Washed out

I thought I would give you the latest news.

Bummer

For me but it seems that I have washed out of THEM. Yup. Ironic for an agency which prides itself on being outspoken, I have been found too forward in my communication. I had too many of the answers for their comfort and challenged one too many times. To be sure, no one suggested that I was wrong in my alerts. I was just trying to get the discussion going...

You see, it was explained to me, in the context of Somalia, the decision has been made to postpone my entry into the emergency relief world. The context was described as the prison-like setting of the living, compound combined with the small team setting I was perceived as a risk to the group. After all, they had too many log problems in the past.

Then they fed me the sugar: I was still a member of THEM and my skills are unquestionable. With a larger team in a less 'sensitive’ context I would be a blast. I would receive a call-up sooner than later.

Whatever.

I didn't say much (see how quiet I can be?) and left them struggling for closure. Too bad.

Of course I am going through all the standard emotions...the bastards. And the most strong, I think I will hitch-hike to China to teach English and learn Mandarin. I feel I am a victim of "Cross-cultural communication" in that we are all speaking English yet the message is discombobulated along the way. I mean that it is more the style of communication varies as often as simple cultural behaviours. In Greeting, Canadians shake hands...the Dutch kiss three times. And so it goes with my mouthyness.

Another irony here is in the beginning of the course when suggestions for "pre-departure" training I wanted to talk about these cross-cultural issues. Not only from the point of view of working with National staff, but more importantly in relation to and the successful expat team dynamics. I saw a critical shortage here as many (especially the medical staff) were a bit goal oriented in their approach to the case-studies. But here I am blathering on again.

They are arranging my flight home.