The following is a letter sent by Marty Friesen to MEDA’s Program Manager in Tajikistan.

Dear Beate,

It seems as if it were just yesterday that I was riding in the little MEDA Lada to the apricot market. I miss the country and the wonderful people of Tajikistan very much.

The trip to Tajikistan was a turning point in my life. Our diet has completely changed. During the first week after I returned from the trip, we ate no meat at all. I have never done that before in my life. Since that week we eat meat only three times a week. One meal is chicken, one meal fish, and one meal a meat that I actually like. This means I must now eat a lot of vegetables which is also unusual for me. I don’t feel any better, but I have lost ten kilograms and none of my clothes fit properly. This is a good problem.

Another change in my life is that my life and the problems I face no longer feel very stressful. I have seen what it is like to run a business in Tajikistan. I have gone to many of our government leaders and thanked them for the help they have been to our business. They look at me as if I am somewhat crazy. As you can tell, Tajikistan did a lot more good for me than I did for Tajikistan.

I appreciated your gracious attitude toward us as rude and uneducated North Americans. Your quick and ready laugh was always refreshing. The energy and passion you bring to a difficult job is unlike any I have ever seen. I have the highest respect for the fine job you and your staff are doing. If I were in your shoes I would not have the smallest idea where to start. Nonetheless, your job looks so fulfilling and meaningful and I would not be surprised if some day you will see me doing similar work. Time will tell. The only problem is – I am having so much fun in my current job.

I have talked to people about investing in Tajikistan, but so far have not found anyone who has both the available money and the passion for Tajikistan. Both are necessary. Unfortunately the world is a big place and there is not enough money to fill all the good opportunities for investment.

We send our love to you and wish you fulfillment in your work, your relationships and your faith.

You are now a part of all of our lives and we will never forget you.

Marty

Marty Friesen lives in Arborg, Manitoba with his wife Kimberly and 2 daughters. He works for Diemo Machine Works Inc., a custom job shop that manufactures steel products for many different industries. They employ 60 people and ship products and machines all over the world.