Left to Tell

I just finished reading Left to Tell, an autobiography by Immaculée Ilibagiza. Immaculée is the only member of her family “left to tell” their horrifying experience in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Her parents and brothers were all slaughtered, simply for being part of the Tutsi tribe. They were only four out of an estimated 500,000 – 1,000,000 killed in about 100 days. Immaculée barely survived through hiding for three months, with seven other women, in a tiny bathroom owned by a pastor, and then through the protection of French soldiers and kind, brave Hutus.

I am ashamed to say that I had never heard of the Rwandan genocide until reading this book. Other people in my writing class also didn’t know about it. I think everyone should read it, especially those in my generation who may not be aware of this terrible holocaust that happened just a couple years before we were born. If nothing else, it will teach you about this important historical event through the eyes of a victim. Immaculée’s strength, determination, and faith will also astound you as she describes discovering God amidst the unspeakable pain and violence around her. It is miraculous that she survived. I believe her words were meant to be heard. 

Abdi and the Golden Ticket

Abdi Nor

“Abdi and the Golden Ticket” is a radio show that tells the story of a Somali refugee living in Kenya who wins a lottery ticket that can completely change his life. This lottery is the US Diversity Visa Lottery that allows a small group of people from a wide range of countries the chance to enter the US each year. Abdi explains that, “in any given year, between 8 and 15 million people apply, with over 100,000 winners.” Abdi had studied and dreamed of America his entire life, so winning was literally a dream come true. However, winning the chance for a visa was only the beginning of Abdi’s journey to actually obtaining it.

This story had me gripped. You listen to a serious of phone calls recorded over time between Abdi and news reporter Leo Hornak. After hearing Abdi won the DV Lottery, Leo decided to call him every night and follow his story. I was surprised to learn that only about 50% of the people who win this lottery actually end up making it to the US. The reasons why became clear through hearing Abdi’s struggles. He was hunted day and night by Kenyan police who were searching for Somali refugees to take to jail, and then back to Somalia. In order to complete his necessary papers, Abdi had to somehow obtain a “certificate of good conduct” from the Kenyan police department—the very people trying to arrest him.

Through a serious of extremely close calls over many months, Abdi eventually obtains his visa and makes it to America. I couldn’t believe how much I learned through listening to his daily reports. His story has made me more aware and appreciative of refugees like him in the US. Understanding a little about Abdi’s life prior to moving to the US gives me a whole new perspective on refugees similar to him. It also made me want to help ensure that living here is the “dream” that so many of them have longed for.

You can follow this link to listen to and/or read this incredible story.