And So It Ends

The Events

Altogether I ended up having four different farewell parties: one in Zanzibar, one in Mogadishu and two in Nairobi. It is not something I would have wished for. I think I would have been happy riding off into the sunset without any sort of party, speeches, cakes, gifts, etc. Some people like that sort of thing. They make me uncomfortable.

Group photo from Zanzibar

Having said that, I must admit that there were some enjoyable moments. The Zanzibar event emphasized the long journey with the organization going back to the beginning in 2006. The Mogadishu event pulled together colleagues and friends from different parts of Somalia. The first Nairobi event focused mostly on my team and colleagues based in Kenya. The second Nairobi event was organized by friends (and my wife) unrelated to my job.

Nairobi with dear colleagues and friends

 While I’m uncomfortable listening to people make speeches about me, it was sort of fun to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the many things that we have gone through together: accomplishments, tribulations, humor, etc. A lot happens when you do this sort of thing for a living.

Nairobi with friends (and family)

One thing you realize is how much impact one can have, whether you realize it or not. Several people made comments about things that I said or did over the years. Some of the statements I remember making. Some I don’t. Either way, these are things that had an impact on people and they have stayed with them over the years. While it’s gratifying when it is positive, it makes you wonder how many things you said that possibly had a negative impact on people. When you’re in a position of influence, there will always be both.

 

The Cakes 

(there was one in Zanzibar but I don't have a photo) 

Nairobi - staff/colleagues

 

Nairobi - friends

Somalia - staff, govt. & other agencies

Idaho - family (shared with brother's birthday)

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Overall, I must admit that the timing of my departure could not have been better. It is not only good timing for me, I think it is good timing for the organization as well. Mentally, I’m more than ready to step aside. Ten years is a long time to work in Somalia. Twenty-one and a half consecutive years in East Africa. It’s time.

But it’s also a good time for the organization to have a change. I think it will be mostly healthy. I’m just hoping that my emphasis on gender equality will continue and that the fears of potential clan bias that have been expressed to me won’t be realized. This has been an issue that has impacted other organizations that have made a similar transition and it’s something I didn’t have to deal with.

* * *

And so it is that I end my blogging about my humanitarian career – at least for now. On to new adventures.