On the road again…
I watch in a daze as the computer spits out 3 boarding passes, my head feels foggy and my eyes moist. “Mr. Ryan”…”Mr Ryan”… Exasperated, she not so quietly yells, “Sir, your boarding passes, please move along!” I mumble a reply and move my bags towards the scale. The conveyor belt sucks my bag into the bowels of the transit world and I move towards the security check. The familiar sounds of the airport echo through the concourse. Flights are announced, suitcase wheels creek and groan and loved ones hug goodbye. Soon I’m standing in a a line of strangers, some sad, some happy and some standing quietly in contemplation. Belt and shoes removed, pockets emptied, I’m patted down and on my way. I find my gate and sit and it hits me like it always does.
The gate is crowded, businessmen chat on phones, groups of teenage sports teams in head-to-toe sweat outfits, “Rams” proudly displayed along the back of their pants, jockey for position amongst each other while two young hipsters sit hungover in the corner, too cool for everything. A baby cries, a man coughs, the electric whine of an airport porter whizzes by on a golf cart. The familiarity of the airport is soothing, but I’m sad. Departure days are normally exciting for me but I feel uncertain and uneasy. For the first time in ten years I’m leaving behind a girlfriend, someone that has been my partner and my love and I’m confused. “Good-byes” have been the only regular and constant thing in my life for as long as I can remember. My parents and sister have been at nearly every airport goodbye in Canada and we’ve become accustomed to it. It’s sad and we miss each other but we’re prepared, as this is what we have done for such a long time.
Being in Canada is confusing for me; it’s beautiful and possibilities lay around every corner; it’s my first home. But I can’t find the rhythm. DWP has given me the ultimate travel experience and the ability to be part of a community in one of the craziest and most chaotic cities on earth. I have learned more than I ever thought I would about my personal ability and how to be a positive change in the world and that’s exciting and rewarding.
But this trip is different. Our community in Mumbai, which has been my home away from home for the past 3 years might be on the brink of destruction. Government bull dozers are waiting for the call from local politicians while the thousands of families that line the pipeline await their destiny. For the first time since I arrived in this community, I don’t know what I will do or how I will be able to help. How and where DWP helps will be a new challenge and I will have to adapt and find the needs that need filling.
For the last few months a DWP doc has been in the works but only hrs before my this first flight it was cancelled. Timing was off for the film crew, visas were canceled, flights changed. So now I sit at the boarding gate, a line up of passengers slowly disappear down the hallway and I sit trying to figure out DWP’s and my new adventure….both scary and exciting.
I know that DWP needs to change but I’m resistant. New ideas float through my head but nothing sticks. After 3 years of working for DWP with no pay I realize that it’s not exactly the most prudent life style choice. Spending nine months of the year volunteering leaves me few choices. When I started DWP I wanted to show people that a regular, normal guy without previous non-profit experience could arrive in a foreign country and make a difference to hundreds of people. I have raised thousands of dollars by taking photos and selling them and writing stories of the people and communities I have helped. DWP is unconventional, remaining small, independent with a simple goal to help those less fortunate than myself. On each journey
I have brought with me a loyal following of people across Canada and internationally who believe and trust in DWP’s work and donate the funds that make it possible.
This next several months will be interesting as I try and figure out what’s next for DWP and myself. I know that I want DWP to continue to help people but how I manage the process may change. I need to sort out a way to continue DWP while surviving myself and I’m not quite sure what that looks like….yet.
Three years ago I landed in Mumbai with $4000 CAD a backpack and absolutely no clue about how or where I could help. Schools, gardens, a women’s centre and the funding of hundreds of medical cases and school sponsorships later, I will arrive at the same airport with the same backpack, but this time I have $40,000 CAD and a new adventure in the wings…
India has always had answers for my questions and as I prepare to land I look forward to hearing what this crazy country has in store for me.
Cheers,
Kane Ryan
Tags: bombay, charity, cindy ryan, Dirty Wall Project, documentary, donate, DWP, education, fundraise, fundraising, India, janvi trust, Kane Ryan, Mumbai, non-profit, Photography, saki naka, slum, travel, Vancouver, victoria
Fabulous, Kane – So honest and forthright. Kind of scary too. Keep up the good work and take good care of yourself too.
gratuit, films…
[...]Dirty Wall Project » Blog Archive » On the road again…[...]…
You are a wonderful writer/photographer. I hope the skills continue to prove helpful in new ways – influencing politicians, donors -perhaps those who can help preserve and amplify your contributions. With your honesty and panache for language and ability to see the possibility of beauty and growth when others only see pain, dirt or uselessness is very inspiring and I hope influential to those who make the big decisions.
Make some time for Jaipur, Kane! Just to relax, talk and some nice home made food…:)
Kane, have faith!! When one door closes, another opens.. I went through the same feelings as you just few months ago when the committee members of the society started harassing us to vacate the 2 rooms where we were running free health and nutrition clinics for the community for the past 6 years. I did feel threatened and confused but our team did not give up. We found two more rooms in the nearby area and now the clinics are thriving. Kane, our goal is to help the needy and God is with us. So, don’t get disheartened and continue your good work! All the best and welcome back to Mumbai..
you said, “…we miss each other but we’re prepared, as this is what we have done for such a long time.” I am hoping you find reason to change this from the way it is. At some point Kane Ryan, adventure is always wonderful, but being happy, is much better. And you might perhaps find other ways of being adventurous. Or maybe not. But at least you would be happier. Look out for yourself for a change.
What I didn’t add clearly is that me among a lot of people have seen what a wonderful person you are and how much of joy and cheer you have brought into so many people’s lives. This time me and many others are rooting for you to be absolutely happy.
What I didn’t add clearly is that me among a lot of people have seen what a wonderful person you are and how much of joy and cheer you have brought into so many people’s lives. This time me and many others are rooting for you to be absolutely happy.
Keep me informed! Life is continually changing but whether it is for the better only time will tell…we both try to make it happen, youare a maestro at this……my best wishes to the three passengers! xxx
I’m with you all the way, whatever path you take. There will always be a success, even it it may turn out to be a failure. Accumulated karma – can’t go wrong!
What a brave man you are and so real. Finding balance in life is not easy think to do. I keep asking myself : Show me the way and the way shell come to me. What an accomplishment you’ve done for others. Is there space for your needs? Take care of yourself Kane, the answer will show itself. Hugs LEona
The documentary is a brilliant idea but I’m happy you’ll have lots of time in the community, especially if the demolitions begin. You’re going with an open heart and mind and I’m sure the path of DWP will become abundantly clear. What you’ve learned in the past few years could help so many people doing development work, social work, community-building. Seriously. I’d love to see that support your needs and work here in Canada. And I’m happy for you in so many ways
Kane you have been on my mind for days. I know how important it has been for you to give 100 percent of all donations to DWP and to earn your own money outside of this. With the growth of your dreams and all that DWP has managed to accomplish consider what will make this sustainable. One of the things I have learned to truly value throuh my work with SVP Calgary is the importance of supporting infrastructure in an organization. I am pleased to put my charitable dollars towards the salary of a dedicated and effective leader of a non profit because I know those dollars will multiply ten fold when that person has the energy and support to do their work. You spend countless hours fundraising and speaking on behalf of DWP when you are back in Canada. How can you possibly fit other work into your life? This is your work. We value it. Perhaps you could allow those of us who choose to donate our money towards sustaing your position to do so. Why is it okay for you to earn money washing windows but not running DWP?
All D Best Kane …