Packing

I am packing. Well, there is not much to pack. I just will go with two suitcases. Much to the surprise of my agency. They always give me instructions on how to prepare the itemised list of my belongs, with packing details so that they can ship the 200 kilograms I am entitled to.

I don't need 200 kgs. OK, I did need them 20 years ago. Because I took all my long play records with me. About 200 of them. But then I lost them in Chad because of the war there. After, when I moved, I had the CD and they required less space. And now I have about 300 CD or albums on my iPad. Which weighs 700 grams.

I will take about 10 T-shirts with me. And, oh yes, a jacket, a shirt and a tie. Because I was told that for official functions, formal dress is required. I don't remember when I wore a shirt and a tie the last time.

My packing will be done quickly. I will do that next tuesday. Because I am leaving on wednesday.

Move...

During our mission, we spoke to a number of UN organisations and NGO (Non governmental Organisations) like UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, CARE, ICRC and other. All of them will remain and some even strengthen their teams to be prepared to assiste the people. There was even talk that I might stay in Ivory Coast with WFP. But finally, my agency decided that we should be acting both in Ivory Coast (supporting organisations with funds and other means) and in Liberia also with staff, as an influx of refugees can be expected.

And so, in about 2 weeks I will be off to join WFP in Monrovia as Refugee Programme Coordinator.

This will be my 6th assignment with WFP in the 3rd country. Everytime I finish a mission, WFP has to fill in a PER (Performance Evaluation Report) to be handed to my agency. In the last one, they said (among other things): "The WFP family will miss him a lot". It goes without saying that I did miss them a lot too.

Well, I am joining the family again: Hourray!

Up, up and away! More....................!

I don't believe it, but it is true.

In 3 days, I go back home, my assessment mission will be completed.

And by the end of the month, I will go for 6 to 12 month to Liberia to join the WFP family again. With what is happening in Ivory Coast, we have to be ready in case of an influx of refugees into Liberia.

So...............

Up, up and away

I feel free, like a bird. I am flying. Here is the story.

As you know, my mission in Sri Lanka was concluded on of August (last year. Yes, we can say that since 1 day). Mid-September I had to undergo a training course for the "Rapid Response Unit" of my agency. I was integrated in this unit as I am retired and am, in principle, available to go on an emergency mission within a few hours.

Just before Christmas I was at the agency for an experience exchange forum. I was approached by one of the desk officers who told me that "next year" (now this year) there might be need for staff to be seconded to WFP in Liberia in case the situation in Ivory Coast deteriorates and there is an influx of refugees to Liberia. He told me that they, most probably, would propose me to WFP as I have a profound experience with them. I said that this would be fine with me. And was looking forward that such a mission might take place.

Christmas was spent with my family and the year end period was a good moment of calm, taking care of a million little "year end to does".

Two days ago, I received a phone call from the agency asking me if I could go to Ivory Coast. I asked when. They said immediately. I said OK. Yesterday I went to the agency to take care of the administration reed tape, get my equipment and the briefing of my mission.

I will be attached, with three colleagues, to the Swiss Embassy, and my task is to assess what emergency actions and with whom the agency could do in case of an influx of refugees or internally displaced persons because of a possible deterioration of the situation.

This is my first "Rapid Response" mission. It will last 2 weeks.

Up, up and away. I am flying. Like a bird.

Breaking News

I am leaving tomorrow for Ivory Coast where I will be a liaison officer for my agency, preparing with my colleagues assistance and support for people in need in case the situation comes to the worst.

More to come soon.