Monday 28 January 2013
Wednesday 23 January 2013
Monday 21 January 2013
Davos 2013: Haiti
3 years ago I recall being in Davos fielding a great level of enquires around partnering in Haiti just after the earthquake
Today I was interviewed on them.
My interviewer asked me a question, if you we're able to go back what would you have done differently.
I had no answer. He asked me this months ago. Even now when re-asked I still don't know.
What happened was not perfect not was it text book. However, it was real. It was what I was able to do under the pressures that I had. I certainly wished there was more I could do rather than less. But really the answer was kind of nothing. I certainly would not have learned what I did had it not been for the mistakes. I would maybe not have gone out there, supported an athlete to come over and compete in the Paralympic Games. Not worked with a family who lost their son during the earthquake. I guess without all that shaping experience I would not be where I am today.
Whilst not perfect... I am grateful for the learning process.
Today I was interviewed on them.
My interviewer asked me a question, if you we're able to go back what would you have done differently.
I had no answer. He asked me this months ago. Even now when re-asked I still don't know.
What happened was not perfect not was it text book. However, it was real. It was what I was able to do under the pressures that I had. I certainly wished there was more I could do rather than less. But really the answer was kind of nothing. I certainly would not have learned what I did had it not been for the mistakes. I would maybe not have gone out there, supported an athlete to come over and compete in the Paralympic Games. Not worked with a family who lost their son during the earthquake. I guess without all that shaping experience I would not be where I am today.
Whilst not perfect... I am grateful for the learning process.
Sunday 20 January 2013
Davos 2013: five
This is our fifth Davos.
We came here with one goal: to create, to forge, to stir a deep understanding amongst the community of the World Economic Forum of global issues. The last four years it has been of displacement, upheaval, migration and forced removal. This year it's about depravation, not having enough and poverty. These issues are close to our hearts.
The solution we seek is not a given nor a prescription. It is a dialogue of will. The will to engage with such issues and the will to transform on these matters.
Success is the stirring of hearts and minds to act. The answer in my brief spell in the humanitarian world (15 years now) is never singular nor one size.
I'm open to listen and learn this year more so than before.
This year I long to see this stirring and do my utmost to help shape that for the least of these.
Can't believe its been five years. It may even be our last too.
What a privilege.
We came here with one goal: to create, to forge, to stir a deep understanding amongst the community of the World Economic Forum of global issues. The last four years it has been of displacement, upheaval, migration and forced removal. This year it's about depravation, not having enough and poverty. These issues are close to our hearts.
The solution we seek is not a given nor a prescription. It is a dialogue of will. The will to engage with such issues and the will to transform on these matters.
Success is the stirring of hearts and minds to act. The answer in my brief spell in the humanitarian world (15 years now) is never singular nor one size.
I'm open to listen and learn this year more so than before.
This year I long to see this stirring and do my utmost to help shape that for the least of these.
Can't believe its been five years. It may even be our last too.
What a privilege.
Davos 2013: A prayer for papa
It was certainly a chase.
A chase to be on time. A chase to get to the check in desk. The lady and team were quick to not let us get through and scare us away. Whilst only arriving with one minute to spare. The words "we can't guarantee your luggage will get there" never brings assurance from a budget airline.
A chase then to get through the departure lounge. A chase to avoid being searched. Which snared one of our team. A chase for us to split and to stall the at the gates for the one left behind. Running to the gate. Around an entire duty free shop due to their ikea style walk through the entire store path.
My first running since my operation too.
Making it with minutes to the last call. Passengers still boarding. But only just.
The two left behind surface. Panting from their running. We got in. We collapse. We fly.
At Zurich after the long route to baggage reclaim we wait.
They arrive. Our luggage made it.
A sigh of relief.
My phone buzzes with a Text to say my son impromptu prayed for me. His request, 'Please can I pray for papa?' followed by "Dear lord Jesus please be with papa wherever he goes, always be with him"'
Amen to that and thanks for the prayer son.
A chase to be on time. A chase to get to the check in desk. The lady and team were quick to not let us get through and scare us away. Whilst only arriving with one minute to spare. The words "we can't guarantee your luggage will get there" never brings assurance from a budget airline.
A chase then to get through the departure lounge. A chase to avoid being searched. Which snared one of our team. A chase for us to split and to stall the at the gates for the one left behind. Running to the gate. Around an entire duty free shop due to their ikea style walk through the entire store path.
My first running since my operation too.
Making it with minutes to the last call. Passengers still boarding. But only just.
The two left behind surface. Panting from their running. We got in. We collapse. We fly.
At Zurich after the long route to baggage reclaim we wait.
They arrive. Our luggage made it.
A sigh of relief.
My phone buzzes with a Text to say my son impromptu prayed for me. His request, 'Please can I pray for papa?' followed by "Dear lord Jesus please be with papa wherever he goes, always be with him"'
Amen to that and thanks for the prayer son.
Saturday 19 January 2013
Davos 2013: it starts, again
Five. Five years I've been doing this.
