Family is the most important thing in the world. Here is a picture of the  Kakoschokes’ family enjoying family time. Mrs. Kakoschoke owns maisafari blog. Please visit www.maisafari.com for more Wonderful, beautiful, and amazing pictures.

:To read about my Exclusive Interview with Zawadi click HERE

“Tumeuwona mkono wa Mungu. Tumeuona uwezo wake”

Binafsi nakufahamu toka mwaka 2003, ambapo wote tulikuwa tunaishi katika mji wa Wichita, Kansas State. Lakini kuna wengi ambao hawakufahamu na wangependa kujua wewe ni nani, na unafanya nini? Mimi naitwa Tumaini Kilangwa. Nimezaliwa na kukulia Morogoro. Shule ya msingi nimesoma Mzumbe Primary School. Masomo ya secondary nimesoma Msalato Secondary School kuanzia Form one (I) hadi Form four (IV). Baada ya hapo nilienda Kilakala Secondary School kwa Form Five (V) na Six (VI). Pia nime soma Advance Diploma in Public Administration pale Mzumbe (IDM) / Mzumbe University, ndipo baada ya hapo tukaja huku Marekani. Tunaishi Marekani toka mwaka 2000 mpaka sasa. Nimeolewa, nina watoto wawili, na kwasasa tunaishi katika mji wa Wichita, Kansas mbapo nime jiajiri mimi mwenyewe katika biashara ya mgahawa.

 Tumaini, wewe kitaaluma una bachelor degree ya Criminal Justice, na Masters ya Project Management; nini haswa kilikufanya ukaacha kazi ya taaluma uliyo bobea nayo nakuamua kufungua mgahawa ujulikanao kama Eastern Cuisines? Kuhusu elimu na kazi nilizofanya dada Alpha; mimi nilisoma Tanzania chuo kipindi hicho kilikuwa kinaitwa IDM-Insitute of Development and Management, Mzumbe, ambayo sasa hivi imekuwa Mzumbe University. Nakipindi kile tunasoma walikuwa wao hawajaanza kutoa degree kwahiyo wote tuliosoma kipindi hicho tulipata Advance Diploma, hivyo nilisoma pale na nikapata Advance Diploma in Public Administration. Nilipofika hapa Wichita, Kansas nilisoma Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) nikafanya kazi kama CNA kwa miaka miwili, nikaenda tena nikasoma Criminal Justice. Baada ya kumaliza degree ya Criminal Justice nikafanya kazi na Mental Health Association, na Sedgwick County Comcare.

Nahizo organization zote mbili nilikuwa nimefanya kazi kama Case Manager; kuwasaidia watu wenye ugonjwa wa akili kuweza kuishi kwenye community kama wanavyo takiwa, kupata pesa kuweza kulipa bills zao,nawale wenye matatizo ya sheria kuweza kufata sheria za probation na kuweza kukaa kwenye community kama wanavyo takiwa. Nimefanya hiyo kazi kwa muda mrefu, nimefanya hiyo kazi kuanzia mwaka 2003 mpaka mwaka 2012. Mwaka 2012 baada ya kumaliza Masters Program yangu ambayo ni ya Project Management nilienda kufanya kazi na organization ya Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation kwajili ya kuwasaidia watu wenye Cerebral Palsy kupata misaada na kuweza kupata services nyingine kwenye community kwasababu ni group la watu ambalo kwakweli limesahauliwa na mara nyingi serikali inapofikira kukata funding inakata funding zaidi kwa upande wao. Kwahiyo nimefanya kazi kwenye hiyo organization mpaka mwaka 2014 ambapo niliamua kujiajiri mwenyewe katika biashara hii ya mgahawa.

Nimepata changamoto nyingi katika kufanya hiyo kazi (Case Manager). Ni kazi ambayo inahitaji sana muda wako, nikazi ambayo inahitaji sana kujitolea kwasababu kama tunavyoelewa social service hapa Marekani haina malipo makubwa, nikazi nyingi unafanya kuwasaidia wanainchi lakini malipo yake siyo mengi. Lakini ni kazi ambayo ni nzuri kwakweli. Kwasababu kila jioni unaporudi nyumbani unajisikia kwamba umefanya tofauti, umetengeneza ile tofauti kwenye jamii na kwamba yule mtu uliye msaidia maisha yake hayotokuwa kama yalivyo kuwa hapo mwanzo. Ni kazi ambayo nilikuwa naipenda sana, na nimejitahidi kuifanya kwa moyo wangu wote. Lakini kujiajiri mwenyewe hasa katika biashara hii ya chakula ilikuwa ndoto yangu kwa muda mrefu. Kwahiyo nilivyopata hii opportunity nakuona kwamba nina nafasi ya kuweza kujiajiri niliamua kufanya hivyo, kwasababu bado hata hivyo naendelea kusaidia watu, nakutana na watu wengi sana nikiwa hapa kwenye mgahawa, naongea nao, nimepata marafiki wengi, na most of it nafurahi sana kuona watu wanakuja wanakula chakula wana enjoy sana na kuondoka huku wakitabasamu.

Changamoto zipi unazo zipata, au ulipitia katika biashara hii ya mgahawa? I think siku zote na mahali popote kujiajiri mwenye wanasema nikitu kizuri zaidi kuliko kuajiriwa na mtu mwingine. Unapata ile wanasema peace of mind, you are your own boss, huitaji mtu mwingine kukwambia kwamba nini ufanye, saa ngapi ufanye. Kwahiyo all in all is a good feeling. Pia kwa changamoto ambazo nimezipata katika kuanzisha biashara hii kwakweli ilikuwa ni vigumu sana ukizingatia kwamba sikutaka kuchukua mkopo wowote, kwasababu ni biashara ngeni na sikujua watu wata respond vipi; kama watapenda chakula au hawatopenda chakula. Kwahiyo nilianza kufanya biashara kidogo kidogo nyumbani. Nikawa napika watu wanakuja kuchukua nyumbani, maandazi, vitumbua, chapati, wakiwa na harusi, wakiwa na functions kidogo hapa na pale. Kwahiyo niliweza kufanya hivyo na kuweza kuwa nakusanya hela kidogo kidogo na nimefanya hivyo kwamuda mrefu kwakweli. Nafikiri kama kwa miaka mitatu nimekuwa nikifanya hivyo kupikia kutoka nyumbani na watu wanakuja wananunua nakusanya hela kidogo na baadaye ndo nikaamua kufungua huu mgahawa.

