At The Heart of Ubuholi Camp; Diplomacy Births Love

My perfect stranger

The long awaited week had finally come; we had just checked into the Ubuholi Camp for the 10^th edition of the global youth diplomacy forum. The beautiful land of Imfihlakalo played host to a global community of young and aspiring diplomats from across the world in a 5 day long series of events that aimed to develop their skills in international affairs.

The land of Imfihlakalo is dominated by a large forest area part of which covers the Ubuholi Camp; its landscape formed a fairy-tale canopy above our heads as its fresh woody incense filled the atmosphere. The orchestra of birdsong could be heard within the scenery creating a symphony of song. We settled at an open space, where the trees fell away, revealing the glory of the sky, the forest awash with a tender glow. I give credit to the organizer as this was just the perfect environment for the forum, it was well thought through.

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We all gathered around the assembly point and were divided into several teams that were a representation of different regions of the world. Each team had an area that was marked and fenced with wooden rods such as a territory. We got acquainted to each other, pitched tent within our respective territories; lit bonfires had dinner and we were set for a good night rest. I must admit I was a bit anxious; my first camping experience wasn’t the best, I can remember swearing never to go camping again but here I was. Don’t we sometimes find ourselves going back for the same experiences we swore never to? All in all this was a unique opportunity; I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

The rest of the days were marked by a series of fun activities, training and team challenges. The concept for the group activities and challenges was derived from the different elements of diplomacy of course to enable us gain further insights on global leadership influence and improving our interactions with different nations. I was privileged to lead one of the teams – Atlantis State and it was expected of us to apply in practice diplomatic skills with the Zothique State which was led by Liam. Two entities resolving state conflicts through communication and negotiations for a mutual understanding and peace. After which we were to submit our reports to the coaches on the final day.

I went over to the Zothique State to meet Liam so we could put together our final report following the progress on the negotiations, this must have provided the perfect opportunity for a casual interaction; we had never had the chance to share conversations beyond the forum. The first time Liam and I interacted during the team negotiations I had an unusual feeling that escalated to moments where we could steal glances at each other and look away quickly to avoid getting noticed.

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It was getting dark, the sun slowly falling behind the horizon as the entire Ubuholi camp became lit with large towering bonfires. Liam suggested he would walk me back to our camp; “Can we get away for a moment, let’s hang out by the waterfall I hope you don’t mind?” he whispered, slightly squeezing my hand as though trying to get my attention. Anxious, I agreed reminding him we couldn’t stay away too long as we needed to join the rest of the teams by the bonfire. This was our last night at the camp and so an evening programme had been prepared by the coaches to discuss a few insights as well as our highlights from the forum before we could leave the next day.

When the trees parted the waterfall came into sight, it was drizzling on the rocks and flowed smoothly down into the beautiful serenity-pool at the bottom. Liam had brought with him a wrap that we used to cover ourselves amidst the cold breeze, his embrace was heavenly. Our connection was out of this world, it felt like we had known each other our whole lives. In the depth of our conversation, the honey sweet smell of the spring flowers perked up our spirits and our senses became fully attuned. The drumbeats went on and intensified signalling the call to assemble. We walked back to the camping site our arms hugging each other’s waist, I must have stopped breathing in the moment; we were chatting and giggling and in certain instances lightly laying my head on his chest.

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The bales of hay had been beautifully set-up around the bonfire painted in the colours of the different states represented. As we all settled down on the bales, the coaches asked different representatives to share some of their experiences and highlights from the camp. 

Liam stepped forward and as he walked us through every bit of his experience he diverted, “This camp has completely transcended my expectation, I have learnt so much and its practical nature I came across a treasure. This experience has opened up my mind to very great insights and yet opened up my heart to a connection, the most amazing feeling. Dorcas, please join me.” At that point my knees felt week, my heart was racing and so much was going on through my mind; it was intense, was I really ready for this? He proceeded, “I have enjoyed the interaction I had with all of you but mostly with you Dorcas, you’ve made me feel so warm inside you’ve showed me life from a new and fresh perspective, it may be early to say what the end of the start of this new friendship will be, but I am ready to cross over to the next level with you as my girl. So what do you think; are you ready to get on this ship with me? I remembered the days I prayed that it would happen so naturally, the path through my passion was opening up a world I had shelved and here I was in this foreign land, a stranger I was just getting to know calling for my heart.

