Thank you for sharing I left Karachi very long time ago as a youngester. Now, reading your blog, I am overwhelmed with emotions. The life I lived in Karachi seems like a dream.
Thank you for sharing,
Welcome Home my friend... Dear Jan:
great to hear you are safely back although albeit somewhat shell-shocked.
I do understand the overwhelming nature of Christmas - being an orphan, I was never afforded the out-of-control luxuries that Christmas afforded those around me.
That upbringing has kept me grounded and to this day; even with a new granddaughter, we do NOT buy Christmas presents for our family. Instead, we adopt a family (actually, 3 or 4 families now that we are so many in numbers) and we gleefully shop together for them. Talk about powerful. It is a struggle to remember that Christmas, for us Catholics and Christians, should be about Christ's birthday. My children; nieces; great nieces and now granddaughter have all been taught that on Christ's birthday, we do Christ's work - we take care of those who need our help. And on their birthday's, Auntie Debra (or Nonna to my granddaughter!), will spoil them...
It works, it really does. This year, as the kids are all maturing, I have really, really seen the difference that giving to those less fortunate has made in their lives. Powerful, truly powerful.
I look very forward to visiting you at work - I am truly so proud of you Jan.
Take care and God Bless,
Debra
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
Bravo Cuzin Jan Thank you sharing your experiences with us all, I knew the plight of the Afican people before, but your blogs have really put a face to it. I can only hope that I can make a journey such as yours one day. I can read the passion in your words and I hope that it has sparked something in your readers. So when you going back? Thank you again from all of us!
At this time of Advent Dearest Jan:
As Advent begins, for me, this is a time to reflect on the birth of Christ. It is a time to reflect on the work of Christ and the work we must do in Christ's name.
It is obvious to me that you are doing His work. It is my Honour to know you; I have been so moved by all of your emails.
Your committment and passion to those so less fortunate is to be admired.
I look forward to seeing you and pray you will travel home safely.
Take care and God Bless,
Debra
We need to talk when you get home. I cannot wait to see you and talk to you. I am hoping you will come and share your stories with my students. I have followed your journey with envy and admiration, Kiddo, and look forward to having an opportunity to learn more. Love and safe travels. Debbie.
where to stay Hi
I don't know if you'll read this, but, I'm organising a research trip to Sauri and was wondering if you could tell me where you stayed when you visited the village. Thank you! Any information would be helpful. If you could just post a comment back I would appreciate it.
Quick Thanks!! Thank you so much for posting your experiences to share with the rest of us. I will be travelling to Pakistan for a wedding that I know will be the chance of a lifetime, but I've also been filled with a lot of doubt. Reading about your travels has meant a lot to me. Thank you.
I understand the "wink" "The road to self sufficiency is paved with good intentions" (pardon the pun). If there is anything your blogs have taught me it's that you have to start at the ground level. Having a goverment or organisation come in and throw a bunch of money around for a couple of years and then leave can cause more harm then good. "Give a man a fish and he'll feed his family for a day. Teach a man to fish" well you know the rest. It seems to me they have started something good in Sauri, I hope it continues, you can keep the spiders though.
They are the future Children are the future of this planet, school should be a right not a privilege. I am glad that the Kenyan goverment has had some foresight to realise this. It is unfortunate that only the primary grades are free. When I was in school the only thing I could think of was getting the hell out of there, in hindsight I realise what a gift I was given. Knowledge is power, it can change a family, a town, and a country. It should be shared with all. Jambo Cuzin Jan, keep them coming.
Hi Cuz Nice to see you have some familiar faces to hang with. I know you have met some new ones, but good friends are always nice to see. I enjoy your blogs, so keep them coming. The sights you are seeing inspire me, would sure love to be there. Keep it up Cuz, Rob.
Hola from Barcelona Hi Jan,
I´m hooked on your travel Blog, so I´ve tapped in even though we are in the midst of a short trip to Spain. The BBC has been doing a series on Africa here & Ivé been quite interested to match up their accounts with yours. I´m glad your journey so far has been exciting (and safe). I laugh when I see the pictures & all the women are in white & there you are in bright orange.... some things never change. Love & Prayers, Connie
Jan, what a great way to spend my evening --- catching up on all your travels. Having been to Dubai and India, I understand you 'lack of restraint' in the souk! It's been terrific reading about your adventures on the road less travelled. Trent and I are still enjoying our retirement and had a great bike ride this summer travelling back to Ontario to see our families and then on to the east coast -- Bar Habour, Maine and back. Some 11,000 kms and still happily married :). Have also spent some time at the cottage and will be out there again at the end of the month. Truly haven't been home that much in Calgary but now that the cooler weather is here, we'll be staying around the homefront. I've started to look for some consulting work and have a meeting this Friday that hopefully lead to some 'part-time' work in helping an organization set up their foundational systems. I have to do something with my time now that the bike is put away for the season -- but it's close to the garage doors, just in case some warm winds blow. The Sisters met mid-last month and we miss you at the dining room table!
