The last couple of weeks have been filled with high emotions and complex thoughts. This being my last post until staging, I have a few topics I would like to touch on in this particular post: Glenn Beck’s imitation of Malia Obama, my weekend in D.C., Erykah Badu’s concert (w/ pictures and video) and finally, preparation for Burkina. I know that this appears to be an awful lot of dense material to cover in one post; but, I hate posting multiple times in a short period of time. So….Glenn Beck.

I have been known to harbor very “interesting” views on President Obama and his policies overseas; yet and still, he holds a highly coveted and respected position as President of the U.S. The respect that is due to him has been lacking with regards to the media, the GOP and these Tea Party racists. It seems as if every other day, another attention-depraved t.v. or radio host is making some extremely disrespectful, racist, and/or ignorant comment about President Obama or even more distasteful, about his family.  A couple of days ago, Glenn Beck went on his radio show and was essentially calling Malia dumb for asking her dad if he had “plugged the hole up yet” in reference to the BP oil leak. I’m not going to transcribe or post the entire conversation but, at the end of this post,I will add the link for those of you who would like to read it. I will say that it is absolutely offensive and shows complete disrespect for this nation’s first family. What is worse, is the insincere apology given by Beck.  It is beyond me how Americans allow people like Limbaugh, Beck, O’Reilly and these Tea party followers to make these blatantly racists comments and continue to keep their shows? This hateful form of Freedom of speech should end, where the his  family and ethnicity begins. It is one thing to disagree with his policies, and entirely another to disagree with his color and/or his wife and children. On to my weekend in D.C.

This past weekend was the perfect way to leave D.C. I spent time with friends I didn’t have the chance to see after graduation, spent the day speaking French with Ashley (a fellow future PCV in Burkina Faso), got turned on to frozen yogurt…who knew it was so good? And finally, closed out with Erykah Badu. It was an amazing weekend to say the least. While in D.C., I was also able to pick up a bunch of organic and “me-type” stuff to take with me to Burkina. I went to the House of Khamit and Blue Nile and bought incense, black soap, shea butter, decorations for my locs and loc gel. I know some of you may be thinking, “Why would you buy that stuff here if you’re going to West Africa? Can’t you get the real stuff over there?” Well yes and no. I don’t want to assume that where I’ll be located there will be an abundance of black soap and incense. If that is the case, then great. I won’t have to request that it be shipped to me from over here. But if it’s not….then everyone should just prepare to ship me all of the things I listed above . Ashley and I spent majority of Friday speaking French, drinking tea and discussing our concerns and ideas about what’s to come in the next 27 months. It’s really great to know someone else is taking this journey with  similar interests and ideas as myself. I’ve also been talking with some future volunteers from the FB group and I have to say, I’m excited to meet many of these people.  Who would have thought?

The best thing about last weekend was

I really can’t begin to explain how much of a spiritual experience this was!!! She has such an amazing energy, filled with peace and light. Some of you may not be able to understand this, but this is for those of you who do. I’m not talking about stage presence, but her Ka was present. I spent the entire concert standing up (even though it was seated) and taking pictures and video. The entire second half of the concert, I was right underneath her at the stage!!!! She grabbed each one of my hands!!! And then she came into the audience, turned and started touching my face, and arms and singing to me!!!! I think I convulsed. But seriously, I freaked out after that. She preformed like 15 songs, including everything from the Return of the Ankh except for Window Seat and Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long. I couldn’t have asked for a better concert. I’ve decided not to post the pics and video from the concert anywhere other than my blog. So, with out further adieu, some pics!I have soo many more pics. and a ton of video (at least ten seconds for every song she preformed) but I can’t upload all of that on here. I was so much closer than what appears here. Like, I could see the hair on her stomach close. For some reason, I couldn’t get the video uploaded but I will work on that.

I’m a little tired of typing at this point. So maybe it won’t be the last post before I leave. I still have to post my packing list, fears and expectations, and loc pics.  Here is the link for the Glenn Beck garbage…

http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201005280024

Peace and Blessings

Song: Orange Moon- Erykah Badu