My birthday means a lot to me as anyone who knows me knows! It is also probably the time I do most of my reflection on both how the last year has gone and what the next year holds.
Whilst it seems I don’t look my ages (thank you to all of you who ask if I’m still in uni, or finished recently!), I felt quite anxious about turning 29 – the last of my 20’s! My how time has flown. So I guess it’s been more of a reflection on the last decade than the last year and reminding myself of all I have achieved within that time, even if I am not where I want to be or thought I would be in life by the age of 29.
With that said, I continue to be so proud of myself and all of my achievements. Proud of my courage, determination and fearlessness, and ability to rationalise my fears to move past them and do it anyway!!!
As I sit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after an epic day that saw me visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral twice, Maryam and Menelik Churches as well as the Ethnological museum, following from an epic three days in Zanzibar including holding and endless number of starfish and swimming with sea turtles, I am reminded that it is my fearlessness and determination that brought me to spend my birthday this year in this way. My hope is that God continues to guide me in all I do, and continues to help me grow. Without Him, I am nothing.
The beauty in the faith of the Ethiopians has really touched my heart and the intercession I attended at Holy Trinity Cathedral, was beautiful and meant so much to me, especially on this day.
I later decided to treat myself to a spa treatment and dinner at a five star restaurant called Capital Hotel and Spa. I was unable to get a massage as they were booked up but very accommodating so I booked for the next day.
I then had dinner and the staff were just the best. So accommodating and friendly and when they asked me if I was ok, I beamed yes it’s my birthday and it’s been an amazing day.
As I finished an amazing meal and turned down the prospect of desert as I was truly stuffed, I waited for the bill then heard Stevie Wonder in the background singing ‘Happy Birthday’. The staff then came out with a beautiful cake and danced with me. I was so shocked and so touched! It was a beautiful and thoughtful end to a wonderful day. Thank you to the staff at Capital Dinner at Capital Hotel and Restaurant, Addis Ababa for such a kind gesture.
So touched by this gesture!
For last part of my epic trip, I was one of 40,000 people that took part in the Great Ethiopian Run, and annual 10km event founded by the legendary athlete, Haile Gebrselassie. It was epic and I will bring you more on it in a future post.
I encourage you all to break free from things that scare you, or make you anxious. I encourage you to do what you want to do regardless of those feelings. Furthermore, go outside of your comfort zone more often, don’t be afraid to travel, you learn so much! Don’t be afraid to solo travel, you learn so much! Don’t be afraid to travel Africa, you learn so much!
Karibu Chapter 29
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