Kwakweli tulipo fungua tulifungua katika hali ngumu sana, kwasababu hatukua na hela nyingi. Tulijaribu kufanya matumizi yetu na mtaji kwa kuweza kupata vile vitu vinavyo hitajika kwa kiasi kidogo kile tulichokuwa nacho. Na mwanzoni kama biashara yoyote ile nyingine ni vigumu kwasababu ukizingatia kwamba hiki ni chakula cha kigeni, na pia kuwa hapa watu Marekani wana perception tofauti kuhusu Waafrika. Kwahiyo ilichukua muda kwa watu kuja na kuzoea, na kuanza kujaribu chakula hata kuwa na ile kusema ngoja nikajaribu hiki chakula nione itakuaje. Kwahiyo mwanzo ulikuwa mgumu sana, na wakati mwingine ulikuwa unaweza fikira kuwa hivi nimefanya choice mbaya labda nirudi tena kazini au nifanyaje. Lakini kama familia tuliendelea kupeana moyo kwamba tujaribu kwasabau ilikuwa ni miezi miwili-mitatu, baada ya miezi sita mwaka mmoja kama bado haiendelei vizuri basi tutaacha. Kwahiyo tulianza kuendelea hivyo taratibu. Lakini kwa Baraka za Mungu tumeweza kuendelea vizuri. Hatujafika pale tunapotaka kufika lakini tuko njiani kufika pale tuanpotaka kufika. Hivyo tunamshukuru sana Mungu.

Changamoto ni nyingi na bado tunaendelea kuwa nazo. Kwa mfano kama mwezi uliopita ambao ni mwezi wa Pili (February); nilipokwenda kupeleka rent nikaambiwa kwamba ile sehemu tulio pangisha pale mwenyewe anaitaka. Kwamba kuna mtu mwingine ambaye amekuja na anaweza kulipa zaidi na anaweza kufanya matengenezo kwenye ile sehemu kwasababu sisi kulingana na mtaji wetu ulivyokuwa mdogo hatukuweza kufanya matengenezo yoyote. Kwahiyo hiyo yenyewe ikaleta changamoto nyingine, ambayo imebidi nihame nitafute jengo lingine niweze kuhama, nianze tena kulipa tena deposit, nianze kulipa tena rent ya kwanza, iliniweze kusign lease mahali kwingine.

Kwahiyo hizo zote ni changamoto za kwenye biashara ambayo unazipata. Sasa badala ya kusema okay sasa hivi naendelea vizuri, nimeanza kuona faida kidogo, unachukua tena ile ambayo ilikuwa faida kidogo unaanza kuiweka kwenye sehemu nyingine. Lakini God is good, kama nilivyosema kuhusiana na huko kuhama tumeweza kupata eneo lingine ambalo nikubwa zaidi. Kwasababu pale teyari watu walisha anza kuwa ni wengi. Wakati wa lunch hata haiwezekani wengine walikuwa wanakuja wanaondoka, ambao walikuwa hawawezi kusubiri, nawengi inabidi wabebe chakula. Kwahiyo all in all hiyo nayo imekuwa ni changamato lakini tumefanikiwa kupa eneo kubwa tunategemea kufungua tena tarehe moja mwezi wa Nne (Aprial 1) our ground-reopening. Kwahiyo tunaendelea vizuri, nafikiri changamoto zipo na zitaendelea kuwepo, lakini katika maisha hivyo ni vitu ambavyo kila siku tutaendelea kuvipata tunachotakiwa ni kuwa na imani na kumwamini Mungu kwasababu hawezi kutuletea chochote ambacho hatuta weza kupita.

Katika maisha kuna furaha na huzuni. Je nini huwa unatumia kama “energy boost” pale unapo kuwa na huzuni au unapo pata na msongo wa mawazo? Kwakweli, nikiwa nafuraha ambapo kwa mimi mara nyingi huwa nahakikisha kwamba nakuwa nafuraha. Nina omba sana wakati wote. Kama tunavyo jua hapa tuko inchi ya ugenini kuna majaribu mengi sana tumepitia. Napia nimeolewa kwa muda wa miaka 17 sasa, na katika ndoa kuna majaribu mengi sana pia unapitia. Ndugu, jamaa, marafiki, hata huyo mweyewe ambaye ndiyo mume wako au mke wako kuna majaribu mengi sana mnapitia. Kwahiyo huwa naomba sana na najaribu sana kuhakikisha kwamba katika maisha yangu siku zote furaha ndio inatawala. Lakini nikisema hivyo sina maana sijawahi kuwa na huzuni, au siwezi kuwa na mawazo, au sanyingine sifikii hata nakata tamaa kwasababu mimi ni mwanadamu.

Lakini siku zote nimejifunza dada Alpha, unaweza ukaka ukawa na mawazo, ukaka ukawa na huzuni, ukaa ukawa na hasira, at the end of the day haitakusaidia kitu chochote. Sana sana utarudi tuu kuwa wewe mwenyewe ndio unabakia huna furaha, wewe mwenyewe ndio una huzuni. Na usipo angalia saa ingine ita hathiri watoto wako, mume wako, kazi yako, kwasababu siku zote unapokasira unaye athirika ni wewe mwenye. Kwahiyo nimejifunza kusamehe. Nimejifunza siyo kusahau; nimejifunza kama Wamarekani wanavyo sema “to let it go.” Kwamba umekubali kwamba ndivyo ilivyo, imesha tokea sitaweza kubadilisha kitu, kwahiyo nimesamehe. Japokuwa wakati mwingine kumbu kumbu huwa zinakuja nakama mwanadamu zina kuhuzunisha sana, lakini unasamehe unaendelea na maisha yako.

