Evolving on Abortion: A Reflection from Faith, Experience, and Listening
I was raised Catholic, and abortion was a firm no, no debate, no gray areas. But life has since given me reasons to pause and reflect. From witnessing a desperate teenage abortion attempt in boarding school to navigating the complexities of IVF and high-risk pregnancies myself, I now see the issue with deeper empathy and nuance. This isn’t about changing beliefs but understanding the stories, pain, and difficult choices women face. Today, I believe abortion is not just a political or moral issue, it’s a woman’s rights issue.
My Period Was Always a Stranger
My period was always a stranger. In boarding school, I only got it once a term, with pain so severe I relied on my anesthetists father’s medication. Years later, I found myself in a public park, washing up with sachets of water, ashamed and confused. The diagnosis came in 2006: PCOS. No answers, no empathy, just a suggestion to get married and take Clomid. Two decades later, I’ve birthed five children, become a nutritional therapist, and now I tell my story, not as a guide, but as a lifeline
From Probation to Purpose: My Journey as a New Immigrant Professional in Canada
In 2013, I walked into a job interview hours before flying to the Netherlands for my wedding. Two weeks later, I returned as a newlywed with a new job, but also with the weight of proving myself in a country that asked for Canadian experience I didn’t yet have. What followed was a test of patience, resilience, and self-worth. This is the story of how I survived probation, stood up for myself, and reclaimed my confidence.
The Price of an “A”: My Story of Harassment in University
It was my first week in university. I had no intention of dating, just wanted to study, mind my business, and maybe play some badminton. Then I met him. He was unremarkable, just a skinny guy I chatted with at the bank while waiting in line. The next day, he walked into my classroom as the lecturer. What started as a casual friendship soon spiraled into something darker. And when I refused to play his game, he weaponized the one thing he had control over, my grades.
The Sick Bay That Changed Me: A Boarding School Story That Shaped My Health Advocacy
In my Nigerian boarding school, sickness meant a visit to the sick bay, and almost everyone got the same treatment: paracetamol, folic acid, and antimalarials. But one tragic experience changed the way I view healthcare forever. After losing a dear friend to a misdiagnosed illness, I made a vow: I would never take my health, or any doctor’s decision, lightly again. This is the story of how that pain turned me into a relentless health advocate.
Bahrain: The Underrated Gem of the GCC
Often overshadowed by its glitzy Gulf neighbors, Bahrain quietly surprised me. From ancient burial mounds and royal camels to the warmth of its people and a tree that thrives in the desert against all odds, this tiny island proved that even the most underrated destinations can leave a lasting impression.
Reading the Bible Again—with New Eyes, a Wiser Heart, and Open Hands
Ten years ago, I read the Bible during one of the darkest seasons of my life, grieving multiple miscarriages and searching for meaning. Now, a decade later, I’ve begun again, with fresh eyes shaped by motherhood, faith, and my global travels. From infertility in Genesis to the wisdom in ancient laws, I’m discovering a powerful God who isn’t afraid of my questions. This journey is changing me, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Kuwait: A Surprisingly Enjoyable Detour in My Mission to Visit Every Country
Kuwait surprised me during my brief visit, shifting my initial perception from just oil and gas to a vibrant culture rich in history. Despite visa issues and a less-friendly atmosphere, I discovered warmth through food, museums, and religious tolerance, ultimately gaining a newfound respect for this enchanting country.
The Man Next Door: A Passport, A Benz, and Broken Illusions
From my verandah upstairs, I watched the parade, girls sneaking in and out of his flat, some washing his clothes, others arriving with soup ingredients. To them, he was more than a flashy neighbor. He was hope. A passport. A ticket out. But even as a young girl, I knew his story didn’t add up. I knew something was off. And the day the drug agents stormed his compound, the street held its breath, but I wasn’t surprised. I had seen it coming
The Moment I Fell in Love with Asparagus (Yes, Really!)
I didn’t grow up eating asparagus, and when I finally did, I didn’t love it. But one July day in 2016, while pregnant with my twin daughters and reeling from loss and uncertainty, a kind nurse handed me a simple hospital cup filled with asparagus soup. That ordinary bowl of soup met me at an extraordinary moment, and changed everything. This is the story of how I fell in love with asparagus, and the comforting recipe that now lives in my kitchen every spring.