I am going to Africa.
I mean, not today. I mean, next August or September I suppose when Kenya isn't so sweltering. I am going to visit my global sisters there. I am going to Africa to meet them.
Perhaps the biggest regret of my life has been my lack of understanding. I do live in a bubble-a rose colored bubble that domes over me and my little family. I wouldn't change it for the world, it's a sweet place where I can raise my children in safety and security, but part of me longs to know other mothers and their spheres of livelihood. I want to know more about the strength of women, and I have been praying for awhile for increasing opportunities to this end.
Enter Troy.
Troy is married to my cousin Lisa. Along with my uncle Louis and other compassionate do-gooders Troy went to Kenya to help the women of Mombasa become self-reliant and rise out of poverty . They zeroed in on a coconut farm called Coast Coconut Farms and started giving jobs to women who could harvest the coconut oil naturally and by hand. With that they started to create skincare products called Basa Body (Basa, after Mombasa) to sell--all of which would further benefit these women.
These women.Beautiful women.
Many of them are single moms, slapped with severe poverty, sacrificing for their children. Troy tells me there will be no way for me to prepare to see their living conditions but I will be astounded at their spirits and will to survive. I've seen photos of them and watched videos of their community. And the children, I want to see their children, their faces and their beautiful spirits.
Because I am a proselyting (nutso) believer in coconut oil (for several years I've used it for everything--Earaches? Foot rubs? Deodorant?) and a now daily user of Basa products (I've unabashedly blogged about that before) I've been invited by Troy and the Coast Coconut Farms crew to visit Kenya next year. If all goes well, and if I am not pregnant (a condition I am not opposed to being in the near future) I will go. In the meantime, I want to continue exploring my bubble and how the preparations for this trip are changing the way I view my view. I hope this will raise awareness for the project and products--because I believe in both.
I am going to Africa. And when I am there I am going to meet these mothers and if they will let me, I am going to dance with them:
*photos and video of CCF women by Troy Holmberg
I am c jane and I smell like coconut.
contact me:
cjanemail@gmail.com
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69 reactions:
It is terrible how jealous I am! I dont know anyone who knows anyone! though my second cousin from wales (I didnt know) came second in big brother this year, anyhoo, how fantastic! that sounds so wonderful! its something I have always wanted to do, but I have time :) though if you do happen to be pregnant *congratulations* then I will gladly go in your stead ;)
Dang! What an adventure! Congratulations.
Ooooh Courtney, how amazing. And what a wonderful way to raise awareness, given that your blog is read worldwide. I can't wait to hear more!
Just beware. Africa gets in your blood. It does. The people. Oh the glorious amazing loving caring incredible people. You will feel loved immedately by them because you are. They will embrace you and then you will be caught. Don't say I didn't warn you ;)
Thanks for the comments! Hooray!
Kamie, thanks for the warning. I bet you aren't surprised to find out yours isn't the first. I always think about what I will do after I go . . . spend my life pining to go back?
Madsta, really if I can't go I will need to send someone in my place. You are on the list officially!
That is just a amazing as it comes! You are going to be fabulous there. If you need a traveling buddy, I make a pretty good one. ;) I am SO happy for you! And maybe 83% jealous.
You are leaving some C-Janelovin' all over this globe!!!
Oh Courtz!!
It sounds like an unmissable trip! Apart from the maybe being pregnant thing (you do it so well, now)
Have you read Monique and the Mango Rains? Do. You'd love it. Its about an American woman from , umm, America (I forget which state) who lives in Mali for a couple of years as a mission/service and hangs out with the village midwife. Its an incredible book, look out for it on Amazon (used or otherwise).
Its another project well worth supporting(they all are).
That's awesome. I'm sure it will be a great experience.
i'd pay top dollar for some of the beautiful fabric that their skirts are made of. so pretty.
i totally think they'd let you dance and sing with them, neigh, i think they'd insist upon it.
i meant 'nay', of course. me talk pretty one day.
Loved the video. I have African friends. They are so wonderful. I had hoped to go to Africa on my mission, but Peru was good too. Maybe one day I'll get to visit my Ghana, the home of my friend.