Na maombi ni kitu cha muhimu sana. Katika maisha yangu ya utu uzima nimejifunza nilipo kuwa kijana na mtoto vitu vingi sana nilikuwa nafikiria kwamba naweza kufanya mimi mwenyewe. Kwamba nina elimu, nina nguvu, naweza kufanya hiki, naweza kubalidisha maisha yangu mimi mwenyewe. Lakini kadri nanavyo endelea kuwa mtu mzima nimejifunza kwamba, kama mwanadamu hakuna kitu chochote unachoweza kubadilisha au kufanya bila msaada wa Mungu. Kwahiyo; ni baya nampa Mungu, ni zuri namshukuru Mungu, ni gumu nalikabidhi Mungu. Yamekutana yote mabaya, mazuri, na magumu namkabidhi yote Mungu na naendelea na siku yangu. Na kweli Mungu amekuwa ananishindia siku hadi siku za maisha yangu. Kwasababu hata hapa nilipo nikitazama nyuma sijui nimefikaje kama siyo kwa mkono wa Mungu. Kwahiyo kwa mimi ninapokuwa nafuraha, ninapo kuwa na huzuni, ninapo kuwa na msongo wa mawazo Mungu anatukuzwa na shukuriwa siku zote na kwakweli msaada wangu unatoka kwake.

Nikitu gani huwa ukikaa chini na kutakafari huwa kina kupa furaha na tabasabu moyoni? Kwakweli familia yangu. Nikisema family yangu namaanisha dada, kaka, mjomba, shangazi, binamu, lakini zaidi ni familia yangu mimi mwenyewe. Nikiangalia watoto wangu especially kuzingatia kwamba katika kuwalea tumekuwa na matatizo ya hapa na pale, especially mtoto wangu mkubwa kwasababu yeye alikuwa na matatizo kidogo katika maendeleo yake ya kukua. Kulikuwa na kulia kwingi, kulikuwa na kusikitika kwingi lakini kila siku tunapokucha na maisha yanaendela napata tabasamu nikimwona jinsi ambavyo ameendela, naamekuwa, anaongea, hata yale ambayo sikuyategemea kwamba angeyafanya anayafanya. Kwahiyo kwakweli familia yangu inanipa tabasabu kubwa sana, inanipa furaha kubwa sana.

Zaidi ya familia yangu, kitu kingine ambacho kinanipa furaha, ambacho ni kikubwa zaidi, kuliko hata furaha ninayo pata kutoka kwa familia yangu; ni kwamba katika maisha yangu, Mungu amenipa nafasi ya kumjua. Mungu amenipa nafasi ya kuona uwezo wake, Mungu amenipa nafasi ya kuona neema yake. Katika maisha yangu na familia yangu naweza nikasema kwamba tumeuwona mkono wa Mungu na tunaendela kuona mkono wa Mungu siku hadi siku. Kwahiyo kila siku ninapoamka asubuhi nikifungua redio nakasikia wimbo nikaimba na kumtukuza Mungu, ninapofungua neno lake na kusoma na kukumbuka ahadi zake ambazo kila siku tunakumbushwa tunaposoma neno lake; kwakweli inanipa furaha na tabasamu kwasababu najua hatatuacha ametutoa huko alipotutoa na anaendelea kutuongoza, na upendo wake hauta badilika katika maisha yetu. Kwahiyo nikifiria na kukumbuka hilo linanipa furaha na tabasamu kubwa sana.

Kama mama, changamoto zipi huwa unapata katika malezi haswa ukizingatia tupo ugenini? Kuhusu malezi, nichangamato nyingi kweli kweli tunazo zipata dada yangu, ukizingatia tupo ugenini. Kama mimi nimejifungua mtoto wangu wa kwanza hapa ugenini hakuna mama, hakuna dada, hakuna shangazi, hakuna wifi mkubwa, hakuna jirani mama mtumzima ambaye unaweza kwenda kumuuliza kama ukiwa na tatizo nifanyaje; kule nyumbani unapokuwa umepata mtoto kuna watu wanakuja kukusaidia, watu wazima wanakuja wanakufundisha, unakuwa na mtu wa kumuuliza swali. Lakini hapa kwakweli hatukupata hiyo opportunity kwahiyo ni kujifunza mwenyewe. Nakama tunavyo fahamu hawa wenzetu wa hapa customs na traditions zao nitofauti kabisa ukilinganisha na sisi, kwahiyo tangu unapo anza kuwa mjamzito mpaka unapokuja kujifungua changamoto ni nyingi sana kwasababu ni mara yako ya kwanza hujui, hujui kitakacho fuata nini.

Namimi kwakweli changamoto kubwa ilikuwa kwasababu mtoto wangu wa kwanza niliyepata alikuwa na matatizo. Hapa Marekani wali m-diagnose kwamba ana Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). In general ni kama developmental delay. Kwahiyo alikuwa hakuwi kama watoto wengine; physically anakuwa, mwili anakuwa vizuri, anatembea kila kitu alifanya on-time. Alikaa on-time, alitembea on-time tena mapema kuliko hata watoto wengine wanavyo anza kutembea. Lakini sikusikia akisema hata neno ‘mama’ mpaka alipokuwa na miaka mine na nusu (4 ½ yrs), kwa hiyo hiyo ilikuwa ni changamoto. Unaenda kwa madaktari; huyu anakwambia huyu mtoto atakuwa hivi, unaenda kwa daktari mwingine anakwambia aaa! huyu atakuwa hivi, unaenda kwa daktari mwingine anakwambia huyu hatoweza kwenda hata chooni mwenyewe, aaa! Huyu hato ongea kabisa, huyo hatafanya hivi.

Kwakweli ilikuwa ni kazi kubwa sana, na kwa neema ya Mungu, kama ambavyo nimesema naomba usichoke kunisikia nikisema Mungu!-Mungu!-Mungu! Kwasababu kwakweli sina hushuhuda mwingine katika maisha yangu zaidi ya Mungu. Aah! Mungu ameonyesha uwezo wake, ndo maana kama hapo mwanzo niliposema kwamba nimeuona mkono Mungu, nimeuona uwezo wa Mungu, na neema yake hipo nasi siku zote. Kwahiyo Mungu ameweza kunisaidia, wakati mwingine nilikuwa nashinwa nifanye nini, nalia lakini ile sauti ya roho inanikumbusha kwamba omba, hii siyo sehemu yako huwezi kujua jibu la hili swali lako, endelea kuomba, endelea kuwa na imani. Kwahiyo nilikuwa nimepata changamoto sana.

