Rachel it is so good to hear that you are okay. Thank god. This is an amazing and moving story and keeps the reality fresh in our minds that you are working in Africa where everyday happenings there are far from our minds and where we live. I really appreciate you sharing this story. My heart goes out to you and your friends. You're doing such wonderful things for the people there and I know those women you're helping will NEVER forget your good work. I hope you can get some rest.

Rachel, over the years when speaking of Change Agents, Deron and I have often used the phrase "life on the line." To us, that has broadly meant Change Agents putting their personal well-being - physical, financial, family, reputation, career, etc. - at risk in the interest of furthering the good they are pursuing in the world. That said, the experience you've related here is the real deal. Very dangerous, very life threatening, very scary. It's a blessing that all you and your friends lost were possessions (albeit important to your work). I also like to say that doing good is the hardest job anyone will every undertake. Don't you know it! Thank you for maintaining your courage and commitment. If there is anything the Changents team can do to help, don't hesitate to let us know.

You are so brave. This blogpost makes me want to crawl under the covers.

Thank you for the supportive comments but I am not a superhuman or saint. I have simply invested too much time and money to leave everything behind. Don't get me wrong, I cried like a baby when my father called me yesterday and I told him I was going home, "screw Africa!" He told me to breathe but would support whatever decision I made and reminded me there are only 2 true emotions; fear and love. After everything I have experienced and invested in Africa (both good and bad) I refuse to walk away in fear, not when there is so much work to be done and I am so close to not being poor. Maybe I am simply being a practical humanist.