Wherever you go...there you will also be...Pt. 2

Last we touched base, I was debating on whether or not I move back to the East Coast in order to pursue a more developed professional and personal network. As for now I'm praying on the situation and not making any hasty moves. I'm even keeping teaching EFL abroad as an option if things don't pan out with preferred teaching work here in Columbus. I think part of the hesitancy with all of these options is honestly also a distant fear of actually fully committing to starting the process of building this school that refuses to leave front and center of my visions...

wait a minute, this just in...recording live from somewhere...Ojala Mwalimu is live in the studio ready to make a huge announcement about where he will be serving in the coming year. Speculation is running rampant as to his possible move to the East Coast or even to another country. Now you're seeing (imagining) live shots from Columbus where dedicated friends and family are eagerly watching this live unprecedented televised event. (Midway through a long and unnecessary live television interview)..."So Ojala, now to the question that everyone seems to be asking...where will you be serving next year?" (Silence...serious stares at camera and broadcaster)

"Well Johnny, I've decided to take my talents to the East and North side of Columbus, Ohio!!! After a good talk with Sister Freedom, I'm reminded that God blessed me with the strong and extremely supportive professional and personal network in Boston/NY only after years of work in the trenches. I've yet to put that work in here in my own city consistently. It's time I roll up my sleeves, stop complaining about what's not here, and create that which I seek; Build it for me personally, and build it for my city." "Ojala, you know there will be some disapointed friends and family on the East Coast, what do you have to say to them?" "I love you and could not have made it here to this point without you and it was a difficult decision to make but I have to follow that inner voice! On the conciliatory tip, I'll be visiting back soon to NYC so come holla at me labor day weekend with Nathan Baptiste while we celebrate 29 years on Earth!"

On another note, I will be applying to PhD and Ed.D programs in a year or two and Harvard/NYU are on my list so...

For my Columbus peoples, it's time to reach deep and build strong!

Wherever you go, there you will also be. Part 1

I'm not one who believes in geographical fixes for problems. Many folk think that moving to one side of town or the other, or perhaps a different city, will bring them happiness. -Bueno-, there is some validity to that for sure...especially when the Sun is involved, however, on the deeper level, most of our issues that rob of us happiness are exactly that; OUR ISSUES. Although we are trained to believe that if we simply manipulate a situation we can wrest contentment from it, it ends up not being so, particularly for those struggling with depression or anxiety. Even if we change that address, we will still wake up with our same selves everyday, the same common denominator to all our suffering will still be ourselves. --------------------- All of these things come to mind as I've just returned today from a highly satisfying vacation filled with old friends, family, and lots of love and excitement. When I was in Boston, more specifically, when I attended the graduation of the second batch of kids I taught, I was high on -alegria-. I can't remember the last time I felt so appreciated! Students and staff were coming up left and right with hugs, chants, and the pervasive question of the evening "Brother Mwalimu, when are you moving back?" ---------------- This question was always a splinter of pain in the midst of a sea of joy. I had no plans on moving back, at least when I arrived to Boston 12 days ago. But after the 100th inquiry into my future plans, I began to think, this is exactly what I need! After not having lived consistently in Ohio for 10 years, I moved back to my hometown of Columbus in August of 2011 to build my marriage and a family. Soon though, I had to face the harsh reality of being unwanted as a husband and eventually dealt with the betrayal of a wife who was deeply unhappy with our marriage.----------------- Sprinkle in some tumultuous and painful experiences with my family of origin in Columbus, a general identity disconnect with Columbus, a lack of any close friends, and a work experience where I often felt highly uncomfortable and ineffective, and I did often question my presence here. There were two things that kept me firmly anchored here: my growing relationship with Jesus (and my church), and the long-standing goal I've had to build a liberatory school here where I grew up... TBC