Diary - Thursday, November 8, 2007 

Jambo:

My experiences in Africa are not ones that I shall soon forget. While part of me looks forward to going home to friends and family and no more bug bites, constant sweating, power outages and water shortages, a part will miss this place more than I ever could have imagined. At this point I do not know if I will ever be able to return, but a little piece of my heart shall always remain. The pictures I had in my mind before I came could not come close to the reality - the weather, the landscape, and the people – at times overwhelming, sometimes surreal, sometimes sad, but always welcoming and beautiful. When I am back in Canada and thinking of Zanzibar, I will always remember the ever present smiles, not only with the mouth but also in the eyes, and the abundance of greetings from everyone you meet.

During my stay at the Jambiani Wellness Centre, the North American Thanksgiving holiday took place. When we went around the supper table giving thanks for something, I gave thanks for the internet search engine Google, for that is how I found Alastair and Pat and their little clinic in Jambiani, Zanzibar and a life changing opportunity.

My time in the clinic has been amazing – where else would your patient bring you fresh papaya from their farm in appreciation of your services? The people are so open to anything that will help them and they grin and bear it even if the treatment involves some initial discomfort. In addition, they responded so quickly to the acupuncture (and some reiki as well) that I couldn’t believe it. A colleague had a similar experience in Nepal and she felt that it was because the people there were more spiritually grounded and didn’t carry all the mental/emotional baggage so common in North America. Perhaps this is at play here as well. I will miss my patients and the ever patient interpreter Chai dearly. And while I came here with the intention to help people with my services, my life has also been enriched in immeasurable ways and my appreciation for my life in Canada has grown.

I have also had the opportunity to take in some excursions such as the Spice Farms, Jozani Forest (which included a ride on the dala-dala or local bus if you can call it that) and a short mainland Safari (asante sana Pat) that were just fabulous.

I have also met some really interesting people on vacation from places like Denmark, Norway, Germany, England and Italy whom I would not have met otherwise. Many of these people initially came years ago for a one-time vacation and, having fallen in love with the place, have since built vacation homes here so that they can return again and again.

Then there are the boys – Sebastian and Noah from Victoria, BC spending their gap year in Africa after high school. They will be here until the end of December helping teach classes in the school. Dare I say that I will miss them too? Their humour and zest for life have made for some entertaining moments. And I must thank them for their patience when accompanying me shopping in Stonetown; waiting for me while I searched for just the right bowl or stopped to take yet another picture of a carved door of Zanzibar.

I would like to thank Ali Baba (Alastair) and Mama Pat for doing what they do; it’s an amazing adventure they are part of. I can’t imagine taking on what they have with the clinic and the school. Asante sana!
Kwaheri.
Geri LeBeau.

Well, thanks so much for that contribution Geri. On behalf of HABS and all those people you were able to help during your time here in Jambiani, we would all like to thank you for your commitment and service to this community. Tunashukuru sana na keribu tena!!

It was unfortunate that you were here at a time when we were going through a lot of chaos and atypical problems with our water and electrical supply but hopefully, as you have intimated, all of that will give you a greater appreciation for the quality of services available in the “West”.

Once again, thanks a million Geri and all good to you with all your future plans and endeavors.

Well, as usual, things are really hopping around here as we finish up the third week of classes in the JTTI (Jambiani Tourism Training Institute). According to Pat, everything is working out very nicely and the students are adapting to a schedule that is probably quite a bit more demanding than what they have experienced previously. The class of 2009 seems motivated and eager to improve their skills and abilities and we are really excited to be part of their journey. As I mentioned previously, Pat will be providing an update regarding the school activities just as soon as she gets a spare moment. Here are a couple of pictures from the computer class.

Needless to say the Centre is pulsing with such good energy that by just walking in you immediately start to feel better. :-) Barb will be with us until the end of this month and Owen and Doris will be staying on until the 11th of December. I’m also hoping that they too will contribute some thoughts and insights into their experiences here either in this or a subsequent update.

Our Grand opening of the school is now scheduled for the 14th November and we are anticipating a very large turnout with many dignitaries including her Excellency, Mama Shadya, wife of the president of Zanzibar expected to attend.

I think this has to be one of the biggest milestones of the project so far and we are pretty relieved to have come through this year long journey relatively intact although we could sure use a holiday about now.

One project that Owen is spearheading is the construction of an outside deck/patio for the juice bar/restaurant. We have actually taken this opportunity to create a workshop/practical experience for some of the local builders and others who are interested in acquiring some new skills so this has all the earmarking of another win-win situation.

I will add more details concerning this fabulous project in our next update.

I know our main man Kent at eMotion Media Group will be on holidays in December so our next update may not get posted until the New Year however, I’ll try to get one out before they depart with details of the opening etc.

OK, that’s about all for now. We hope this latest news finds you well and with great energy as the “Holiday Season” approaches and the gathering of friends and families reminds us that love connects us all.

The Computer Class	The Computer Class
We are delighted to have Barb Hunter, RMT with us again	We are also delighted to welcome two of our closest friends Owen and Doris Seeton from Victoria
Here are a few pictures of the first meeting that occurred a few days ago to orientate everyone to what will be transpiring over the next three weeks or so.