News – August 2011

A Message from Greg: So, as I sit here in the JTTI office on my final day in Zanzibar, it’s becoming more and more apparent how difficult it is to condense the past 6 weeks into a few words. In fact, the phrase “lost for words” couldn’t be more appropriate right now, despite having every intention and desire to reflect upon, and share, my experience as best as possible. However much I’d like to blame this slight mental blockage on an overdose of Alastair’s fictitious disease named “TR” (Terminal Relaxation, for those who haven’t been diagnosed previously), it would be extremely dishonest of me. In reality, without ignoring the fact that TR has definitely hit me hard since arriving here, I can only blame this current lack of expression on having perhaps too many incredible memories to talk about. While all of these truly remarkable ‘gifts’ will stay with me for the rest of my life, it’s always going to be hard to pick out the best ones. Much like with the extensive amounts of teas, fruits, and sauces stored in the JTTI kitchen, it would prove difficult for most people to pick just a handful to take (although for me the sauce is always likely to be tomato ketchup). Nonetheless, to say my relatively short time here has been amazing and life-changing would be an understatement. Simply put – it’s been unbelievable.

Before I go on, I would just like to say a massive thank you. Firstly to the people of Zanzibar and to those I have had the pleasure of meeting. Secondly, and more importantly, to Sine, for inviting me here and supporting me throughout my stay – not only as a friend and colleague, but as visitor to a completely new world. Finally, and most importantly, I’d like to express my gratitude to Alastair and Pat for giving me the opportunity to travel, work, live and engage in the daily life and culture of Zanzibar and the JTTI. As I have come to realize throughout the duration of my time here, it’s not very often that one comes across such kind, sincere and welcoming people. Much of this realization springs to mind all of the brilliant people and friends I’ve met since settling in – particularly over the past few weeks while Alastair and Pat have been away enjoying a break. However, most of this thought relates directly to Alastair and Pat, as they have so kindly let me live in their home, and have trusted me with working at their institute whilst managing a whole host of pretty important responsibilities. I hope that they have enjoyed their well deserved holiday, and haven’t been too concerned on what has been going down here in Jambiani. I’m glad to say that Sine, Yusuf and I, have managed to keep things in order and without any major problems. On the whole my time here has definitely been a unique and valuable experience for myself, particularly after spending the best part of the past 21 years in full-time education (that’s not to say I haven’t learnt plenty here). It’s also been a great way to explore myself, challenge myself, make new friends, teach people who appreciate learning so much, rejoice by playing music together, and finally (not forgetting the most important one), live life. I’ll never forget this experience.

Well Greg, all that I can say is that even though our time together with you was short, it was very apparent from our initial introduction that you would weave your way into this community with no difficulty. I don’t think Pat or I ever felt uncertain that you would not be able to manage the responsibilities that you assumed while we were on leave and such a great job you did. Your choice to be so involved with the people of Jambiani speaks highly of your openness and indeed willingness to experience life to the fullest and Pat and I and I know Sine as well as all of the students and individuals you came into contact with are grateful for your input and presence here and we wish you all the best in your continuing journey. That of course goes without saying that you would be most welcome here again if that becomes another possibility somewhere down the road. All good to you!!

Pat and I have been back in Jambiani now for almost two weeks and as always, it was really nice having some quality down time but it also feels good to be in the “Jam” again and back into our “swing of things”. The clinic is open once again and we are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Else Christensen who will be arriving on Zanzibar at the end of this month. Else is from Denmark, a Chiropractor of substantial experience and it will be as always, nice to finally meet her after the usual rounds of internet communication that usually precede a visit from our volunteers. In fact we have quite a line up of practitioners scheduled in for the remainder of this year and well into 2012 so we have to be grateful for this level of support. On the school side, Sine is now on her break and all we can say about her is that she is one amazing lady. Multi-talented across a broad spectrum of skills and I know Pat is so happy to have her on board. We love you Sine and hope your time off is relaxing and wonder-full. See you in September. By the way, Sine writes a very frank and “no holds barred” blog and I would highly recommend that those of you reading this update visit her page especially if you want a more detailed insight into life here working with HABS. Check out http://www.sineheitmann.com/ Also, the man himself, Mr. Ishwar Persad has arrived safely and my goodness, what a talent this delightful human being is. Ishwar brings with him an amazing history of travel and work from Trinidad to Montserrat, Jamaica to Puerto Rico and on and on. His background is perfectly suited to the job position here at the JTTI and I know once again Pat is so grateful to have such a qualified individual underpinning the ongoing programs here. Ishwar is on a VSO placement and hopefully will be with us for two years. Karibu sana Ishwar. Ishwar is maintaining a blog spot so if you would like to read his updates, please go to http://trininomad.blogspot.com/, I’m certain you will find his stories to be entertaining and enjoyable to read. Alibi’s Well continues to thrive and we are now ranked by Trip Advisor as the number one place to eat in Jambiani so congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the evolution of the “Well” The next school term will begin on September 19th and with that it will be “Full steam ahead” once again as both the first and second year diploma students return and the ongoing short courses ramp up to full capacity. One final note, we are planning to upgrade and essentially redesign our website in the near future. I’m not sure how this will affect the timing of our following updates but if there is an unusually long delay between this post and our next one this will probably be the reason why. We hope you all are well wherever you may be, that life is good and that positive energy is your constant companion as you move through this lifetime hopefully inspired by the magnitude of it all and mesmerized by the intelligence that seems to lurk wherever you may choose to look. Peace and love from the entire HABS team in Jambiani. 🙂