When I walked in to the dark, foreboding room filled with women and children desperately waiting for their fistula procedure, it was as if a dark cloud was ominously hovering above. I walked over to one young girl and knelt down to hold her hand, gently moving the urine bag attached to her catheter. Her face was lifeless, her eyes cold and dead, her body and spirit broken. I said nothing, there were no words. Words seemed cheap. I just smiled and held her, looking into her her eyes for some hint of life, that she still might be able to hope, that she still might have some desire to live. Finally, after a few minutes, she began to hold my hand tightly and even managed a small smile.
All was explained. She had no idea who I was, or why I was there, but she knew that someone cared enough to sit and hold her. She knew at that moment that someone cared!
Peace,
Lysa Heslov
takepart with the Campaign to End Fistula
CATEGORIES: Human Rights, Peace
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Lysa, Your entry brings me to tears. It is heart breaking to imagine such suffering. I can only imagine how soul-crushing their experiences have been. Your love and compassion is their hope.
Be safe.
Rai
Dear Rai,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Peace,
Lysa
Lysa, So appreciative of your extending yourself in love to women and children both in USA and abroad. I hope that your journey will inspire others (both men and women) to speak up and support organizations that oppose the unspeakable conditions and actions against women and children around the world.
I have heard of Playground produced by your husband Grant, Mr. Soderberg and Mr. Clooney and am hopeful that documentary will help raise awareness of the need to stamp out child sex slavery not only around the world, but here in USA.
Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in our own communities through our service and our awareness of injustices, as well as through supporting financially those organizations we believe can make a huge difference world-wide. You and your husband serve as examples of using talents and resources given to you to be a blessing to others. What a fantastic couple you must be!