Walking the Portuguese Camino last autumn was a remarkable adventure with beautiful, unexpected encounters. It's incredible how such a journey introduced me to a diverse array of people – some fleeting, others like Michal Haaks, who has become a cherished connection. Together, we ( me, her and a couple of other gorgeous people) traversed through sweaty, challenging moments and also shared some uplifting, magical experiences. Since then, Michal and I have kept in touch, a testament to some of the unique connections formed on that pilgrimage walk. However, as life progresses, Michal has embarked on a new chapter in Africa. So, I seized the opportunity to ask her to pen a brief travel letter for my blog.
- Name: Michal Haaks
- Age: 26
- Education: M.A. Political Science
- Hobbies: Running (e.g. with my group), reading, being informed about politics, socializing by meeting in Cafés
- Vision for its own future: Working in the NGO world. I see myself giving something back to people and helping others.
- Vision for the future of humanity: I wish our world would be less violent and humans would listen more to each other.
And this is how she illustrates her journey in a country I did not know much about:
Since the beginning of this year, I've been staying in Manzini, Eswatini. Many people haven't heard about this country, partly because it was renamed a few years ago from Swaziland, and also because it is a small nation nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. About half of the population, which stands at 1.2 million, lives below the poverty line. I'm working with Caritas Eswatini, an NGO affiliated with the Catholic Church. Currently, I'm involved with the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) and I visit a boarding school for children with disabilities twice a week.
Recently, we completed a project at a refugee camp, funded by the Catholic Church, where we provided rice packages for around 400 refugees, mainly from countries like Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Somalia. Many have been there for over a decade without legal permits or status. Hearing their stories firsthand is heart-wrenching – stories of why they fled their countries and the challenges they face today.
It's difficult to articulate the emotions stirred when someone shares that their life is still at risk even in a refugee camp, pursued by their home country's government. What can you possibly say to that? For me, I've decided to initiate a personal project to provide refugees with basic hygiene products like soap, as most of them lack access to it, posing risks of further illnesses. While it may seem small, I hope it makes a difference in their lives, albeit minor.
I've also had the chance to explore Eswatini's breathtaking landscapes. The country's mountainous terrain offers stunning vistas almost everywhere you go. Bulembu, a village in the northern part, stands out as a serene and beautiful spot, a contrast to the bustling life in Manzini, the largest city with just over 100,000 residents.
In my free time, I've discovered a cozy café where I occasionally indulge in an iced coffee and joined a running group that hits the road at 4 am to beat the heat. We even traveled to Nelspruit, South Africa, for a half marathon, which was an amazing experience. Running with this group brings me immense joy and sets a positive tone for the day.
Overall, living here has been an incredible experience. Life may be slower-paced at times, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and lifestyle.
As for the biggest difference from life in the Western world, it's hard to pinpoint. There are certainly significant differences, but I'm cautious not to label them as better or worse. One noticeable aspect is the straightforwardness of most people – they tend to speak their minds without hesitation.
Thanks for stopping by to check out this post. If you haven't yet, hit subscribe to get my updates and new posts. Don't miss out on more fun – catch me on Instagram. Need some tunes or movement inspiration? Head over to my Spotify (look for Movement Coach Parisa) 🌟✨and while you're on the journey of discovery, make sure to pay a visit to Wise and Shine – a vibrant blogger community that never fails to inspire.
No comments:
Post a Comment