Inspired by Life in Africa

Inspired by conference at We Center kampala (By Aruba James )

2007-02-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

I am Aruba James a Lia member at we center Gulu wri ting about the conference .
The conference that took place at kampala we center on january 2007 impresses me to the point that made me to feel like it should be yearly .

It made me to meet other members at we center kampala whom I had never met . These members gave me a lot of positive idears which will improve my skills and knowledge of doing things .

The conference also made me to identify many things which is in kampala we center but not in Gulu and the idears on how to make them .
The discussion at the conference it self was full of active participation which made a lot of new good things to be implimented.

If this conference is to continue like it happened , am sure Life in Africa will expand like other bigger organisations / communities with positive effects to the community.
My thank goes to to all Lia communities and their administrations for what they are doing and above all to christina for being open minded !! please , continue doing it that way .

Inspired by team work We center Gulu{ByLucy Okello}

2006-12-31T02:27:00.000-08:00

I realy want to thank God for what he has done in my life since I was born above all ,making me to know about Life in Africa {We center Gulu}where I am now. I had been in soo many groups or communities with different behaviours, personalities and culturs and when I compare it with that of the community of We center Gulu , there is a very big gap . How the group members co- operate and do their things is realy very smart.

When it is time for group production you find that every body has reported in time, very beasy and committed. I now want to appeal to all the members to continue with that spirit for us to achieve good things in feature and hopefully I can say, we will .

Big thanks to all.

Inspired by WE Gulu center members;by Nyega Agness

2006-12-23T01:37:00.000-08:00

Right from the date I joined the LIA community at WE center Gulu,things have been changing time and again in my life styles.First,I managed to join a community whose members I had not known but the hospitality I was shown indicated how organised the community was . This greatly inspired me to work in the such a community .

However,the level of coorperation between WE at WE center Gulu drives me to an amazement.The team spirit among the members is another thing which makes me jump off my skin this has resulted into one not repeat the same mistakes especially during production days .this has been so because when one makes a mistake,he or she is corrected there and then leaving no space for further mistakes.

The form of learning during production is anotherthing that trilles me foristance; personal hygiene, parenting , english as second language to mention but a few has made the members to become aware of other thing they did not know;thanks to the devoted teachers.

inspired by Lia community (by Kityo Margaret)

2006-11-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

The whole of Life in Africa truly inspires me. The diversity of LiA is a great inspiration for me because, when I look nat the many different tribes represented at LiA I marvel. You do not hear of quarrels or fightings amongst members of LiA given the negative history of tribval wars and conflicts in Uganda and Africa at large.

Something good and positve has happened in the lives of all LiA members. there is an understanding that we all need each other, we cannot live or survive as a community or nation when we have these hopeless divisions amongst us. For us to grow and develop this nation , we need to work together regardless of tribe or religion. The LiA community is a good example and can also be used as a spring board or as a model for therest of Uganda to learn how to live and work together for develop and prosperity.

I would like to encourage all LiA members to continue to see to it that Lia does not collapse. LiA has given all of us great opportunities to better our lives both as individuals and as a community.
Let us keep on praying for LiA. The future of the Africa is in such models of innovation such as Life in Africa.

My wishes for LiA community are that each individual at Life in Africa becomes a self-sufficient person from whom others can learn and allows that ball of growth to expand to others as well.

Inspired by Christina(Nakirabo)Jordan ;by Ajok Florence

2006-11-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

For over ther decades , Ugandan graduates have been known to comb the streets , hunting for jobs . White colar jobs tired , wasted with thorn "laughing"and wasted shoes , they carry their brown envelopes beneath their amrphits , full of certificates from office to office .

The Education system that encourages them to more of job seek than job creat is partly to blame , but also their lack of clear vision and and avoiding the so called "dirty"jobs could be another . Little would a graduate think of cutting , rolling and later making a paper bead and other forms of crafts like making polythene bags , bottle tops to make any form of intereting makeup like abag inorder to generate income and creat a self employment with big potential.

