A Sisterhood's Send-off

Over 6 years ago, a group of Women of Color sought each other out and formed a sisterhood that provided fellowship, understanding and a safe space amidst the toxicity of the US. I was adopted into that sisterhood about 2- 3 years ago and have been truly blessed. When the pandemic hit, our meetups moved to zoom but we continued to stay in touch, encouraging each other, empowering one another, providing a shelter where we could express the hopes, fears and anxieties that are unique to the spaces we occupy in this country. Judges, and PHDs and CEOs and Physicians. Activists, and educators and authors. Mothers and sisters and friends. Women with heritages that span the globe- Trinidadian, Nicaraguan, Panamanian, Puerto Rican, Columbian, African American, Sierra Leonean, multiracial backgrounds, immigrant backgrounds, excellence in every shade represented in our group.

On learning that I planned to leave, I have received nothing but understanding and support from this group of women. Tonight, some of these wonderful ladies were able to meet to say goodbye. Sadly, the first time we were able to meet up in person together since the pandemic began (thank God for vaccines). I was so touched by all of their words and all of the wonderful hops and dreams they spoke into my life tonight. They even gifted me with the honor of donating to an organization called ElevateMeD on my behalf.

ElevateMeD is "a non profit organization committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, mentoring and support to medical students from African- American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds"

I am beyond touched! Words cannot describe how much tonight meant to me, ladies. Thank you for your love, your support, your example of excellence that you provide every day. Thank you for your sisterhood. Geography poses no limitations to what we can accomplish together. I know that plans are already being made for a visit from many of them once NZ's borders open.

Thank you again. I love you all!