It's great to be able to keep in touch with you and I look forward to future readings of all your adventures. Take care,
Theresa
An Emerging Pattern What a terrific summary of your recent trip to Pakistan. Your observations into the culture and the people of each region you visit is truly enlightning. I feel your passion, enthusiasm and messages of hope when you get close to programs which promote educational opportunities for young people(especially women) to become part of the solution. I feel your delima in questioning the value of otherwise well-meaning programs which appear uncoordinated and unsustainable and which lead towards dependency and short term solutions. Looking forward to the next installment.
Giving Thanks Dear Jan: Thanksgiving has just passed here in Canada and I cannot help thinking of you and the amazing journey you are on. I admire you greatly and I give our Lord great Thanks that you are who you are.
Travel safely my friend.
Love and Blessings,
Debra
Agriculture in Africa Hey Chica - what a great update. Can't help but muse about the synergies between what the CSF is trying to do in terms of agriculture in Alberta - and what the need is there in terms of creating a sustainable food supply for these orphanages....hmmm...get's one thinking! Take care. Luv, Chica Sue, Pica Chica and Ben xoxoxox
Living our reality Jan, I think you have seen more than i would have shown you, had we visited my village in Ugenya. Your experiences so far are the reality with which most of us Kenyans live with. My parents, who live in the village, say that nowadays, funerals have superceeded weddings and any other form of gathering there used to be. No longer do we dance to the 'Ohangla' beat as much in celebrations of joy...it has now almost become the dance that helps us shake away our stresses and sorrows as we mourn our loved ones.Indeed, seeing even just one client get better is really great. Seeing the faces of happy children is even greater. Even more, knowing that someone like you is here, living our reality and doing something to help is, indeed, the greatest!
Soak it all up Jan Your comment: "I was reminded that simple things often provide the most amusement." It's so true Jan. I learned that when my kids were young, thanks for reminding me. Nothing like a day with kids to fill up your soul. I love how you're seeing joy and hope in all things and continually share it with us all. Thanks! Love Barb
Thanks for Sharing Jan, your descriptions are so vivid. Thanks for sharing them. It is a good reminder of how small or trivial some of our challenges are here back home relative to the difficult path the people you are meeting face every day.
Ben
Take Me With You! Chica! What an amazing blog...the kids and I enjoyed it so much. Such an adventure. Wish so much I was there with you! Liam wants to know if there's lots of big bugs (sheesh!). Our adventure down the Bow River in a raft today hardly seems worthy enough to deem an adventure! LOL! We'll pretend we're on a jungle cruise. Be safe and thank you for such a wonderful read. Big Hugs and kisses from me and Pica Chica...and your boy Ben (who's getting very spoiled with lots of long walks these days!) P.S. To Gary.....very sorry, but I'm not sure you can "become" a Chica...I think we were just born this way! tee hee..
Safari I want to know what it would take to become a Chica. Since your next Safari will likely include this exclusive group, after your description of the Mara, I simply must find a way to be included. It strikes me that you are taking it ALL in!! Marg and I have enjoyed your insightful descriptions of the issues, the despair and the hope. You have given us a glimpse of the beautiful people of Africa and the dedicated new friends you have met who are trying to make a difference. You have been kind enough to share a personal search for your leadership role within this complex landscape. And now this this bonus..... this journalistic work of art you have painted for all of us who may never get to enjoy the experience of a Safari. Be proud Aunty Val. Look forward to your continuing adventure with much affection and ongoing admiration.
Jetsetter Hi Chica,
You are in constant motion!! I am pleased to read that all your travel is going well, moreover, even more surprized that each time you loose your luggage, you find them again. There must be an angel keeping a watchful eye on you, and that's a good thing! I am amazed as how many lovely people you meet on your travel path and how hospitable folks are. Take a good care of yourself.
Chica Guylaine
This Canadian Chica is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in EastAfrica. She has long sensed there is big work for her to do! This is the beginning or maybe the middle! Please join me on this journey and voyage of discovery!
... full info
Aziz
non-member comment
Thank you for sharing
I left Karachi very long time ago as a youngester. Now, reading your blog, I am overwhelmed with emotions. The life I lived in Karachi seems like a dream. Thank you for sharing,