I hope your trip is all that is can be (and that your possible pregnancy won't interfere, but be forthcoming).
And my husband is signed in somehow, but this is Sage.
well if you aren't pregnant when it comes around, stay clear of any orphanages or you will be coming home with a cute black baby no question about it. just ask my in-laws.
just thought i'd warn you. :)
Hi CJane
I am Ghanaian, a big fan of your blog, and I think it's wonderful you are going to have an African experience.
Just one thing for you and your readers - most people who come from an African country prefer it when you use the name of the country specifically and not lump the whole continent into one big United States of Africa! Much as I identify with being African, I am firstly Ghanaian. And in this case, from reading your post, it looks like Basa Body is sending you to Kenya.
That said, the rest of the world probably does the same to America - Utah and Florida are identical places, right?? ; )- so I guess really I shouldn't complain!
Hope you find some time to go on safari while you're there and see the amazing wildlife! I lived in Kenya for a few years and I think giraffes are the most beautiful creatures in the world.
Oh, how aweseome!
The video makes me think, "Some people have a joy so different and unique. So lovely."
Not that we're not joyful in our own way, but goodness, you're gonna have a rockin' time!
Good to know Elle, but for me I am an American first, then I am a Floridian....or I guess now a South Carolinian, since we moved. Always an American first though.
Hope you get to go on your trip CJane!
Anonymous Jeanne said...
Good to know Elle, but for me I am an American first, then I am a Floridian....or I guess now a South Carolinian, since we moved. Always an American first though.
Hope you get to go on your trip CJane!
October 6, 2010 6:08 AM
True, but Africa is a continent, not a country. That's the difference.
Oh, and if you're from Texan, you're a Texan first. :)
"True, but Africa is a continent, not a country. That's the difference."
Actually, America is a continent(s), not a country as well. The USA is only one of many American countries.
My husband is a diplomat and our second posting was Mozambique in southern Africa. We lived there for 2 years and it was entirely magical, exotic and life-changing. As another person has already commented, Africa will get in your blood whether you're there two weeks or two years. It may be your first trip to Africa, but I bet you it won't be your last. Soak up every last thing you can while you're there so you'll carry that with you until you return for that second trip.
Hi. I lived in Capetown, South Africa for awhile, as well as Namibia.I want to echo what Elle said. I am American, but having spent so long there, the people really do take pride in their individual countries. They are each of different tribes as well, and that is important too.
The real reason for my comment though is that once you have taken your chance to dance with them, which you should... you need to have them sing. Especially the children.
You know how about every little kid in American knows 'Mary had a little lamb"... or "Itsy Bitsy spider...", well there they all know these big beautiful songs. They know them in harmony and to hear them sing is breathtaking. Literally.
what an adventure. i'm dying to get to africa.
Well, I'm very excited for you. I've been interested in those beauty products since you blogged about them and I think I just have an interest in anything that's made by women and made naturally. I have to think it's good for me, too.
I think you're sheltered, very nice, but sheltered and Provo is unlike any place I've ever lived or visited. So, I think this will be an excellent experience for you! We can only ask for life-changing experiences in our lives.
That being said Africa is huge. A continent. Full of rich, poor, cities, countrysides- I'd challenge you to recognize that while the women you are helping may be single mothers who are struggling they are not the only female face of Africa. It's as vast and varied as North America. Sadly the media only chooses to focus on one part of the story.
As a person of African decent it was one of my most exciting life moments when I had the chance to travel to Morocco. Yes, it's in northern Africa and it's probably not where my ancestors came from, but it was magical just the same!
Enjoy your trip and be sure to take lots of photos!
Oh my - I want to go with you!!! What an experience.
Meredith from Texas
Hi cjane,
I've been following your blog since last year when I myself was in Kenya, thanks to your cousin-in-law Troy and your uncle Louis. My husband and I lived in Kenya for a year and worked for the microfinance company that Louis started. We love Kenya and we love Louis!
