Wednesday, August 20

...and Zouzou Mused.

The world has hardly been still since I was last here.
What, with the plane crashes, Ukraine crisis, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, ISIS, oh, lets not forget the little town of Ferguson in the US, to mention but a few.
And no, I definitely did not forget Ebola!

So which should we talk about? I have kept away because I didn't know which issue to muse on! They were happening so fast! But that we do not want to talk about something does not make it go away.
So I took my own advice on passion, and remembering the reason you started something in the first place, and to 'just do it.'

So. Ebola. 
When Patrick first landed Nigeria and the news of Ebola broke, my first thought was, 'Lord, we really could do without Ebola right now!' Isn't battling Boko Haram enough? 
And then the nightmare began. And people have been dying. Death within a few short weeks, family thorn apart, medical systems stretched to the limit.

But since you and I are here, what are we doing? What is our position on this matter?
Are we taking it seriously enough to talk about it, practice and really get into the physical (and spiritual) things we need to do to curb the spread? Or are we nonchalant as usual, and flaring up when someone dares to send a broadcast or forward an email on the matter? 

We owe it to ourselves and to our neighbor (yes, those people we notoriously do not care about, the 'other people' who are not us!) to be safe. Be safe! Talk about Ebola in its entirety, terrible as it is, but also about the hope of recovery, the need to curb it. I was reading this article this morning and it made me tearful. I don't know if we really, truly grasp the enormity of this outbreak. And if we do, being hygienic should be non-negotiable! And if that involves not shaking hands or hugging for you, then by all means stick to your guns! Do not let people make you feel uncomfortable about your decision. 

On the other hand, we should also remember that there is hope as people have recovered. We can cling to this, speak about it, and be encouraged. 
My sister (who lives outside Nigeria) has been saying 'Ebola will be sorry it came to Nigeria.' But that can only happen if you and I actively engage ourselves and those around us in fighting it. Let us 'join hands' together to make Ebola sorry!

I hope that a high level of personal hygiene is what this experience leaves with us when it is finally over. And it will be over.

Be free oh (to spread hope, not fear).