I’ve just finished my third day of the workshop for all new HIV/AIDS Specialists hired by UNFPA throughout Africa in the last few months. And, let me say, I am so happy to be here for so many reasons. Cape Town, orientation, new colleagues, new family, new mentors, shopping!, lightness, eats, rest.
Cape Town
It is simply beautiful here. The scenery is very much like Hawaii or Southern California, with dramatic mountain ridges along beaches and sea cliffs. The vibe is relaxed, chilled out, beachy. The weather, in this early spring season, is cool but sunny, topped with lovely blue skies dotted with puffy while clouds. The people could be from the suburbs of LA - going about their daily lives, driving on gorgeous freeways, shopping in phat malls, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken or sushi, listening to cover songs while having the grilled seafood platter at wharf. It’s hard to believe that I’m in Africa, except that it’s South Africa, with its own, special flavor: introduce the racial dynamics of this place - post-apartheid. So, think of it as Honolulu but with its harsh issues. I’m certainly coming back, and even had fleeting fantasies of buying a place here. So, let’s see what happens.
Orientation
This is that I’ve been waiting for - someone to tell me what I’m supposed to be doing in Luanda. It’s as if the gray clouds have parted, letting the sun shine down on me. The past three days have provided the context for the challenges of working on AIDS in Angola. Hearing about the experiences of my colleagues in other African countries has lightened my load, and relieved the pressure of feeling like I’m doing this work on my own. I know now why I’m here, what my mandate is, what is and isn’t among my responsibilities. This clarity has given me a fresh, clean perspective and provided me with a path forward. I feel like I’m starting again in Angola.
New Colleagues
This is not to say that I don’t have wonderful colleagues in Angola. BUT now, to be able to draw upon the expertise, support, and feedback from more than 50 peers around the Continent, has given me a greater appreciation for the ways in which I can draw on others to get the job done. And, by the way, how diverse is Africa! From my friend from Ethiopia to my Malian friend working in Senegal, to my Nigerian friend covering Malawi, there is a wealth of knowledge, experiences and insight that I can draw on as a newcomer to Africa. And, I’ve made quick friends with Gary, an American-Swede who is covering Botswana. We’ve shared the challenges of being new to this organization and to the work.
New Family
What a blessing indeed! My dear friends Marcelle and Dominic, currently at Columbia University, are Cape Townians, and they graciously shared their family with me. So, Mama and Papa Abrahams took me in to their warm home after waiting for my flight to land three hours after I was due. Nonetheless, they waited and welcomed me with open arms and took care of me like they would a member of the family. And, boy did I soak it up! (Thanks Marcelle!) They indulged me, taking me shopping for bed linens, kitchen items, and other things. What a blessing, not just for this week, but now, I will have a certain piece of mind when I return to Angola, knowing that I have a new family 6 hours’ away. Saturday night, we’re going to a dance! Should be good times…
New Mentors
Another blessing! Agathe is a dynamic, funny, humble woman from Togo, who is the head of the Johannesburg UNFPA Regional Office. She’s a fantastic woman, leader, mentor, and role model in the world of the UN. Steve is an American who heads up the UNFPA HIV/AIDS unit out of NYC. He’s savvy, knowledgeable, respectful, and strategic. He’s also a fantastic soul.
But Back to Me…
Just to say here that I’ve also managed to pamper myself a little bit. Certainly, I enjoyed my shopping, but also indulged myself with a massage in my hotel room the other night (knocked me out!), ate KFC and sushi (not on the same night…), take desert every time (yummy!), and sleeping well.
Back to Luanda on Sunday…in the meantime, I will enjoy the rest of the days here and soak it all up! Much love, Celina
