March 27, 2010
Thousands of miles, four countries, countless stories of heart ache and hope in 17 days.
Is it possible to share with you, my loved friends, colleagues, and family, all that I’ve experienced in the last few weeks? I’m still processing what I’ve seen and heard and although it feels impossible to convey a coherent thought regarding this journey, I must share with you all that I can.
In the past 17 days I’ve traveled with some of the best friends a soul could have, made wonderful new friends, battled the extreme heat of Southern Sudan, been taken into custody by the Sudanese Police (okay, I shouldn’t have been riding down the road on TOP of the Land Cruiser), traveled in some of the most dangerous regions in the world on roads stricken and formed by smoking volcanoes and heard stories that would crush your heart. I’ve seen people risk their lives for their countrymen and live every breath by Faith. Above all, I’ve seen hope. Hope for peaceful elections in the Sudan, hope for continued peace and healing in Kenya and Rwanda, hope for peace and reconciliation for the people of DR Congo. Hope.
I’ve struggled on many levels during the duration of this trip. Leaving home is very difficult for me, ironically, so is leaving Africa. I’ve struggled with fear of the unknown, wondering if I would see my family again. I’ve struggled with photographing those who, despite being willing (and signing releases) have stories that seem far too personal to be told. However, it’s through awareness and action that change can be made. Without knowledge, without awareness, we walk blindly along catering to one thing, ourselves. Despite my personal struggles, which pail in comparison to those of the people of Congo, I’ve been renewed. God has shown me His faithfulness and has questioned me about mine. Am I willing to leave all that I have, go to the ends of the earth and use my gift to try and change the world? Despite my struggles, I am. Why?
People matter. When our eyes and ears are awoken, when our hearts are turned toward others, it’s then that powerful changes can occur. I’ve seen change like that and it’s inspiring. It’s important I let you know that my being here isn’t because I’m a good person with a good heart. I like to be comfortable, safe and with my family. I’m here because I felt lead and if any good resides in this body, it is because God is working in me.
A few of the following brief stories are extremely difficult, rest assured, if you are willing to walk hand in hand with these people, or people like them, opportunities will come in the following weeks. Until then, what can we do in our own back yard to help those in need? It may be taking a picture, chances are, it will always be lending your ear and a soft touch.
Friends, more than photos, more than stories of hope and heart break, these are the people of Africa and they have won me over.
Her name translated means, "Joy." This young woman is a victom of gender based violence and at a young age has been raped. A woman raped in this culture is usually forsaken by her family. The Father, with no hope of a dowry, is angry. As young girls and women are often the ones to fetch water and firewood in the bush, they are left in vulnerable situations and are often taken by a group of soldiers or men and raped. We heard stories of women as old as 70 and as young as 5 being raped.
Peek a boo... A young Congolese attempts to peek in on our small group of Mzungus (white people.)
This young Congolese girl captivated me with her eyes...
During a pastor conference near Minova, DRC, a pastor stands and speaks of what he's learned throughout the workshop. World Relief is working closely with local churches to get involved in their villages to help the most vulnerable. These pastors walked for many miles this day to learn how best to lead their church, by serving.
This man, with his wonderful smile, is a victim, in his own way, of gender based violence. His wife was raped, however, because of the work of woman counselors in the area who are aided by World Relief, he was convinced that it wasn't his wife's fault she was raped, and therefore, should remain in the house. He says he's still very angry she was raped. Due to the violence done to her body, they are incapable of being intimate with each other... Many women raped in the DRC are in need of surgery to repair damage done, however, they are unable to pay for it.
Even now, starting to cry as I type. This is Dadu (Dah-doo.) She is 5 years old and as recently as this month was repeatedly raped by her step Father who has since been put into prison. This brave girl sat with us as we heard her story. We tried our best to stay strong for this beautiful girl, as you can imagine, we wept silently throughout the interview. We love you Dadu.
Catchin' a peek a boo...
Meal time in the DRC. What a blessing...
In Africa, sometimes you wait for things to happen...
5 year old Dadu... She is innocent...
In a small village named for the smoking volcano it resides near, a small girl and her Mother tell us their story. Now 12, this young women was raped much earlier. Her Mother couldn't leave her.
My turn for a peek a boo...
Curious...
Sometimes, in order not to be seen, you have to pretend you're photographing something else...
Always looking through the windows...
This young woman is another vitim of gender based violence and rape. Her young daughter looks on as Mamma is interviewed by Beth and Matt.
So much joy. Minova, DRC.
Proud to hold a card from a Kindergarten student from Pine Ridge in Bend, Oregon.
A pastor who works with his people to fight against gender based violence and it's many layers of destruction on the family unit.
Odette. After hearing her story of being raped, we couldn't contain ourselves and cried for her. She holds the precious child that was a result of the rape.
This is "Joy." She praises God no matter the storm and believes, though many in her village do not, that she has worth.
Yet another victom of gender based violence and rape. But her smile, oh her smile...
We don't know her story, she only wanted us to photograph her and pray for her. A young mother and rape victim holding her beautiful son. This was an overwhelming day to say the least.