An ode to those who are far from their ancestral home

Dear wanderers, 

seekers of fortune, 

those born afar, those forced to flee, those building where they were planted, 

Hello, 

Jambo, 

Ekaaro,

We see you 

Making choices that many could not bear the weight of,

Wearing cold clothes enroute to cold roles.

We see you 

Holding hearts, pulling together foriegn meals

Whilst dancing to beats that connect heart to home

Sacrificing,

Compromising, 

Wearing hallmarks and emblems of home.

We see you 

And I'm here to say breathe 

Relish the worlds that you have created in spaces that weren't built for you, 

Let your journey be a reminder that we can do anything we set our minds to. 

As those before us have done.

As those after us will do. 

Remember to pause, refresh your senses anew in places that are built for you.

Where the sun and sea and sand 

Earth you.

Remember home is not a mythical place, 

Home is in you, 

You carry it wherever you go

And home

Is better because of you.

We see you.

Mandy Preville-Findlay is a St. Lucian development connector and mentor passionate about community participation and engagement. She supports people to challenge limiting mindsets, embrace creative approaches, and shape their preferred futures. Mandy is co-founder and director of BEYOND IYANOLA CIC, a diaspora-focused organization that celebrates and amplifies the brilliance of the global Caribbean and African diaspora, with a special focus on Saint Lucians. Her work and doctoral research explore how community engagement can drive meaningful social and policy impact.