Before leaving California to embark on this journey (and that’s the word that most fits for my trips out to the refugee camps–journey), I told others on the on-the-ground team that it would be a life-changing experience. I could never have thought it would reach this level of gut, mind, heart, and soul shaking that this journey turned in to. Visiting the refugee camps in Eastern Chad is such a full, unforgettable experience! Walking with children, all of whom have experienced horrors much worse than our two days war, moves you and shakes you enough to never being able to not think about them again.
Being present and reporting during the N’Djamena fighting has brought us unprecedented exposure. We have been speaking with major news organization from all around the world. It gives us a great opportunity to speak about Darfur and the need for peace in that warn-torn region. I want the press to continue approaching us.
The story from the capital of Chad is very important. Four Americans in danger during forty-eight hours is an interesting side story. Millions of people in grave and continuous danger for over five years, is that enough of a story for the world to stop and look in on Darfur?
Paz,Gabriel
ps. Thanks for all the support. You are amazing! We are now in Libreville, Gabon, spending one more night in Africa but in no danger.
7 replies on “Attention”
Gabe- You were on CBS Evening News last night in the States; on Jim Lehrer News Hour tonight. Watching CBS right now to see if there’s an update. It’s great to see the Hb4P shirts!! Pretty scary way to get the word out on the refugees in Chad and Darfur, my brave friend. Now that I can breathe more easily about y’all, I am left with my original worries… for the people of Darfur and Chad. If the raised voices brought attention to Le Meridien Four (Quatre?), perhaps we can raise a little more noise for the remaining millions.
Have a good night sleep. Talk to you soon. cyn
Your story was on local CBS/NBC affiliates, Channels 12 & 24 last night, will be on local ABC, Channel 7 tonight, and was featured in the Record Searchlight on Sunday. Redding knows what is happening in Darfur and Chad. We got the word out about the Benefit Concert for Darfur on 2/15 and emphasized how you inspired the students at Shasta High School to do something about Darfur. We are thankful that you are out of danger and looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you soon. Marv
Gabe said:
“Being present and reporting during the N’Djamena fighting has brought us unprecedented exposure. We have been speaking with major news organization from all around the world. It gives us a great opportunity to speak about Darfur and the need for peace in that warn-torn region. I want the press to continue approaching us.”
Sweetie – they will!!
As I wrote earlier and elsewhere, you and Katie-Jay have become the reliable civilian citation and contact point over the past days – the exposure is indeed unprecedented and it truly is GLOBAL!
And it hasn’t happened by accident, matey!
You guys could so easily NOT have continued to work the way you did – pumping out videos and journal pieces and just staying on top of it. Grace (and committment) under pressure!
“No obstacles only opportunities” has new meaning.
StopGenocideNOW has a big opportunity to REALLY MAKE SOME NOISE and be heard aroung the world – and it’s you and Katie-Jay’s dedication that has created that opportunity.
Well done! (wrote the Queen of Understatement!!!! :)
hugs and much love to you all as always,
Safe trip home, G. XoXoX
Gabe & Co,
What a wonderful relief to see you get on and off that plane and to know that you are safely on your way home. Now the real work begins … you have the media spotlight on you, keep it shining on Chad/Darfur until the genocide stops NOW!!!
Work it baby, work it, like only you can … that is if KTJ’s mom lets you off the grounding! I’m so proud of you : )
XoX
Meron
Gabriel and KTJ,
I am glad you are all safe now, today I got a response back from the Alaska US Senator, it seems Alaska has put in legislation to divest from any investments it has with Sudan. Looks like after 5 years of killing Alaska is finally taking a stand, HB287! Thanks to you and your journey its seems like more are aware of the genocide and God willing the genocide will end soon. Thank you.
Continually hopeful,
Ashley Straley
bonjour le meridien quatre
so happy you are safe…and so proud of what you are accomplishing for the people of darfur and chad. and glad we can be proud of some americans in the news!!!!!!
xoxoxoxo-
Great reporting, and wonderful news on your passage through one more gate on your way home; just wish there were more positive outlook for those remaining so vulnerable in this region. We’re all praying things settle, quickly, so no further support agencies are withdrawn, and so those that have been evacuated can safely return to their vital work. Continue to pump hope into Darfur with every bit of media attention you draw to this crisis. Bravo, team!
Sweet dreams of peace,
Lisa