Goodnight Kia…
I’ve been writing and editing this in my head because it’s impossible to fully capture Kia.
I find it difficult to make friends. This is surprising because they say I’m cheerful, boisterous, and friendly. For Kia and I, it was ‘love at first click’. I had just joined CARE USA working with the Global Advocacy team when she sent me a welcome email.
I could picture her from the tone of her email. It radiated sunshine, hope, and dedication to a craft she loved. Kia was an excellent communicator, fluent in many languages. Each time I read an email from Kia, I wanted to meet her. She made work lively and interesting with the Niger and Nigeria Office.
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We were the radicals. People trying to make slight changes where we could. When she made her decision to leave, we made plans on things for her to do, CV updates, and new businesses she wanted to embark on. I became one of her first customers for name embossed bags. See, everything Kia did she brought excellence to it.
Kia became one of my closest friends so fast. She had an amazing head on her shoulders and was just a burst of sunshine. She’ll drag me on latte tasting trips through Abuja’s cafes and we’ll work together for hours. Spending time with Kia was always fulfilling, uplifting, and a two-way knowledge-sharing session. We shared insane tips, tricks, and whatnot for life, work and all in between.
A kind soul, a beautiful face, a warm heart. Kia was spiritual and an adherent to her Islamic faith. She embodied peace and love. She was always sharing teachings from the prophets. Like your last message ‘carry mercy and kindness in your heart’, you were merciful and kind.
I became very busy the past few months, returning all the hits life was dealing and we missed out on our chai. Last night we all agreed to sit for dinner, so I can fill you in on how far I’ve gone and what's next.
Thank you for your life. Goodnight Rakietou.
