I’m launching the blog today, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a long-time coming, and I’m feeling particularly stoked that the new blog is coinciding with a new job. After 3 years with the City of Seattle, and 5 months of freelancing in social media, I’ve accepted a position with The Clinton Foundation’s Global Health Access Initiative. For me, this has been one of the most deliberate career moves I’ve made, as it finally gives me an opportunity to combine my background in public health/community medicine with the nonprofit sector. Not to mention, it gives me a chance to live in a part of the world that I love tremendously: Africa.
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Oh yah, did I mention the job is an international post based in Johannesburg?
(Watch for some very entertaining check-ins on FourSquare)
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I first traveled to Africa back in 2004 with 3 of my best friends to build a library in the small village of Takaungu, Kenya. We were very humbled by the experience of living in this community, and I have never been quite the same having spent time in that part of the world. My deepest moments of discovery, reflection and joy have been on African soil. I saved every penny I could in college in anticipation of going back, and have since made 2 subsequent trips to the continent working with Better World Books and The Mona Foundation.
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kenya 2004 ghana 2005
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I know that living in South Africa will be quite different than the adventures I had when I was in college – there is little that can rival that time – but it definitely feels like I’m headed exactly where I need to be right now. In a strange way, while I have moments where I feel sad to leave Seattle and all the people who make my world go round, I also couldn’t be any happier if I tried.
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I’ll be using the blog to document my travels and (mis)adventures while working abroad. You’ll probably get a dose of what is keeping me inspired and challenged as I attempt to find my way, with grace, gratitude and humor.
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So here goes nothing.
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Welcome to my journey.
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You never cease to amaze me! Although, when I met you I just had a feeling you were going places… Congratulations! I’ll look forward to following the blog. xo
So excited for your the new amazing chapter in your life. Also so happy that I will be able to read all about it as it unfolds.Congrats!
I don’t know what I’m more excited about, you working for Clinton in Africa – or you learning how to use skype properly. luffu.
That’s amazing! Good luck! And keep us updated!!All my love from South America! Enjoy this new adventure.
Congrats! Looking forward to following your journey and grateful to be a part of it so far
Stoked to follow this awesome adventure!
I love technology! How else could a mother follow her daughter through such a wonderful journey all the way to African but through a “blog”!
I am so happy for you! I look forward to your stories and travels. Wishing you the very best! ((((hugs))))
I’m so stoked for you my love, lots of prayers and love coming your way
Congratulations! How exciting! Looking forward to hearing/viewing pics of the adventures in your new home! All our love from Oz! xxo
You are a beautiful person inside and out!! I am so happy to know you and have a chance to witness your amazing endeavors! Great blog Anisa
Nice looking blog! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to follow your life in South Africa. I’ll miss you bundles!
Dearest Anisa:
I am so proud of your dedication and true spirit of service to humanity in life. This is, and will always remain to be, the “most important” tool in your life’s journeys.
Keep up with the good work, dear!
W/ Much Love and Prayers,
Daddy
SO proud of you and excited to see what is in store for you. Congrats and I hope that you find what you are looking for. I expect lots of shoutouts and notes letting me know that you are thinking about us…because we will be thinking of you! <3
The decision to return to Africa was only inevitable.
I’m really happy that you finally found the perfect combination of medicine / non-profit work that you were seeking.
Please keep this blog updated regularly so I can keep up with all the amazing things you will be up to.
With love,
I have such feelings of sadness that you’re leaving, jealousy that I’m not coming on this African trip, and mostly pure excitement for you. This just feels right, doesn’t it? LOVE, S
WOWWWW I am in awe and quite in love with you, AnisaLeyla! So excited beyond words….what an amazing opportunity. I know your updates on this blog will make me smile. Sending you tons of well wishes and best of luck! XOXOX