When You Listen

Yesterday we spent the morning at Innocent's home talking with William and capturing his story. He was born a refugee in Uganda and came to Rwanda, his father's homeland, with his mother and 19 brothers and sisters, in 1995 after the genocide. I didn't initially intend to record the conversation as we lingered over breakfast but when he began speaking so intently about his past (in very good English), I asked his permission to record it and grabbed the audio recorder from my backpack. What strikes me here is the eagerness of these soulful people to talk about the history of Rwanda and the struggles they faced to return to their country with nothing as refugees from surrounding countries such as Uganda, Congo and Burundi. Many people walked. Some had no shoes. But I'm beginning to find that all of them had hope.

Comments

[emma]

I'm just now catching up on the adventure (I was slow to recover from BlogHer), and I'm so very glad you are sharing all your experiences, and using your gut regarding documenting spontaneous moments. The photos you and Jen are taking are breathtaking, and your words are so full of emotion and respect. Thank you. And while I didn't have an opportunity to meet Jen in her p.j.'s, it was a such a pleasure to speak with you prior to your start on this journey. I look forward to continuing the dialogue! And can't wait for your next installment here. -em

[melody]

I am in need of hearing stories of hope...the reminder that always there is hope.

Beautifully done, Stephanie.

[Tara Bradford]

So inspiring; thank you for sharing these stories and photos. We, who have so much, sometimes need reminding that the heart of the matter is quite simple, few material possessions necessary.

[kosenrufu mama]

I read every your post, they have such a strenght and at the same time they are so full of hearth.
thank you for sharing these wonderful stories. This picture together the words show the hope of this man.
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/

[Liss]

Hi, I was sent here by suzyq.

This is a wonderful, inspiring and interesting project. I'll defiantly be tuning in for more.

[Di]

And that's why I travel but what you guys are doing looks purely magical! :)

[Liss]

Hi this is a very inspiring project. I'll be watching

[Vera]

That is probably what egged them on and kept them moving - hope.