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Diary - Sunday, January 27, 2008
This experience has shown the quality of a lot of things I take for granted at home. Basics like water and electricity, watching television, and jumping into the car to pick up a few things at the store. We have it so good! Here, if the lights go out, we don’t know if it will be for minutes, hours, or even days; although, so far, it has only been for hours. It means no hot meals, no water pressure and no more water coming to the house, so we must conserve even more. And no computer classes for the students at the HABS School. TV is pretty much limited to viewing video clips on the computer. And doing a bit of grocery shopping quickly turns into an all day adventure that must be done weekly so we have a fresh supply of perishables (Thank you Pat!). The amazing thing is how the people here are so relaxed about everything. “If not today, then tomorrow.” My teaching experience has been great, though a little stressful at times (my stuff!). The students have grown through the experience; and I have as well. Everyone in the classroom was a little nervous the first few days and now they are all smiles with their “Good Morning Mr. Joe” and their “Thank you Teacher Joe.” These young adults are quick to laugh and smile despite being quite limited in resources. Most seem to have only one or two sets of clothes, but for the most part they are kept clean and neat in appearance. Having completed all of the schooling offered through the village schools, they are keen to learn more about the visitors from around the world who come here to visit or live. They quickly learn to talk a little in English and are very interested in learning to type and to use the computer. The short courses classes are full and the students sometimes split the class time to take turns at a computer. So I’m very glad I came to Zanzibar. I’m richer for the experience, and I know the lives I have touched over the past weeks are richer as well. Joe Pennimpede
Personally, I thought I was coming here to help people, and I’m sure I have in some small way, but nothing in comparison to what I have received. The friendly, trusting and whole-hearted acceptance of the people here has warmed my heart, and reminds me of what is truly important, the quality of personal connection and that we are all on this magnificent journey together. Thank you Ali Baba and Mama Pat for allowing me to be part of your incredible adventure. Ahsante Sana, Dear Joe and Irene, On behalf of Pat and I, the entire HABS team here in Jambiani and of course all of those lucky people who had the good fortune of being treated by you or educated by you, we would like to thank you both so much for making the commitment to come to Zanzibar. You really went the extra mile with everything that you did… our cupboards have never looked so good!!!! :-) Joe, I still think you, Owen and I should pursue the ideas that we discussed about “The Good Little House Boy Company”. I can see great potential there for an astounding business opportunity. Let’s not let this vision die! :-) Once again, thanks so much for everything that you brought to this project, both physically and energetically. We are grateful. Tunashukuru sana!!!!
The first picture was taken during one of many house calls that I along with several of our volunteers have been providing to this woman for over three years now. Bi Chichana had a stroke and is now confined to her bed for the better part of everyday. She’s such a fine person and it’s really a pleasure to work with her and to experience her positive outlook on life. Asante sana Bi Chichana!!!! The second picture was taken in the Centre with an Italian Aid worker who was on Zanzibar for some well deserved R and R. Fortunately for him and for us he had had a chronic neck problem for over 5 years that was responding well after only two treatments. A good reason for us both to smile.
We have a couple of new volunteer teachers with us at the moment. Brea Seger hails from the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia and after a short placement in Kenya, found her way to us and to a position in the JTTI where she is teaching ESL, Computer and other topics as required. Brea is a lot of fun to be around and is a positive spirit which helps us all to stay on track and focused. A new arrival is Kim Botwright. Kim is presently in the middle of her GAP year before she starts studies at Oxford University in the Fall. Needless to say Kim is a bright soul and we are looking forward to getting to know her better over the next few weeks. She is also quite an accomplished athlete (100M, 400M) and runs regularly so hopefully her presence will motivate me to keep up with my own exercise routines lest I get fat and lazy and more prone to the brutal affects of TR. We are also happy to report that Jenn (JB) Bruce, a massage therapist presently practicing in Ottawa, Ontario has arrived safe and sound. JB is a real “live wire”, full of enthusiasm and definitely a very talented individual on many levels. She is just finishing up her first week in the Centre and she has been doing some great treatments on a variety of individuals. We’re really looking forward to spending more time with Jenn and we’ll try to get her to add some of her impressions of her experience here in a later update. I just recently received a note from Barb Hunter so I’ll paste that here now for your information. Jambiani, a small village on the island of Zanzibar, East Africa also known as the spice island is where I made my home for the month of November, 2007. This was not my first time to the island of azure blue waters, exotic spices and colors as vibrant as the people themselves; I had also spent time here in September of 2005. The cause... volunteer massage therapy. My journey to Africa all began in the spring of 2003 when I saw an article written by a massage therapist in our quarterly journal. Half way through reading about her experience on Zanzibar with the Hands Across Borders Society comprised of Alastair and Pat, a husband and wife team from Victoria BC and a small group of directors, I felt my heart pounding with excitement. This was going to be my first big adventure and a childhood dream realized. I could hardly wait to get to my computer and type in the address provided to all people interested in volunteering. Within a short time after sending my e-mail I had a date confirmed. Now 4 years later I have made the journey to Africa twice and am in anticipation of my third. So what keeps me yearning for more? Well, it has been said that once Africa gets into your heart it is there forever and for me it had it’s grip the moment I experienced the warmth of the people’s smiles, the excitement and curiosity in the children’s eyes and this place so culturally different from home that I was immediately refreshed and my senses awakened in ways I had never known. Now, that said, there is a certain allure to living in a warm, sunny climate and beautiful house with modern amenities on one of the most spectacular