I stepped off of the plane in Nairobi, somewhat groggy, as I didn’t sleep on my first flight, but glad that 25 hours of flying was over. I felt as though I had already been to Nairobi from all the other friends that I knew that had passed through there. When I landed, I took in the sights of Nairobi- (well, the dark sights of Nairobi as it was late). Before I came, I had realised that I usually compare where I am with where I have been. I guess it’s normal, because we as humans, or maybe it’s just me....(that could be highly probable), like to associate new things with what we know. I know that it gives me a sense of comfort. But, I also realised how much I am cutting things short. I can’t then enjoy things for what they really are- otherwise, it’s just a similar version of this other thing. So, based on C.S.Lewis, who said, “Blessed are they who do not have expectations for they shall not be disappointed”, I came. And Nairobi is quite beautiful. So, I had a couple of easier days in the office of reading information and getting ready to come to Somaliland. I also had a nice surprise. I was able to catch up with my friend, Dorette, from Haiti who also happened to be in Nairobi at the time. In the midst of so much newness, it was great to have someone familiar to just laugh and have a good time with.
So, as of now, I’m based out of Somaliland. Somaliland is an autonomous province (i think that’s the official term) in north western Somalia. The next day, early in the morning, I went to the airport to fly to Hargeysa. And then I mostly slept for the 5 hour drive after the flight. So my time here has been busy but good. I’ve only been here in Somaliland for 2 ½ week s, but I’m getting the hang of it all (or at least so I think so). I’m really excited about my project. It’s a WASH project working to fix the broken water sources that exist, distribute ceramic water filters and also promoting hygiene. Hygiene might not seem like much in the midst of a drought and famine. So many children under 5 die of diarrhoea. This number could be significantly reduced by handwashing with soap. You can find out more about bits of the different aspects under my WASH project at www.medair.org. Just look for the stories about the Somaliland/Somalia country program.
Somaliland is different from most countries in Africa, in that it’s quite ugly. There isn’t much here, except for some shrubs. My first time in the field to distribute water filters, there was one tree in a 2 mile radius or something crazy like that. The rocks in the riverbed are so white from no rain that it hurts your eyes to look directly at them because they are so bright. So, I spent 4 days in the bush. Oh, it brought me back to the days in Liberia....when I was a poor little intern drinking bad water and thus having the big D (diarrhoea) if you’re not up to speed with the terms, in the middle of the bush. We were building latrines then, so there wasn’t anywhere to go to the bathroom. There weren’t latrines here either, but luckily, I didn’t have diarrhoea. I had Immodium. . So, we went around with the nutrition team and while they did their thing, we looked at berkards (water reservoirs) and shallow wells that we could rehabilitate. The bush is one of my favourite places to be. Looking under the stars, without cell phone service, internet, electricity, or any other distraction that we have become so accustomed to. Although I have to admit, I did miss taking an actual shower. But I did hear some neat stories. So, there are hundreds of camels here (yes, I want five and even have hygiene names picked out for all of them!). When we were looking at shallow wells, there were camel herders there watering their camels. They would sing. I thought it was nice, but then my translator, Farrah told me that you HAVE to sing or the camels will not drink. That made me smile. Okay- that works for me. I’ll remember that when I have my pet camels- although I need to figure out how to put a $500 camel in my budget....
So, yes. Somaliland. It has already proven that it will be quite challenging, but exciting. I have a feeling I will learn a lot, I already have. Plus, this has been the job I’ve wanted since I started relief work. This is where I must have my personal shout out time. To Mrs. Beverly Kauffeldt.
Not only did you teach me that Beverly means the beavers meadow or something corny like that, but you were the reason I fell in love with WASH, well, back then it was still WATSAN. Your passion for WASH made me want to have that passion too, along with the grace you showed.....well, kind of showed me....when I made mistakes, like drinking bad water when I knew it was bad....(remember that conversation? I think it went something like this....Me: So, you can’t yell at me. Tell me you won’t yell at me. Bev: Okay. I won’t. Me: I drank bad water and now I’m really sick. Bev: WHAT? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Me: Um, I think you’re yelling. Bev: No, I’m just speaking very forcefully). You taught me how to help people without hurting them. The true meaning of being a relief worker. Of giving all that you have, even though rarely will you ever feel as though it is good enough. I have said it before, and I mean it again now. If it wasn’t for you and Bossman, your guidance and wisdom and teaching, I would have seriously missed out on awesome experiences and people in Haiti, Darfur, and Somaliland. Now, I find myself in the position of managing my own WASH project. You are no longer here to catch me when I fail, (as it is sure to happen). But I can look back on the steps that led me here, starting with Liberia. The confidence you had in me, I now have in myself... that maybe, just maybe, I won’t completely screw up. But most of all, you taught me that having a passion yourself, not only sparks passion in others, but it helps guide them along the way. Thanks for being there to guide me to where I am now. I am older now, and maybe I’ve learned a bit more.
As I was driving across the desert, a familiar tune played between my ears. Sung by a Somali- a man named K’naan whose country I now find myself. The tune simply said, “When I older, I will be stronger. They’ll call me Freedom, just like a wavin’ flag.” How appropriate.
Patty
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