“There is in this world no such force as the force of a man determined to rise. The human soul cannot be chained,” – W.E.B. DuBois.
Serving Action Aid, and witnessing the courage and despair of Syrian families as they arrived on Lesvos Island in Greece, I was humbled by the indomitable power of the human spirit and the ability to endure and sacrifice for the sake of our children. As a mother, my heart broke as I watched mothers weep when their newborn babies were placed in their arms after surviving the treacherous boat trip across the mediterranean with nothing but the bags on their backs.
I felt deeply saddened by the state of our world, and yet as I watched human beings helping and loving other human beings, my faith in humanity was also restored.
This was by far, my most challenging assignment ever – emotionally, spiritually and professionally. But I am grateful for the gift of seeing, and can only pray my images would help open the eyes of those who don’t.