It's 4.24am. Been awake 64 minutes already today and I'm waiting.
Waiting for "it" to start again. Waiting for collection. Waiting to get prepared. Waiting for action stations. Waiting to stir hearts and minds for action. Waiting for whatever "comes" next.
Am I ready? Am I prepared? Do I have all I need?
The questions are legion and the answers amorphous.
First part of the journey: avoid the snow to make the journey. Snow disruptions imminent. Snow contingencies at the ready. Our paths are set on a collision course within the next 32 minutes.
Still waiting.
It's 4.24am. Been awake 64 minutes already today and I'm waiting.
Waiting for "it" to start again. Waiting for collection. Waiting to get prepared. Waiting for action stations. Waiting to stir hearts and minds for action. Waiting for whatever "comes" next.
Am I ready? Am I prepared? Do I have all I need?
The questions are legion and the answers amorphous.
First part of the journey: avoid the snow to make the journey. Snow disruptions imminent. Snow contingencies at the ready. Our paths are set on a collision course within the next 32 minutes.
Still waiting.
Wednesday 16 January 2013
Children's Stories
I came home buzzing.
It was the bit with the Eagles. I remember it. It excited me then and it did today when I saw it on the screen and even more so with the prospect in the morning when a tell the boys.
The thrill of an adventure. The changes in the heroes rising to challenges. Insurmountable odds. Hope fading. The stuff of legends.
I just saw the Hobbit.
Loved it. Loved the experience of stepping out, just briefly, into a very different world.
Critically, the film was good (not great nor the best). The 3D added depth and cinematic experience.
But what I loved was the thrill of an adventure which elevated the whole experience.
Oh and the bit with the eagles was as good as I remember. The amount of times I've replicated that in stories for my little ones.
A friend shared... upon a dusty Kenyan road travelling a very long journey his head rested well upon his mothers lap. Her loving hand stroking his young hair. The words uttered were of the adventure and challenge of a small, reluctant, and unassuming hobbit who journeyed with 12 dwarves and a wizard to meet a dragon. He rested and listen transfixed to every word and dulcet sounds of a mother with excitement. It was his earliest memory.
I can't wait to tell my children about it.
It was the bit with the Eagles. I remember it. It excited me then and it did today when I saw it on the screen and even more so with the prospect in the morning when a tell the boys.
The thrill of an adventure. The changes in the heroes rising to challenges. Insurmountable odds. Hope fading. The stuff of legends.
I just saw the Hobbit.
Loved it. Loved the experience of stepping out, just briefly, into a very different world.
Critically, the film was good (not great nor the best). The 3D added depth and cinematic experience.
But what I loved was the thrill of an adventure which elevated the whole experience.
Oh and the bit with the eagles was as good as I remember. The amount of times I've replicated that in stories for my little ones.
A friend shared... upon a dusty Kenyan road travelling a very long journey his head rested well upon his mothers lap. Her loving hand stroking his young hair. The words uttered were of the adventure and challenge of a small, reluctant, and unassuming hobbit who journeyed with 12 dwarves and a wizard to meet a dragon. He rested and listen transfixed to every word and dulcet sounds of a mother with excitement. It was his earliest memory.
I can't wait to tell my children about it.
Monday 14 January 2013
Lunch
Last year a mate helped me out.
He is the Head Chef of a pretty swanky place. Make that "extremely" swanky place.
He attended an event that I helped with and in turn said he'd give his services for an auction for a private function with locally sourced foods and delights. Someone paid over £1000 for the honour.
He gave all the proceeds away.
He even sent his marketing colleague to the "slums" we constructed in Chancery Lane last summer.
Today i stepped into his restaurant.
I was on his territory. It was luxury, followed by luxury. Man, I never thought of serving a exotic soup in a cup the size of an espresso glass served next to a bhaji. Then there's the starters.... and it went on. Wow. I even didn't know we'd get a glass of bubbly on arrival. The staff came over with the hugest smiles. It strange I'm used to meagre foods and food security situations yet today I enjoyed plenty. Was even able to suggest serving a "menu" from the slums for a day... which really excited me. Thanks for looking after us and if I may highly recommend the Paternoster Chop House in London.
He is the Head Chef of a pretty swanky place. Make that "extremely" swanky place.
He attended an event that I helped with and in turn said he'd give his services for an auction for a private function with locally sourced foods and delights. Someone paid over £1000 for the honour.
He gave all the proceeds away.
He even sent his marketing colleague to the "slums" we constructed in Chancery Lane last summer.
Today i stepped into his restaurant.
I was on his territory. It was luxury, followed by luxury. Man, I never thought of serving a exotic soup in a cup the size of an espresso glass served next to a bhaji. Then there's the starters.... and it went on. Wow. I even didn't know we'd get a glass of bubbly on arrival. The staff came over with the hugest smiles. It strange I'm used to meagre foods and food security situations yet today I enjoyed plenty. Was even able to suggest serving a "menu" from the slums for a day... which really excited me. Thanks for looking after us and if I may highly recommend the Paternoster Chop House in London.
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