Wednesday, May 28, 2014

ORUN - THE ELDERS


Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

It’s nice to connect with you all once more.  Before I continue Ekundayo’s story I thought this would be a good time to give you a little background on the awn àgba, elders.  Ayotunde, Folami and Temitope were sent to Aye, Earth, to bring together the people of the Ina and the awn dudu.  Olodumare, the high god, wanted to strengthen their belief in him.  But he also wanted to develop their respect for one another and unify them as a people.

In order to do this, they would need leadership and purpose.  The high god believed that the sisters Ayotunde, Folami and Temitope were the perfect solution.  He knew that such an undertaking could not be done by one individual.  The time it would take to reach such a goal was unknown.  And the connection between the sisters was unbreakable.  This bond would help keep them on the right path.  Olodumare saw the road ahead, and he knew it would not be easy for his people or the goddesses. 

On the night of the harvest moon, the high god called upon the goddesses. “Arábìnrin, sisters, I call upon you for a great task.  I am giving you an opportunity to mold and shape what could become a great civilization.  The Ina and the awn dudu are capable of becoming more together than they ever will apart.  But they need direction and guidance; a strong belief in their gods and themselves.

“We are humbled by the responsibility you have bestowed upon us.” said the eldest Ayotunde.  “But what of our duties?” continued Temitope.  “What of those who we have led, the ones whose goals are just within their reach?” whispered Folami.  “You have done all you can do for them.” responded the high god.  “Their paths are set. Not even I can change them.” he smiled.  “For centuries you’ve taken it upon yourselves to give our people a better future.  I now place a new burden upon your shoulders.”

***

For the first twenty years, the sisters worked diligently to bring the tribes together.  Where there was war, there was peace.  Where there was hate, bloomed respect. Where there was poverty, grew wealth.  Within fifty years, the Ina and awn dudu realized how much they could benefit one another. That knowledge brought with it a greater respect for the Orisa.  They realized through the teaching of the sisters (who were now elders) that their prosperity could not have occurred if it wasn’t for the high god. 

Olodumare was moved by the acknowledgement he received from his people.  Not just for him but for the other Orisa as well.   His people would pass on their knowledge, teaching their children about the Orisa.  A new cycle had begun, one that would not be easily broken.  A strong belief in something they could not see; recognition of faith.

The sisters had more than accomplished the goals set before them by the high god.  Each wondered why they were still on Aye.  They decided to present their concerns before the high god. Decades of exposure to their people, to their emotions, to their life experiences had begun to change the sisters in ways they did not understand.  They desperately missed their kin and wanted to return to their realm.

One hundred years to the day, the sisters found themselves before the high god once more.

“Praise Almighty Olodumare!” bellowed Folami respectfully.  She was no longer the quiet goddess of the past.  “We have more than fulfilled the goal you set before us.” continued Ayotunde. “Tell us high god, when do we return home?” questioned Temitope.  After a moment of silence, the high god responded, “I’m sorry my sisters, but you will not.”

***

Join me next week!  I look forward to sharing more of “Orun” with you. 

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J

 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-

 

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