Reflection from Paul

Dear friends, supporters, sponsors, all of you who are concerned about HIV/AIDS issues in Africa,

I am pleased to write that I have safely completed my journey across the South Island. The last few days of the tramp were very straightforward and enjoyable. After walking the Queen Charlotte Track and taking in multiple views of the maze of bays and peninsulas that makes up the Marlborough Sounds, the very last day was spent crossing the Queen Charlotte Wilderness Park. The Park was a dramatic and ideal place to end the journey: a long narrowing peninsula reaching far into the blue expanse of the Cook Strait, with a windswept lighthouse located at its tip. The native forests were some of the most beautiful I had the chance to see on the island, and the views in all directions (some encompassing the coast of the North Island and much of the Marlborough region) were just breathtaking. Weather was phenomenal right until the end: the sun was brightly shining as I walked up the final slopes to the lighthouse. New Zealanders, too, continued to be warm and welcoming: I was treated like family by the people at Anakakata Lodge upon completion of the trip.

In a way, The Aroka Project came to an end at 4:30 PM on March 6th when I finally reached the Cape Jackson lighthouse, 44 days and 1488 km after setting out from the other end of the island, in remote Fjordland. However, it is hoped that its effects will be long-lasting. The money so generously donated will certainly go a long way in Africa. I feel like our awareness-raising goals have been reached too. I have discussed the issue with a variety of people along the way, and in a variety of settings. I have distributed the cards we had made for the event. And hopefully we have inspired others to not only give some thought to an important cause, but to also take time in their hectic lives to take action, to do a little something to help fight the pandemic. That is what The Aroka Project was primarily about.

I am currently in Christchurch but will be flying to the small Pacific nation of Tonga in the morning. I am hoping to get a feel for how life is lived there and for what issues people are dealing with. The country is particularly struggling against the effects of climate change. Admittedly, the snorkeling and beaches should be extremely enjoyable too and a nice change from walking. I am returning to Canada on March 18th and will include more thoughts about the odyssey in our March newsletter.

Before I go, I need to thank all the New Zealand locals and families who have been a tremendous help. Many thanks also to all the sponsors who have made The Aroka Project possible. Thank you to all friends and family back home for the outpouring of support and encouraging words. Finally, a huge thank you to Meghan who has done so much and put in hours and hours of her time to make the journey not only possible but also safe, enjoyable, and as efficient as possible as far as awareness and fundraising go.

The Aroka Project has been both an amazing opportunity and a learning experience in many respects. My hope is that it has inspired others to take on new challenges and creative means of offering a helping hand.

Thank you to all of you who have been part of the journey,

Paul

Photos from top to bottom:

1- Paul and the enchanting Queen Charlotte Sound

2- Along Endeavour Inlet

3- Kenepuru Sound, near the Northern tip of the South Island