Thursday, January 21, 2010
Helping Haïti
I have been getting numerous e-mails about the tragedy in Haiti. This outpouring of concern and sympathy touches me deeply. Many of you have asked what you can do.
My partner has worked in some difficult postings in his career. Countries with little infrastructure, dire poverty, natural disasters, violence, critical governance issues. One of them was his own country, Haiti. He has suggested a tiered approach based on his experience in post-disaster and post-conflict:
1. Now: Contribute money to international disaster relief and humanitarian organizations. The need is always bigger than their budgets. They know what to do on the ground to limit casualties, provide shelter, food and medical attention. Every little bit counts.
2. Now: Provide emotional support to people affected directly by the tragedy, either those being flown to the US and Canada after the quake, or those already there grieving. There are few Haitian Canadians or Haitian Americans not deeply touched by the disaster. Showing that your care helps with the grieving.
3. Now: Help a family you know. Many Haitians are already suffering from the economic crisis and are not in a position to support their extended families who are now more destitute than ever. Proposing to offer some form of help to their loved ones in Haiti will help them indirectly without looking like a hand-out, which they would never accept.
4. In the months to come: Contribute to the reconstruction of Haïti. This is harder to define and will happen over the next many years, but there will be many avenues to contribute professional skills to give this proud country a second chance. If you are interested, contact me and I will put you in touch with the ones who have sent me information to date.
Merci.
My partner has worked in some difficult postings in his career. Countries with little infrastructure, dire poverty, natural disasters, violence, critical governance issues. One of them was his own country, Haiti. He has suggested a tiered approach based on his experience in post-disaster and post-conflict:
1. Now: Contribute money to international disaster relief and humanitarian organizations. The need is always bigger than their budgets. They know what to do on the ground to limit casualties, provide shelter, food and medical attention. Every little bit counts.
2. Now: Provide emotional support to people affected directly by the tragedy, either those being flown to the US and Canada after the quake, or those already there grieving. There are few Haitian Canadians or Haitian Americans not deeply touched by the disaster. Showing that your care helps with the grieving.
3. Now: Help a family you know. Many Haitians are already suffering from the economic crisis and are not in a position to support their extended families who are now more destitute than ever. Proposing to offer some form of help to their loved ones in Haiti will help them indirectly without looking like a hand-out, which they would never accept.
4. In the months to come: Contribute to the reconstruction of Haïti. This is harder to define and will happen over the next many years, but there will be many avenues to contribute professional skills to give this proud country a second chance. If you are interested, contact me and I will put you in touch with the ones who have sent me information to date.
Merci.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I was born in Port-au Prince, Haïti. My two parents are from the South of the island. I am still reeling from the images of devastation. At the other end of the world, on the coast of a different sea, I get so choked up, I have to walk away from the television screen. I am not even a first-hand witness. Friends and colleagues are sending messages hoping that our families are all right. Thank you for your empathy. My partner isn’t speaking much. Close relatives have been found, but so many are still missing. The city of his youth is gone. The country of my birth is suffering terribly. “Incomprehensible and cruel tragedy”, said President Obama. Surely this small and proud nation should have been last on the Earth’s hit list! Can anything good come out of such devastation?
I am a firm believer in human resilience. How else could Haitians still be standing, and this first Black Republic still be hobbling along? But somehow, this is just too much. Intolerable. 100,000 dead, wounded. How many more crippled emotionally.
My parents left Haitï 50 years ago. I can only imagine what some members of the Diaspora feel as they frantically try to locate their loved ones -- all the while wondering, in some cases, if they were right in leaving them behind. I hear the US neighbor is sending help. Also, France the old amie/ennemie. Even China is showing pictures of a few dozen technicians in orange suits rushing to vehicles taking them to the airport. But, it will be the Haitian Diaspora: the taxi drivers, the cleaning crews, the teachers, the doctors, the friends, who will come through again and again. I pray that each human being living in the desolate aftermath will find in himself or herself the will to survive. God bless you.
I am a firm believer in human resilience. How else could Haitians still be standing, and this first Black Republic still be hobbling along? But somehow, this is just too much. Intolerable. 100,000 dead, wounded. How many more crippled emotionally.
