Kimberley - London, 2005 In 2005, as I held her, I knew she was a treasure, sweet and pure, adorned with joy and love. Her laughter, like a light, filled our lives with endless grace. It was evident, right from the start, that I would have my personal handbag, my pension baby, my confidant, and my companion throughout the years to come. When she was born, I knewmy family was complete. One of the best outcomes of my time in Nigeria was the enduring friendship I forged with Joyce Nzekwu. She became a friend for life. I will always remain her support during the boys’ school sports days, us yelling at the top of our voices as the boys won their races and set school records. However, my job wasn’t the best fit, with the working environment being challenging due to arrogance and inadequate expertise. Consequently, I started searching for new job opportunities and soon found a position with theWorld Health Organization (WHO), which led me to Geneva. Geneva In Geneva, I shared memorable moments with friends and colleagues like Victor andMary Bampoe, Mercy Ahun, Dela Dovlo, and more. Every six weeks or so, we’d gather for get-togethers in my garden, alternating hosting duties. These occasions were filled with joy, featuring a large barbecue in one corner, with the music expertly curated by my cousinWilliamEffah. The intoxicating aroma of grilled meat mixed with the scent of summer flowers filled the air. Clear skies, beautiful views, great music, and dancing made for an unforgettable experience. We were a group of African professionals living in Geneva. I can’t talk about my time in Geneva without mentioning my cousinWilliam. He was incredibly supportive, always picking me up and dropping me off at the airport, even with his busy schedule. He was a pillar of strength and assistance. My role in Geneva was as a Medical Officer, Women and Youth, where I worked on developing HIV prevention strategies for women and scaling up male circumcision as an HIV prevention method. This job entailed extensive travel. Additionally, I frequently travelled between Geneva and the UK to visit my children, coordinating their flights to and from school and arranging weekend exeats and half-terms for them. I also brought my ‘adopted Nigerian’ daughter Jessica over to visit on two occasions. 27 The Birthday Journal
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