Would you be willing to trade part of your anatomy for the priviledge of going to school?
For Kakenya Ntaiya, this was not a hypothetical question. It was her reality. She tells her astounding story in the Ted talk below.
Just the expressions written on the faces of those children, before and after, tell the story. I replayed that footage again and again.
It made me deeply grateful for the myriad of choices available to me, for the brave women who laid the groundwork for such freedom, and for the presence of strong women in my life — my family, my friends, my professional mentors.
Yesterday was Labor Day. It was a day to reflect on the work we do in this world and the impact it has on others. It was an opportunity to consider how we are supported and sustained by the labor of others.
Today I am thankful to get back to the work.
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This post was my submissions for Kozo Hattori’s Monthly Peace Challenge for September: “Let’s inundate the internet with a peace collage of powerful words and images.”
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September 3, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Kelly Kuhn
It really is amazing, isn’t it, what some people have to endure? And all the more amazing when it is part of a culture, and parents participate in inflicting the suffering. Great post – thank you for giving us this.
September 4, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Lunar Euphoria
Yes. What I find most striking/admirable about Ntayia is her peaceful and effective approach towards correcting the injustice.
September 3, 2013 at 7:24 pm
amonikabyanyuvva
Astonishing world we live in isn’t it? Great idea to raise awareness of a huge injustice still practiced on far too many women worldwide.
September 4, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Lunar Euphoria
Astonishing – yes. I admire this women’s considerable finesse given the situation.
September 3, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Kozo Hattori
Love the quotations, especially the Rumi. Great way to describe Bloggers for Peace. I think all bloggers for peace love peace, so that is what they do. I love the compassion you express for Ntaiaya, as well. {{{hugs]}} Kozo
September 4, 2013 at 9:35 pm
Lunar Euphoria
The photo of that Rumi quote is from the wall in my office. It’s a daily reminder for my clients and myself to stay true to our purpose.
September 4, 2013 at 1:39 am
1girl4adamwest
Powerful expression here!
September 4, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Lunar Euphoria
I thought the same of your words, especially:
“Enlightenment kisses our souls when we recognize who we are and just BE.”
Good stuff!
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