Human trafficking - unexpected demand

WARNING: this post is not for the faint of heart or young adults, some may find the content offensive. Admittedly, the topic is difficult - it has kept me up at night. It is the stuff nightmares and scary movies are made of...proceed at your own risk. Seriously.

I have posted many times about the problem of human trafficking, mostly in the context of Asia and Eastern Europe. You can read those posts here, here, here, here, and here.

Human trafficking is often tied to the sex trade. There is a documented correlation between the two.

Human trafficking can be clearly tied to forced labor...and has been for generations.

The business of trafficking in persons (TIP) in Africa takes on a completely new market demand. The drivers of the African market in persons has challenged everything I thought I knew about this issue. It has opened my eyes to a world outside my realm of experience. I am left clueless at how to respond. If there are any wise people out there who would like to provide advice - I am listening.

In Mozambique, the highest demand for humans is body parts. Often these body parts are harvested from living human beings as they are used in traditional witchcraft rituals and this method of harvesting is believed to be the most powerful. Thousands of children go missing for their organs, including their genitals (yes, even from women). I am not making this up, it is a documented reality. A shocking truth.

It may surprise you to learn that Mozambique is on the tier 2 watch list (T2W) for trafficking in persons. It is not a good rating. There is only one worse. The difference between T2W and tier 3 is whether or not the government is perceived to be making an effort to combat this social ill. Other T2W countries are Afghanistan, Russia, and Thailand.

Prosecution is high on the list of priorities for combating human trafficking in 2010. A recent case publicized in Mozambique made the news, not because of the gruesomeness of the event (it is gruesome), but rather because the perpetrators (one of them being the young man's uncle) received a penalty of 20 years for their actions (the difference in the tier rating). You can read a synopsis from the Associated Press here.

Since moving to Mozambique I have researched this topic and learned there is no internationally accepted definition of trafficking in body parts. There is no proven prevention strategy. There is little support for the survivors of these crimes and the prosecution rate is low. As with all human trafficking networks, they are vast and lucrative.

Once again I am confronted with a difficult issue and I do not know how to respond. What to do? I don't know. What is the right thing to do?

I have not talked about it before now because words escape me, yet I feel compelled to tell this story. This is my humble attempt to shine light in a dark corner of our world.

Sheri

shopping at the market

While on my recent trip to Kenya, some new friends and I perused some of the local handicrafts. They shopped. I looked.

Meet Chuck. He comes from a family of clowns...literally. After I learned this I said, "that explains so much." Why? Hanging with Chuck is a lot of fun and he is often clownin' around. Evidence to come in a future post. 

In this photo Chuck is posing in front of an interesting sign. Can you read it? If not, it says "welcome to the new proposed market." Does anything about that seem new? or is it just proposed? You decide.

Meet Alyson. Chuck is her boss. She liked the bust of this wildebeest so much she tried to replicate it.

Being in the market was like taking a mini-safari. We also had a giraffe sighting.

This elephant was my favorite. I wanted to take it home. I seem to have a thing for elephants lately.

Did you see anything you'd like at the market? If you were there, what would you be looking to buy - or would you be like me, just looking?

Sheri

A recent Sunday...

Recently, I spent a lazy Sunday doing nothing but sitting and reading.

I thought you might appreciate the view.

Ahhh, Africa! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful - wish you were here.

Sheri

regional meetings in Kenya

I am currently in Kenya for regional meetings. This is supposed to be scheduled time for fun and relaxation and I want to take advantage of it. I will post again when I return.

meet Nelson

I recently posted a story of a young boy named Fred who lives on the streets of Maputo. I want to introduce you to another young man living on the streets of Maputo.

This is Nelson. Here he is posing for the photo with my friend Sarah. Sarah works with an organization that helps these boys return home. You can read her blog here.

This is Nelson with his family and neighbors. Soon he will be living with them again.

I share these photos, because the money raised by my young cousins will help Nelson return home. Their efforts will provide Nelson with clothes, blankets and other necessities as he returns home with his family. This reunion is scheduled for October 2. He will be living with his father and twin sister and plans to return to school in January, when his school fees will be paid and the organization will help with school supplies.

