When the 21st century started, the world was struggling to get on track of the technological advancement while Angolans were struggling to get their basic needs fulfilled- food, cloth, water and a secure shelter. But after more than 3 decades of war that ended in 2002, Angola is on the mend and free from violence and hatred. Nobody cares that which side they fought or which ideology they carried; now Angolans are peace loving, benevolent, helpful, cordial people. It’s rarely seen in most of the countries devastated by war.

It is honor to be at such a wonderful place to share the message of Peace, Harmony and Environmental Protection carried from Nepal; from the Himalayas and the place where the biggest messenger of peace, Gautam Buddha was born.

I don’t know how I successful I was at sharing my message to Angolan People, but I do now that they have taught me so much and give me the strength and purpose to continue my journey. I also know that there are some very good people who are working in Angola helping Angolans overcome the traumas of war, directing them to peace and harmony. They work tirelessly to restore Angolan people spiritually, help rebuild their communities and to become a beacon of peace and hope to the world. They are Nathan Holland, Robert Meyer, Teague Meyer and their team.

They work with churches, helping build churches or providing churches resources to reach out to the communities. The important motive is to provide support to Angolans suffering from years of wars which have resulted with families been torn apart, loved ones left forever, physically maimed, and psychological traumatized. They are also involved in helping rebuild agriculture and food security, health of Angolan Public and helping kids educate by providing books and stationary.

I must say, Backpacker’s Unite was lucky for me as I got a chance to meet some very kind hearted and nice people. Nathan Holland was among the best I met. Without him, I would have been a crow inside the clouds (meaning know nothing) in Angola. Neither the cost, nor the language, nor the roads.

“Angolan towns were like ghost town. There were very few people and few cars. The abundant things you could see were wall filled with bullet holes; abandoned houses; devastated cities and sad people.”

Nathan first arrived Angola in 2006. He shares his experience. Now the things have changed. He has been to 14 out of 18 province in Angola, helped many families seen positive attitude and changes.

“We give people something to hope in and trust in.”

Robert Meyer explains about his work. A benevolent, energetic man who is with his family and his second half- Teague Meyer (a nurse) to help people out of the adverse discomfort caused by war. After he arrived in 2011 and helped a lot of families recover from war. He plans 10 more year to help Angolan to get rid of the impressions of war. Robert and his family helped me a lot. In one of the most expensive country in the world, only because of this family, I was able to afford some rest. They welcomed me to their home, shared wonderful time and experiences as some moments to be always remembered.

It has been years, the team has been working for Angolan to have positive attitude and strengthen themselves with the resources they have got. I am sure they would be doing it very nice with their thought in coming days with the motto they have – ‘ Doing the best.’

Here, I have stated about religion and religious people (may it be Buddha or Jesus) all advocating the goodness of harmony and brotherhood. Meaning that, we are common, despite of the transcending borders and differentiated ideologies.

Peace and Harmony

Furtemba Sherpa