Recently I have gained alot from LIA , this I wholly give tributes to Christina as a founder member and her designated programmes like buying beads made from home and group production . This has not only enabled me to look after my family and relatives with the money generated out of the production and market days but also strengthened the spirit of togetherness , locally and internationally we are being recognised because of sales of our cultural production in the outside markets say in America .

Being open with her Internet for change programmes of open computer training for all has enabled many Illiterate to start using computer . This is of greater importance to the local population and the entire organisation .

Inspired by Paper beads production;Acayo Beatrice

2006-11-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed when it comes to paper beads production how the members share their views and feelings towards production techiques of rollings , cuttings and how sometimes a reject comes about in the due course however its an entertaining form of work you know . Its this tradition of money making that you discover such . Thanks to the great invention of the wonderful Art work .

The paper beads have become my daily source of bread say I am at home or work center , I do not forget with papers in my hands simply because they form part of me . The long periods I suffered missing the team work has been filled up as such I am now to the mood of work as the Acholi tradition demands the spirit of togertherness .

Inspired by Life in Africa;By Katusi Dennis

2006-11-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

I'm sounding tuned to inspiration I have had from the famous earth saviour I mean the inspiration have recieved from life in Africa.The value and quality of services rendered to me , transfer payments are the examples . that is;-free training on how to make paper beads , straw making , polythene bags , free computer training by EWAKU.D to mention but afew.

LIFE IN AFRICA is a project which has brought as many people as WE in sharing a common goal , this has not only brought the attainment of the goals but also the spirit of togetherness . People have had their bad days corrected . ME ,and the parents who did not have any source of income , today can wait for a market day and earn something inturn , group production has helped me physically know the parents of the children we keep at center. Payments of school dues has easen though I am not yet a parent , I give support to my mum .

My appreciation goes to the entire WE LIA community in kampala and in Gulu as a WE team.I am inspired as we work and the cooperation we are instilled with .the way we are working and cordinated , the use of the computer
have helped us much get more closer with friends within and outside the country over omidyar.net.Long live LIA , long live WE community.

Inspired By Grace Ayaa: By Alanyo alice

2006-11-16T04:08:00.000-08:00

As a member of Life In africa, my life has improved a great deal.
All this can be attributed to the effective cooperation that has been granted to us by our dear Grace Ayaa. She is such a caring person and a generally understanding person. She has all along been encouraging us on the challenges that we have been facing.

She has been able to bring us together, and involve us in We recycling project where we are now actively involved in making beads, table clothes and many other craft works. It has been some thing far from our immaginations that we can turn all these other wise not useful things into some thing that we can we can recycle into fresh products which looks interstingly unbelievable.

It is for her tireless effort that we are now who we are, and we are of the optimism that with her by our side, we shall continue to excell in our craft work given the training that we have got in line with skills building in such craft works.

Emulating her life styles, we the members at the Gulu centre, are able to work together in the project and our cooperation are excellent. this is because we now look at her as our role model, she has been so inspirational in her duty in Life in Africa.

She is some one who is straight forward and most of the time if some thing is wrong she straight away corrects any one at the wrong and normal business continues. She always speak the truth and that is the most admirable quality she has got.

Generally all of us at the center here are friendly towards each other and we enjoy a spirit of togetherness and workmanship amidst us. all the staff at the Gulu centre are equally friendly.

Inspired by Christina by (Robert Oketa)

2006-10-31T02:51:00.000-08:00

If you would like to know the most inspiring person I have ever met in my life, then it's none other than Christina. She is the most loving mother , so considerate and really very creative.

The center in Gulu has really been made so attractive due to her initiative. Everything now looks real and new. I love more especially the football uniforms that she has brought to this center , the children are really smart in them and this warms my heart so much , because I have all along had a dream of beacoming an international footballer and this has really worked so well towards my line. It gave us all the moral of coaching the children to get to the district level and we are really so proud of her.

All in all , it's in my feeling that we should just call her mother General for controlling the LIA community so well andall its nice program. Thanks so much Christina for making this huge difference.

Inspired by paper beads project (ByKenneth Niwomujuni)

2006-08-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

Inspired by paper beads project.

