Africa
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…
Read MoreHappy in the Sun
Let’s be clear. I was never a sun worshiper. I burn just looking at the sun, but I can’t say that I don’t have a love for it. Summer was always the best growing up. It stretched on forever, with afternoons spent on the gorgeous and refresher South Umpqua River. I have always been known…
Read MoreIt’s a Small World
The more you get out in the world, the smaller it gets. I met up yesterday with a good friend of my father’s who first traveled to Africa thirty years ago. My father would often invite him over to encourage global discussion that might not otherwise happen in Eugene, Oregon. Turns out that one of…
Read MoreDay Two in Mogadishu
We start off day two as you come to expect as an aid worker; waiting. We work our connections to ensure safe passage into the camps. Without the distraction of a connection it allows me to catch up on emails, still waiting in my outbox for a connection. Wishing my connection would allow me to…
Read MoreDay One in Mogadishu
On the right, fluffy clouds cast shadows on the glistening sea. On the left, the only legitimate IDP camp (Internally Displaced People) comes into view; orderly tents that belie the conditions faced by those that call them a temporary home. In comparison, they are the lucky ones, with services and conditions that while minimal are…
Read MoreSomalia 2.0
As I head off to Mogadishu in the morning, less than six hours from now, I thought I’d share some of the latest dialogue about the worn torn city, dubbed by many as the most dangerous place in the world. Despite is rightly earned reputation, it seems that things are on the upswing. Here is…
Read MoreBack on the Road
After just about a year hiatus, this nomad is back on the road. I realize as I set out for the next six weeks, on an admittedly ambitious itinerary, that what may be typical for me is anything but normal. My itinerary may make you tired, or likely concerned, just by reading it! April 13…
Read MoreForced Slow Down
There are times when life throw you stuff. Then it often throw more stuff at you. That’s how it goes. Life’s little challenger course, so to speak. With the recent death of my father, I’ve had plenty of time grieving, and yet at the same time I’ve kept up my normal pace of life.…
Read MoreOwen & Mzee
So my nephew introduced me to the a wonderful story about a turtle and a hippo becoming friends. When I picked this book up at the holidays, one evening at bed time, I was excited to see that the turtle and the hippo were from Kenya! Their names are Owen and Mzee, Mzee meaning old…
Read MoreOwen & Mzee
So my nephew introduced me to the a wonderful story about a turtle and a hippo becoming friends. When I picked this book up at the holidays, one evening at bed time, I was excited to see that the turtle and the hippo were from Kenya! Their names are Owen and Mzee, Mzee meaning old…
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