My parents left Haitï 50 years ago. I can only imagine what some members of the Diaspora feel as they frantically try to locate their loved ones -- all the while wondering, in some cases, if they were right in leaving them behind. I hear the US neighbor is sending help. Also, France the old amie/ennemie. Even China is showing pictures of a few dozen technicians in orange suits rushing to vehicles taking them to the airport. But, it will be the Haitian Diaspora: the taxi drivers, the cleaning crews, the teachers, the doctors, the friends, who will come through again and again. I pray that each human being living in the desolate aftermath will find in himself or herself the will to survive. God bless you.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Leaving tomorrow for my Canadian Winterland after close to 6 months in Sri Lanka. I sit on my terrace sipping coffee watching the crows gorge on a jackfruit in the neighbor’s tree. The temperature has not yet reached 30 degrees, it’s balmy, the sky is blue, the dappled sunlight is making its way toward my chair. We woke up before dawn this morning, restless and not knowing why. On his way down the stairs, Fred lost his balance, missed a few steps to land on his knees on the landing where a collection of West African masks are hanging on the wall. He called me from the office later to tell me to watch the world news. Haïti has been devastated by a major earthquake at 3:00 AM our time. Somehow, we felt the connection, sensed that something was terribly wrong, thousands of miles away. He spent all day phoning the Embassies, his relatives in the US and Canada, trying to find out if members of his extended family were safe. I sent e-mails to show support to some of my friends. I am not able to make sense of this catastrophe.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Life on two continents
My short sabbatical has come to an abrupt halt! I now have a schedule that stretches over 18 hours and two continents! How did this happen?
Mornings start with messages to North America. I get this strange pleasure catching up on a whole day of activities on the other side and being able to respond at my leisure. There can be no impossible deadlines when you are 10. 5 hours ahead of your clients! Then it’s time for having breakfast on my terrace. I don’t think I will ever tire of tropical plants in the sunlight. There are lunches here, meetings related to Pluralism, my new passion, sometimes I get to the pool a few streets down. Then afternoon comes, and I am back at the computer finishing my work for Canadians.
I have never been an early bird, not even close! Getting up when it’s still dark and cold, and rushing to get to a session I facilitate - with my mop of hair still damp - has been the least favorite part of my day. Fortunately, it always went uphill from there. What a treat now to be able to pre-empt all those smug early birds who get up at 5:00, all bright eyed and bushy tail, and look at the rest of us frumpy, dozing humans with a superior air. Now I can send them e-mails at the crack of their dawn. Bliss! But then the e-mails require responses and I get into my evenings. The queries require information, and I get busy with research. The friends say hello, which requires a hello back. Then there are SKYPE conversations. Next thing I know it’s 1:00 AM my time, and my better half has long ago given up on me.
I take the plane at the end of this week for Ottawa, which explains some of the frenzy. I will be happy to see everyone I can get to see in a few short weeks. But then, do I continue waltzing over the oceans, back and forth. What about all those plans I had for my sabbatical… I always think deep thoughts while my neighbours snore on long flights. Something about being in the air and knowing your life is literally in suspension. Looking forward to some insights!
Mornings start with messages to North America. I get this strange pleasure catching up on a whole day of activities on the other side and being able to respond at my leisure. There can be no impossible deadlines when you are 10. 5 hours ahead of your clients! Then it’s time for having breakfast on my terrace. I don’t think I will ever tire of tropical plants in the sunlight. There are lunches here, meetings related to Pluralism, my new passion, sometimes I get to the pool a few streets down. Then afternoon comes, and I am back at the computer finishing my work for Canadians.
I have never been an early bird, not even close! Getting up when it’s still dark and cold, and rushing to get to a session I facilitate - with my mop of hair still damp - has been the least favorite part of my day. Fortunately, it always went uphill from there. What a treat now to be able to pre-empt all those smug early birds who get up at 5:00, all bright eyed and bushy tail, and look at the rest of us frumpy, dozing humans with a superior air. Now I can send them e-mails at the crack of their dawn. Bliss! But then the e-mails require responses and I get into my evenings. The queries require information, and I get busy with research. The friends say hello, which requires a hello back. Then there are SKYPE conversations. Next thing I know it’s 1:00 AM my time, and my better half has long ago given up on me.
