helen weld public health

The Zen of Munich Airport. . .

The days leading up to my departure for my 7^th trip to Rwanda have been sublime September days; full of fun visits and excursions with family and friends. It’s been the usual pre-departure whirlwind with a giant ‘to do’ list. ‘COMPUTER’ (translating as: sort through files/photos, delete, re-file, reorganize, make new folders, backupbackupbackup etc., etc.) and ‘WRITE BLOG’ were the two items NOT scratched. Now I have my chance and I am ‘seizing the day’!

I write from Munich Airport where I will be spending 24 hours, sort of like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. After arriving in Munich (0200 EST), I dutifully went immediately to the gate for my next flight to Istanbul. Stretched out on empty chairs and dozed. As the people started arriving, I moved to a seat RIGHT IN FRONT of the counter and dozed again with my head on my pack. Woke up to an EMPTY gate area, the doors locked and the plane still there. ARGH. A bit of a nightmare initially, but alas with finagling I will arrive in Kigali on the same flight, just 24 hours later. Feel so stupid. Need to wear a ‘WAKE UP!’ sign around my neck like Paddington Bear and set an alarm or two.

Looking ahead, I am excited to witness all the amazing changes, work with the new staff and live in the community in Ndera since my departure from Gardens for Health (GHI) last November. GHI is now partnering with 10 additional health centers in the northern district of Musanze (total 18) and the growing team is comprised of 114 dynamic individuals. GHI’s work and model is being recognized in larger realms including being selected as a semi-finalist for the 2014 Buckminster Fuller Institute’s Challenge. This award recognizes organizations with ‘innovative solutions to humanity’s most pressing problems’. At a gala event in Boston last week GHI received the Walden Woods Environmental Challenge Award which also honored Robert Redford.

Thanks to everyone who has helped Gardens for Health directly with donations, gifts-in-kind AND those who provide ongoing general support and interest. You have helped make a huge impact as we work with 2,180 families in the coming year and further establish international partnerships.

As I pour through correspondence, photos and documents I am filled with gratitude for all the goodness, extraordinary people, beautiful places and amazing opportunities in my life. Also very grateful that I have found a snug place to rest for the night and that I will arrive in Rwanda tomorrow night recharged!

 Helen

Gardens for Health Community Dinner

Munich Airport

Helen's Munich 'nest'