Great Complement and Ultimate Crash

Here in Africa the guys get a bonus based on the quality of work they perform. For the accountants, I am the one who initiates the provision of that bonus based on my review. The day started with me providing feedback and providing them a bonus for their work. It was good to be able to give them an encouragement as it is very difficult for them being that they are the ones who have to manage all the many requests and demands from below, above, and equal fellow employees.

As we finished, one of my accountants said that he does this job as an honor to God (he is a muslim). He wanted to thank me for the opportunity to honor God and wanted to thank me for the time I have invested in training and developing these guys. He voiced that the work I have done here will have impact on his grandkids and their kids. Meaning that the foundation and development worked with this small group of people, will and can have a continuing impact on generations.

What a beautiful compliment....some might say that the Africans flower with compliments bc they want something. I hate that mentality. It totally undervalues the African. I believe they are sincere in their work ethic, character, and words. They struggle with cultural dynamics but great men and women.

So, after that we went back into training. Around 3 pm I was finished...I had completed everything I came out here to talk about and train on. All the hard work. All the emotional bravery. All the long hours. For this small assignment were done.

I went back to my room exhausted...layed down bc I was so tired and simply cried. I did not expect the tears. I did not realize how much tension I was holding to complete this job well and in good spirits. When the job was finished, it simply came.

Of course, it was not all done...around 3:30 I had two issues erupt. Issues that can be so discouraging. Issues that scream lies that I am doing a horrible job. I fight hard to not interpret others actions as I am less than worthy.

So, I feel like today was bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I am ready to go home. Tomorrow night at 11 pm...which is 6 pm in the states...I board the plane. Then 24 hours later I arrive at my house.