As the World Watched in Joy, Hope, and Starvation

Like most of the world, I too was glued to the vistas of the inauguration of the US 44th President, Baracj H. Obama. It was also interesting to see how Kenya responded. The Daily Nation [Kenya] had some great articles both Tuesday and Wednesday regarding how they say "their Obama". The fact that they killed two bulls tells how much they love and respect the man. Two bulls are very expensive not only to buy, but also are the reproduction of more cows which is a very good industry in East Africa. So for me, it spoke volumes.

One of the sentences that struck me, however, was Kenya has now taken over America. May I say to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga, instead of asking America to give you money or even to loan it to your country, that if you are indeed taking over America, help us pay off the debt that we borrowed to give to you. And Mr. Odinga, thank you for helping a group of Kenyans be able to witness in person the swearing in of one of your own. Thanks for helping them to see America up close and personal.

On the same page of the Daily Nation were pictures of people living in the western parts of Kenya who are literally starving to death, having the 2nd year of no crop production. The next picture were school teachers on strike--can't say I blame them. A few of my friends from Kenya have emailed me stating that the government has become very corrupt. And they voted for change. They too are looking toward a new constitution, a promise that has been on the lips of people for years--but unfortunately Kenya is still looking to try and convict those responsible for the murders and riots of last year. If they did it honestly, it would close down government altogether.

So to those who say America is under scrutiny for the change many Americans voted for, let us also be aware of the change that is happening around the world. We do not live in a vaccuum. I wonder what our own food production is going to look like this summer after seasons of floods in the midwest, a government that pays farmers to burn their crops because prices are too low, and yet others are starving to death that we say we care about.

Mr. President and members of Congress, we say we are the richest and friendliest nation on the earth, please make changes that others can believe in too. Stop burning food because of greed. Remember Joseph from the Bible, he taught the Egyptians to store up the wheat and grains for seven years so they would have when the earth would not yield. They didn't burn of destroy their food they stored it for the day that surely was to come.

Global warming would indicate that the time will come when crops won't grow; global cooling does the same thing.

Remember: Everything starts with one word and one step--make yours in the direction of success.

Love Acts of the Impromptu Party Planner

One of the ways that we seldom look at as "Love Acts" is the impromptu party planner. Yes, those dear souls who work with us in offices, on various church staffs, or family instigators. So today, the 365 Love Award goes to a person who I know personally, and have had the extreme good pleasure of tasting the outpouring of love from the perpetual spaghetti pot.

Many is the time when people were at her home, she would excuse herself and go to the kitchen. Out came the big pot and before long hot garlic bread, spaghetti that would make an Italian mama cry, paper plates and plastic forks--Let's eat!

This year, with the cutbacks at corporations, her company decided that there would not be the annual Christmas/Holiday Party. But you know, there are just times when you see your fellow workers cleaning out their desks, putting family photos in briefcases or purses, and you are grateful that you are still a survivor in the rate race of business. It is during those times that there is an unspoken need to have something to keep the momentum. Right on cue, the impromptu party planner.

Without hesitation, a December BBQ is planned. In her city is a place called Lee's BBQ, the best ribs in the country. Everybody volunteers to bring something for the table. Macaroni and cheese, broccoli coleslaw, shredded pork, cakes, pies, you name it--its coming. People from other departments ask if they can join. Nobody doesn't like a party for lunch!

When life gets depressing and there is no way around situations--the impromptu party planner has a way of making us feel good, to bring out the joy of friendship and good food. Our impromptu party planner--I affectionaly call Mother Worthey--always being a mother to somebody, better known as Ms. Candice.