July 2011, Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear Journal~

I am sorry for not writing in here in such a very long time; people must think I must have died by now ... no, I did NOT die (I am very much alive!), but I have been kept very busy with so many things.

For those who do not know of me, let me re-introduce myself to you.  My name is Pulalay.  My full name is Pulalay Halah Khelefi.  I ws born in the East African country of Sudan; I came here 11 years ago, in 2000.  I left to escape the strife that continues to this day in my former homeland.  It saddens me that they still do not know peace over there.

I am Dinka.  Dinka are known to be very statuesque, almost elegant; many are well over six feet tall.  I know I am.  I am 6'7" to be exact.  I have dark brown, nearly black skin and I wear my black hair closely cropped to my head; it's a lot cooler and I don't have to fuss with it, for one thing.  I do it as a means of convenience.

I am paralzyed.  I was shot 10 years ago; I use a wheelchair but for shorter distances, I walk on a pair of crutches clamped to my forearms.  I have since learned to adapt to my disability and for the most part people treat me well, which I greatly appreciate.

I have since forgiven the man who shot me but he is currently in prison; he is trying to get an appeal so he can get out, but I am doing everything possible to ensure that he stays there, so he doesn't end up hurting anybody else.  It is a thousand miracles that I was not injured worse than I was or even killed; I have my Lord and Saviour to thank for that! :)

I am a writer.  I graduated from university five years ago and work for the Nashville Banner, where I do some of the reporting behind the scenes.  I write mainly on the local front; the national news is too upsetting for me, so I don't like to deal with it.  I love my job very much.  I have worked there for the past three years.

I am currently working on a book about my life in Sudan and my life here in America.  I think people would be interested in reading my story, so they can learn more about me and not make assumptions.  People tend to do that a lot and it greatly behooves me.

I am no longer living at the YWCA.  I have a nice small apartment and it's fully furnished with most of the utilities already provided.  The only things I pay are the rent and the electricity; I don't have to pay for water or gas costs, which is a blessing.  I have a roommate named Kara Thunderstorm; she is really nice.  She is a Native American; learning about her culture is very interesting, to say the least.  She is younger than me by ten years; she is only in her thirties and has a son, Jack Wyoming, who is only a year and two months; he is the sweetest little boy!

Kara was married, but she got divorced because her ex-husband Eddie-Jack beat on her and tried to kill her; she decided she had enough so she struck out on her own, where she is much happier.  (Her ex is currently in jail for abuse and failure to pay back child support, in addition to other crimes less serious.)

I haven't found anybody as of yet, but I am not really looking either.  My work and my writing keep me busy, as does attending church.  I go to Christ Community Assembly of God Church here in Nashville, which is a nondenominational, spirit-filled church; I go every Sunday and Wednesday as well as on Thursday; Thursday is choir practice.  I sing in the choir every Sunday; I love singing praise and worship to my Lord!

I have made so many friends there it is unreal, and my favorite nurse who had taken care of me when I was shot is a member there!  I just love Louisiana Sandusky so much, and I love her beautiful Rainbow Family!  The children have all gotten so big and some have left to start their own lives.  Some of them are even giving her grandchildren!  Her life is very good and it makes me very happy to see God working in the lives of her and her family!

Last year, we naerly lost our church home: there was catastrophic flooding here in Nashville and the church was destroyed but it has since been rebuilt, better than ever before!  God has had His hand on our church home and the members; He has been so good to us and I thank Him for his grace and mercy!

Well, I hate to end this now, but I have to get back to work.  Today is my Saturday to work; I work one Saturday per month.  I will write in here again soon; please forgive me for the very long lapse in my journaling!  I hope you understand why I haven't writen; now you know why.  I hope God blesses you as much as He's been blessing me and my friends!  Have a wonderful day!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Pulalay Halah.  :)