Excerpt Taken from my travel journal on May 27, 2010

Wow!  I can’t believe that almost two months ago I was on the continent of Asia, now Africa on the most important journey of my life-mission work! It seemed like yesterday that I as battling a war of esteem, confidence, love, isolation and growth along with other crippling obstacles. All I know is that God is a rewarder of those who do good and diligently seek him. God is wonderful! The enemy has tried to destroy this journey, many times. However, I know God and he will always shine his love, mercy and grace on us. It’s been a hard, but yet incredible year. The beginning was of heartbreak, then some family division and a possible career change and the development of my second, third, and fourth books. I even asked myself, “What has happened to some of passion for things that I’ve always been committed to?” …..

All I know is that God has a divine purpose for this trip. What a beginning to step on Nigerian soil!

Signed Faithfully,

Tamira A. Cole

Taken from my travel journal on March 26, 2010

“Ni hao!” How can this be over? This morning the gang sent me off! Tang is celebrating his 23rd birthday. This has been a painful “see you later!” I have never connected with people in such as powerful way. I am grateful for the appreciation and opportunity to see a world without a world. Meaning it was so beautiful and personal, intimate like a community. I’ve cried so much. Not only because I will miss Shelonda, but my new found family in Tang, Hudi, Will and Lutricia. My visit was also one of personal evolution. Finally, I’ve got peace and courage to finally walk away from some negative situations. I will keep the wonderful friends in my heart. I’ll be in the air and until then..when paper meets pen!”

Signed Faithfully,

Tamira A. Cole

A world-wind year is what it has been and unfortunately my blog has been the last to be updated! In February 2010, I had the incredible experience and honor of doing mission work in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with my Pastor, first lady, Sister Betty and Brother Hector, Deacon Chris and Deacon Bracey for a wonderful mission established by God. For six days we commuted back and forth to deliver the word of God in cities of La Vie and Tegucigalpa. To experience praying, worship and love on this level, was amazing.  During our time we met with two mayors of the city, spent time around the city, ministered to the citizens, shopped in markets and most importantly embracing the culture. Honduras is an amazing, beautiful, lush country in Central America. I thank God the wonderful memories and awesome duty to serve the Lord.

I cannot believe that in less than 48 hours, I and four others will embark on an unbelieveable journey of salvation, hope, freedom and spiritual growth to Nigeria and Kenya! Since I was little I’ve always wanted God to use me in an unsual way to someday travel and be a blessing to others. God is ever faithful because on Wednesday I will work with children in Nigeria.

I pray that each person realizes how, what and how God is trying to use them in their life. The fullfillment of being a saint is not about its rewards, but its reverence and service to the almighty. People have asked me, if I’m excited. Honestly, I’m feeling every emotion that any one person could feel especially since it involves the spiritual livelihood of others. Continue to pray my strength in the Lord. Allow God to chart your path, your life, your future and your needs. You WILL NEVER COME UP SHORT HANDED NOR BITTER. The joy of life and his power will spring forth in your life. God bless!

Tamira A. Cole

Miss Black Kentucky USA 2009

Changes! Changes! Changes! Well I received my first teaching job on October 20^th teaching junior English and ACT Prep. I love my students and my school. What makes it such a pleasure is being able to work with several wonderful people, including my college best friend, Jennifer! Go figure! Things have been extremely hectic. I went from unpacking and picking up running with my graduate program to now teaching, finishing my first book and being selected as the 2009 Miss Black Kentucky USA! Life has been an immediate world wind of teaching, edits, photo shoots, appointments, legal meetings, graduate classes and appearances! I am so humbled and grateful. I can’t believe ANY of it! I look forward to the holidays. Hugging and holding my family! IT’S BEEN FOREVER!

Whew! I have spent the first week of the month catching up, cleaning up and writing papers for my three summer classes. This week I will be busy helping with the first World Conference and Victory Celebration at God Sanctuary Church! I am so excited! In six days I leave for Quebec City, Canada! My total mileage around the world: 11, 7986.67 for this year alone!

This month was mad busy! First, the August Edition of SHAPE Magazine hit the newsstands on July 3rd. I spent the first week doing phone interviews with The Tennessean and fitness blogs online.

I finally finished my book manuscript. Whew! After an exciting week it was time to take a quick trip to the 2008 Chi Omega National Convention in St. Louis. I had to literally fly 36 hours in between flights to make it back home to Tennessee and to St. Louis and Ireland. Chi Omega Convention was awesome! Nearly 1200 sisters from across the nation attended and it was a huge honor just to be a part of them. The biggest and most humbling moment was being named the 2008 Joebelle Holcombe Outstanding Panhellenic Alumna Recipient! I was truly humbled to have been selected at only 24. My hostess Beth Chapman was awesome and kept me great company. It was also a privilege to meet Patty Disque, members of the Supreme Governing Council, the Malinda Jo Tolley Women of Achievement Winners; Cordia Harrington and Beth Moore (the highest honor in Chi Omega) and many other wonderful Chi Omegas from around the world. I also had the opportunity to reunite with members from my Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of fall 2007. I was so happy to see Amy, Renee, Nancy, Sarah, Braella, and members of my own chapter, Sigma Kappa including our advisor, Marsha Green whom I credit for pushing me to excel as a Chi Omega!

After flying back from Convention, I headed back to Tennessee to prepare to leave for Ireland. It was hard, but I was so excited!

This month I resigned from my job in the Registrar’s Office to pursue my travels, academic studies and to finish my book. It was rather bittersweet because I love my entire staff and truly helping the students. My travels took me again to yet another university, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, for the 2008 Social Change Workshop. For an entire week 120 graduate and Phd bound students studied the economic and global markets of some of the world’s most developing countries. I made tons of new friends and found it so hard to leave! After returning from Brown, I immerged myself into completing my book.

This month kicked off with my photo shot with SHAPE Magazine for the August Edition. It was a blast! Tamara Reynolds is a great photographer! Vacation time! This month I spent Memorial Day weekend in Sacremento, California for some much needed R&R time and needed QT time with my friends, Tiffany, Mehwish and Brian. We traveled to the Golden Gate Bridge, shopped and slept in!

It’s my first none travel month and I’m really excited! However, my focus went strictly to studying for Praxis Exams, finals, and sleep! I also found out that my fitness and weight lost story will be featured in the SHAPE Magazine August Edition. I am very excited! We only have three weeks to plan a photo shoot though! Only three more months until Ireland!