I see these kids' faces every day.
And I wonder if I'll ever see them again.
In part, because I don't know if I'll be able to go back - who really knows what the future holds?
And in part because so many of the kids are sick - if I come back, will they still be here?
I'll remember them, most likely forever.
Will they remember me? Any of us?
I didn't expect to miss them this much. I really didn't.
Their smiles...
... their silliness...
... their singing.
It's hard to love people on the other side of the world, hard to be apart from them when you want so badly to just hold them.
Instead, I try to help them from here, raising funds and awareness.
And I hope, someday, to be with them again.
Until hello...
8 comments:
was it truly inspiring to be there? and where exactly did you go? i had a few friends go to africa recently and they said it was horrifying.. think blood diamonds horrifying. so sad. so so sad. people know what goes on there, but it's like chaos where cruelness reigns.
i've really liked reading about your trip there
That was more eloquent than anything I've ever read (and I read a lot).
I don't know if you realize this, but the Lara that returns from Africa is not the Lara that left. You are a different person now.
This was a beautiful post and your pictures are amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing. Your story is amazing and the photographs are beautiful. I find it hard to reconcile the beauty and happiness of the children with their plight. I hope you are able to return to Africa and that you can continue to raise awareness.
A trip like that HAS to change you. And beautiful, wide eyed children like that would be very hard to leave. Wonderful pics!
I can tell from this (and your other posts) that the teachers and students that went on this trip were inspired and changed in profound ways. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
And your photos are amazing.
Psst...I'm still around. Enjoying the updates. Sounds like an amazing trip.
Juka - I would just like to say, for all to see, that I LOVE that you are still around. :)
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