We met those incredible mothers whose sheer desire to love and provide for their children is life-changing. I will be forever grateful for your uncle and the opportunity he gave us, which has literally changed the course of our lives. I really hope you do get to go. It's overwhelming, but not frightening. You will leave a part of your heart in Kenya. And you'll be grateful for it.
cjane! i took a class at byu from the guy who started western wats, and he had troy come in and speak about basa body! i love the technique of giving people skills rather than material items to help them help themselves! it's much more longer lasting, anyway. have so much fun!
How exciting! My (tentative and not very planned-out) plan was to go to Africa after I graduated BYU for a few months, but I got married instead. We did go to Peru for a month on a micro-credit internship a year after we were married. While Peru and Africa are very different, it was a life changing and eye opening experience. I am excited for you.
OH wow...you will LOVE it! My parents have served 3 missions in Accra, Ghana and I am pretty sure they love the AFricans more than they love their children :). They are such beautiful, vibrant people who are truly HAPPY in spite of very little material possessions!
I will just say one thing...those fabulous women will probably be offended if you don't dance with them. AND...they will be more then happy to show you how they do it :)
Cjane, what a wonderful experience! I am sitting here thinking of how much you will love Kenya. I have never visited Kenya, but have been to Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland for humanitarian work a few times each time for a couple months and was always received so graciously. The people, the food, the sunsets and sunrises are incredible. Whoever said it earlier is right, it can be an addicting place!
It really helped me to read up on the history of the countries before I left. Also making a friend from the country that can explain different aspects of the culture makes a world of difference in understanding your new surroundings.
Goodness, I could go on forever about how much I loved my time in Africa, I guess what I am saying is I am excited for you!
I love women who aren't afraid to shake it! :)
Cool adventure. Thought it would also be cool if you were pregnant instead. :)
It will change your life. I didn't expect that. But Kenya did it, all sneaky like that. Fantastic.
I love the Basa Body products. I am truly a convert to coconut oil. I know you will have a truly amazing experience!
The Basa products are awesome. I am a new convert to coconut oil and love the story behind these products. You will love Africa and I'm pretty darn sure Africa will love you!
i am beyond excited for you! i spent the summer of 2002 in uganda and have wanted to go back every day since then. you can never prepare yourself for what you'll see and experience, and you'll never be the same person after you come back. you'll love it!
What a great opportunity/adventure you have to look forward to!
I'm actually moving to Africa next year...specifically Guinea. I'm a little bit nervous to be so far out of my comfort zone, but I hear the people are wonderful. I'm not very service minded (a little too selfish if I'm completely honest), but I am hoping that this move will change that.
Wow, so exciting Courtney. This is Ikea girl - if that makes any sense. I am South African - well a US citizen now, but born and raised in South Africa. What a treat you get to visit my home continent. It really is a wonderful place with lots of lovely people. I hope you get to go. It will change your perspective on life - I promise.
I second the listening to the people sing. I remember listening to the Zulu ladies who worked as maids in our neighborhood singing in small groups out in the street. It is a happy memory for me.
Thank you for making me homesick.
cjane,
i have been an admirer of your blogs for quite some time now, but have never commented. but after reading this post, my heart swelled with happiness, and i couldn't not comment on this. i had the opportunity to go to uganda to do some humanitarian work, and it completely changed my life. i miss the work i did and the people i met daily, and am so pleased that you get to experience something similar. i can't wait to hear about it! (and will only be slightly jealous that i cannot accompany you!)
Oh these comments are getting me excited.
And thanks Elle for the clarification. See? I am learning already.
I went to Africa (Ghana) on an LDS humanitarian mission and my suggestions for your trip are these...
- Make sure to take snacks in your luggage. Granola Bars, Protein bars, dried fruit, etc.
- Take stickers for African children, not candy. Most kids are not accustomed to eating refined sugar, candy will make them sick. African children often have never seen a sticker and they LOVE it!
- Don't even use the tap water to wet your toothbrush...I learned this the hard way.
- Take your own feminine supplies, evemn if you think you won't need them. Often, travel that far can throw off your cycle and you DON'T want to rely on their supplies. Also learned the hard way! :)
- Have your eyelashes permed and dyed before going (yes, that's a real thing). Make-up melts right off in that heat and you want to look good in your "Trip to Africa" pictures...right?
