarily mean I am one. With my husband around though, I am proud to say I have become much more disciplined. 

As the handsome man and I walked around cracking jokes and picking out items from our list, I started to notice a couple of interesting things. People don't know how to act around pregnant women!  Just a week ago, at the office, one of my colleagues came up to me and began rubbing my belly which is a very common habit when people spot a lady with a bump. At the supermarket though, I saw a few shoppers get embarrassed when I caught them staring at my belly. One or two would instinctively move so far aside when I walked towards them so as to give me space. This only made me feel bigger than I actually am! A mother trying to keep up with her 2 maybe 3 year old also stopped briefly and forced herself to smile while muttering a low 'hello' before she resumed chasing after the hyper tot. It almost felt like her eyes and body language were warning me of some kind of danger ahead.

As a second time mum, you would think I would get used to the looks and weird reactions that people have when they realise you're pregnant. Even though it feels like it was more than two years ago with my daughter, the experience will always be awkward for any pregnant lady if you keep acting awkward around us! 

So what should or should you not do with pregnant women? Is rubbing on our belly's appropriate? Here is a brief guide on this weeks MOMENTS WITH MYRA of the Do's and Dont's to be mindful of when it comes to looking, touching and hanging out with pregnant women.

Enjoy! 

Myra...

SIX AND A HALF POTTY TRAINING TRICKS

When she pees, we pee!

Any parent knows that one of the most significant changes in their child is that moment when they finally start to use the potty and don't need diapers anymore. It is also one of the few cost cutting moves we look forward to because lets face it, diapers are not cheap! Potty training can be stressful and discouraging. It needs a lot of patience and creativity because every one of these toddlers is unique even though they defecate the same way. 

When we started potty training, I would always get irritated by the parents who would brag about their kids having learnt how to use the toilet at an early age. I however, am not here to brag rather try and help. For some kids this takes months and for others just a couple of days. The number one secret is to be patient! It will happen when your toddler is ready. Who knew that at some point in life we would be getting so excited about how these little humans poop and pee! This was such a big moment for us so I decided to share what we did. Here are my six and a half potty training tricks!

Myra

WHY I'M BECOMING A MUM VLOGGER

A few minutes past 10:00 am on the 10th of October this year, I put out my first YouTube video. It talks about why I made the choice to become a mum vlogger. I have to admit, I have know idea what I'm getting into and if there is a formula on how to do this right please feel free to share. What I am sure of however is why I am doing this and that I hope many of you will be able to relate as well. 

Here's goes!

In the last couple of years, my life has gone through so many changes. I sometimes feel like I'm having an outer body experience. Within this time I have gone through the joys and pains of being a young mother, getting married, losing my own mum, getting a new family and getting pregnant all over again. The only constant thing in my life now seems to be change and everyday I discover new ways to embrace and learn from it.

There are plenty of other young wives and mothers out there. My story is not unique. I'm taking this step to help remind others that there really is no formula to parenting or being a spouse. You just learn on the go! This is also a journey of self discovery for me which I hope I can use to somehow inspire another mum or wife out there because life is short and we have to find a way to make the most of out of every moment.

Myra

Kisumu Art Festival

And we are back...

...KISUMU ART FESTIVAL - FASHION AND MUSIC...

Alvina-Model

This is for every art lover! Earlier this year the second edition of the Kisumu Art Festival went down at Dunga Hill Camp. Hosted by Events By Myra together with One Vibe held a show to support artists in Kisumu.
 

Myra Anubi and Shamir

The event particularly focused centred around upcoming musical artists together with rising fashion designers and models. The family of art is growing! I believe that this region will soon stand out in all its glory ,much of which is still hidden in art.

Make sure you check out www.facebook.com/mkadenyi/ for more updates on the next Kisumu Art Festival.

LETS COME TOGETHER AND SUPPORT THESE ARTISTS

#ArtByTheLake

Here is what you missed out...don't forget to leave a comment and appreciate the designers work!

...Cheusi

New LIfe Childen Home Trust

Meet this adorable little girl. I spent an entire day gazing at the smile of about ten more just like her in the amazing New Life Children’s Home Trust in Kisumu County in Kenya. She is an orphan. Like many others in this home, Aquinas, the administrator, tells us tales of how they had to rescue these babies from pit latrines or primitive people trying to offer them as sacrifices. 

What we did was spend a few moments with these precious miracles; feeding them, holding them and reminding ourselves about how simple life can be. They know no shame or hate regardless of the situation life has put them in. On the contrary, they embody the name of the organization that has opened its arms to them; New Life!

Take a second look at that smile, when is the last time you were exposed to something so innocent?

This might sound cliché, but every once in a while it is important to be reminded of the simple things in life. If you are want to learn how to fish, you have to go to an expert. For those rare minutes we spent at this home, it was refreshing to have these toddlers teach us how to be happy. 

