PART 1
Well there
you have it, an additional year has whistled by us without any notice upon. A year of so many up and down’s but with so
many historic moments for me personally. I want to recap with you all what a
landmark year 2012 has been for me.
2012 got off
to a start for me in London, UK. It seemed like just another new year, with not
a clue what it will bring for me. As usual, all New Year resolutions were set
with full knowledge it won’t last probably more than a month. But still, it
gave me reasons and gratitude to set it up. The cold long nights where getting
shorter and summer was coming around the corner. All the while, Somalia was
always my main interest. I had a slight urge to come home but thought maybe it
was too soon. So I waited for the next 6 months, pondering whether I should get
out of my comfort zone and contribute to my country in any way possible, even
if it meant to just visit.
One sunny
May, relaxing at my family home, I just let it all out. “Im going to Somalia
guys, what do you all think?” I stated to my family. “Good luck!” was the point
blank answer I received from my sister’s whiles my mother, who I always turn to
for advice, was supportive and knew it was going to be my destiny. You see, you
can never get old from my parents, regardless of your maturity or experience.
And I made sure I consulted the person who I have always admired without any
hesitation.
As a week
went by, I started to read more and view many recent videos of Mogadishu, to
see the current situation at home. All in all, I was getting great feedbacks
from the views to where I really felt, Somalia is changing for the better. I
contacted so many family members back home, all giving me rave reviews of the
current situation. I knew my historic moment of going home was very near,
although I must admit, fear of the unknown is one fear which frighten the hell
out of me.
As time went on, I gradually got to accept of
the decision I had made. I knew it would be tough, but I felt a whole
adrenaline going through my whole body. 20 years I’ve been away from home, and
could not really remember any visual images, just stories and glimpse of
flashbacks. I had to go back.
After excitedly
waiting, finally the big day had arrived, May 30th, there was no
going back. Ticket all booked, via Dubai, and the time had arrived to wave
goodbye to my family. Reality was here and my destiny was Somalia.
On the
flight out, there were some Somalis, who just like me, were making the trip
back home. We called it “operation Dib Ceelis” (Operation back home) for laugh,
to jitter away our excitement to another level. It felt good, I must say, to be
surrounded by fellow Somalis, all eager to go back home.
After a
brief stop at Dubai, we headed out on our journey to Mogadishu. This time, the flight
was packed to capacity of fellow Somalis, with not a single seat available.
“This is Awesome” I thought, to see whole generations, and different accents
all going to their motherland. Amongst the passengers were quite a few foreign
faces. I had a seat next to a white Canadian woman, who was going to Mogadishu
to file a report for her organisation. I asked her if she sees this as a
holiday opportunity, with the reply “25 years ago, yes, now, no”. We laughed
while I told her simply, “I’m sure Mogadishu will welcome you, as a nation, we
are eager for a change”. Amongst others,
were young and old, majority going home for the first time in decades, while
other youngsters being their first time ever. It was truly a magical moment. A
journey I will never forget.
 |
| Approaching Aden Abdulle Airport, Mogadishu |
As our
plane landed, we all looked at one another with the thought of; is this really
happening? Are we finally home? One by one, we emerged from the plane, all
being welcomed by the bright sun with the smell of salt water, coming from the
stunning Indian Ocean. The euphoria is unimaginable, one which runs through
your whole body touching the foundation of your soul. Home is where the heart
is, and I was sure my heart was at home.
Just into my
third month in Somalia, the election was taking due course. It was an historic
moment and I had been honoured to be at the front line to catch up all the
inside info. First all MPs were selected followed right after by the house of
speaker’s nomination. But all this did not beat the race for the top job, the
Presidential election. This was our first ever election in just over 40 years,
moment to cherish as a proud Somali. I’m sure by now we all know our winner,
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a well known civil servant in Somalia.
After some
long weeks and months with a lot catching up and consuming our recent election,
I had an opportunity brought to me which I could not resist. Somali Youth
Development Network (SOYDEN) approached me with an offer to work for them. I
mean this is everyman’s dream, to work at your home country and witness the
revival first hand. I could not reject this prospect. This was a moment I never
expected, but cherished. I had a wealth of experience on working within
community projects, and this was just that, to input my expertise to revive the
youth of Somalia.
They say the
things you never expected tend to be healthy for you, and I took that into much
consideration. I knew it would be one massive challenge, but without challenges,
you can never know your inner self and the capabilities you possess.
Settling
into my new work environment was a major confront. Not in any negativities but just the learning
of the work culture in Somalia. 7.30am is when people tend to start work, with
the latest being 8am. Back in the UK, we all almost start at 9am with a 5pm
finish. The beauty of Somalia is, by 2.30pm – 3pm, work is done and its time to
get home.
Part 2 will
consist of my time working and adjusting to my new environment, and will be
posted within a week. I wanted to do this because:
- Time was not on my side
- I have a lot more to say and wouldn’t want to bore you all
Stay tuned!
Deeq – Editor
- PPG
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