Greetings,
I can’t believe this is the 20th edition of my holiday letter! This year to recognize our 20th edition, to much protest, I have shifted to a Google Group so that you can unsubscribe below. Don’t worry, the service that removes your email does not inform me about it and you will not get a follow up email asking why. (The universe may well judge you, but I will not.)
In 2023 I had the privilege of traveling for work several times to Mozambique and Ethiopia. In Addis at the end of one of the trips, the team and I had an amazing visit to a club called the African Jazz Village where thanks to my indefatigable colleague Eyoel, and much to my deep mortification, we actually met the legend who created the genre, Mulatu Astatke.
Left to Right: The father of AfroJazz Mulatu Astatke, my colleague Eyoel who will not be denied, my colleague Ali who is basking in the glow of genius and my colleague Tafadzwa who is almost as shocked as I am
In May, I moved to Philadelphia and I really like it there. I moved into a new construction condo in Fishtown (north Philly) where I have a guest room (with its own full bathroom ensuite) so please plan a visit. The place is really comfortable and I like it. I have a big rooftop set up so come have a beer on the roof with me.
The roof set up just needs you.
New Mailing Address:
CMFK
700 Moyer St. #310
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(Deep, heartfelt thanks again to my sister Lynn & her husband Robbie for putting me up for *a year* in Raleigh. It was fun being with them but Raleigh never quite took. I will continue to spend my holidays there. As I write this, I’m planning my trips to Louisville and Raleigh for Christmas.)
I’ve been having a lot of fun watching Eagles, Sixers and Phillies games in local bars with a very engaged fan base.
I’ve already been lucky with visitors to Philly so far! (This means that if you haven’t visited yet, you should feel behind.) To get the ball rolling, Lindy and her friend Hal helped move me up here. Thanks Lindy and Hal!
Independence Hall, Independence Lindy and Independence Hal
Lindy is doing just great and is on track to graduate from NC State in May. She took the LSAT and is already accepted to some law schools. (Teaser for next year’s letter for the big reveal where she decides to go.)
Next up, Julie came to visit me in June and we had fun and also ran a 15K, but these two activities were wholly unrelated.
fun
After the 15K
My friend Anita came from Cape Town to visit me in September. She likes my place well enough but did decry the shortage of pets in my unit.
Me and Anita
Kate and Matt came to visit Philly in October and we had lots of fun. Kate is engaged to Matt now, but who cares? (He was already family as far as I am concerned.) Kate is dancing and creating choreography with several companies and doing just great.
Kate, Matt, Me
Lynn and Robbie came to visit and Lynn has lots of opinions about what furniture I need to outfit the condo. (She watches way too much HGTV.)
You might be thinking I took every single person who visited me to see Philly’s Magic Gardens, and you’d be right.
I love it there.
I was also so lucky to get a visit from my college roommate Sarah and her family in November. Somehow her son is 7??!??! He is not taller than me yet, but the clock is running on that.
I have been fortunate to be a regular guest at Lynn and Robbie’s place on Oak Island again many times this year and always had a wonderful time.
This year for Thanksgiving I visited my Mom in Louisville, KY. On Thursday I joined my family for Thanksgambling at Churchill Downs, and as usual it was an absolute blast.
Note to self not to be photographed with all beautiful teenagers ever again
Also this year I had the fortunate opportunity to reconnect with a student I worked with in 2013 at the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village. Julien Shyaka has started the Rwema Football Academy based in Kirehe, Rwanda at the Mahama Refugee Camp. Julien is giving back to his community and using soccer to drive inclusion, and connection. I’m excited to see how his Academy grows in the next year and eager to provide any support I can.
Wishing peace on earth to all,
~Courtney