Maybe you should take time to do the same!

Team from Urban Radio and New Life Children Trust Home

 “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” 

Winston Churchill

Today we were privileged to work with United Millers Kisumu and give some bread and some of our time to the home as Urban Radio. To be honest however, it feels like we got more than we gave. By spending time with the women and men who take care of the orphans we were reminded of how we take our own lives for granted.

My Urban Radio co-host Kevin and our Head of Marketing

Find time to go do something for someone else. True joy comes from doing things from the heart. Visit a children’s home, get involved in environment conservation projects, volunteer in hospitals, give inspirational talks in schools! Get something that is closest to you. It will surprise you that in giving, whether of your time or resources, you will end up receiving more in laughter, joy, peace of mind and satisfaction. Things you cant get ordinarily!

I wont blame you if you get addicted to what you find. I definitely have.

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Mother Teresa

...Cheusi

The New Economic Hotspot

Statistics estimate the next fifteen years should see a drastic rise of up to 50% ownership in possession by third world countries of the global economy. This is what skeptics have described as a ‘giant leap of faith’ because of the current status of most of these developing states. The projection suggests that it is the current generation of young people who will skyrocket the economy of developing countries such as Africa. 

…The Complacent Generation…

Africa is currently made up of what I define as the ‘complacent generation’. It is characterized by people who have fallen victim to the idea that the continent can survive comfortably on minimum wage. If the target is set so low, will we be able to give our contributions towards realizing this 15 year dream by embracing our position as major stakeholders in the direction of the global economy?

The way I see it, approximately 60% of these miraculous years will have to be invested towards changing Africans negative perceptions towards our continent. Why? Because we have more than enough manpower, raw materials, and produce to export in order to take over a large chunk of the economy in less than five years. All the efforts required in the next fifteen years can be accomplished in ten or less if we united put our best foot forward. 

Kenya and its contribution

It all goes back to the theory of teaching someone to fish as opposed to giving them fish. Kenya for instance has for years depended on the international community to steer her economy, guide her blindly into financial debt and give her strategies on how to raise other nation’s economies whilst trying to do the same with its own. We are led to question just how genuine the intentions of some countries and conglomerates are when they give us financial aid as opposed to mentoring us on how to grow our economy? So who teaches Kenya? Experience and necessity! 

With ICC proceedings and tension building up from a cold war stirring between African nations and other members of the Roman Statute you realize that Mother Nature is always ready to take her place. Kenya has now been forced to be part of a tight pressed economy with constantly rising taxation rate. In a couple of years, even if Simon says jump, Kenya will be able to sit still with its legs crossed. 

The invisible investors

We are the invisible inventors. Invisible in the sense there are those that can see what Africa and Kenya is worth but that we are blind to our own potential. What we need is to inject our intelligence and efforts towards growing our own economy. The economy is by far one of the most tremendous forces in global development that has the potential to revolutionize the world as we know it. With Africa’s spirit and burgeoning cooperative development we have already started our journey towards taking over our piece of the global cake. 

As Cocacola would put it, Africa, its our time.

...Cheusi

The Gender Agenda

The Gender Agenda- the journey of growth at community level

Following recent changes in Kenya’s system of government, women are now key stakeholders in the disbursement of public resources. The actualization of devolution went a notch higher on the 8^th of July when female leaders from Kisumu County converged at one sitting to exchange ideas on how to push forward the women’s agenda as far as the Millennium Development Goals are concerned. The objective of the meeting was to establish if women’s needs were being addressed, at county level, considering that there was a sizable female representation in the new devolved system of power.  

This breakfast meeting was graced by a number of key government officials at county level such as chiefs, county representatives and the Deputy Governor; Ruth Odinga. As an initiative of Kenya Federation Advisory Organization (KEFEADO), a women empowerment organization in Western Kenya, the event carried a lot of weight that will contribute into actualizing the implementation of the ‘gender agenda’ in Kisumu County. 

The first problem for all of us, men and women, is to not to learn but to unlearn…Gloria Steinem

Each leader was put to task and asked to account for the progress they had had in their respective dockets since the wake of their nomination earlier this year. A number of grey areas were pointed out, key of them being how to create a women centric society that can influence and focus on the needs of a county from a holistic point of view. Possibly, if we can invest in women, their natural maternal instincts can be tapped into and result in the growth of the entire society. Other areas of concern included;

• Land acquisition

Are women in the position of acquiring land and owning title deeds? African heritage and society has for centuries shunned the idea of women owning land. The perception on the same has since been passed down and inherited by the general public. According Ruth Odinga, even if women are in the position to purchase land they are held back by the intimidation and stigma that they will face since it is not considered ‘African’.

The same concerns were raised for issues related to owning businesses. Dr. Rose Kisia, the women representative for Kisumu County, expressed her intentions to see women in Kisumu empowered as far as small scale businesses are concern. Under her capacity, she proposed ideas on how trade and market growth for women would create a strong economy in Kisumu.