Na ukiacha kwenye malezi, na physical jinsi watoto wanavyo zaliwa; kuwalea pia watoto hapa tunatakiwa kwenda makazini, mko wawili, lazima wote mfanye kazi kwasababu mmoja akika nyumbani hamta weza kuilisha hata hiyo familia. Kwahiyo kukimbia huku na huku, unawatowa watoto huku, unapeleka watoto huku, nyumba zingine unazo zipeleka wakati mwingine ndiyo hivo wakati mwingine watoto wako wanakuwa hawapati malezi mazuri kama unavyotakiwa. Wakati mwingine inabidi ukose kazi kwasababu ni wagonjwa, wakati mwingine hata hizo hela za kulipia kwenye hizo daycare huna kwasababu ni pesa nyingi zinahitajika. Kwakweli ni changamoto ya aina kubwa sana. Lakini aah! Tunaendelea, na wamekuwa sasa hivi mtoto wangu mkubwa ana umri wa miaka kumi na mbili (12 yrs), na mdogo anamiaka tisa (9 yrs). Kwahiyo sasa hivi wana nisaidia hata hapa kwenye mgahawa mtoto wangu mkubwa anaenda yeye ndo ananisaidia akitoka shule jioni, anapumzika, anafanya homework zake, na anaenda kuuliza wateja wanataka kunywa nini, wanataka kula nini yeye ananisaidia. Na mtoto wangu mdogo pia yeye ananisaidia.

Kwahiyo nichangamoto kubwa sana kuwalea hapa Marekani, ni kazi both physically, financially, emotionally, because kama tunavyojua hii inchi ni tunakimbia, muda wote tunakimbia. Lakini labda changamoto moja tuu ambayo niwape watu wengine ambao wana watoto wadogo tuu saa hivi au wanatarajia kupata watoto It can be done! Inawezekana! Mtegemee Mungu na ujiandae. Ninaposema ujiandae sio ujiandae kifedha tuu, or sio ujiandae kuwa mimi sasa nitaacha kazi nikae nyumbani; ujiandae kuwa lolote litakalo kuja halita kuwa rahisi lakini utakuwa umejiandaa kwa uwezo wa Mungu wewe na mwenzako kama umeolewa, kama hupo pekeyako unajiandaa, unakuwa umejitolea ya kwamba unajua njia yangu haita kuwa rahisi lakini watakuwa. Sanyingine nikiangalia watoto wangu hata sijui muda umeenda wapi, sasa hivi wamekuwa hata sihitaji kuogesha mtu, sihitaji kumwambia mtu nenda kale, si hitaji kumwambia mtu nenda katandike kitanda chako wanafanya hayo yote. Lakini ungeniambia wakati wana miaka miwili, mitatu, mine, na mitano; hiyo siku kwangu ilikuwa inaonekana ni mbali sana, lakini kwa neema ya Mungu imewezekana!

Miaka 17 ya ndoa! Unahaki ya kujivunia, haswa ukizingatia hapa Marekani ambapo tumeona ndoa nyingi zimevunjika, zingine hazifiki hata miaka mitano. Ni silaha gani haswa unatumia kuilinda ndoa yako au ni nini umetumia kama nguzo imara yakusimama kwa ndoa yako? Ndoa kwakweli dada Alpha ni kitu kizuri, kama watu wote tunavyo jua. Ni kitu kizuri sana kwasababu Mungu alikiumba na alikipa upendeleo mkubwa sana. Mungu alijua mwanaume atahitaji mwanamke na mwanamke atahitahi mwanaume. Nadhani kama wanadamu hatuna ujuzi juu ya jambo hilo tunaweza tukajifunza jinsi gani tunaweza tukaitunza hiyo ndoa na kufanya mambo mazuri kuakikisha kuwa ndoa yako inaendelea na wote mnakuwa nafuraha. Lakini muumbaji wa ndoa ni Mungu. Kama ukimwomba Mungu kwa kweli sikuzote katika maisha yako ukiwa msichana kama amekupangia kwamba wewe hapa duniani sikumoja utakuja kuolewa au kuoa basi siku moja itatimia tuu siyo kitu kwamba kinahitaji jitihada za mwanadamu.

Lakini unapokuwa umeshaolewa, kuna mambo mengi sana tunatakiwa tujifunze na tuyatimize kwenye ndoa. Upendo ni kitu cha kwanza: Kama Mungu alivyo sisitiza upendo kwenye Bibilia; anasema umpende mwenzako kama unavyo jipenda wewe mwenyewe. Sasa kama wewe ukafanya kosa au ukipitiwa ukafanya kitu kibaya unaweza ukajisamehe na ukaomba msamaha ukategemea kusamehewa ndivyo unavyotakiwa kumfanyia mwenzako. Kitu kingine kama wamarekani wanvyo sema “you’ve to stay in your box”: Wewe ni mwanamke na mwenzio mwanaume, wewe ni mwanaume na mwenzio ni mwanamke; kila mtu akae kwenye box lake. Ninaposema kwenye box ni kwamba kila mtu akae kwenye sehemu yake. Mwenzako ni mwanume usitake wewe kuwa ndio kichwa cha nyumba kwasababu labda yeye hajasoma, kwasababu yeye hana kazi nzuri kama wewe, kwasababu labda unamwona kwamba yeye yupo slow, kwasababu labda unamwona sikuhizi amezeeka, hapana! Nimwanaume ataendelea kuwa kichwa cha nyumba, ni mwanamke utaendelea kuwa mke ndani ya nyumba kama Biblia inavyotueleza kupendana, kuheshimiana, nafikiri ndiyo kitu kikubwa tunacho takiwa tufanye kwenye ndoa. Na kwakweli ukiweka upendo, ukiweka uvumilivu kila kitu kitaenda sawa kwenye ndoa yako.

