Life Changing Wow Jan, what a life changing experience you are having. Just picturing the scene at the aids clinic makes my stomach tighten and I'm thousands of miles away reading a story!! Seeing it first hand ,as you are, is something that stays with you forever I am sure. People talk about making a difference but you are just out there doing it...can't think of anyone who does it better either. As usual, you are a fab role model for all. Keep the stories comin', they are so interesting and as told with the "Jan twist", also always very entertaining. Take care of yourself. Love M
Hey Chica Jan! WOW! I've just reviewed all of your journal entries... I am truly touched by your brave heart and your incredible spirit -- Your lets get down to the nitty gritty and find a way, somehow to participate, organize, help. You are an inspiration, Jan. Thank you for sharing with all of us...I hope I can some day participate and help in a very real way just as you are.
Not quite sure how this blogging works. So here goes. God bless you, Jan!
Cindy
Amazing...wow Jan,
I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your experiences! My family as well. We hear bit's and pieces from papers, news etc..regarding some of the issues countries such as Kenya are facing..you have given us faces to the problems. I can't think of anyone I know that would represent Canada in a better way...what you have experienced in such a short time...wow!...thank you again for sharing. Head stand.....I'm impressed...I don't think I'm ever letting go of that wall. Take Care xo
Wow Hi Jan,
Just read through your amazing adventures Thanks for sharing - they bring tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. You and all your new friends will be in my prayers.
Joan
Happy Travels Have a great time on your Aga Khan tour. Hopefully you'll have access to a computer so you can keep us informed of your progress.
Do you realize that one year ago today (Aug 14) we spent the afternoon lounging by the pool at the villa, we had our first dinner at Trattoria del Vecchio Prof., and we had a late night dip at the Terme Antica?
Ciao bella!
Building the Capacity to Deal with Such Unimaginable Situations Jan, I can see you are already building your own capacity to help the people coming to the clinics. I just know by being involved in this way you will be begin to build your capability to make small differences and bigger ones as time goes on. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and helping us learn too.
Ben
Caught up in the wonders and mysteries of Africa Hi Jan, I'm hungry for your blogs each day/week, thanks for sharing your personal adventure of discovery. It's one thing to talk about "wanting to help... make a difference..." you're doing it and on the front line. My heart goes out to the angle in the pink dress, as she represents for me the very heart and soul of Africa that is being claimed by AIDS. I'm moved by your willingness to give of yourself Jan. Thinkin' of you daily. Love Barb
This is so sad I can imagine the things you are seeing, but could never really feel what you are feeling without actually being there. Its so sad that with all the human races acomplishments we cannot put a stop to such suffering. All I can say is keep your chin up and keep the faith.
heartbreaking This made me cry and feel so guilty about all of the things I take for granted: health, wealth, a secure future.
Keep circulating stories like this.
Oh my!.... ...you have been busy since you left! I'm just back in the office from holidays and have enjoyed reading about your travels very much. So touching and hitting much closer to home thanks to you. We are so thankful for what we have. I was reminding my children at dinner the other day that we have much in this life and my 4 yr old suggested that we go through all the clothes and give some of them to the kids who don't have any. Hearing that was pure balm for the soul!
Anyway, thank god for computers and cell phones! It sounds as though you're fitting in rather well...how could they not be taken with that wonderful personality of yours? JKG has been away from the office for the past three weeks so I'm printing all of your blog pages for his weekend reading. Let me know if there's anything you need and I'll get my men right on it!
Take care...blessings to you,
Barbara
Nothing routine about your routine! Glad to hear you were just cutting back on your communication... I was just beginning to get a little concerned. Rubbing shoulders with CEO's, dancing with the locals, and finding time to organize your volunteer opportunities.... what a great routine. My biggest decision each day continues to centre round a choice of a 7 iron or an 8 iron. Feeling a little guilty. Off to Montreal for a visit with family and friends for the month of August. Catch up with you when I get back. Marg and I send our love and collective hugs.
Very pleased to read that the daily routine is going well Hi Jan,
I just want to drop you a note before leaving for Québec early tomorrow morning, returning at the office on Aug. 8.
It's comforting to read that your accommodations are cozy and the surroundings are safe enough so you can go for a morning brisk walk. Looks like you have a pretty good routine already set up. I love your breakfast menu, nothing better than fresh fruits to start the day, it reminds me the breakfasts we had in Nicaragua. Bonus!!.. you can also have a good capuccino.
Hope you can tag along with the europeans on some of their ventures. Wishing you well with your plans to volunteer, concerning menu planning this looks like it's going to be a fun project. I will catch up when I am back from Québec.
Take care
Cheers,
Guylaine
You continue to inspire and amaze me... Jan, you are so amazing. I continue to be awed; inspired and motivated by your journal.
Thank you for being you.
Travel safe; hugs and prayers,
Debra
WoW! Hello my " Sistah"-
What an amazing journey to date-thank you! thank you! for sharing it with us all.
You brought tears to my eyes with your eloquent discription of life where you are and a great chuckle with your need for an evening bag. Only you!