I am glad I was able to make the connection between Mya, Summer, Larissa and Nelson. Hope you enjoyed seeing the result of their efforts.

I don't know who said it, but I like the concept...little things can make a BIG difference!

Sheri

Capoeira - Brazilian martial arts

Mozambique was colonized by the Portuguese (hence, the language they speak). Brazil had also been colonized by the Portuguese. Beyond language there are other things these places share in common. I've been to a few African countries, Mozambique is unique among them. It has an almost Latin feel in the people and culture. On my Sunday stroll of the Maputo beach I saw something I thought only existed in Brasil - Capoeira. This is a form of martial arts that is much like a choreographed dance, with drum beats. It takes an incredible amount of strength. Here is a group performing on the Maputo beach.

Have you seen this performed? It's pretty amazing.

Sheri

beach town

I have never lived in a beach town before. This is a new experience for me. I like being able to drive next to the ocean and walk in the sand. Kenyon and I have gone down on a Saturday and played frisbee. The weather is getting warmer here...summer is coming. Maputo was a ghost town on Sunday's, not any more. The water front is BUSY! Here are just a few things I saw on a recent Sunday.

Beach volleyball

Kids swimming

my favorite view of the city...but this is the most people I have ever seen

This is something I do see often - weddings. I don't understand it. Have you been to the beach? Sand gets EVERYWHERE. Why would someone go to the beach in their wedding dress? and they always walk out in to the water on this ledge. On this particular Sunday there were four weddings. Things that make you go, hmmm...

What is your favorite thing to do at the beach? Mine is to sit and read a book. At our recent beach visit we played soccer, that was a lot of fun and a great work out due to all the running in the sand.

Sheri

b-e-a-utiful Maputo!

When we were home I realized that I had lots of pictures of Cambodia, some pictures in the field in Mozambique provinces, but nothing from the city we live in - Maputo. This is a beautiful city right on the coast and we are lucky to live here. Now, you may not like it if you have anything against ocean views, palm trees and sunshine...to me, a girl who grew up in the desert, these things are enchanting.

This is the road leading downtown. It is my favorite drive in the city. Day or night, it is wonderful. There is something calming about proximity to the ocean. In the day I like to see the waves, at night I like to see the reflection of the moon on the water. Every Sunday there are many men lined up along the edge like this with their fishing poles. I took this photo too early as there was only one. A short while later there were many, but I could not stop to take a photo so you will just have to use your imagination.

Just before the fishing spot there is a colorful tile mural with all types of pictures. It is a very fun and very unique part of the city. I like it a lot. These are birds and fish...

Palm trees and so much more...

This is one of two shopping malls. It has a coffee shop. A Portuguese book store. Some clothes and a small convenience store. Notice the street vendor outside. This stuff is hawked each day by what I call "hustlers." Many of these items were available (but for a lot more dollars) at the International Folk Art Market...another reminder of my unconventional life.

Would you like to live near the ocean or is there another location you would prefer?

Sheri

living the dream

Recently, I went to the beach with friends and a few boys who live on the streets of Maputo. Street boys are a big problem in our city. They are on the streets for various reasons, but usually due to some unpleasant event at home that made them think it would be better to run away to the big city even if it meant begging for survival.

My friend Sarah works with these boys everyday - providing food, play and an opportunity to learn to read. The goal of this project is to keep them safe and hopefully reintegrate them in to a family rather than have them living on the streets. The money from my young cousins went to support this work.

During our beach trip, at each meal we would sit at the table and ask a question that each of us would answer. One of the boys is named Fred. His answers always challenged me.

What do you want to be when you grow up or what did you think you would do as a kid? Fred said (in Portuguese) that he dreams of being an Engineer. It is unusual for a kid in his circumstance to have a big dream like that as they are usually too focused on survival day-to-day. For example, the other boy with us could not answer the question. This is what I typically see from those living in difficult circumstances. But, not Fred. Fred has a big dream. I pray he keeps dreaming about a brighter future.

