Comments on: Renee’s Face

By: Susan Silver, Temple Isaiah JWW Team Chair

Susan Silver, Temple Isaiah JWW Team Chair — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:01:50 +0000

Dear Janice,

I sat here reading your blog and had to stop–it was so painful. I then read Naama’s and Diana’s blogs and then with courage (ha!) I returned to finish reading yours.

Courage–wow, to be there and bear witness–I have such admiration and gratitude to you, Naama, Diana, and John–and of course to the survivors themselves and those who are helping them heal–it’s unimaginable.

Thank you for your courage, Janice!

God bless you!

With love, admiration, and gratitude,
Susan

By: nan and richard

nan and richard — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:54:22 +0000

Dear Janice,
Once more you allow us to see through your eyes and the eyes of these courageous women both the worst and the best of humanity. We embrace you and the women whose stories you carry in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Nan and Richard

By: Fran Slater

Fran Slater — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:46:09 +0000

Hi Janice, Sami and Rachel gave me the link to your blog, and I am so moved by your experiences in the Congo. This past summer I read Blood River: A Journey to Africa’s Broken Heart by Tim Butcher–he travels through the Congo, replicating Stanley and Livingston’s route-and writes about the tragedy of the Congo. Your blog brings to life much of what Butcher describes. It must be so hard to process the reality of what you’re observing–your group is really experiencing a secondary trauma–wishing you a safe return and looking forward to seeing you Thanksgiving weekend. Fran Slater

By: Shura Saul

Shura Saul — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Janice, Dear Janice: We are reading your blogs, filled with admiration for your courage and your compassion. Your story of Renee’s face is a tearful and telling confirmation that we are one world, one family, one people…you, who already know this, are learning it again ina remarkable way. Through you, we,too, are learning this and must find our ways, mamoth like yours or less so but nevertheless meaningful, to strengthen and support these human ties. Our love for you and your work is impossible to express adequately.Shura

By: debbie

debbie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:12:47 +0000

Dear Janice-
The story of your tears are allowed us to feel the pain and suffering that you shared with Renee. When you enabled her to share her painful story with you, you enabled us to open our hearts to her horrific suffering. And the blouse….the blouse….a symbol for you of your past success and a symbol for Renee of survival….incredible. May you continue your journey in health and come home safely to all who love you.
Debbie and Larry

By: David Steinberger

David Steinberger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:57 +0000

Hi Janice,
What you are seeing through your swollen eyes helps us to see too. I am more than moved by your willingness to keep your eyes and heart open to this pain; in part, I know you do this so that we can feel the echo of it here and I am grateful for this.

By: rhonda

rhonda — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:49:33 +0000

Janice,
Every moment of your life in the Congo is so painful, but yet so uplifting. People have suffered such atrocities and still go on living with hope. Your heart must be aching so, yet your soul is telling you to continue this journey. These experiences change not only your life, but all of ours who are so blessed to know and love you. Please continue to be safe and I look forward to your return. Love you, Rhonda

By: Yombo

Yombo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:37:54 +0000

I am in tears. Thank you for your courage and your support janice.

Yombo

By: Judy, your cousin

Judy, your cousin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:17:28 +0000

Janice, I can’t even imagine the experience you are having, because the only way one could, would be to actually be there personally experiencing it like you. It reminds me of what others have said after going on the March of the Living to the Concentration Camps, that it forever changes them and somehow sets them apart from others who have not been there to experience it themselves. I look forward to be able to talk to you about this trip in person sometime soon, if you are willing. Judy H.