It feels like months since I have returned from Mozambique and, after all, it was last week. It was such a whirlwind to be back, that I kept postponing to sit down and do my reflections of yet another amazing trip.
The Power of One
I can’t help but observe the Power of One in each of our team members there and here. Each one focused on the goal of changing lives, but each one also connected to each other to multiply the individual impact into sustainable change. Finding a local team stronger than ever before strengthens my belief that we will continue to work hard to be better every day. Only last week, one of my colleagues at HQ reminded me
‘Don’t you have too much on your plate again?’
Bitter at first, I sat down to think where I could ask for help.
The Power of One is immense, but the Power of One in a team is infinite.
The Strength of Hope
I know it is part of the deal with my trip to sit down and talk about what more we should do. It comes often with huge pressure to go back home and find the funds (and energy) to do it. Last year we were in emergency state, only focusing on staying flat, and many of the conversations involved how to keep the costs contained. This year, for reasons perhaps beyond rationality, we allowed ourselves to openly plan for more. As I stand there taking pictures of a canteen that can’t even be called such, I am filled with certainty that whoever sees them will want to contribute. Call it certainty or hope, our list of dreams for 2026 is ambitious.
The Importance of Bonds
Going to Mozambique serves the key purpose of a supervision working trip. In particular this year, we applied our recent framework to review every project and activity, to scrutinise our goals and discuss how to best develop metrics.
But this trip is so much more than that. It is about rekindling long distance relationships, igniting in it the warmth of proximity. Despite all that technology offere, there is nothing like the in-person conversation, especially when so many cultural differences and nuances are at play.
I often complain that they can’t be waiting for me to discuss some topics, especially when problems escalate. But I also must recognise the difficulties of doing so over a phone call. It takes time, a few lunches and dinners to sometimes get to a level of common understanding.
The Energy of Life
Ultimately, this trip serves an invaluable purpose for me. To bring back my energy, and remind me why this all began. Being immersed in the school, the meal times, the laughter of the children has the most intangible value of all. It brings back my own hope, my own belief in the power of one, my own connections, and my own energy.
I come back revived and ready to fight. The life infused in me during this trip has a deep effect in everything I do. And all going smooth, perhaps it lasts a full year!
It is a wrap for now. As I come back more connected and full of hope, I trust this energy will be contagious. So we can all hope for more.