What a inspiration! For many months and months the invisible children bracelet project was the most produced craft product at Life in Africa and three quarters of members who come daily are involved in. Am so excited that the paper beads project has taken root very serious and this will supplement in creating more jobs for the Lia members because the fact that invisible children employs most of the members, there were still many members unemployed. It is so inspiring that the paper beads has kicked off with the effort of life in Africa founder. And I can see smile on every paper beads producers.

Fellow members lets take this opportunity serious so that we may unyoke our selves from poverty. I encourage every member to show his /her talents and unit, learn new skills then you will realize your dreams because no miracle will happen unless you believe and put efforts. Best wishes to all members with hope that the paper beads will double

Inspired by LiA Community

2006-07-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

WE Center Manager, Monica Nankoma (by Judith Tumukuratire)

2006-06-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

In the whole of LIA, I am most inspired by the WE centre manager, Monica Nankoma.
She is kind and loving and treats all of us LiA memebrs as her children. She is a mother with the real mother's love. Shew has never dernied me any thing. The most precious thing is that she gives time to you no matter how inconviniencing that may be.

Her personality is one that encouirages other people to be the very best they can be. She never discourages anyone and is the model of patience and perseverance.

LiA members should really learn to work together for the betterment of our community. Like a luganda saying 'Agali awamu, gegaluma ennyama' translated ' united we stand, divided we fall. LiA has a great vision of reaching to the very grassroots of our people to help them make life better. As we work together, we will realize this vision.

My prayers for LiA, is that we develop our skills and talents so that our country and world can become a better place. Lets learn to value each other and respect one another. That is the only way we can the very best for LIA and Africa at large. Lets also keep God on our side for without him, nothing will go forward.

LiA's vision for uplifting the grassroots (by Sunday Steven)

2006-06-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

I have been greatly inspired by the way LiA has a vision for the uplifting the grassroots people. LiA has given everyone I know at LiA an opportunity to make their lives better. The Talent that each of us has is given space to be expressed and developed. The interacton amongst members is great to behold. Each seeks to see that LiA as a community benefits every member and every one else.

My wish for LiA is that together we can make an unforgetable positive impact that all of society can grow. Social life and impact is what life in Africa needs. I foresee great things beginning to happen in Africa and the pioneers are Life in Africa.

LiA members should learn to live with each other, appreciate one another and work together to develop themselves Africa at large. Each members should develop their interpersonal skills because no man is an island.

My prayer for all of LiA members is have the same vision for LiA and work to expand this vision for all of Africa. This is a model that should be replicated the world over. God bless Life In Africa Foundation.

Inspired by Nankoma Monica(By Kyomugisha peace)

2006-06-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

My names is peace Kyomugisha a Life in Africa member and ever since I joined this community I have been so inspired and find that lia is a good place to live in. there are so many members who are friendly and inspireing but the most important one is Lia manager.

The person who encourages me in LiA is Nankoma Monica and this is so, because of the way she conducts her self while doing her work and talking to the members. She motivates others by giving them compliments and also looks at the positive side of things.Lia members should try to self motivate themselves and try to be patient in whatever they do because patience pays and i believe in that. I pray that LiA is able to carry out this great work it's doing for a really long time so that even my grand children get to appreciate what it has to offer.

inspired by peace tile project& the gallery(Akongo Santina)

2006-05-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

It has been so much in my mind that since the time Life in Africa gallery was launched, it is a gallery with humanitarian thoughts and approach on how to spread the gospel of peace in the whole of Africa and Uganda in particular. Many have died and the press has said more than enough but still it is endless. It is beyond the understanding of young generation whether peace shall come to Africa and Uganda in particular.

The eighteen years old war in the northern Uganda has provoked the mind of the children to begin painting arts as a way of demanding peace in Africa and how to exercise their rights as the future people of this world. Children ‘s right has been violated right from education to stability due to civil wars in Africa! I have much courage that with the peace tile campaign bearing the words of demand for peace at life in Africa gallery, then for those who shop at Life in Africa gallery will come to understand the hidden objective of LIA gallery.

