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Subject: AFRICA DIARY 9: TRANSITION
Time: 11:53:00 AM EST
Author: ajuddinafrica
Elated by the CSWs’ negative status, I did a long narration of my trip for VH-1 (a documentary that will air in June 2005), which took me over the emotional and practical terrain of my 8 day visit in Madagascar. I remembered my 15 hours of sleep in a moldy smelling room, serenaded by the sights and sounds unique to this island, and the ups and downs of seeing programs for youth and the hardship of high risk groups. I was totally and completely wrung out, but not done yet, as I also had to recap everything to a curious press corp.
At the press conference I thanked the government for its helpfulness as well as our financial partners, such as The Global Fund and USAID. I answered questions serious and silly, and found myself losing the poise required of a global ambassador! We moved on to our party that officially kicked off our thrilling collaboration with the Top Reseau health clinics.
Our energetic peer educators did a dance that tells the story of the ABCs (abstinence, being faithful, correct and consistent condom use), and after celebrating their commitment and spunk, I slinked away to sit quietly in our hotel room praying for guidance about Nini. I told Dario that it if I leave here without helping her, her life and the lives of her children are on my conscience. He offered to also help; I decided to present my dream plan to our country director in the morning.
*
At the airport, I told our country director Jean Patrick I want to set Nini up in a house with no obligation for 3 months, to allow her simply to care for her newborn (and other 2 kids), and to begin to heal. (She has had no chance to grieve the death of 2 of her babies.) After 3 months, we’ll explore what her interests are, and put her into some kind of training or school. We’ll wean her off our provisional support when she gets a job. We also agreed I would regularly wire Dr Rene a secret stash of money for the CSW’s children’s healthcare needs. Although I wish I could do this for every CSW in the world, I left Antananarivo somewhat satisfied and slept most of the way to Capetown, waking up only to write, my life line in this work, and glance out the window expectantly at the approach of the South African landscape.
*
A day to heal
We checked into the Cape Grace, a 5 star hotel that has been voted best hotel in Africa and which has donated all 5 of our rooms here and in Johannesburg. My room had a view of the sea, but I was more drawn to Table Mountain and landmarks Nelson Mandela could see from his view in prison on Robben Island. Dario breathlessly told me all he’s read about Table Mountain and how intimately he feels he knows the area.
I was served a lovely, cool fruity drink and chewed all these bits I wasn’t supposed to, lemon and lime rind, but kept my composure. I was definitely rough around the edges, but my next activities soothed me back into being more myself. I had a fitting for a ‘Traveler’ magazine cover shoot who’s inside story will include a large story about YouthAIDS and our journey through Africa. The photographer showed me a sketch of the cover’s proposed composition, and I asked if the other person sketched had been cast…and he said yes…and showed me a gorgeous picture of a CHEETAH. I haven’t been speechless many times in my life, but at that moment I was breathlessly so for a good 5 minutes. They thought I was scared to death of animals and was trying to figure out how to tell them, when in fact I was desperately thrilled. I immediately began sending the cheetah my energy and love so he would like me, and succumbed to a few imploring prayers, such as, “Dear God, please let the cheetah like me, please please please.”
The next day Moyra and I drove in the countryside to Meerlust farm and winery, and she sentimentally pointed out various lovely aspects of her homeland. Our set was in an open field with a gorgeous, traditional Cape Dutch home in the background (coincidentally her friend’s house where we had already planned to meet her family for supper!), and soon Joseph, a 2 1/2 year old, 50 kilogram cheetah joined me on set. I nearly DIED. He was gorgeous beyond description, and he (loss of all modesty coming) totally loved me. We sat together for ages, him purring his heart out as I adored him, rubbing, talking, hugging. What a dream come true for me. I have been wild about big cats all my life!. His handlers became confident we were a match, and encouraged me in even moving him about the set, such as leading his head toward the camera, because cheetahs can see for 3 to 3.5 miles and he was more interested in the open view than in turning toward the camera. We put our faces together, we leaned into one another, he stretched out and plopped his front paws in my lap (total highlight, nearly died). I sensed when he eventually became distracted and announced it was a wrap for Joseph. I had actually gotten so much of his respect and affection I could initiate sending him home without agonizing over our good bye. One last brag: his handlers said they’ve never let anyone pet him above the neck, but they could tell he was confident and relaxed with me. YEEEEEEEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Later, I walked barefoot through soft fields, and hiked up my skirt to wade through a thigh deep river. I tasted wild growing things and spied into birds’ nests. The light was special, and the perfect serenity and lushness was a balm. Moyra led, so I was able to be in a fully receptive mode, and I stayed quiet the rest of day, even at supper, which was a simple homemade meal served at a large farm kitchen table. The stories were fascinating and steeped in an African perspective one simply never hears in the west. Perhaps most memorably, they spoke of Nelson Mandela, and the miracle of his not emerging from prison a bitter man, and what that has meant to all South Africans. I tore myself away later than I had intended to, and hoped my quiet day on a beautiful farm with all its animals, not to mention Joseph, would sustain for me for yet another tough week in country with a huge HIV/AIDS problem and people who expect so much of me—and to whom I want to give so much......
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Miss Ashley,
I wrote to you earlier regarding your necklace of Africa. I however, forgot to leave you my e-mail address..kellyshanr@charter.net.
Please, Please let me know how I could purchase one as well. I absolutely loved it and want to proudly wear it and bring awarness of the need. God Bless Thank you
Shan.
May you find peace... in all the suffereing you see, it must be life changing and very difficult, you are courageous. -
Reading these entries has been something special for me. I have had an undying fascination with Africa, it's culture, and the issues that the people that form this country face. To read all about it from Ashley Judd's educated mind is something I cannot even begin to describe. It's amazing, I feel so fortunate. I feel inspired. I can connect with all of her concerns/worries [saying that feels like a huge understatement on her part] because I wonder about the world. I wonder what will happen to us as people. And to see this woman, this known woman---so modest and intruiged by the world, maintaining her beauty and knowledge---it's amazing. I feel hope when I read this, and when I see that ACTION is being taken. But what caught me about this particular entry was the passion shown for the cheetah. I know it's a simple thing to notice, but I love cats, and was amused by Ashley's reactions. Anyhow, I, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, and soo inspired to just pack my bags and join the peace corps to Africa, and possibly make a difference in that way as I've ALWAYS wanted to.
Ashley, if you read the comments...your purposeful ways in life are amazing, and society is blessed to have you here on Earth, and as the Global Ambassador for YouthAids.
-Megan -
Dear Ashley,
I'm glad we can write comments to you and tell you that what you are doing is absolutely wonderful! I'm so proud of you for putting yourself out there to help others. I have always loved your work as an actress. I now also love your your open heart , mind and soul for what you are doing. And for sharing it all with us.
Your big cat experience! Wish I was there! I'm sooo jealous!
As a cat (and dog) lover myself..both domestic and wild..I was so excited for you making such a connection with such a strong and beautiful animal! A dream come true! There must've been such a feeling of serenity and peace to be so honored by a majestic animal. Something to take with you always. Big cats are so aware of the people and things around them. They know what they like.
Keep up the great work!
God Bless and Purrrrrr!
Lisa
*~*~Mommy to my kitty babies Tigger {8 yrs old} and Rosie {5 yrs old}~*~* -
Ashley, you continue to make us so proud! God bless and keep up the incredible work.
- Jason (Kentuckian in England)
6/28/07 10:20 PM
Thank you!
Brandi