Securing Ola's Belongings
Hi ~ ALisa here writing on a snowy Massachusetts evening. Like many of you right now, I too am in the throes of what to do, where to show up, what will take precedence in my priorities. Today I am choosing to introduce you to my honored friend, Olatokunboh Obasi and to share her story with the hopes of some quick action to support her in a time of need.
I met Ola in North Carolina at the Southeast Women's Herbal Conference many years ago as the founder of an important initiative which takes place there annually, the "Sister Love" space . It is a heartfelt sacred place for WOC to gather in circle. Also Ola is also known and loved by many as a woman of integrity and wisdom and her work on many fronts is truly valued. She is a dedicated herbalist, ceremonialist and also someone who is a respected teacher of racial justice work. An immigrant from Kenya and mother of three children she could use some hands on her back at the moment. Having lived in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where she had an active herbal store, healing center and school she recently endured a series of unexpected hardships which led her to move from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico. (I know for many of you it might be hard to imagine why we ought to see her in hardship given the cold weather but keep reading because here is why.)
Ola let go of everything except the last of what was most precious to her in order to make a new home with her children. Shortly after making this brave move she was met with continued hardship around her mother's health and needed to spend the money that she had to pay for her shipment to instead care her elder and relocate her there with them as well. The situation which is time-sensitve that I am bringing to us in community is that within seven days if Ola does not come up with $3990 (updated with final bill yesterday) to pay for her shipping crate, then her all her belongings in it will be auctioned off.
Right now if you belong to any social justice movement, everyone is being asked to dig deep give and support the larger work taking place. It would be very easy to ignore this request, or for you to not care because of greater demands in your life. However, our relations with one another are still very important and can make all the difference. We have the power still to lift one another up and for this reason, I am asking for those who are called to help Ola and her family with small (or large) donations starting at 1, 5, 10, 15 or 20 to please assist them. If you can not financially help, you can make a difference by sharing this post with your communities and friends on Facebook. If enough of us take action soon, within a few days this goal can be realized, and Ola can find some peace of mind. Ola is a strong woman who is a generous friend herself and wisewoman to many. She is also a mother, a sister, a daughter who this will make all the difference for. With all that is going on, small (and large) acts of kindness matter more than ever. (For the record, it likely is not going to be my last ask either.)
If you would prefer to give directly by Paypal you can do that here. Direct to Ola
Also if you want more visceral exchange of resource, Ola has some offerings for you too. You can contact her. She is on FB as well. Olatokunboh Obasi An affirmation: 20- A tea: 50- A reading: 100-
Remember, this is time sensitive. May we realize this goal and may it be easy and not a hardship on any one of us. Ready, set, go.
Blessings all. And thank you dearly for your time and tending. ALisa