beaches in the world with a view of the sunrise that knocks your socks off. But wait, there’s a catch, in return for bountiful beauty I give back and that is where the magic lies. For four days a week five hours per day I make the two minute journey through the tropical garden in the backyard where I am greeted daily by smiling cheerful gardeners to the clinic, a modest building with wide open windows and ceiling fans to keep us cool, where people await their turn for treatment. This year I was working alongside Alastair, a fabulous chiropractor and the man behind Hands Across Borders Society, Chai, our Swahili/English translator and Doris from Victoria, BC who was volunteering Reflexology treatments. Between the four of us we were able to treat, educate and put big smiles on the faces of the people who came in search of our care. In our clinical practice we see a variety of people from young to old with everything from the common overuse injury to more serious problems such as paralysis. One of my more interesting and heart wrenching cases was a young man who had severed his spinal cord after falling from a coconut tree 5 years previous and is subsequently paralyzed from the waist down. The interesting part is that he didn’t have the luxury of follow up care in the form of physiotherapy, massage therapy etc. and was not educated by the doctors as to the severity of the condition and therefore was still under the assumption that his spinal cord would possibly repair with the help of us. Fortunately for me, Alastair was positioned to give him the news that he would most likely not walk again and I was able to smooth it over with a therapeutic massage. Together, Alastair and I were able to help this group of people move forward through honesty, care and education about actions that they can take to improve the quality of this young man's life. The clinic is not the only place that volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the people of Zanzibar. During my stays I have spent many hours walking the beaches conversing with the people who before too long become my friends and while it is a ton of fun for me it helps them to improve their English skills. Knowing the English language opens up many opportunities for work and networking with the tourists and is therefore a skill that is sought after. I have also had the privilege of attending Rotary meetings in the city of Stone Town, spa consulting for one of the small luxury resorts and teaching massage classes to those interested in learning. In November, I was very happy to be at the grand opening for the juice bar/restaurant and free tourism school that Alastair and Pat of the Hands Across Borders Society have worked hard at creating for the past few years. The juice bar is at the front of the building and has stunning views of the beach and ocean. This is where all the practical experience for what is taught, by volunteer teachers, in the classes located at the back of the building will take place. The building is located on the same lot as the clinic and volunteers home and it is therefore a leisurely walk to get from place to place, which suits the ultra laid back vibe of Zanzibar. The free tourism school with a curriculum that is hard to match in Africa will be sure to give what the students need to find the jobs that they want and is a step closer to fulfilling the Hands Across Borders dream of helping the people of Zanzibar to create healthier, happier lives through education and health care. My time spent on Zanzibar and the various stopovers to and from the Island has made me grow and appreciate this planet that I live on and the people that inhabit it more than I could have possibly imagined. The intricacies of a society that still largely exists on outdated technology but is suddenly seeing an influx of tourists and the technology that they bring is creating a dynamic that is as much a struggle for the locals as it is a blessing. Imagine making $35-$100/month when a lemon is a dollar, you're still cooking over a fire in a hut and feeling that you need to have a cell phone and money for the internet to keep up. Through all this the people of Jambiani and Zanzibar still remain very rich in family, friends, spirit and integrity and it shows through their warm hospitality, smiles and energy. If you want a unique adventure I would like to encourage you to volunteer your services with a small reputable organization, it is one of the fastest way to learn about the culture, make friends and contribute to the success of those around you. If you have any questions about the above please feel free to contact Barb Hunter at essencetherapy@hotmail.com Thanks for that Barb. As always, we appreciate your positive approach and input into whatever it is you decide to do. :-) I think that is about all I have to say for the moment. Life is good and we continue to do our utmost to keep this ball rolling in Jambiani. All good to each and every one of you!!! Alastair and Pat and the “Jam” crew!!  |
I will sum up my whole experience while here at Jambiani as “Interesting.” Virtually everything is different. Not bad or good, but different. From the first steps off the plane onto the hot tarmac in the blazing midday sun, to that first drive on the busy road out from Stonetown, I have found that even the familiar things are different.
Hands Across Borders would perhaps be more aptly named “hearts across borders”. There is so much more here than “hands on” therapy in the clinic. What Mama Pat and Ali Baba have created is nothing less than phenomenal. Through living in Jambiani, Pat and Alastair have become an integral part of the community, not only of this small village but also of the whole island of Zanzibar. We all give lip service to the common saying “a hand up is better than a hand out”, but the Jambiani Wellness Centre and Tourism Training Institute have embodied that concept. Their inside awareness of what is really required here has such an impact on the quality of life in this community and will reach far into the future. They have raised the bar, so to speak, in promoting a higher standard of ethics, accountability, and the concept of setting goals to achieve life long rewards. In the words of my niece Jenna, who works with small children, “do for, do with, cheer on!” I salute the both of you for your insight, awareness and compassion.
I’ve had a few requests from friends for a couple of recent pictures of myself in case you’ve forgotten what I actually look like.
I’ve been trying to get Pat to add some words to describe her perspective on the JTTI and its evolution but she seems a tad busy these days so we can only hope that she will pause for a few moments to fill you in on the details. Needless to say, the second semester is well underway now, and everyone seems to be much more relaxed and comfortable with such a new and relatively challenging educational environment and experience. It has been very rewarding to witness this change and to know that all of the students are on track to achieve excellence in their new found careers.