Birthday Reflections.

I am yet to meet anyone whose birthdays are always as emotional as mine. In one day I go through so many thoughts, emotions, ups and downs that honestly by midnight I'm glad the day is over.

The Downs:

I left home for college on my birthday...six years ago. My first day in a new country was rough. As rough as you can imagine it being for a 17 year old African girl, who had not finished high school, had grown up fairly comfortable and sheltered...and now found herself in a 97% African-American college with no friends or relatives anywhere near. Now every birthday that rolls by, I remember that last goodbye at the airport. The last time I was in my mother's arms, the hope and innocence that filled me. I wonder how it's been 6 years since that day. I remember all the 'things' I have been through. Things I dont have the courage to talk about to anyone, or even think of writing about, yet...

The Ups:

Man, I have met some evil people. I have been in situations no mother would want their child in, but God carried me through. I have been terrified. I have been helpless. I have been homeless. Almost abused, taken advantage off, scared for my life....but God pulled me through. In 6 years I have learnt so much. So much about myself, about human beings, about my God. I have learnt lessons you can only learn if you've been as low as I have been. In the past 6 years God has helped me accomplish things most African girls that never finished high school will never have the chance to try for. A bachelors and masters degree in science at 23 is not bad, if I may say so myself.

So though I am still glad my birthday came, and passed this year...I am even more glad to be where I am now.