Left to Tell- Worthwhile and Moving

To put it simply, Left to Tell is just an awesome book to read. I guarantee it will touch your heart. Author Imaculee Ilibagiza tells her story that brings you to know what the Rwandan genocide in 1994 really was. She successfully introduces the characters of her life, her family, her friends and loved ones, and instills a love of them in you. Her writing is so real. Through the happy moments, the moments of realization and hope, and through the heart-wrenching pain and coping, you will follow this woman of great faith and her struggles page after page.


What makes this book interesting? At least for me, I did not have much prior knowledge to the Rwandan genocide. I definitely didn’t know it happened less than 20 years ago! The creditable information presented along with personal experiences of the characters egg the reader on.

This compelling story is not to be taken lightly. Be forewarned that it’s definitely a tear-jerker. I happily recommend it to all those of a level of maturity that will use it for good. The experiences of this woman are too precious to be taken lightly. Have a good heart. Pick up this book and give it a read. You will find the same respect and love in your heart as I did.

The Lost Boys of Sudan

photograph by Sebastiao Salgado
Why are the boys here?  The government and others tried to force young boys to fight in the civil war that was raging on in the southern Sudan (from 1983 to 2005). Because of this, boys are sent away from their families at a young age to hide. They can frequently be seen travelling in groups together. Refugees to another place.

Many young children lost their families due to the war. The "Lost Boys of Sudan" is the name given to the more than 27,000 boys of a single ethnic group who were displaced or orphaned during that civil war. So many lives and future lives effected.

This photo is very emotional.The lightning gives it a sort of eerie feel until you look at the faces of these young boys and the pain behind each expression. Salgado tells us that this was a common sight while he was traveling. Quite a sight to see.


Salgado, Sebastião. Photograph. "Migrations: Humanity in Transition." 4 February 2010.
---. Pamphlet. "Southern Sudan, A Population in Distress." Migrations: Humanity In Transition. New York, Aperture. 2000. 15-16. Print.

"The Lost Boys of Sudan". Wikipedia. 4 Feb 2010

The Children

photograph by Sebastiao Salgado

Hillary Mayell of National Geographic says that of the 35 million people who have had to flee from their homes facing conflict, more than 17 million are children. Not even half of those live in camps provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

How are these children affected? It is not enough for them to be helped physically, with food, water, and other staples. Emotionally and physiologically, things will never be the same.

The innocent child in the photo is unaware of the hardships and trials, as many young children are. She is unaware that her life isn't just as good as any other child's. How will this affect her when she comes to be an adult?

I have a friend who was a refugee of Turkey as a teenager. To this day, every aspect of his life is affected by it. He tells of nights he can't sleep because he is remembering all that happened. He tells his story so that people will know and be aware.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. New York: Aperture, 2000. Print.

Mayell, Hillary. "Refugee Children, Victims of War and Want". National Geographic. 19 June 2003. >

Are these men looking at the other side? Or are they leaning against the wall, hurt?

They are tired, they are in pain. They are longing for something else. They look for the other side of this wall that keeps them where they are. The men hold onto it as they lean towards it. Maybe it is because of fatigue.

With the disaster in Haiti, I can't help but think the lives of those impacted could now be closely related to those that Salgado depicts. Those that need our help.

Let's do what we can to provide for those who need it. Let's help tear down the wall that holds them.

Visit http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/ to see what you can do!

photograph by Sebastiao Salgado

Sebastiao Salgado

Photograph by Sebastiao Salgado

Refugees.

We could be one of them.

It only takes a second to change a life forever. Whether it is because of a handshake or a signed document, these moments have power.

Life is a series of events. Every action or incidence effects the next. Look at the photograph above. What brought these people to have to endure such hardships?

This path is worn. It has been traveled before. Many times, perhaps. Fallen loved ones off to the side. No proper means for burial and ceremonies.

These people suffer for a hope of a better tomorrow. The path is long and painful. The path is worth it. Otherwise, it would be easy to give up.

Sebastiao Salgado's photography allows us to see a glimpse of these people's lives for what they really are. Photography, as another form of art, provides for so much emotion- so much interpretation.

Interpret for yourself these people's lives. Find what they mean to you. Know of them. Think of the why.

Before now I knew nothing of these refugees. Let's create quite the experience out of this and learn together.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture Foundations, Inc. New York. 2000. 89.

This picture isn't much for looking at, but for me it is the description of my life.

I come from a small island town on the coast of North Carolina. Sand, sun, and the tourism industry. I took this picture flying at a low 400 feet above the island. Why this shot? It is a birds-eye view of the place I work- A mini golf! (located a little off-center).

My extended family founded this little town and since then it's been our lives. Many childhood memories of mine in some way include countless hours at this putt putt or the waterslide that was next door.

During such crazy touristy summers, it became easy to be overwhelmed and feel like I lived there in the hut by the zebra. (We had cool giant animals!) The view from the sky always puts perspectives in place. No matter if I am flying just around town or taking the flight across country to come to school, I can see how large the world really is. Up in the air you see how miniscule some things seem- how life actually doesn't revolve around handing putters to people and entertaining awkward tourists that come back every year.

I am just one person in a world of people, of societies, and even small beach towns. When we get stressed or our minds are clouded with responsibilities and issues, it's time to board. Sit back and enjoy your flight.