My book Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus made the Shortlist in the Outstanding Literature Awards at Book Pal. Winners announced in January.
The French military hosted the 39th edition of the Grand Bara 15km race. This was my 6th year of participating, the first one being in 2008. It was a lovely day and such a unique event, well-managed and beautiful.
10 interesting things about Djibouti. (video) There are some serious issues with #3 especially - the beauty of Djiboutian (which the speaker pronounces incorrectly) women. What on earth? Sexist, colorist, patriarchal, condescending, and subjective. Yikes. There are some beautiful images in the video but also some problems, like the map they show of an empire Djibouti supposedly belonged to - which does not even come close geographically to Djibouti. Also did you know that Djibouti enjoys moderate temperatures year round?! I didn’t know that. (because it is false)
Two churches in Djibouti were in the news this week. The Catholic church (I had the honor of interviewing the Bishop for my book Stronger than Death, and conducted hours upon hours of research in the cathedral here), and this is a brief overview of their work. And the Protestant Church, which was featured on France 2 TV this week in a lovely 30-minute film.
As a refugee in Kenya, a Somali man was inspired by a nurse to go into healthcare. Now in Minnesota, after 30 years, he searches for the woman who helped him.
Climate threats are multiplying in the Horn of Africa. This article claims that places like Djibouti are warmer faster than other places on the planet. Lord have mercy!
In Somalia, caught between fighting and drought
Fauzia Habia, the DJ changing the face of electric music (shared by HH). Catch an upcoming who here. And listen and watch her music here.
40 people rescued in Wajir, Kenya, after Al-Shabaab raids a mosque
If you are a person who likes the Miss World pageant, look for Somalia’s first hijabi contestant.
10 most significant world events - this list includes Ethiopia’s war
Have a great week and I’ll see you in the new year!
congrats in the nomination!