Face to Face in the Third World
Each month, The Sarnia Observer publishes an article entitled "Face to Face in the Third World." Below is the first article, which appeared on Oct. 15, 1994. It helps to explain our purpose.
Each month, current articles will be posted and previous articles will be archived.
First "Face to Face" Article (Oct. 15, 1994):
LOOKING
CLOSER AT THE THIRD WORLD
Editor's note: Face to Face in the Third World, a column written by Rayjon
members will run monthly.
In 1990, the haunting melody of "From a Distance", the hit song
of the day, saturated the airwaves. I remember it well, for at that specific
time I was preparing to go to Nicaragua.
I had read about Nicaragua's civil war, about their fight for justice and
land reforms and, of course, the terrible loss of lives. Now I was to experience
the reality, not" from a distance", but close up.
When I returned home, the war was no longer an abstract event. I had worked
with people who had fought on each side. I listened to their stories. I marvelled
at their courage and I was encouraged by their determination. They were survivors.
They had a face and despite all that had happened, they could still smile.
I wouldn't have seen those smiles from a distance, but close up their laughter
rang in my ears as we enjoyed our time together and learned from one another.
As I write this, my intent is not to repeat the latest news-making development
or attempt to explain the most recent views of the politicians but rather
to present stories of people and places, as seen by those who have been there.
Most of the stories will concern the people of Haiti, but we will also visit
other lands.
Our story- tellers will be ordinary people like you and me, members of Rayjon
Share Care. They come from various backgrounds-- a doctor, lawyer, merchant
and chief, but also educators and students, the just beginning and the retiree.
Their common bond is one of caring, so you will find these same people helping
out at the Inn of the Good Shepherd, participating in the Terry Fox run or
promoting Drug Awareness. They are your neighbours and they have a story to
share. Each month we will tell of a personal encounter as experienced by one
of our members. To identify this monthly column look for the Rayjon Share
Care logo.
Rayjon Share Care of Sarnia is an ecumenical, registered Canadian charity
whose aim is to foster lasting improvements in Haiti and other Third World
countries.
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Joanne Atkinson has been a member of Rayjon Share Care since 1987.