If you have any questions you can email me and I'd be happy to chat with you more.
emilie_ahern@yahoo.com
P.S. You will compeltely LOVE it!
oh,can i please carry your bags for you?
So JEALOUS!!!
P.S. I'm glad you opened this blog back up. Thanks! :)
Sounds wonderful!
Just curious...as a Mormon, do you proselytize to these African women with whom you will be working? Or are the women working for Basa Body already Mormons? I don't mean any offense...just curious, as I know the LDS faith proselytizes all over the world.
Thanks!
Lynn
a sister from my mission just went there to do some humanitarian work. Im not really sure. I would love love to do that. My brother Jeffrey is there right now, in the Durban mission. He has a little less than a year left. He comes home Aug 2011. He LOVES his mission though and the people & everything. Sure there is some crazy stuff that goes on but its amazing to see how he truly loves the people there. You are so lucky to get to do this!
In response to Lynn's question, are the women of Coast Coconut Farms members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The answer is no. Most of these women are Muslim. The church is growing very quickly in Kenya but is not yet established in the rural area where the women of Coast Coconut Farms live. Despite being Muslim, there Muslims and Christians co-exist side-by-side peacefully and respectfully. We are non-demoninational but certainly try to do good and be Christ-like in all our interactions with everyone. These women are amazing and inspiring and hopefully Courtney will introduce you to them in a more intimate way so they can inspire you too.
How wonderful! My parents are missionaries in South Africa, but they travel to branches throughout the continent. They've just been there a few weeks, but love it so far. My dad has just started blogging about their experiences, it's pretty cute: http://heylucy.typepad.com/johndeere/
I need to figure out a way to visit, I think :o)
Wow congratulations Courtney this will be an awesome experience for you.
Wow! I'm totally jealous! I've been wanting to do something like that for a long time, but just don't have the funds. Maybe someday I'll find someone that wants to send me there. ;) can't wait to hear all about it!
that is wonderful. i lived and worked and laughed and wept with women living in poverty in argentina for two years - a wonderfully-fulfilling, life-changing experience. you will be so Blessed!
What an exciting opportunity! I'm sure you'll learn so much about a new culture and yourself!
Sounds exciting! I just hope your experience with Africa is better then mine. 2 mo. after my hubby and I were married we left for Africa on a (was suppose to be 3 1/2) 3 month mission trip. But we were send home early because I ended up with Malaria and pregnant with our first child. I was on the Malaria preventitive med too. No a good trip for me because I ended up staring at the walls of our Apartment for weeks. But I am sure you will have a much better time then I did!
*sigh* I love africa, I lived in South Africa, which is some what different from the other African countries but still I love it there! If you need a still photographer to capture your journey then let me know! I know you have many many people in your life that can do this for you but I just wanted to add my name to your list because you never know! so exciting!!
You will love Africa. I spent a summer there 5 years ago in Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania volunteering in orphanages and exploring. You will the love the people and how smiley they are. Take crayons and paper for the kids and pass them out. Your cheeks will hurt from smiling. You will be changed...and don't forget that change.
I want to go dance and work and help. Take me with you:)
What an amazing opportunity!
I NEVER comment, no seriously never, but...I returned from Haiti on a medical mission last January and am returning in November. The children of these countries are just precious! They hold a sacred spot in my wide open heart:) Take something anything (our Primary kids are sending crayong and coloring books with me) to give the children. ps. they LOVE GUM :) Happy travels, will love to hear what it is you pack in your suitcase, on the trip home!!
Ohhhhhhh how wonderful. I really want to go to that continent, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia when it is peaceful. My friends are from those countries and they love them but they love here also. Good luck. You are going to really enjoy the trip!
Cjane! i have been following your blog for well over a year now and i am sooo completely excited for you and your African adventure! It has been my ultimate dream to go to Africa someday whether it be humanitarian or a mission but someday i will get there and someday i will help the African children and care for them because that has been a goal in my life ever sense i started watching Oprah. Please take many pictures and share the love that we all have to those children and mothers they deserve it more than anyone. I have heard of many accounts of people visiting Africa and my eyes always fill with tears. Tears of heartache and love for the people because they seem so strong and so spirited and they completely fill a spot in my heart! Good luck on your journey and I will send my love with you. I'm so extremely excited for you!!! Please enjoy the journey!
