MiaFarrow.org |
Humanitarian and Advocacy Information |
Archives
| February 19, 2009 |
Heading home
I left Chad less than 24 hrs ago.I'm not home yet.
The past four weeks have been intense, extraordinarily productive, magical and unforgettable. Things came to me as if by magic. People are crazy about this project and went out of their way to offer help and support. I have about 45 hrs of unedited tape- a trove of traditional treasures from 7 different Darfur tribes.
I also began photographing and collecting artifacts. A secure place to store them ( along with my camera equipment) was offered to us in NdJamena.
The refugees were eager to offer many items including farm tools, containers of all kinds, spears, an old cotton ''machine", drums, camel and donkey saddles and more. Now that they can have a temporary home, I will be able to collect more and (somehow) bring them to NdJamena.
Already I am missing Chad and the remarkable people I spend time with there. What a privilege it has been!
I am filled with gratitude to the Darfuri refugees who, with full hearts, laughter and tears, brought forth their most treasured memories, childhood stories, songs and celebrations.
I am grateful to the aid workers-you are without question the finest people I have ever met or ever will meet. You embraced this project with untempered enthusiasm and provided essential support. You are far from your families and life in Chad is challenging, but I never heard anyone complain.
Ettie, my friend for life, you are awesome. Laurette, Maurzio, Cornelia -omg- thank you for your inspiration, your committment to improving peoples lives, your kindness and generosity. Irina, Serge-dear friend and all at UNHCR we could not have done this project without you! Thank you Annette. Thank you UNHCR in Koukou- you made me feel at home at your compound where I could, most days, get on line, Lanik thank you! and Benedetta grazi for your good heart (and for letting my laundry get washed with yours), Hias, you were our home, office and more! Thank you Gaele for your friendship and EVERYTHING. Thank you everyone at Intersos -for letting me use your shower, do my emailing and for walking to the hill with me that beautiful evening. Nellie and Duccio thank you!
David- you already know how grateful I am.
Joan and Pam, so much gratitude.
This poem, by an anonymous Somali refugee, was just send to me. But it should really be for all of you. I shudder to think what this world would be without you.
"Tribute to a Humanitarian"
If you see a world torn by famine and war and feel in some way responsible, you know the meaning of love.
If you see people with little or no hope and believe their survival is somehow linked to your own, you know the meaning of brotherhood.
If you feel those of us who have been blessed with abundance should share with those less fortunate, you know the meaning of charity.
If you can travel to the end of the world to bring hope to those who would otherwise never know it, you know the meaning of courage.
And if you can see a smile in the faces of those who should have no reason to smile, you know that there is still time."