The African prominent politicians like Nelson Mandela, Judy butcher and among others tried and achieved through music but the children of the northern Uganda have put their inner feelings on peace tile. Let there be hope for peace in Africa and let me encourage the children of the north and the organizers not to give up the spirit of peace tile campaign so that we may realize our dream for peace.

Inspired by Life in Africa (by Joan Kyazike)

2006-05-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

When the gates of Life In Africa were opened to me, it was like a dream and that a real life had swept it’s way into my life.Inside life In Africa, I was welcomed in an environment of unity and great friendship.I asked my self many questions becauose i aws wondering how peaple Live in such a community with no mention of tribe, race or religion? It was fascinating and until when I discovered that all factors Of unity were gathered and organized by Monica Nankoma.

As I spent more days at Life in Africa i couldn’t fail to feel the Pleasing presence of Christina Kirabo who to this moment I Regard as a symbol of love and unity. Am so great full to these People because they have contributed to a turning point in my life.I yearn to be like them and am sure this will make the World a better place.

Inspired by LiA Community (Albert Walozi)

2006-05-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

Ever since I joined Life in Africa, what inspires me is the way things are organized at Life in Africa, the way people socialize with each other and the way the leaders are not mean with their knowledge. At first I thought learning the computer was only for people who had a lot of money but I realized this at Life in Africa that there are people who care for all to learn. I am really inspired by all the team leaders who let us know of the new opportunities which have cropped up for all those who may be interested.

Inspired by the founder of LiA (By Joyce Kavunane)

2006-05-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a great time working at LiA and what inspires me most is the person who started the Life in Africa group. I have always sat and thought of how did this person think of this orgnization to be called by the names of Life in Africa. To me it carries a lot of meaning and when my neighbour one time asked me where I was working I told her Life in Africa and she was confused, she thought it was just a slogan. This name carries a lot of meanings and that's why I am inspired by the thoughtfulness of the person who came up with it.

Inspired by Grace Ayaa: (From Apio Esther)

2006-04-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

My name is Apio Esther a life in Africa member. Since I joined Life in Africa, Have been so much inspired by the LiA members more so Grace Ayaa. She is a widow but you may not know that she is because of the way she presents her self to people. Most widows use that word “widow” as a tool to look for free assistance without struggling for themselves not knowing that over 70% of Ugandan women are widows. She looks after her own children and makes sure that they all go to school.

Besides that Grace is so helpful not only to me but I may say to all who can see, for example when we have member meetings at life in Africa, she translates to the Acholi speaking people exactly as words are spoken and makes every Lou speaker who doesn’t understand English know what is happening at LIA because there are many Acholi members who do not know English. She is so kind and cooperative to other members and always tries to bring people together. With her hard working, she is a managing WE’ center Gulu

I would like to encourage all the Life in Africa members to have the spirit of togetherness so that we may build our Lia and achieve our goals and also to extend our friendship with out side world. My prayers to all LIA members a prosperous living.

Inspired by LiA team work : by Christopher Omona

2006-04-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

Before I came to Life in Africa and consequently joining it , I never believed so much in communal responsibility. The way things are done cahnged my mind. It was a great turning point in my Life. I then realise that one can do several constructive things at the same time. This has always been possible through teamk work.

I have always felt stronger because in this community views are respected regardless of tribe and doctrine. I am looking forward to having the Life in Africa model structure my family.

Inspired by LiA's unity (Richard Ocen)

2006-04-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

When I look around me at the WE centre, I always wonder whether it's because i have been living a kind of confined life at the quarters that's why am seeng everything so differently and very unique. But anyway to be very sincere, life here is just different and lovely. I have always known our Uganda as a divided country full of tribalism, but what you see at LiA center is very different.

Everybody seem to be friendly and struggling to say at least a word to one another, despite the language barriers. most our women from the quarters have young babies and you find that the young ladies whom we found at the centre, always carry them away at rest times. However, I am yet to know how the LiA community has managed to achieve all these, Though i strongly believe that this has been through the efforts of Mama Kirabo, who herself has turned out to be a true African among us.

Meeting Christina at LiA's compound, no one would think she is the initiator of all these, becauase you find her interacting freely and trying to get other people's ideas, this surely must be the unifying factor here.