If money were no object, what is your eccentric dream? Me. I'd like to take flying lessons and own my own plane. Fred had a very specific dream about living in a house, with a door, and a bed, and plates with a dining table like the one we were eating at, and he would have a refrigerator with food and a car to drive. Fred's eccentric dream probably looks a lot like your daily life. It looks like mine. I pray Fred realizes that dream. I pray I never lose an appreciation for the opportunity I was given to live that dream.

How about you? What did you want to be when you were a kid? If money were no object, what is your eccentric dream?

Sheri

discovered: the origins of white skin

I have mentioned before the obvious lack of dairy products in Mozambique. I miss cheese options. I hardly use milk and I never drink it, but I still miss the availability of fresh milk.

This weekend I was with some friends at a beach. One of them told the funniest story about an interaction he had with a kid he works with. The kid had a theory - white people have white skin and they eat cheese and drink milk, Mozambicans have black skin and dairy is not part of their diet. Therefore, white skin must be associated with dairy consumption. Now, take this theory to the real world...

The friend is a white man from America. The kid is Mozambican. The location is a local take-away shop.

Take-away shop keeper asks something about how the friend and kid know each other.

Friend:  this is my son

Shop Keeper:  how is that possible?

Kid:  he's eaten more dairy than I have, I am just trying to catch up.

Ha!

Did you have any interesting theories when you were a kid? I had been told that people lived in the water drain, for a while I believed them.

Sheri

getting directions in Africa

"Drive until the road gets tired."

Tired? What does that mean? Apparently it means the pavement ends and dirt begins.

In honor of a Mozambican national holiday

Today is a national holiday in Mozambique, celebrating the signing of a peace agreement. We have a planned day off work.

Thankfully, the streets have been peaceful since last week.

Enjoy the video...remembering (and dreaming of) better days.



Waka Waka Africa!

Sheri

setting up house in Maputo

While we were visiting the US the wonderful Whitlock family moved back to the States for good. It is sad for us socially, but we did inherit some of their furnishings. Now that the place didn't feel quite so sterile and like we are just passing through I decided I needed to find something to hang on my bare walls. So, our first weekend back in Maputo I went with a girlfriend to the weekend market.

There are many goods to purchase - shirts and shoes, knickknacks and handbags, but I was looking for something particular. I was shopping for an African Batik. What's that?

A batik is a decorated fabric. The market has hundreds of them and lots of sellers willing to give a "special price." It was hard to choose and my special price wasn't so special so my budget could only allow for the purchase of one on this particular shopping trip.

This is the batik I selected. Why? How did I choose it? Well, it was very simple really. First, I like the colors. Second, elephants are the star of one of our fondest memories so far in Africa...remember our safari trip with the momma elephant? So, if I have to look at this everyday I wanted it to be something that made me smile. Also, when we leave here I wanted it connected with a memory of our time in Africa as I assume we will take it with us back to America.

Generally, these batik's are mounted on a wooden frame then hung on the wall like a painting. That's all well and good and can look rather nice. However, I don't have the resources (nor the connections) to get the wooden frame made and our walls are concrete so I don't have the tools to hang it. Thus, I used a very useful tool I learned in college...sticky tack. It isn't the prettiest solution, but I now have one wall in our living room that is no longer bare, though I do feel like I've regressed a good ten years.

When was the last time you hung something on the wall using sticky-tack?
 
Sheri

FAQ: deodorant - public health risk?

There is one blog post everyone back home was talking about. What was the hottest topic of all? The topic of body odor and the use (or lack of) deodorant where we live. The original post was about the expense of the product we use everyday.

Talking about this topic so much got me to thinking about why we use deodorant everyday. Do we do it for a public health reason or it purely vanity?

I did a google search on the public health benefits of deodorant. True to it's name it only serves one purpose - to cover or eliminate body odor. There were lots of articles about the toxic effects of using deodorant...just another way Americans unknowingly poison themselves. There are herbal varieties available to reduce the risks. Then I found this article that talks about the health benefits of body odor - that it is our bodies way of telling us whether we are eating things that are good for our bodies or bad for them.

Since I have no plans to give up animal products in the near future (I love cheese too much), I will continue my vanity routine of using deodorant. But, I have found this whole discussion interesting. Just another way living overseas has changed my perspective about things I used to consider "normal."