Maisha ya ndoa ni magumu, kuna majaribu mengi, kuna vitu vingi vinatokea situ kuwa mme wako ametoka ameenda kudanganya na mke mwingine, mke wako sijui katoka kaenda kutembea na mume mwingine; hayo ni majaribu ambayo tunafikiria eti ni makubwa yanatokea kwenye ndoa, lakini kuna vitu vingi sana. Kuna kuto kuelewana, kuna ndugu kuingilia, kuna mabishano yanatoke, na sasa inatakiwa tufanye nini kwenye hela, watoto tufanyaje, kuna vitu vingi ambavyo hutokea kwasababu ni watu ambao mmekuwa katika mazingira tofauti hamuelewani sanyingine; lakini tunarudi pale pale upendo na heshima. Kwahiyo ukimwomba Mungu, unakaa Roho wa Mungu anasaidia kukuelewesha kwamba haya mwenzako hichi hawezi kukubali sasa utafanyaje?! kuwa mvumilivu. Wewe pia kama ambavyo huwezi kukubali mengine nay eye pia hili hawezi kukubali. Kwahiyo huweki kinyongo, huweki hasira mnaendelea.

Kitu kikubwa ni maombi. Huwa nawachekesha watu nawaambia kwamba usiku ninapokwenda kulala nahakikisha ya kwamba na mu hug mume wangu nadhani yeye kwenye kichwa chake anafikiria kwamba huyu mwanamke ananipenda kweli maana nanipa hug kila siku kabla haja lala. Lakini mimi nikimpa ile hug huwa ninaomba. Unaomba kwa Mungu sio tuu kwasababu asikudanganye, asiende nje kwasababu ndio vitu ambavyo tunafikiria kuwa ni matatizo ya ndoa; hapana! Mungu ampe hekima, Mungu nguvu, Mungu amtunze, Mungu aendelee kumuonyesha njia ya uwongozi yeye kama kichwa cha familia. Hata wanaume nawenyewe pia wanatakiwa wafanye hivyo hivyo kwa wake zao kwasababu shetani anachukia ndoa kama anavyochukia anavyochukia vitu vingine vyote vilivyo umbwa na Mungu. Shetani anajua kwamba akiweza kuwagawanya nyinyi kwenye ndoa hamtafanikiwa. Huwezi kwenda kusali, huwezi kuwa nafuraha kama mwenzako hamuelewani ndani ya nyumba.

Shetani anajua akiweza kuvuru pale kuwa huyo mnene sana, huyo hajakunipikia vizuri, huyo anajua anafanya kazi sana; hayo yote ni ya shetani ndo maana kwa mfano unaona wenzetu hapa inchi hii kwasababu hawana Mungu wengi wanajaribu kuishi maisha ya ndoa wao wenyewe na kwa kweli yanawashinda. Kwahiyo mimi kwa experience yangu; mazito yapo, mema mengi, actually mema ni mengi na mazuri ni mengi mno kwenye ndoa kuliko mazito ambayo nimeweza kuyapitia. Lakini siku zote kimbilio langu kama kwenye mambo mengine yote ni Mungu. Hata ikitokea kunatatizo naona kwamba hili kabla sijaliongea naona embu ngoja niombe. Kwahiyo unaomba, Mungu anakuongoza, Mungu anakuongoza, Mungu anakusaidia, upendo na uvumilivu. Kwahiyo vivyo ni ndiyo vitu naweza kuwashauri hata wadada wengine na wakaka ambao pengine wanatarajia kuoa au wameowa na kuolewa na ndoa zao ni changa ni kuwa mvumilivu.

Halafu uwe muwazi tangu siku ya kwanza uwe muwazi. Usiwe na kigeugeu, umeenda leo kwenye kitchen party wamesema hivi unakuja umegauka, kwasababu Tumaini alizungumza na wewe basi unataka kufanya. Miaka mitano umekaa ujafanya hicho ulichotaka kufanya lakini sasa hivi Tumaini amesema eti unataka nawewe ujaribu na ufanye nini na nini?! Na hujui mtu anaweza sema yeye kwa experience yake kile kitu kinasaidia na kina work kwenye marriage yake lakini sio lazima ki work kwenye marriage yako wewe. Ooh! Siju mume wako arudi nyumbani mapema sijui fanya nini?! Wewe mume wako anatakiwa afanye kazi mpaka saa sita za usiku (12:00 am), mapema utakuwa unamsubiri wewe hujalala? Kwahiyo, ni vitu ambavyo unaangalia, mwombe Mungu na uwe wewe mwenyewe (be you). Angalia maisha yako, angalia maelewano yenu nyinyi wawili. Hakuna mwalimu wa ndoa hapa duniani mwalimu wa ndoa ni Mungu! Ukimwomba Mungu, Mungu atakuzidishia.

Ujumbe au ushauri ambao ungependa kuwapa watu, haswa Diasporas? Nafikiri nikujitahidi. Kujitahidi, kujipa moyo, kutokukata tama, na kikubwa zaidi ni kujaribu. Kama una ndoto ya kufanya kitu fulani huwezi jua kama utafanikiwa ua hutafanikiwa mpaka ujaribu. Kwahiyo nikujipa moyo, nikujitahidi. Tumekuja hapa kwajili ya kuangaikia maisha hasa wale wenzangu na mimi ambao tupo hapa Marekani na hata wale ambao wako kule nyumbani Africa wote tunaamka asubuhi tunachapa kazi tunakimbia huku na huku kwasababu yakutaka kufanya maisha yetu bora. Kwahiyo nikujitahidi, kutokata tama. Matatizo yanakuja nayanapita nikawaida kwa maisha ya mwanadamu lakini tusikate tama tuendelee kujitahidi. Nakitu kingine ni kuwa na plan, kua na mpango kwenye maisha, kuangalia kuwa wewe unaweza kufanya nini kwasababu watu wote tumepewa karama tofauti kwahiyo itambuwe karama yako nini, itambuwe uwezo wako katika kufanya vitu mbali mbali ili unapoamua kupanga mipango katika maisha yako uzingatie vitu vyote hivyo na uweze kuzitumia karama ambazo Mungu amekupa.

