My perfect stranger
The long awaited week had finally come; we had just checked into the Ubuholi Camp for the 10th 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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| Photo Courtesy |
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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| Photo Courtesy |
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.
Written By:
Dorcas Waringa
15th April, 2017
A tale from the Ubuholi Camp, inspired by a dream
Written By:
Dorcas Waringa
15th April, 2017
