10/31/2026
Oyo Nigeria
October required a great deal of me. Faith, courage, surrender, sacrifice, and the willingness to trust my spiritual path even when the journey ahead wasn’t entirely clear. My pilgrimage to Oyo was rooted in prayer, gratitude, growth, and purpose. I carried prayers for my family, loved ones, ancestors, and everyone who has poured into me along the way. In Oyo, I was welcomed with open arms, genuine kindness, and love. I felt safe, protected, nurtured, and cared for. What an honor it was to learn in the presence of my godmother, IYALAJE ADEDOYIN,my teacher, and a mother to her community. Her wisdom, generosity, and gentle spirit reminded me that true spiritual leadership is rooted in love, humility, and service. To the beautiful people of Oyo Town, thank you for every prayer, lesson, embrace, and tangible and intangible gift. Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and praying for my safe return. There was a purity to this experience that words can scarcely capture. Some of the most meaningful moments were never photographed. These photographs are only glimpses of a journey whose greatest gifts cannot be seen. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported this journey in any way. Every prayer, every word of encouragement, every act of love meant more than you know. I went prepared to sacrifice, but I returned realizing I had received far more than I gave. There is simply no price tag for what Oyo gave me. This journey reminded me that when you allow your heart and good character to lead, everything else will follow. What is truly meant for you, you will never lack. Still learning, still growing, still grounded, still grateful. I must follow my destiny so that I may receive the blessings meant for me and become a blessing to others. Àṣẹ. - Iyalode Ebgedoyin Ayinke