Sheri

summer reading: Mandela's Way

Nelson Mandela is revered as a hero to many (especially in this part of the world). I am fascinated by his story. Why? Because he spent 27 years in prison and came out speaking about reconciliation and forgiveness. That is NOT a typical response...which is what I think won him such notoriety. There are varying opinons on his politics, but I still think there is a lot to be learned from Mandela's life. I will share two of the lessons gleaned from the book - from my perspective.

Lesson One: age is just a number.

Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994, he was 77 years old. Winston Churchil was 66 years old when he became Prime Minister in England, and then unwaivering led the country through World War II.

Most of us have images of sitting in rockers and looking back over our lives at that age, just waiting for the inevitable end to come. Not these men! They were still accomplishing great things, in fact many would consider it their finest hour, at what is traditionally retirement age. So, greatness is possible at any age when tied to a great cause. It reminds me of an earlier post on destiny...when the opportunity arises, we are ready for the challenge.

Mandela..."you will reap something more valuable if you take a longer view."

I am currently 33 years old, going on 34 next month...that means, using these examples, I still have a long road ahead of me and don't need to see or have everything right now. Day-by-day I should remain faithful to the task in front me, while being guided by core values...for the long run. 

Lesson Two: believe the best in others.

"People will feel I see too much good in people," Mandela once told [the author]. "So it's a criticism I have to put up with, and I've tried to adjust because whether it is so or not, it is something I think is profitable. It's a good thing to assume, to act on the basis that others are men of integrity and honor, because you tend to attract integrity and honor if that is how you regard those with whom you work. I believe that."

This is not always easy to do. I live in a world where we are confronted by corruption daily. It is easy to get jaded by this, thus trusting others becomes impossible when assuming everyone is a thief. Mandela's experience wasn't different than my own, yet he chose to assume (and act) as if others are men (and women) of integrity and honor. I expect others to treat me that way and not automatically assume the worst, so I should extend the same dignity to them, believing the best first.

There are many other lessons to be gleaned from this book, but you will have to read the rest for yourself. These were the most relevant to me right now, so that is what I decided to share. It is my blog after all.

Have you read a book about Mandela's life? What did you learn from his story?

Sheri

back in Africa

In the past few weeks we have been in four states (New Mexico, Virginia and Kansas/Missouri) for a few days each. We had a great time visiting family and friends at each stop. Sadly, we did not get to see everyone we wanted to see and it was difficult to say good-bye.

We had a sweet welcome back to Africa. Some of the staff had come over and made sure our place was clean, stocked our fridge with food and left us flowers with a note. They even provided us dinner the first night in country, I was overwhelmed by their kindness.

I have already returned to work. Over the coming days I will post picutres of our visit to the USA and begin to post again about our life in Mozambique. I hope you are enjoying the remaining days of summer.

Sheri

Adventures in Africa: Road Trip!

 Kenyon and I recently took a road trip in Mozambique. I wanted to share with you some of the photos from that adventure.

Taken from the car on my little point and shoot camera. I took this photo to show the people walking in the road. For some reason there are always people walking in the road in Africa. It is quite the obstacle and rather dangerous at night when visibility is low.

There are obstacles beyond the people. On the left is feet of dirt pile up, ready for grading someday. I am told this road has been under construction for years. There are sticks every few feet to keep people from driving on the left side of the road. You should be able to recognize what is coming at us on the right. We fit between the two, but I still wonder how.

This is another common site. People piled in the back of a pick-up. They drive like this for hours. Many commuting to places like Maputo (the city we live in) or South Africa for work.

So far, all of our road trips have been taken with the Whitlocks. Usually in their 13-passenger van - though it is often driven like it's a much smaller, more agile vehicle. I have decided we are too soft on our vehicles in the States. Vehicles in America lead a very cushy, sheltered life!

This trip, we really pushed the van to it's limits on the sandy terrain. Four wheel drive vehicles, like the one we drive, can rise above the sinking sand. The Whitlock van wasn't so lucky.

Thankfully, there was a good samaritan willing to help. He gave it the best he had and nearly burnt the clutch on his vehicle trying. In the end, they had to send a tractor to dig the van out of it's hole.

These are the events memories are made of!

