Commenting Back
11:36pm
Cynthia:
Thanks! I was feeling a bit down just now. Your comment brought me back, still a bit sad, but so much more rocking! Gracias amiga. Say hi to all at o.net…miss everyone.
g
10:48pm
Hi Tere:
It is unbelievable that people would choose to live in such harsh areas. I’m not sure it is really a choice, though. They are born into this land and grow up knowing that that is their way of life and existing, and they have done it for generations. It is such a delicate balance they find with the natural resources. The genocide in Darfur has completely disrupted this balance. In Bahai, you have a population of approximately 3,000. Then, with the crisis in Darfur, you get an influx of 30,000. Neither the refugees nor the locals can really be blamed for the current tensions. It is a complex situation, but only the ones carrying out the genocide can be blamed. I know that you all know that this is all MY opinion, but it doesn’t hurt to remind.
Hello Pam:
Yes, the people we are meeting have been comfortable and eager to tell us about security. In Oure Cassoni, the tension is very high. We heard it from so many sources; they do not feel safe. Another yes to people seeming cheerful and smiling, which is how they greet us every time. It is very contagious. It is a joy to be with them. It is also an emotional sledge-hammer to the heart every day. It is all of that together. It seems contradictory, and I think that it’s part of being human.
Paz everyone
2 replies on “i-ACT Day Seventeen”
Hi Gabe,
I’ve continued to follow your videos with interest. What you guys are doing is admirable. I’m sure positive things will come from this. Take care of yourselves and look forward to seeing you back in LA. Charles D.
Hey Gabe and Chris,
Listening to the men tell their stories of being tied and beaten, of children disappearing, of living in constant fear…it makes me wonder, and admire how the children you have filmed always seem to be smiling.
Gabe, I remember a couple of days ago you mentioned something to the effect that the people in the camps live day by day… focused on surviving in the present. It doesn’t appear as though they are very hopeful that they will be able to return to their homes any time soon. What are you thoughts? Do you believe they will have the opportunity to return home any time soon? Do you have thoughts / feelings as to when this might happen? How it will happen?
Stay safe,
Javi