I figure that this will be my final blog entry of my Canadian Forces tour with the United Nations Mission In Sudan. I was notified of this position in April 2009. It has now been 12 months since I realized that I was going to be deployed to Sudan.
Since I arrived in Sudan I have worked with and alongside many great people. I have made numerous friends and developed many professional relationships. I have worked directly with military members from 12 different countries including: Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Russia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Romania, China, Yemen, Tanzania, Bolivia, Rwanda, Sudan and of course Canada.
I have also worked with UN POLICE from countries such as: Ghana, Fiji, Nepal, Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Australia and many others.
During my tour I also landed in or visited 13 countries including: Holland – Amsterdam, Budapest – Hungary, Cairo – Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican, Tanzania, Kenya and Dubai.
During my travels including the UN flights within the Sudan I have traveled well over 50,000 kms. Just as a reference the distance around the world at the Equator is 40,000 kms. So I can say I have flown around the world.
Some other interesting facts about this tour are: I lost 10lbs, I have learned to say “Thank You” in 7 different languages, I adopted a pet chicken and a dog, delivered over 20 soccer balls to underprivileged schools and villages, delivered school supplies from family and friends to over 15 schools, made three delivery of toys for the local hospitals children’s ward, visited over 40+ villages showing the people that someone does care about their security and their situation, taught first aid to the Sudanese Police unit on their Crowd Control course, Climbed the Kurmuk mountain and left a Canadian Inukshuk behind, enjoyed traveling to Italy with my mother, learned to appreciate my family and friends more and realized how important they are in my life, and I learned to work in a multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious organization like the UN.
I have seen more of the world in six months then I ever would have even in 6 years. I have had a great experience and have learned a great deal during my time away. I am, however, ready to come home. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family. I will be quickly returning to work at Toronto EMS where I will be embarking on a new position for the next two months.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me on this mission. Especially those who were kind enough to send me care packages in the mail. They helped me to survive and made me very popular amongst my team mates. I was called the Canadian PX (Store). Even the daily dose of emails, face book messages and cards were a great morale booster and helped me get through to tougher days. And of course thank you for reading my blog. I hope that it was interesting and somewhat informative.
Shukran
Thank you
Signing off……. Captain Mike Wionzek….. UNMO #02906 – UNMIS
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