Fly high

The bird prepares to fly to his new nest. Photo by Baikong

I think one of the greatest things in life is to wish and wish be granted. With 24 years of stepping each day to my adventurous journey, I would say honestly yet humbly, that I am one of those who are blessed to receive what I wish, what I pray for.

Two years ago, being young, aggressive, and stubborn at times, I have always wished for working everywhere in a humanitarian context. It was an influence of working with people in a humanitarian context in Mindanao, where I was born and where armed conflict never stops to give life an air.

I have seen and worked with people whose passion is helping starving children, empowering women, treating the wounded, and reporting violation of human rights. But beyond that, I worked with people who also have a dream for themselves – dream to go beyond what they are doing in towns and villages for 10 to 20 years of their local humanitarian experiences.

Two years ago, I was 22 years old still. I was young and ambitious, but I didn’t stop dreaming and working hard for it, thinking that after five years, I can go places and become other names that are well-capacitated emotionally, psychologically, socially, and mentally about the stressful and challenging environment for international humanitarian workers in order to help those who are indeed in need and vulnerable. I know, I sometimes think like a bird. I want to fly high. I want to explore. I want to test myself.

“The regional office in Bangkok is asking for my approval to offer you secondment in the position for the Cyclone Nargis Response in Burma,”

These are the few lines I heard from my line manager. I didn’t know what I felt. It’s a fix emotion of excitement and nervousness. My heartbeat is beating faster! I didn’t know how to respond appropriately. I want to act sanely, but how could I when my hands sweating? How could I, when it seems that something was stuck in my throat?

Well, I have cleared my voice. I should think logically. I told myself to expect less unless I will see and hold my ticket to Bangkok. Three days after, I have packed my bag without my tickets at all. The news fell down during the weekend and I have to leave as soon as possible. It was difficult to get flights going out from Philippines and so is domestic flight to Manila, the capital city of Philippines. I decided to go to airport even without my itinerary hoping that when I get to the airport, I have my e-ticket number. 5 minutes before I arrived in the domestic airport of Cotabato, I got my domestic and international flight confirmed. It was a big relief!

On the other hand, the pressure of getting everything done and as organized and normal as possible, had also deviated my thoughts from thinking about leaving my comfort zone, my family, my home that witnessed how I grew up, my tantrums, and my dreams.

Indeed, becoming a part of dynamic team for Cyclone Nargis Response is just a beginning for a journey in making a difference. Before I completed my mission for Myanmar, my next big dream is Africa.

“I want to work in Africa. Wherever it is in Africa, it could be Sudan, Chad, DRC, or wherever I am needed, I would not hesitate to say, yes.” Another dream that I believe it will happen soon.

No doubt, after 6 months, here I am in South Africa. Another dream came true. Another wish granted. If not of his magical approval, I might still be dreaming and working hard to achieve things closer to my heart – making a difference. For all these blessings, I thank Allah, my family, my friends, colleagues, and of course my line manager who have supported me all the way since my days in Mindanao.

This is another puzzle and journey to walk through thousands and thousands of miles away from my home but I never regret giving up the princess life I have for 23 years.

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