I take the plane at the end of this week for Ottawa, which explains some of the frenzy. I will be happy to see everyone I can get to see in a few short weeks. But then, do I continue waltzing over the oceans, back and forth. What about all those plans I had for my sabbatical… I always think deep thoughts while my neighbours snore on long flights. Something about being in the air and knowing your life is literally in suspension. Looking forward to some insights!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Fermentation
My own coach Gwen likes to say that these last six months have been a time of fermentation for me. The image fits. Yes I have had busy times more recently, but I also have more time on my hand than I have ever had in my life. I can’t remember a time when I was not working. Jobs at adolescence, attending university, stepping into a profession at a young age, mothering, becoming a consultant, starting my own firm. So these last six months have been a first in my life.
I have walked aimlessly or taken the infamous three-wheelers all over Colombo. I have bought tropical plants in all colours and shapes, just for the pleasure of it. I have spent hours drinking lime juice at Barefoot on Galle Road, and fell asleep in my garden with crows and parakeets making deafening noise overhead. I have read book after book, sometimes more than one at the same time. I have been bored!!
Why a sabbatical? The timing was right. Son is grown up, my parents are still in good health, plus my life partner got posted to the other side of the planet. Even before the stars all lined up, I felt a strong need to reorient myself and by extension my business, to better reflect the value I place on personal growth, on creativity and on a human focus in all endeavours.
I have had a hard time explaining why I left the federal public service, why I left my job in the private sector, why I set up my own business, or made important changes to my personal life. Every time I turned a page, I experienced a battle royal with myself. The outcome was never quite what I expected and the silver lining not obvious for a while. Once I reached my destinations, I did realize eventually that nothing can be rushed, not even oneself!
We grow at our own pace and should be thankful for not getting exactly what we want, when we want it. What does appear after fermentation is usually just what was called for.
I have walked aimlessly or taken the infamous three-wheelers all over Colombo. I have bought tropical plants in all colours and shapes, just for the pleasure of it. I have spent hours drinking lime juice at Barefoot on Galle Road, and fell asleep in my garden with crows and parakeets making deafening noise overhead. I have read book after book, sometimes more than one at the same time. I have been bored!!
Why a sabbatical? The timing was right. Son is grown up, my parents are still in good health, plus my life partner got posted to the other side of the planet. Even before the stars all lined up, I felt a strong need to reorient myself and by extension my business, to better reflect the value I place on personal growth, on creativity and on a human focus in all endeavours.
I have had a hard time explaining why I left the federal public service, why I left my job in the private sector, why I set up my own business, or made important changes to my personal life. Every time I turned a page, I experienced a battle royal with myself. The outcome was never quite what I expected and the silver lining not obvious for a while. Once I reached my destinations, I did realize eventually that nothing can be rushed, not even oneself!
We grow at our own pace and should be thankful for not getting exactly what we want, when we want it. What does appear after fermentation is usually just what was called for.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Les phase de transition - une tranche de vie
Les philosophes et théoriciens nous parlent souvent des phases de la transition et expliquent de façon logique ce qu’ils perçoivent comme étapes bien définies dans ce processus humain. Comme je viens de vivre (et vis toujours) un processus assez intense de transition en laissant le Canada pour le Sri Lanka -- tout en n’étant pas Sri Lankaise, mais une Canadienne d’origine haïtienne, d’âge un peu mûr pour partir à l’aventure -- donc compte tenu de cette expérience un peu inhabituelle, j’ai décidé de documenter les phases de mon aventure en espérant que d’autres s’y reconnaîtront et se sentiront moins seules dans leur propre transition…
Phase 1
Aucune énergie, pas d’idées. Envie de rien, sensibilité à fleur de peau. Rhume, grippes, troubles intestinaux (bon, il y a aussi certains facteurs tropicaux en jeu…). La machine semble tomber en panne. Les psys parlent de burn out. Moi j’ai vécu un excédent d’eau au contraire. Je me sentais baigner dans un liquide opaque. Une larve dont les yeux coulaient facilement.