This is Africa (TIA): forest of palms

There is a saying that is often said when speaking of our new home - T.I.A. What does that mean? It stands for This is Africa. From time to time I will post things under this title that summarize our experiences in living in Africa.

Until I started working for my current employer, I had only been to one place in Africa. I visited Morrocco in 2002. I have now visited at least eight counrties on the continent of Africa. All of them are distinctly different.

Before coming to Africa I had visions of the Sahara Desert and animals like giraffees and lions roaming the Serengity. Those things do exist, but it is only one part of a VERY diverse landscape. This photo is from southern Mozambique.

Sahara Desert? I think not! Notice the forest of palm trees. Is this what you expect when you think "Africa?"

Adventures in Africa: Swaziland

It isn't often I get to go to a new country. One of the down sides of all the travel I've done in recent years is that for most destinations; I've been there, done that. But, I had never been to Swazi. It is within driving distance of our current home and we had to renew our visas to stay in the country. What does that mean? Road trip to Swazi with the Whitlocks. Hooray!

Swaziland is a small kingdom in southern Africa. Unfortunately, it is best known for having the highest HIV rates in the world. Currently, there is something like 40% of the population living with HIV at present. They are trying like mad to make treatment widely available in order to preserve life (and the stability of their nation). It is a ongoing struggle and a VERY expensive endeavor, especially for a developing kingdom.

We ate breakfast in the area behind the market, then took a gander at the handicrafts. What I can tell you that isn't apparent in the photo - it is cold, cold, cold. Winter has arrived in the southern hemisphere and we do NOT enough warm clothes. When we left America we were moving to the tropics where warm clothes weren't needed. We will be bringing back sweaters and jackets, yes, these are needed in Africa.

On our way out of the country after a fun day trip we decided to stop at the Royal game park for a potty break, then made a spontaneous decision to take a self guided tour. Immediately spotted an elephant. About a week later I touched an elephant in Kenya. In case you haven't touched an elephant before, I want to share with you that they have long, prickly hairs on their thick wrinkly skin. Rather disgusting to the touch, really.

Wart hog. Every time I see a wart hog I think of that song hakunamatata from the Lion King. This sighting was no exception. As we road along dirt roads, I thought hakuna-matata, hakuna-matata. Sets a certain atmosphere when on safari. Smile!

Due to my lack of camera battery I was not able to capture the most memorable part of our self-guided safari tour in the 13-passenger mini-van. While on the road we saw a baby elephant. We inched up closer. Where there is a baby, there is a momma. The momma emerged from the bush...and she wasn't happy. We backed up until she backed off. They quickly moved off the road, we decided to forge ahead in the direction we were previously going, knowing the elephants weren't far from the path. The momma renewed her disapproval by letting out a very loud, very scary trumpet sound. Now that we survived the experience it is fun to talk about.

The next morning, Kenyon did a youtube search of elephant attacks. There were many in vans like ours. He kept saying, "that could have been us!" I am so glad it wasn't. Over all, it was a great visit to a new destination.

Adventures in Africa: Zavora beach

Recently, Kenyon and I took a road trip to Zavora beach with the Whitlocks and Henrik. At night the stars were amazing and in the day the beach was breathtaking. Here are some photos from our trip.

Sea kyakers! I am jealous. After trying sea kyaking in Cambodia I am hooked. Can't wait unitl I can do it again. It is the first water sport I've tried and really like.

Kenyon and Gabby drawing while we wait for the scuba divers to return. I sure am happy I packed an outdoor blanket and portable chairs in America. They were nice to have at the beach!

B-e-a-utiful!

Home-made toys are very popular in Africa. I think many of the creators are Engineers in the making...if only life would afford them that opportunity. This kid made a toy car out of a stick, a plastic bottle, some bottle caps and other things we would just throw away.

A common sight in Africa. Young women with a baby on their back.

What a view!

A wonderful weekend get away and one of the cleanest, nicest beaches I've ever seen.

The drive was an adventure, but the destination is a relaxing get away. I am sure this will not be our last visit to Zavora...though it will be without our travel companions, the Whitlocks. They are moving back to the US in July. We will miss them, but intend to keep in touch regardless of which side of the ocean we live on.