Love dearly jerika brown
ps. if you need a traveling buddy i would excitedly tag along..
You Go Girl! What an awesome love-filled adventure you will have. Dance a little for me too wont you?
I'm all for cultural understanding but I do think it's weird how we in a position of privilege can just travel to a different culture and have life changing expectations. It's just weird that these women will have to accomodate their lives and schedules to meet you. Does that make sense? I'm not being critical of YOU, I'm not. I'm just trying to think critically of the whole process of imagining a certain community and romanticizing about it and then having expectations of how it will enlighten you and how you will be able to consume that culture AND then come back home to your bubble.
Luckily, I think you are a very intelligent woman and I think you'll think about this trip in all sorts of angles.
I'm thinking of a professor who studied cultures in Polynesia and how one time he was having a conversation with a chief in the chief's home which has no walls. A white tourist walked right in busted out their camera and took pictures of the chief and walked out. Hello! This is not Disney Land this is someone's home.
I've never left a comment before but I do love your blogs and am sure you'll take my comment not as a criticism but as another building block to think about your trip.
What a great experience! Love this. Love you. Love your blogs!
I love Basa Body and am never without my coconut. I want to go with you--seriouly. Everytime we have tried to go to Africa (3x's now with Habitat, my husband's cancer comes in ten-fold and they won't allow him to go, so we sell our trip to someone else.) Please let me go. Yes, I am begging. I do love Basa Body and apply it a lot everyday, especially with the weather turning to fall and dry skin creeping onto my face--icky, but my coconut fixes it right up.
--Mari
A step of faith. Amazing! Congratulations!
WHAT???!!!! TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!! Going to Africa is one of my life dreams. Courtney, puhleeeeeease!!!!
Please come through Nairobi and see Toto Knits- www.totoknits.com. I'm an avid reader in Kenya and we're a lot like Basa but we make organic cotton sweaters. I'm sure I could whip up something darling for your 'totos' (kids!)
I must thank you for doing the bulk of my holiday shopping as I am going to a do big order of Basa Body products.
Part of the reason I read your blog is because we are so very different. I grew up with a diversity of religions (including none), races and so on. I'm a liberal with one child, a son who is gay. His father and I fully support him, including his right to marry and have children.
My husband is a United States Marine, so people think they know him and are often very surprised by our son's orientation and our support of him.
And that's why I so enjoy your blog and the other blogs I read of people whose lives are so different than mine. I read for those unexpected moments when my pre-judgement turns out to be so wrong. I read for the continually surprising number of things we all have in common (I used to sing to my baby boy about how I was doing to dip him in sugar and eat him up.)
Now I hope I'll be reading because you'll be taking me to Africa with you and for that I am truly thankful.
Damaris, Well said and something I wrestle with as well.
Troy, Thank you for clarifying the religious aspect. I felt comfortable from reading the website but it's good to know.
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments Elle, Creole Wisdom, Thelissa, and Damaris have left about the diversity of Africa and the need to more critically examine our approach/view. I'm an American currently living in Nairobi, Kenya and I've had the chance to travel widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa for work. Traveling outside the United States will by definition expose you to new people, things, and experiences and hopefully you will leave Mombasa with a sense of how normal and real life there is. Yes, the poverty and other needs here are real, but to over-romanticize the entire continent through a specific Westernized lens (usually of Africa as destitute, in need of religious, financial, or cultural "saving") is not doing the people here justice either. It's exciting that you will get to meet people, talk to them, and take part in another type of everyday existence so that you can see and learn for yourself what it means to be a Kenyan woman living in Mombasa today.
Honey, they're not only going to let you dance. They are going to let you SING.
I am so glad for you.
xo
so, I really want to try the lotion, but I want to make sure I buy the one that smells like coconut. Is it the Unscented or the Citrus Scent? That seems like such a silly question, but I'm just confused. Thanks! emmymo at gmail.com
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