Nakitu kingine zaidi najua tupo madhehebu mbalimbali Wakristo, Waislam, dini zozote zile tulizo kuwepo nazo as long as tunamwamini Mungu na tunaamini Mungu yupo kitu kikubwa zaidi ni kumtegemea Mungu na kumuomba Mungu. Mungu anasikia maombi ya watu wote; uwe ni muislam, uwe ni mkristo, uwe ni mtenda dhambi kama ambavyo anawasha jua asubuhi na kuleta mvua kwa watu wote bila kujali huyu aliuwa mtu jana, huyu alizini jana, huyu aligombana juzi, anapo washa jua asubuhi linaangaza kwa wote, anapo weka hewa kila moja anaweza kuvuta ndivyo Mungu wetu alivyo mzuri, ndivyo Mungu wetu alivyo naupendo. Kwahiyo ni kumtegemea na kumuomba usikate tama kwasababu unayo ona kuwa maisha yako unayo ishi hayampendezi Mungu au kama unajua kabisa unasiri zako ambazo unazifanya ambazo unajua kabisa ni kinyume na mapenzi ya Mungu; usijali wewe jua kabisa Mungu anasikia na wewe peke yako huwezi. Huwezi kuyatatua hayo matatizo yako kwasababu sisi binadamu ni wadhahifu lakini ukimtegemea Mungu na ukimwomba Mungu utashangaa hata lile ambalo ulilokuwa unafikiri you can’t overcome you’ll because it’s not you ni Yeye ndani yako.

Kwahiyo mimi ushauri wangu kwakweli ni kuwa na bidii, kumpenda Mungu na kufanya yale yanayo mpendeza Mungu na wanadamu. Tafuta kuwa na amani na watu wote. Ndiyo pengine hutoweza kumpendeza kila mmoja na siyo wote watakupenda lakini ndani ya moyo wako usiweke kinyongo, wapende watu wote na utende yale ambayo unajua kwamba ungependa wewe kutendewa. Kwahiyo mimi ni hayo tuu zaidi tena kingine tushirikiane, tupendane, and I wish you all the best dada Alpha kwa hichi ambacho unajaribu kufanya Mungu akutangulie. I know you believe in God and trust Him, akutangulie akuongoze katika kile unacho fanya, na tupo kwaajili ya kukupa support. Tutakupa support unapohitaji kitu usisite. Nashukur kwa hii opportunity and God bless you.

Asante sana dada Tumaini.

Credit: Mahojiano haya yameandaliwa na Alpha Igogo

Be crazy, be silly, be weird; life is too short to be nothing but happy!

Leo kutoka Facebook nimependa sana hii picha pamoja na ujumbe wake. Si mwingine bali ni mama Melanie a.k.a muke ya Muchaga!

Usikubali Kuanguka au kukatishwa Tamaa. Mtoto wakike Jiamini na uwe Jasiri. Usitegemee mtu maana hata kivuli chako siku ya mwisho kinakuacha. Nguvu zako ndio mafanikio yako katika maisha. Usawa wa mwanamke upo kwa mwanamke. Acha kulia lia nakulamba watu miguu. Komaa work hard and at the End of the Turnel wewe ndio utakuwa wakwanza kuwacheka wote waliokuwa wanakucheka.#Jiamini#Jikubali#workurassoff#Nofreethingsinlife

Happy birthday Mr. Aidan Nyongo. Nifuraha ilioje kushare siku yako ya kuzaliwa na watu uwapendao. Aidan amezaliwa leo tarehe 23rd March, kipenzi chak, mkewe aliye pendezwa naye amezaliwa 19th of March,  kijana wake mpendwa pamoja na binti yake mpendwa wote wamezaliwa 14th of March! Pia marehemu  baba mkwe wa Aidan (R.I.P) alizaliwa tarehe 19th of March!

Happy birthday to you all, the Nyongo’s family. Mbarikiwe sanaaaaa!

As I dressed up to go out this morning, I am once again reminded of how personal and private this race called life is. I got into my car, drove out, and joined the road where other cars are already traveling on. Lesson No 1: We don’t all have the same entry point into life. As I keep driving, I pass some other cars, while other cars would pass me. Lesson No. 2: We won’t travel through life at the same speed because each car is build differently. As I moved on, I catch myself trying to pursue another car in front of me, only to discover that, just as I am about to pass it, it turns off the road into another road.. Lesson No. 3: We don’t all have the same exit point. We are all on this journey called life. We will enter at different points and exit at different points, but one thing is clear: We will all exit this road at one point in time or the other. It may be 10km run God has given you, or it could be 100kms; what is important is that you run your race well. Your car has side view mirrors and a rear-view mirror. You use both to see the sides and the back of your car respectively. Other cars will be behind you, while others maybe beside you for a while. But you know how dangerous it is to spend time looking at these mirrors; they will distract you. That is why your car has got a large windshield/screen infront of you. It gives you the biggest view of the potential in front of you and the resources you are yet to attain. Don’t spend precious time looking at your back to see those who are pursuing you, or looking at your side to see those who are trying to overtake you. Keep your eyes in front of you and stay true to your race. When it is time to exit the the road, you would know that you have run your race well and ended well. I humbly pray God to bless and help us to run this race called LIFE. Stay focused and remain yourself.

I got this from one of my friends / family member (from Facebook)

Okay, wanawake wenzangu ambao mnapenda kuvaa lace wigs.  Siunajua lazima ukate ile lace pale mbele na sanyingine lace huwa inabaki kidogo, na mara nyingi huwa inaoneka kwasababu huwa haifanani na ngozi ya kichwa chako. Naomba uzingatia yakwamba; hii ni kwa zile 100% lace-wigs na siyo other types!

Basi nimejifunza (from The Real Talk Show) kuwa unaweza uka chukua maji ya moto na majani ya chai (black), tengeneza chai weka majani mengi halafu chukua lace-wig yako  dumbukiza kwenye chai. Siyo yote, ni ile sehemu yenye lace tuu. Acha ikae kama kwa dakika 20 hivi au zaidi inategemea na how dark you want. Inabidi uishikilie ili isidumbukie yote au kama unakiti kinaweza kuishikilia napo sawa.

