There are many people who assisted or inspired me in writing this book. I’d like to thank the following:
George Donahue, my dad, for bringing me a T-shirt from virtually every country he visited on business, and for making travel seem exotic and exciting.
Julie Donahue, my mom, for encouraging me to follow my heart, even if it meant that I’d probably spend most of my life living far away from her.
Chloé and Spirit, my kids, for making me laugh when I needed to.
Pamela Mountjoy, my friend, for believing in this book more than I did at times and for being the glue that held me and this book together from start to finish.
Carol Roth, my literary agent, for her steadfast belief in the power of my story and her determination to find the right publisher.
Tom Bowes and the staff at InCourage, for seeing new ways to share the desert metaphor with organizations in transition.
Ocean Lum, my first-draft editor, for her discerning intellect, which kept me focused on a coherent message.
Linda Davidson and her team at Canspeak, for encouraging me to pick up my pen and finally start writing.
Bobby Neufeld, my friend and mountaineering companion, for taking me into the high country and defending the spirit of real mountain climbers when I got carried away with my metaphor.
Judith Moser, my friend, for her support and insights as I’ve crossed my own deserts of change.
Tallis, Henri, and André, my desert traveling companions, for accompanying me on this journey that profoundly influenced my life. My apologies to Henri for changing his name to Jean-Luc; I found that my English-speaking audiences were confusing the French pronunciation of Henri with André. I hope that no offense will be taken, for none was intended.
Steve Donahue
Victoria, British Columbia
January 2004
