With my own Two Hands

I have been a big fan of Ben Harper for the last fifteen plus years. I like the fact that his lyrics still inspire me to think after listening o them time and time again.

On my flight to Somaliland, it was With My Two Hands that was food for thought. I strive to make the world a better place, but it is with far more than my own two hands. Over the last three and a half years, I have had the great fortune of working with approximately 400 staff at any one time, in eight striving countries of Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia/Somaliland).

I have worked with some of the most dedicated people in the world. I am reminded of some of my favorite doctors in Eastern DRC who risk their lives to help improve the health of others. Going back further, to a teacher in Kandahar province whose own father told him that if the Taliban came to his house that he would call him out of being a teacher, likely punishable by death, and yet still he taught.

People are often impressed with what I do, and where I go, but the support and resources that I help to provide to local staff is what really makes the difference. They are the ones who really make the sacrifices. Most also do so because they love it, as I do. It is also easy to see a true difference in the lives of others, particularly with those most in need in this great big world of ours.

To all the fabulous staff who dedicate themselves to the betterment of others, and themselves in turn.

Cheers,

Miel