And in that moment we looked straight into each other’s eyes, my heart jittery; I knew the Ubuholi Camp would mark the beginning of a story of a love birthed; in the heart of diplomacy nations reconciled and two strangers made perfect. As the whole camp cheered on... I awoke flutters and warmth still linger in the memory of it.

A tale from the Ubuholi Camp, inspired by a dream

Written By:
Dorcas Waringa
15th April, 2017 

Lace up | Get on track

Sometimes all that matter is that you believe in yourself and that should be your starting point...

Growing up as a teenager, I used to spend part of my sporting days on the track; I remember so vividly how sweet the taste of victory was and the disappointment that also came with not winning because all that mattered then was getting ahead of my competition!

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As a youth I have been introduced to the art of running a marathon for charity and through my participation, I got a whole new perspective on competitions. My decision to participate in similar marathons has been based entirely on achieving an objective for a cause as well as proving to myself I could do it. At the end of the race I’ve always realized that it’s not just about winning but the satisfaction that comes with completing the race. 

There are different kinds of people that you’ll find on the running track: those that run all through to the finish line and those that walk in between runs, those that stumble, fall, get up and continue on the race and those that would rather opt out after the fall.

An experience on the running track is a reflection of our journey in life and especially towards setting goals and realizing our dreams. I have a picked a few lessons and values from my experience on the track that can be applied in every aspect of our lives; be it education, career, relationships or family.

Set Your Goal and Focus on It

We have the ability to achieve anything if we set our minds to it and sometimes if one thing doesn’t work for you, how about exploring a different option? Anything from charity races, casual jogs, walks, cycling, or competing in major marathons whatever your end goal is get on your track and keep focus. 

I have realized over time that while we live in a digital age, there’s a lot of distraction (on social media) especially among the young people. We realize that we spend a better part of our life distracted; comparing ourselves with our peers, psychologically being in competition with them and wanting to be better. Comparison slows progress; more often than not, you end up walking in someone else’s shadow, in turn failing to explore your potential to the fullest. It sets you up for depression, feelings of unworthiness and discontentment.

There’s always going to be somebody who’s better than you, how about you use it as a motivation to push you forward towards achieving your own goals?

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Prepare, Plan and Pray

There’s a certain level of dedication, that’s required in training and practice before setting yourself for the track. We are required to prepare ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally for every task involved towards accomplishing our dreams. With preparation comes planning and identifying the right tools and networks.

If you believe in a higher being, you understand the importance of prayer and dedicating your plans and dreams to God; you’ll need His guidance, enough strength and wisdom to overcome every obstacle while pushing yourself forward.

You Will Face Obstacles

It is always exciting when you think about how big your dreams are and what a joy it would be to see them come to life. Life rarely goes exactly as you plan; setbacks and obstacles will be part of the process. And when these obstacles arise they make the goal seem kind of improbable. Your success will depend on how you tackle or manage them.

This is a case of mind over matter, the reason obstacles plunge us into a state of inactivity and prevent us from moving forward is because of the thoughts that we allow ourselves to dwell upon. Acceptance of your current situation and keeping a positive mind-set goes a long way towards overcoming these obstacles.

Always Keep Your Head Up After the Fall

No matter how many times you fall, because you will and sometimes your world may come tumbling down; never lose your vision. Be consistent, get up, and dust yourself like the proverbial donkey that fell in a pit and keep going.

We stumble not because our dreams are out of reach, but rather because of the unforeseen obstacles. There are days getting through life will be painful, keep pushing through the pain. Endurance builds character, this is how you know that you are destined for greatness.

 

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Celebrate Every Little Milestone

It is important to celebrate your milestones whether big or small, this helps a great deal towards motivating you to take a bigger step than the one you’ve previously achieved.

You can’t just wake up one morning and voila! Everything has fallen into place. It takes a series of small achievements to run a marathon; you begin with a few kilometres and graduate to higher levels bit by bit. Just the same way, achieving that ideal balance in your life takes smaller steps, mistakes, learning and growth.

Written By: Dorcas Waringa | 3rd February,2017| Copyright; dorcsperspective.blogspot.com