Human beings are entitled to their opinion, and should be able to freely speak them as long as they articulate their feelings with respect for others. The problem is when people decide to share opinions in a way that is hurting another person’s feelings; that is when “hate” word kicks-in and they become haters! There’s a distinct defined line between critics and hate, you can tell the difference by the tone of their messages regardless if their opinions are positive or negative.

Surely not all people are haters, but certainly, there are some people out there spreading a lot of hate in the ‘name of critics.’ If someone truly love and care about what you are doing they will give you what they call “constructive criticism.” Normally people who give constructive criticism they tend to have full knowledge or idea of the situation or the intended matter; so when they criticize they use their knowledge and experience to educate you or enlighten you. Unlike haters, most haters often respond with anger when someone disagrees with their opinion, very insecure that makes them to be in a defensive mode all the time.

Always very unfair and bias, very selective when giving their opinion and crowded with their own personal feelings. The truth is, they want to be like you, they want what you have and since they cannot afford to get it, or there is no way out then the only thing they can do is to constantly criticizing you, because of anger that they have inside their hearts. When comes to someone they like they sugarcoat things to make them look good. I think you noticed I said “like” and not “love” because I strongly believe that haters are the most selfish people in this planet, hardly can they love someone. Sorry if I hurt your feelings I’m just being real!

Some haters will criticize you without giving you alternative of how to go about the situation. These are your friends and family members who always don’t give you a clear answer of anything you ask them. People who always can tell you how bad your idea is but they don’t tell you how to make it right. Them friends and family members who can read your mind, often they don’t bother waiting for you to finish talking before viewing their ridiculous opinions or making conclusion. Sometimes they will try to speed you up with their annoying verbal cues such as “yeah-yeah I know what you are talking about,” “I got it,” I know, I know.” Like they really have the magic way of reading people’s mind and know their feelings! shame!

People like these, normally they will criticize you not because they love you, but because they want to shame you, trying to show you how smarter and knowledgeable they are compared you, that you nothing but a piece of garbage! These are the people who will publicly support you just to protect their image while behind the scene they are nothing but you biggest haters! Often they use their position (e.g friend, sister, blogger, brother, your boss, e.t.c) to emotionally abuse people. You may wonder why?! Well, these are the most insecure and immature people on earth. They got that empty hole in their hearts and trying to fill-it-up buy dragging other people down! Sad, but just pray for them.

Hence, you can stop hate my being true to yourself. Don’t use those weak excuses “I didn’t have choice” because always there’s a choice! Avoid any kind of interaction with them, stay positive. And always surround yourself with people who really matter in your life. Let them know that you know they are haters, but don’t be scared of them as that is giving them power over you. Scaring of haters is giving them power to control your emotions and that isn’t a good thing to do. Use haters as your life-alarm because haters always pay huge attention to our daily lives. Don’t hate them back, and never argue with them as that is what they like most; someone to feed their narcissistic behavior!

Leo kutoka Facebook nimependa sana picha hii ya Future Professor-Essy, akiwa ndani ya uniform zake teyari kwa kwenda shule.  Wahenga walisema safari ya mguu moja huanzisha njingine  au kwa lugha ya kigeni wanasema “a journey of a thousand miles  begins with a single step.” Hongera sana Proffesor-Essy, usome kwa bidii na Mungu awe nawe siku zote.

Najua wengi ambao wanaishi katika inchi ambazo zimeendela wame punguza sana matumizi ya Cds au Dvds, lakini haimaanishi hawana. Vile vile watu wengi walipo nyumbani (Tanzania) bado wanatiziumia sana Cds na Dvds katika shughuli mbali mbali za ku record na kuhifadhi nyaraka mbali mbali haswa wanamuziki na wanafunzi wa secondary.

Sasa basi, si wanasema kizuri kula na mwenzio lol! Unajua jinsi ya kuondoa mikwaruzo kwenye Cd au Dvd yako kirahisi kabisa?

Mahitaji:

Mie nimejifunza hii juzi katika kipindi cha talk show ya “The Real” kilichopo kwenye hii inchi ninayo ishi; kuwa kama Cd au Dvd yako imekwaruzika unaweza irudisha katika hali yake ya mwanzo kabisa kwa kutumia ganda fresh la ndizi (ndizi iliyo iva) ukasugulia kwenye Cd au Dvd kama kwa dakika moja hivi. Kisha ukimaliza safisha na glass clearner basi na mikwaruzo yote itatoka kabisa.

Happy 1st birthday Georgina Faith Nyongo!  We wish you hundreds more of these wonderful days! Happy 1st birthday cutie, we all love you.

If you have forgotten, baby Georgina Faith belongs to our 2015-Hottest And Best Couple Of the Year! To read more about that press HERE

Hakuna kitu kibaya kama kujidanganya nwenyewe; mimi naamini kuwa ni dhambi kubwa sana mwanadamu anaweza kujitendea hapa duniani “lying to yourself.” Kutokana na sababu mbalimbali watu wengi wanapenda kuonekana wamo kwenye group fulani, may be ni kwasababu ya life-style, income status, social status, e.c.t. Na mara nyingi watu hupoteza karama zao, au Mungu anashindwa kuwabariki kwa kwadri alivyotaka kuwabariki kwasababu tuu wameng’ang’ania sehemu fulani bila kujua kuwa hapo walipo sio mahala pao, au huwenda wange toka na kua true to themselves wangebarikiwa zaidi.

Unaweza kujiuliza kwanini nimetumia picha ya Mh. Shy-Rose Bhanji, sababu ni kwamba kwanza namkubali (I just love her personality and character), pili narudi pale pale kwenye swala la kujidanganya. Ushawahi kuona watu ambao wanajidanga mpaka kuanza kutenga ndugu zao sababu tu yakuwa wana hali duni au wana elimu ya chini? Eti kwasababu sasa hivi anaishi mjini au nje ya inchi basi anatafuta ndugu wapya ambao anaona anafanana nao kimaisha na kabisa anaamua kujitenga na kukana ndugu zake. Kumbe bila kujua kutenda kwakwe hivyo kunamsababishia akose mibaraka mingi sana. Unaweza ukaona maisha yanakunyookea kwasasa lakini ukashangaa ghafla umerudi square zero halafu unabaki unajiuliza ni wapi umekosea. Au unakuta unapata ugonjwa wa ghafla ambao unahitaji huduma ya ndungu zako 24/7.

