Louise Mell's Twin, Beldina Opiyo

Louise Mell, a former co-worker and dear friend, is one of the most wonderful people in the world. And she's a sport to boot. With a sharp intellect, a wicked sense of humor and a dash of smart-ass, Louise has a way of making everyone feel deeply loved. When she cuts her eyes in a way that says “don't bullshit me,” well, no one bullshits her. To my chagrin (and delight), Louise has a twin in Kisumu, Kenya. Beldina, or Dina, as we call her, has a way of saying so much with simply a setting of her lips and a raising of her eyebrows, as though she's saying “don't bullshit me.” Or, “don't be a fool.”

Dina and Louise share the gift of giving everyone the “mama” look that soon melts into the “I adore you” look of softness around their eyes and mouth. I'm posting Dina's lovely photo on this blog. See the loving little devil behind those eyes? The wisdom and the bullshit detector? During this shot, Dina was sitting on Lucas Ngode's desk, in our temporary “Conference Registration” room, sort-of hiding from conference attendees and sort-of eating lunch with Liz, Tony, Florence and me. With Dina and Louise, you know exactly what they're thinking, because it's either on their face or it's coming out of their mouth. Thank goodness for these honest, loving and forgiving women who remind us with a look not to be fools!!!