How the hell did I get here (into the double digits!) lovely listeners? Today’s episode is brought to you by the beginning of Spring, a Seattle-promised ant infestation, night shift, and so many questions about living in the world at this moment. This episode is about letting life’s sorrows and joys guide and center us. It’s also about using God-given gifts and passions for a purpose greater than ourselves. I had the opportunity to chat with Naomi Wachira, a Seattle-based Afro-folk singer/songwriter, who is living out her calling to offer hope in the world through music. I first listened to her song; I am a Woman at a dance class at Westlake Dance Center. As soon as I discovered her name, listened to the rest of her discography and read up on her story, I was eager to get a good word from this gal. Sure enough, this conversation was a blessing to me in somewhat of a rocky season of my life. I hope (and trust) that it will encourage and inspire you to see beyond your own stumbling blocks to look for all the “beautifully human” aspects of ourselves and others.

Peace, love, and hygge vibes,

Claire

Featured music: “What if?” by Naomi Wachira

https://www.naomiwachira.com/

Production: Tobijah Rogers

Cover art: Spence Hood

1:00 Intro// welcome to ant-ville (or some cliché existential crisis of a gal’s young 20s)

8:00 Naomi// Queen of Afro-folk

11:15 Hearing// when God gives you a melody

21:10 Calling// a girl with a desire to share hope in the world

37:30 Mother// “what if we walked a mile in their shoes?”

50:00 Sorrow// feeling on a spectrum for bold living

56:42 Space// silence to create

1:06:20 African Girl// identity and celebration

1:14:00 Beginning// a common language

1:20:20 Outro// follow your breadcrumbs