I would say, if Life in Africa could continue with this spirit and bring in more and more people together, am sure we will very soon have a better Uganda and who knows , maybe even a better world! because it's always lack of unity that brings about hatred that leads to wars. So LiA may you be blessed and continue expanding to the end of the world, because I feel you could be the true instrument of change that has been sent from above!

Inspired by Christina Kirabo (By Labono Irene)

2006-04-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

The one person who inspires me in the LiA community is our director: I remember even before I joined Life in Africa she used to visits the displaced camps talking to us and giving us words of hope and helping to make people living in the camps feel like any other human being. Indeed she is so mush caring of human life and struggle is always for human life and prosperity.

To me she is more than a director but a mother of all walks who does not discriminate any one be it black or white. She loves no body and hates no body as long as you do the right thing at the right time. More interesting she is person of clear vision for the benefit of the neglected people and so dedicated to her work. Her inspiration in creativeness and the way Lia people are so creative in many things like the artisans.

I did not know that I would also be active in community activities and share my views among many people but now because of many programs that she has introduced like talent discovery, adult education and many more, calls for every ones involvement which is so much inspiring and makes the community an interesting place to live!

My prayer for Lia is to be more creative and always seek to know what we don’t know. My thanks goes to the gift mum and may she proceed with the same spirit and have more time with us here in Life in Africa so that we may discover more.

Inspired by Kiwanuka and Christina (by Arnold Katonya)

2006-04-01T01:13:00.000-08:00

LiA to me is a home of inspiration. A lot of good things have happened in my life through the many interactions I have had at LiA. I have been inspired by everyone at LiA , but there are some I refer to as mentors.

First is the man who led me to LiA : Kiwanuka Mulindwa. He has been a great asset to me both intellectually and financially.
Through his selfless help , I have been able to establish a foundation on which my life revolves. Working with him is so interesting for so many reasons but what inspires me most is the way he percieves his world in a way that creates a sober environment for whowever interacts with him.

Gift mom , is another big shot whose encouragement is far beyond any measure. Christina Jordan believes in everyone. With her presence and wise counsel , I have been able to do whatever I am doing at LiA. Working with these two people and the rest has made me more productive and constructive.

Education for all ages (by Grace Akello)

2006-03-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Am so much inspired ever since i joined the lia community in the first step with the program of Adult education. It is an opportunity for a person like me who did not go school and find that Life in Africa has introduced this program in such a way that we can read or speak english because three quarters of life in Africa members can neither read nor write and yet they have alot to share which is very hard to air out in our local language.

I would like to encourage the LIA members and all the team leaders to work very hard so that we may achieve the objectives of Life in Africa. specifically the uplift og the grass root people either in political, social, economical or emortional aspects of life. Which I have already seen in the pipeline but only needs our proper care and love for every body.

Inspired by Kirabo (from Monica Nankoma)

2006-03-15T10:43:00.003-08:00

At Life in Africa, there is no one who inspires me like Kirabo the gift mum, her dedication, patient and encouragement are the things I have always wished I could have in me. With the many members, with their different characters and behaviours, I really applaud Kirabo for the love she has always showed towards the members of the WE Center.

Her dedication to acomplishing her vision and doing all that it takes has been a lesson to me, never to lose track when I feel I need something to become a reality.

Her patience is another thing I have always felt I wish I could adopt, because working with a community like this if you are not patient you give up easily.

Her encouragement towards the people she trains especially the Internet4change class has worked a great deal to encourage all of us to learn computer skills and feel that sure we can do more and soar.

Inspired by Christina ( from Edidah Sabiti)

2006-03-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

The person who really inspoires me at Life in Afreica is Christina Kirabo. When I joined LiA, She had alot of plans for us, though some of them were not successful. However, she did not give up. The members who were not patient, left while others remained and are still with her today. I see asbright future for LiA because Christina has not given in to the challenges that come her way.

I truly believe that if we as LiA members work together and be creative, using and believinbg in Christuina's inspiring plkans, we will lift LiA to a higher level and LiA weill become role model for many people both within and without Africa.