Please let us know what you need and where we can send it -anything can be found and dispatched asap.
Your hosts sound incredible and I'm so glad that they are looking after you.
There is a wonderful quote that I came across..."One' s only regret in life is the failure to act". YOU, my friend-will never have a regret!
All is well here-Theresa and Trent continue their motorcycle adventure-unfortunately in the rain. Nurse Betty is doing well and I will see her as we cross the Highwood Pass tomorrow-we will be thinking of you. Am having coffee with Nollind on Tuesday and life as Smelly Mae is good.
I loved the pic of you and Sue-Hello Sue! if you see this!!
Looking forward to your next entry and should you see Joesephat again-please give him a hug for me. I am sure you will be leaving pieces of your heart throughout your journey.
Until next time-stay safe and take good care!
With a Hug;Angie
You are an incredible lady!
Hang on to Hope Hi Jan,
It has been so wonderful to get your blog messages and stay with you during this incredible journey you have embarked on. You are very descriptive and write so well ... I can picture it all and have been overwhelmed with the stories. I know they are out there ... I hear them in various circles, yet from our comfortable chair, it is so difficult to relate. You have chosen to embrace the experience, the heartache, the discomfort, the smells, the sights that I have only read or heard about second hand. You will never be the same!
Knowing the conveniences, and the government intervension that seems so logical, yet so detached, must seem frustrating. However, change happens one at a time and you are filling a wonderful need by being involved. I cheer you on ... I pray for you ... and I am excited to hear all you are learning along the way.
Stay well and safe, my friend.
Linda Feltmate
Your Journey Dear Jan,
You are very special and will make a difference in this world. Enjoy the moments.... good ones and sad ones. We much appreciate the ability to travel with you on this site and really see what the rest of the world faces daily. Travel safely.
Aunty Lynn /Uncle Allan
Assertiveness Training???? Chica!...the fact that you took the training..and did not teach it...is enough to keep me in stiches for many days to come! Loved reading about your experiences this week. And seeing you in the pictures makes it that much more real! Big hugs from all of us..especially Pica Chica and Ben.
permission Hi Jan, Glad all is going well for you. I am blown away by what you have learned already! I was wondering if you would mind if I use your blog in part in my classes next year as a learning tool and second question is whether I may be able to use part of it in the writing I am doing for the social studies 30-2 text book I am co-authoring for Oxford? thanks for considering it. Debbie.
You go girl!! Way to go Jan. What a super first week. So enjoying your travels/trials. May the Good Lord continue to bless you and keep you as you find your way.
Warm regards,
Bruce
Admiration I was listening to Bev Longstaff on the CBC today talking about the homeless issue, sustained poverty reduction and United Way's role in calling for a "summit" of all stakeholders to deal with these issues. Yes the homeless numbers have increased dramatically and there's a call to action. While listening to Bev, I could not help but think of you and the conditions you must be observing. Your blog is so timely and put the issues we have in Calgary into perspective. I'm not dismissing them in any way, but it made me think in relative terms. I thought of your words ... "it doesn't have to be this way" and where is our government when it comes to basic needs of safe, clean and affordable housing. I have so much respect for what you are doing and look forward to your continued communications. Be safe.
Quite a week you had!! Hi Jan,
Wow!! You had quite a week, you are definitely getting more familiar with the surroundings and people's daily life. I am sadden, but not surprised to read that the nationals do not get much help from their own government concerning sanitation, water, etc. these are basic needs that we take for granted. I am pleased to read that you now know and can demonstrate the proper condom use and disposal, way to go girl!!
On another note (your) David just called and mentioned that he sold his condo (Joy!!), also inquired about if I can post a few more adds on his behalf on our company classifieds, and also mentioned his interest in going fishing with David and I, that would be fun, we could turn that into a pic nic / fishing trip.
Thinking of you and I am very pleased to get some news and know that you are OK.
Take care Chica, sending you way some hugs and lots of love.
Cheers,
Guylaine
Cousin Janet, Well...I can't believe it ...your mom and dad told me your going to Kenya...but your really there! I look forward to hearing about your
journey. You are an insperation! "Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it" -Buddha. Namaste. Cousin Cari xo
Adjusting well to new life Hi Jan,
I am very pleased to read that you are adjusting well (not considering the jet lag) to your new life and that your hosts are such nice people. It makes a big difference to feel welcomed and included by the other expaths. Also good to hear that the area where you live is safe enough that you can go for a brisk walk or to the supermarket on your own.
Awaiting the next "blog", my thoughts are with you, take care!!
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
Mairi
non-member comment
Life Changing
Wow Jan, what a life changing experience you are having. Just picturing the scene at the aids clinic makes my stomach tighten and I'm thousands of miles away reading a story!! Seeing it first hand ,as you are, is something that stays with you forever I am sure. People talk about making a difference but you are just out there doing it...can't think of anyone who does it better either. As usual, you are a fab role model for all. Keep the stories comin', they are so interesting and as told with the "Jan twist", also always very entertaining. Take care of yourself. Love M