Parfois un éclair qui rappelle l’acuité intellectuelle d’antan. On se donne le change et donne le change aux autres, mais au fond, on a à peine l’énergie nécessaire pour compléter le déménagement, répondre à quelques courriels et avoir des conversations qui ont une queue et une tête.
Phase 2
Grondement et colère. Envie de tout laisser tomber. Alternance entre le sentiment d’être la victime et l’envie d’étriper son pauvre compagnon qui n’y est vraiment pour rien… ou presque. Tout est vu comme sale, laid, difficile (bon il est vrai que les grandes villes d’Asie ont leurs défauts). Il ne fait pas chaud, la chaleur est étouffante! Les gens ne sont pas souriants, ils vous dévisagent et vous disent oui quand ils savent que c’est non! La grande maison n’a que des problèmes – fuites d’eau, termites (eh oui!), plombs qui sautent régulièrement. En plus, personne ne semble comprendre ce que c’est qu’une consultante en relations humaines! Dans les lunchs d’affaires on me demande quand on pourra rencontrer mon mari! Grrrrrrr, Rien ne va plus.
Phase 3
On est courbaturée à force de résister au changement, mais on commence à voir la lueur au bout du tunnel. On s’intéresse aux regroupements de femmes professionnelles. On pense à un projet de recherches sur le pluralisme qui nous ouvre des portes intéressantes. On sourit enfin à son compagnon. On se fait des amis sur place. On cultive ses contacts et reprend goût à son entreprise. Des idées germent, des possibilités de collaboration avec des Instituts en Asie, et la consolidation de relations d’affaires au Canada. On envisage même d’aller livrer des projets à Ottawa en plein mois de janvier…
Pour le reste, je vous invite à revenir me lire….
Phase 1
Aucune énergie, pas d’idées. Envie de rien, sensibilité à fleur de peau. Rhume, grippes, troubles intestinaux (bon, il y a aussi certains facteurs tropicaux en jeu…). La machine semble tomber en panne. Les psys parlent de burn out. Moi j’ai vécu un excédent d’eau au contraire. Je me sentais baigner dans un liquide opaque. Une larve dont les yeux coulaient facilement.
Parfois un éclair qui rappelle l’acuité intellectuelle d’antan. On se donne le change et donne le change aux autres, mais au fond, on a à peine l’énergie nécessaire pour compléter le déménagement, répondre à quelques courriels et avoir des conversations qui ont une queue et une tête.
Phase 2
Grondement et colère. Envie de tout laisser tomber. Alternance entre le sentiment d’être la victime et l’envie d’étriper son pauvre compagnon qui n’y est vraiment pour rien… ou presque. Tout est vu comme sale, laid, difficile (bon il est vrai que les grandes villes d’Asie ont leurs défauts). Il ne fait pas chaud, la chaleur est étouffante! Les gens ne sont pas souriants, ils vous dévisagent et vous disent oui quand ils savent que c’est non! La grande maison n’a que des problèmes – fuites d’eau, termites (eh oui!), plombs qui sautent régulièrement. En plus, personne ne semble comprendre ce que c’est qu’une consultante en relations humaines! Dans les lunchs d’affaires on me demande quand on pourra rencontrer mon mari! Grrrrrrr, Rien ne va plus.
Phase 3
On est courbaturée à force de résister au changement, mais on commence à voir la lueur au bout du tunnel. On s’intéresse aux regroupements de femmes professionnelles. On pense à un projet de recherches sur le pluralisme qui nous ouvre des portes intéressantes. On sourit enfin à son compagnon. On se fait des amis sur place. On cultive ses contacts et reprend goût à son entreprise. Des idées germent, des possibilités de collaboration avec des Instituts en Asie, et la consolidation de relations d’affaires au Canada. On envisage même d’aller livrer des projets à Ottawa en plein mois de janvier…
Pour le reste, je vous invite à revenir me lire….
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