Christina is a model of patience. She is not afraid to try out new ideas. Some believe she has all the answers but she does not. For her to accept that is amazing because we humans want to prove that we can make it no matter what.

Christina has a teachable spirit. That is why she is able to do alot of things. Aperson with that kind of spirit will never be overcome. She desires to learn ans as such opportunities are always available for to learn. If all LiA members would learn from this kind of heart, we would go a very, very longf way in making history and changing the lives of Africans.

Inspired by Monica Nankoma (from Esther Tumuheirwe)

2006-03-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since I joined Life in Africa, I became exposed to staying in a community of so many people and I have always admired the characters of some of the people and put off by some. Am really inspired by the way members of Life in Africa work in teams and the way they associate to each other.

However there is one person who has inspired me most because of what she does and her simple ways and that is Monica Nankoma. Personally I used to disturb this lady alot and thought she would give up on me but whenever I could go back to her, she would receive me with open hands and hearty advises. I have also had comments from members admiring Monica's ways and wishing they could be like her especially because of her patience with other members.

Long live Life in Africa and good luck to all the members.

Inspired by Lawrence Ibanda (from Rebecca Kibuuka)

2006-02-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

The person that really inspires me at Life in Africa is Lawrence Ibanda. He is kind, gentle and very friendly, always ready to give a hand to all who go to him for help especially the students in the Adult education program. The way he welcomed me the first time to be a member impressed me and that showed me a rare quality among young men today.

He is very Inspiring in that he is not aloof. He manages to keep his cool even in the midst of chaos and confusion. Many young people like him who have had an education, usually do not like associating with those they consider of a lower level. Lawrence is not that kind.

As Life in Africa, let us work hard and make our Foundation a success. It is we who will make LiA work and develop. We are paving the way for others to follow. Do not be discouraged. Glorey is around the corner

Inspired by Christina & Monica (from Gilbert Matsiko)

2006-02-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

My name is Gilbert Matsiko. Life in Africa is a home because of, first and foremost, the warm welcome that you are met with at its gates. Everyone here is so friendly which alone is an inspiration, and most notable of these is Christina Jordan for her brilliant and terrific ideas.

Such great ideas from Christina, have moved me to another level in my life and still moving on. I cannot fail to mention Monica Nankoma because she is just like a mother who would do whatever it takes for her child to achieve what they desire in life.

I would therefore, want to encourage all LiA members never to sit on their problems instead of saying they do not know what to do and say.

I really pray hard that LiA stands strong forever,certainly with great effort and input from all members, for the goodness of our community.
Long live Life in Africa, Long Live Uganda.

Inspired by Lawrence Ibanda (from Annet Nansubuga)

2006-02-15T22:58:00.000-08:00

My name is Annet nansubuga. I since in joined at Life in Africa, I have found one that truly inspires me. That is Lawrence Ibanda. This is one person that is hardworking,very approachable, very friendly and given to helping others achieve their goals and become what they dream to be. Even when he is inconvinienced, he listens and gives attention.

What really inspires me form Lawrence is his ability to stay calm in the midst of confusion, misunderstanding and he remains focused on the way out of the predicament. The time he gives to one makes one believe that you are important; never putting one down with sacarstic words or body language.he is a great person.

LiA members should learn to cooperate with each other with out undermining one another. Good and positive relationships are much more important than money because money is only a visitor. So let us learn that 'what goes round, comes around'.

My prayers for Lawrence are that he continues to help others with his big heart for people. There are not enough of his kind in the world. I pray he stays alive to inspire and encpourage souls of men and women to grow and begin to think outside their comfortable boxes. LiA needs more people like him who give what they have to others without expecting anything in return.

Inspired by all of WE (from Christina Jordan)

2006-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Life in Africa members,

Each of you inspires me. As we take off together in flight to greatness as a global local community this year, I would like to share with you my all time favorite quote.

It's from one of my favorite global thought leaders, Mr. Nelson Mandela:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask oursleves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our prescence automatically liberates others.”

May you who see this be inspired today to remember and rejoice in who you are, and what God has in store for us all.