So Much is Personal
The last 24 hours has been pretty interesting. At one point today I started thinking about how we’re able to find ways to connect with our greater lives, and then later today expanded that thought to how the more traditional ways of connecting are just as important as they have ever been.
Last night I made my usual trip to the Rec Hall to chat with Ann. At one point another guy, I suspected a soldier based on the haircut and demeanor, came on and fired up his computer and started chatting with some folks on Skype. It seemed that the whole family was together, so folks talked about how excited they were and how glad they were that he could be there. Then his commanding officer called (by my best sleuthing at least - the “Yes Captain, how can I help you . . .” when he answered the phone gave it away). The Captain obviously asked a few questions, then the fellow said, “No sir, nothing’s happened yet. She’s only at 3-1/2 centimeters and they’re prepping her now.” I realized that, thanks to technology, this guy is going to be able to share in the birth of his child. I wound up leaving about 45 minutes later and, no, I don’t know if his wife delivered a boy or a girl, but I did tell him congratulations on my way out.
Then this morning I went to the UNMIL compound to meet with their technical assessment mission (TAM) working on the UNMIL draw down that’s supposed to take place later this year. I had two meetings. The first was with a group of people that work on SSR - Security Sector Reform, and the second was with folks that work with Justice Sector reform. At the first meeting I only knew a couple of people in the room, and really nothing about the topic, so wound up mostly soaking in the information that was shared. I may have been the only person in the room that didn’t say a word once the meeting started. The instant I walked into the room for the second meeting, things were entirely different. I pretty much knew everyone and they knew me. I guess it helped that I know more about Justice issues than SSR, but the fact that folks that I know and work with were there made a huge difference. I participated, a lot, and even offered a few suggestions. I realized that I’ve built a community even after such a short time here, and that community is largely personal.
Then my last event of the day, which the UN caused me to be a couple of hours late to - the Ambassador’s farewell party. It was at her residence, with a giant tent on this huge patio overlooking the ocean. A lot of folks had obviously already left, but a lot of folks (to include Madam Ambassdor) were dancing away to a live Liberian band. What can I say, she loves Liberia and Liberians and they Love her. I guess it helps that she met her husband here in Liberia when both were here in their youth. But it goes well beyond that. She has a way of engaging with people and showing that she cares about them. She can be frank in her comments, but it’s always well intended and you know she wants to help you and wants you to succeed. One of her favorite sayings is that we are all one team, and she plays her part. Lately she’s been making her rounds saying goodbye. On one trip last week to Lofa County, a clan gave her a Liberian name. It was the second clan to do so. She sits on the floor and reads to children who have come to the embassy’s American Library. She stops and talks to people, regardless of status or position, and acknowledges them as people. And she dances, which is only one of the reasons why Liberians love her, because Liberians love to dance. I’m fortunate to have met her, to have served under her and to be inspired by her. And I will benefit greatly from her legacy. Because it’s very, very personal.
PS When I arrived at the Rec Hall to post this, I found out he had a girl!