Dear God,

There are some strange things going on in the world today, and it could only mean one thing: you’re coming back soon. This old guy named Harold Camping has been making predictions about your return for decades now, and so far he’s been wrong each time. I don’t know if you two have spoken, but it seems like he has gotten things all mixed up.  Frankly, I’m tired of being disappointed, and being the planning fanatic who’s emotionally attached to her to-do-list, the unknown drives me a bit crazy.  Could you please tell me the exact day and time you plan to return to this earth so that I can make arrangements to accomplish some large projects? That would be wonderful. And in case you were wondering, here’s a list of things I’d accomplish starting two years years from your tentative date of return:

Book a flight to Africa

That’s right, back to my motherland. But this time I’d stay for at least 3 months. My itinerary would be PACKED! First stop: Ghana, which is my other home.  Next stop: Nigeria, to revisit all of those place I once enjoyed. Third stop: Democratic Republic of Congo to help teach orphaned girls at the Georges Malaika Foundation.  I’ve volunteered with the organization remotely, but it would be wonderful to be on the grounds, interacting with the girls directly and witnessing the organization’s impact.

Throw A Huge Party

Like every little girl, I’d always dreamed of having a large fairytale wedding. I don’t have a groom, but I’m hoping you could help me with that? (And just to let you know, I like ambitious men with cool accents :)).  We’d honeymoon in the Maldives and go on a 21 country cruise around the world.

Tell folks about Jesus

No, I’m not just saying this cause he’s your son. And no, I am not standing on someone’s street corner shoving pamphlets at pedestrians. I’m creative and spunky. I’d find a more creative method of sharing the Good News with others. I’ve been a bit shy in this regard because I care too much about what people think, but since I’ll be leaving soon, what would I care what others think of me?

Publish My Own Private Journal 

It may sound a bit eerie, but I often wonder what would happen to all the entries I wrote in my journal when I pass away.  Would someone read it and reveal my deep dark secrets to all of my family members and close friends? Would it published posthumously? Would the book become a best-seller and I become a millionaire in my death? Or would they continue to sit in parents’ basement and collect dust for the next 20 years?  Well, I’m not going to wait around to find out. I’d rather take matter into my own hands; I have nothing to hide. I would collect my entries and write my own book. In fact my struggles and private stories may help a young girl who is coming of age. She may find comforted and find affirmation in my stories.

Backpack across Europe

On my itinerary would be France, Italy, Germany, UK, and Spain. I want to go to Greece too.

Spend time with close friends and family

My Moms, Pops, Brothers, Niece, Nephews, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Sister-in-Laws, and friends are pretty cool folks. No really, they are actually cool people to dine with, and hang out with. We laugh, we joke; we poke fun at others and we always enjoy our time together.  When I know the day and time you’re coming back, I’ll be sure to spend a lot of time around them.

Tell my supervisor I Don’t Hate Her

I didn’t have the best relationship with one of my former co-workers. We get along now, but I never got a chance to tell her how much I have learned from her and how grateful I am that we crossed paths. I am a stronger professional thanks to her. If I had the chance, I will tell her these things.

Eat a final supper

If I had to choose between all the meals I’ve ever had in my life, my final would consist of jerk chicken, rice & peas, macaroni & cheese, and plantains. Sheesh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

So, God, this would be considered my “Bucket List” I suppose. Let me know how much time I have to complete it. If it’s soon, I have to make some moves very quickly.

Thanks!

Love your favorite daughter,

Yaa Yaa