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Published: December 6th 2006
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A million and a thousand weeks, according to my niece Emily - age 5, is how long I have been away. And in many respects she is so right! When I first came to this amazing land called Africa, I was told that the 4 - 6 months would seem like 4 to 6 years. Perhaps Emily has got it even more right? Today I begin the journey home. The day has been spent packing - two suitcases and a carry on. And this is no small feat given that I am packing treasures from Pakistan, Dubai and Africa. Tonight we are having a farewell party at the Mercury - one of Nairobi’s coolest watering holes - which could be a hip bar in any cosmopolitan city. Maina will then drop me at the airport some 3 hours ahead of my midnight flight so that I can pass through multiple security checks and pay my excess baggage fees. Luggage weight is a huge deal in these parts - a huge revenue generator for airlines.
Today on my mind are all the amazing new friends I have made and those that have supported me and paved the way for this profound
experience. Today’s blog is a tribute to all of them.
I have been so blessed and in so many cases been welcomed like family in East Africa and Pakistan. To the Gilani Family: Munira, Amin, Salima, Hanif and Fatima, I will forever be indebted. Their unconditional support and hospitality has taught me so much about the power of generosity. They have taken me under their wings, helped me get settled, and have always been there for advise and assistance. They have also given me wonderful insight into their way of life and strong family values. They have become my Kenyan family and I would do anything for them.
Then there is the staff at the Imperial Hotel - my home away from home. Again, I was taken such good care of. Patricia and Rose became sisters to me especially advising me on how to diplomatically shake off unwanted advances by very forward and aggressive African men. Wilson became my big brother - often escorting me to the outdoor phone booth to make calls to family and friends back in Canada. He was always checking to make sure I was ok.
Then there is Sheila, my golfing buddy.
I spent the first few weeks with Sheila golfing and touring Kisumu. I also have to thank her for introducing me to Nejla and Chotu Pabaris. This is a very special couple to me. Not only do I admire their commitment to community but they are wonderful global citizens. A favorite past time became having Sunday lunch in their beautiful garden meeting the various and diverse guests staying at their cottages. We would drink wine and talk the afternoon away.
Then there are my friends at the Faces Clinic - George, Christina, Elijah, Duncan, Dennis, and Steve. I owe them a debt of gratitude for showing me the face of HIV/Aids and the devastating impact it is having on family and village social structures. I have also learned so much from Anne-Marie and Bernadette as they work to develop an innovative approach to orphan care and support by helping the children to remain connected to their villages and extended families. Anne and I have also become wonderful friends. I was welcomed into her home and so enjoyed getting to know her family - her husband Reccab, her children Alicia and Richard (Richard is an amazing artist at age 9
- I have signed etchings!) and her sister Diana. Anne surprised me in my last days in Kisumu by making me an amazing traditional African outfit - orange of course! I am so thrilled and will treasure this gift along with the gift of her friendship.
I have also so enjoyed my time with Gordon and Pauline Macleod. Gordon has been a wonderful mentor on this trip. He has shown me first hand the importance of working both from the head and the heart in these parts! And I so treasure the friendship that has developed with these fellow dog lovers and humanitarians. I can’t wait for our paths to cross again.
I must also mention Molodad. I am convinced those 4 days spent with Molodad touring the villages of Northern Pakistan will end up being a major turning point for my life. I was so inspired by the work of AKU and the Professional Development Center. I also have Molodad to thank for providing me with new found insight and wisdom regarding the faith of Islam.
Then there is my amazing host Asif Fancy - a fellow resource developer and successful business man. I am forever
grateful for the opportunity to tour the multitude of Aga Khan Development Network projects in both East Africa and Pakistan. Asif orchestrated an amazing learning journey for me. I also have Asif to thank for some new found knowledge of carpets as well as a smaller bank account (wink!). I must also express my gratitude to Firoz Rasul - the President of AKU - who approved and supported this ambitious itinerary. I have become a huge advocate for the activities and programs of Aga Khan University.
All the while I have been following in the very large footsteps created by Kabir Jivraj, Jim Gray, Brian Felesky and Sherali Saju. And it is their reputations and generosity that have paved the way for this amazing journey. I can’t wait to return home to Calgary to share my stories, learnings and strategize the next steps with their guidance and wisdom.
And as I leave Nairobi, I have to mention Ebba (short for Evelyn) who Gordon Macleod introduced me too. This dynamic graduate of AKU has toured me around Nairobi and taught me everything I know about bartering Kenya style. She has also inspired me wth her volunteer work with street
kids…we have been a source of moral support to each other. And finally but in no way least are my dear friends Rachel and Tereneh. Their flat has always been open for me to crash at while in transit and they epitomize the chica movement. In fact we are creating a global Chica Network - smart, beautiful independent passionate women making a difference in this world. They have also introduced me to their circle of friends - Beth, Tina, Naeen, Linda, Julius, Susie and Matilde—who have welcomed me warmly and helped me feel I belong in these parts. Thank you Rach and T!
These million and a thousand weeks away have also made me come to realize how blessed I am with family and friends at home. This independent spirit has come to realize how important these relationships are to my sanity and sense of well being. I simply cannot do the challenging and ambitious work ahead without the love and support of my family and friends. I am better and bolder with your love and support surrounding me.
Let me also pay special tribute to Sheila, Janet and Kim (the Safari Chicas) who travelled thousand of miles
to visit me and bare witness to my journey and learnings. Their visit meant the world to me.
Finally, thank you to all of you for sharing in this experience with me, for encouraging me and supporting me. I have felt the love and support over the thousands of miles - I am forever grateful - you give me strength, love and courage to take the next step. You are brilliant - life is brilliant. With love and gratitude, Jan
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Rebecca
non-member comment
coming home
Hi Jan, I have enjoyed your journal everyday but i have been negligent in adding comments. I can't wait to see you and catch up. I am so glad that you took this journey! Sounds like was amazing. I can't believe you are comming home already. Thank you for writing this journal. i feel like i have been a part of your trip. see you soon! Love, Rebecca