In addition to this, there is a need to also advice business owners and open their minds to business ventures that can expand their enterprises (i.e. applying for tenders for projects at county level). By increasing the market base for local traders and creating a need for suppliers within Kisumu as opposed to acquiring goods from other counties, Kisumu would eventually be able to sustain itself, nurture small scale businesses and create numerous job opportunities.

•  Maternal health and Education

If women and children are dying today, who will we govern us tomorrow? Who will vote us in during the next general election? Maternal health is a key element of the women’s agenda. It reflects a population’s morality rate. In this day and age, the country should be equipped with enough services and trained personnel to ensure the security of mothers while they are delivering. Kisumu was pointed out as one of the regions in Kenya that is well equipped with hospitals that can provide good maternal care. 

Education was also highlighted as an area that, if invested in, can contribute to the realization of the women’s agenda. It was brought to the members attention that women need not only get academic education but that there was a need to train them in skills that are relevant for them to have personal development and growth.

•   Security

Women who stand up to vie for political seats tend to be maligned by both men and women in the community. Gone are the days where leadership roles were reserved for men. Every woman should be encouraged to take up a leadership positions; should they desire to. Security in general must also be assured especially to female entrepreneurs’ so that Kisumu can eventually turn into a 24 hour business hub where people are allowed to trade without fear. 

Why women? Why the gender agenda?

With a sizable representation of women in government positions, they now have the opportunity to bring to life new development in different regions of the country.

As much as leaders may defend what they have done with documentation and words, it is only through the perceptibility of their actions that constituents will be in a position to know they are fulfilling their duties in accordance with the constitution of Kenya. If a viable communication strategy is put in place to gunner the support of women in the region and sensitizes others as to the gender agenda, a realization will be made on the development goals of Kisumu County. Such is a leaf can be borrowed from both male a female leaders in the rest of the country.

Policy implementation in every county has to be relevant to the community and must follow a plan so that bullets are not being shot in the air. In order to hit the nail on the head, there needs to be accountability from the those in power and a mentorship program that will enrich people with one of the most important resources we own in the country; Knowledge! 

Another key factor is to do away with the main clamor for the stalemate in development which is pushing for these agendas as an individual rather than as one unit. Members of each county need to work together for the entire country to be able to appreciate the role of the devolution system.  Every leader should make use of their clout of space at county level so as to see the fulfillment of a bigger picture in the country. This involves the active role of citizen participation as well.   

The devolved system of government has presently allowed for new dispensation in the implementation of policies that has opened up a horde of opportunities for women at community level. The challenge now is in changing women’s perceptions towards their position in the society towards politics and administration. With women championing their own gender agenda we may be in the wake of a new dawn. The county of Kisumu can now afford to anticipate positive changes in their hometown with a passionate group of female leaders ready to take the bull by the horns and bring the Millennium Development Goals to life. 

We have all been charged to be drivers in the devolution system, not passengers.

For more reference on this check- http://www.preventgbvafrica.org

...Cheusi

If you have a dream...protect it.

Since when did you beome a quitter....
Ok,
So you may not have made the list.
Someone else was choose instead of you.

Move on...
There are greater tragedies in life!

You may not have the same abilities as others; hardly a speck of it,
but you have stuck it out this far
and that's what counts

In this lifetime
you do not have to prove anything to anyone
except yourself
and after what you have gone through
if you haven't done that by now,
then you never will.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: 

Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

 

-For those who have been having rough days 

and needed some inspiration

...Cheusi

IF WOMEN AND CHILDREN SURVIVE, THE COMMUNITY WILL THRIVE

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was recently ranked as the worst place to give birth/have children in the world. When compared with other parts of the world, experts show that the hardship experienced in Congo affects a large population of the women and children.

The report released by ‘Save the Children’ provided thorough comparisons that highlighted the conditions faced by mothers and their children in more than 176 countries over the world. In this report the key areas of interest involved countries’ political, moral, education and (maternal) health standards.
The study also provided conclusive evidence of how women were unable to secure income generating positions in these parts of the world.  This translates into the inability of most mothers to provide for their infants.

 

DRC stands as one of the countries’ that has continuously frustrated the efforts of female emancipation. This situation, coupled with cases of insecurity and inequality, has made Congo one of the worst places to start a family. According to ‘State of the World’s Mothers,’ the country has a ratio of 1:30 maternal death rates due to poor health services. Other countries listed with similar situations include Somalia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Niger; that previously topped the list.

It is appalling that in this day and age women and children are still mistreated in many parts of the world. We should be at the forefront fighting issues associated to discrimination, child trafficking and abuse. In any society people need to acknowledge that women and children are the foundation of a productive society.

We need to speak individually with one voice.

…kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa

http://www.wnyc.org

...Cheusi