Basi tuige mfano wa dada yetu hapa Shy-Rose! Yeye hajaogopa kuwa tofauti na wadada wengi waishio mijini. Pamoja na cheo na umaharufu alio kuwanao bado anapenda na kuwathamini wa kwao bila kujali hali zao kiuchumi.  Tena zingatia kuwa hawa ni ndugu wa ujombani, na mama yake mzazi halisha lala usinginzi wa mauti, hivyo ilikuwa rahisi sana kwakwe kugeuza shingo yake na kuto kuwakumbuka tena ndugu wa marehemu mama yake. Na kikubwa sana ambacho nimeguswa nacho, ni kwamba hakuona aibu ku share na marafiki zake kwenye social media, ambapo wengine wangejifanya wao kwao wote ni matajiri hakuna watu wenye hali duni!

Mnamo tarehe ya January 12, 2015 kuna rafiki yangu aliweka hii status kwenye facebook wall yake………………”Dawa ya kumkomesha mtu mwenye Majidai na Dharau kwa watu wahali ya chini ni Kumpa Dose ya Dharau Twice. Huwa nawapenda Sana this type of pple Wanaopick and Choose Eti nani wakuongea nae au wakumtembelea Ndani ya Bongo kisa eti wanajifanya wao ni Hadhi flani wanaishi kizungu Huwezi nipenda mimi wa Uk ukadharau watu wangu Wa Bongo. Pumbavu watu wamekaa ulaya na wazungu more than 15/20yrs na Bado wapo simple itakuwa wewe kibaka ulokuja kutembea au kikazi miezi 6 au mwaka mmoja kusoma?????!!! Wazungu wenyewe waishio kwao ulaya wapo simple. Basi hawa watu Trip hii ya Bongo nimewapa Fantastic Doze. Na wameshangaa hawakuamini nimewapotezea. Wenyewe wamejirudi. Hahahaaaaa. I love 2015.Jamanii mimi sishobokei mtuuuuuu hata uwe nani. I love simple real people . Genuine Individuals Only.# My wall My Voice.” Binafsi niliguswa na hiyo status nikajua kumbe si peke yangu ninaye sumbuliwa na watu kama hao, ilinipa faraja ndani ya moyo wangu. Na ndio maana leo nimeona ni vyema kuiwakilisha kwenu kama mada.

Wazazi wanachangia sana katika hili swala. Unaweza kuta mtoto toka amezaliwa mpaka anakuwa mtu mzima hajawai kumuona bibi na babu walio wazaa wazazi wao,  hawajui shangazi wala mjomba eti kisa wanaishi kijijini. Nakama wapo mjini basi eti kwasababu wana hali duni basi hawana thamani kwao, kweli?  Tafakari!

Kuna wakati unakuwa inlove lakini actually wewe ni kama Mtumwa aliyeko Misri…………..Umekazana na limpenzi lako li-Farao, lina roho ngumu, huku nje kuna akina Musa kibao wanajaribu kukutoa Utumwani Misri ili uingie Kaanani, nchi ya ahadi, nchi yenye maziwa na asali…………..Lakini wewe,cha ajabu, unasema ur in love na Farao, mateso yote anayokupa na kukutumikisha lakini u still think ipo siku life itabadilika na Farao atakuwa mwema! Farao hawezi kuwa mwema kamwe, na hata siku moja hata Misri ibadilikeje haiwezi kuwa na Maziwa na Asali…………..Wake up,go after your destiny,toka Misri nenda Kaanani uishi kwa raha..Mapenzi yana raha sana ukiwa Kaanani,li- Farao unaloling’ang’ania wala halikupendi na halina future na wewe. Poleni wale mnaodate na Farao, fungueni macho, Musa anawasubiri!!

Ujumbe huu umetoka kwa mdau wa Facebook.

As daughters with their fathers so do sons with their mothers! Mothers are sons best friend. I can see that from my darling elder sister and her two sons. I know they love their father so much, but, Oops! Did I say but?! Yeah, but, I can see them “slightly” leaning more toward my sister. Anyway, it feels good to be a mother. May God bless all  mothers in this world, Amen!

Happy birthday Jack. “Today is a date when my name Changed from Tabu to mama Jack. And this baby gal whom I named Jack is the one!!! Happy birthday my queen.” Very touchy words from Tabu Obago a.k.a Jack’s mother.

Jack, we all love you deeply and wish you all the best. May God continue to bless. Soma sana kwa elimu pekee ndio mkombozi wa mwanamke!  Happy birthday beautiful.

To day is my father’s birthday.  I know one day I’ll be someone’s queen, but under my dad’s thrown is where my heart will always be. Iam wishing him more Joy, more Happyness, more Love, and good Health. Happy birthday dad, love you always!

Wengi toka tumemaliza shule achilia mbali kusema asante kwa walimu wetu, wengi hatujawahi kurudi hata kuchungulia mjengo ya shule tulipo somea.

Asante kwa watu kama Miriam Odemba ambao kwa njia moja au nyingine wanatukumbusha kuwa ni vizuri tutazame tunapokwenda lakini ni vizuri zaidi kutosahau tulipo toka.

“Don’t take for granted what some girls have to fight for. Embrace education. Be self motivated” said Miriam Odemba. Recently, Miriam visited her elementary school; Meru Primary School, Arusha, Tanzania. Well done Miriam.

Wiki iliyopita familia ya mzee Charles O. Igogo ilisherekea miaka 70 ya kuzaliwa mzee Charles O. Igogo. Sherehe ilifanyika nyumbani kwa mzee huyo maeneo ya Osterbay, ambapo ilitanguliwa na ibada maalum iliyo fanyika katika kanisa la Menonite Upanga. Ndugu, jamaa, na marafiki wote walipata nafasi ya kusherekea siku hiyo. Nami nasema Happy birthday baba mkubwa. Mungu azidi kuwa nawe, na akupe afya njema tupate kushereke miaka 100 ya kuzaliwa kwako. AMEN!

Happy Birthday Laura! Laura celebrated her big day with some of her friends and family in San Francisco, CA.