Art Photography, Motion Design, Content Creation

Day 1~ April 1st~ Congo

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by

~mimo~
in , , , ,
a smile where you least expect it

At  times when I hear myself grumble about my coffee not being the right taste or temperature, my mind goes back to this smiling girl and to her story…

After months of living in terror, running from prosecution by militias, escaping bullets, rape, sickness and capture, this Rwandan child arrived in a UNICEF supported medical clinic in Goma(Democratic Republic of Congo) on the Rwanda border. She receives milk in this orange cup and still has energy to flash me a heartfelt smile from her beautiful face and eyes heavy with exhaustion. 

For the month of April I will share stories and images from a live changing journey into war-torn Congo. 

All photos were taken in October of 2009.

Comments

39 responses to “Day 1~ April 1st~ Congo”

  1. Rasta teacher Avatar
    Rasta teacher

    Beautiful photography.
    And it just goes to show that hearts are strong and smiles the same everywhere 🙂

    I see a great contrast of focus. The photos of Lebanon I felt you were trying to show the world the picture of Lebanon we never see. The different picture than the war torn country the media bombarded us with for decades. And in this series almost the opposite?

    Perfect love

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      The war in Lebanon is over (at least for now). Congo is another story, it needs so much the world’s attention. It is the war that claimed and still claims till today more lives than any war to date, it enslaves children, it subjects them to rape, to drugs and to premature death. The way I approach Congo is different because very little is said about it in the media, and very little help is given. Thank you so much for your comments.

      Reply
      1. Rasta teacher Avatar
        Rasta teacher

        I agree that media in general is bad at covering things where no oil is found.

        From the post you showed today there is still hope.
        I think people tend to shrug away when they see to much despare. Finding the balance of hope is essential for people to get involved and start contributing to change.

        Please tell us if there is a way to get in contact with any organizations. I would be especially interested in organizations that give possibilities to self help.

        Keep up the good work

        Reply
      2. ~mimo~ Avatar
        ~mimo~

        Yes, there is always hope and there is so much being done by so many selflessly and inside of NGOs and international organizations to help. I went to Congo for a project that I started with a friend to look for artist children and to see how their love of art can change them and change their lives. We were assisted with all logistics by the UN which was the only way to travel to Congo and move around as well as meet the children. A lot resulted from the trip that inspired children helping children in the US, and donations of art supplies and gifts sent to the children via UNICEF. Despite all efforts I saw being made there, I know from family members who work in the United Nations and work with refugees that it is never enough and they spend their lives raising funds to help in places like Congo and recently Somalia. It is just the world we live in…

        Reply
  2. ehpem Avatar
    ehpem

    what an amazing series you are putting together here Mimo – I just worked my way backwards through all of them to date, and every single one is a terrific image with a powerful story.

    Reply
  3. thisphenomenalworld Avatar
    thisphenomenalworld

    Beautiful picture. what I like most about your pictures (that I’ve seen so far) is the way you’ve represented the children. They are so often reduced to ‘victim’ many of them look strong in your shots, survivors. Great Work

    Reply
  4. An angry post « Natalie's Corner

    […] I reblogged an extraordinary post featuring one of the most beautiful and inspiring smiles I have ever seen. Mimo’s photography is […]

    Reply
  5. abu zar Avatar
    abu zar

    wonderful portrait…gorgeous smile !

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you, yes she is beautiful!

      Reply
  6. Z Avatar
    Z

    this should be a great one 😀

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      I hope you will enjoy it!

      Reply
  7. nonoymanga Avatar
    nonoymanga

    Striking colors, very nice facial expression. Thanks for sharing Nonoy Manga

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      thank you for commenting!

      Reply
  8. marinachetner Avatar
    marinachetner

    beautiful capture; such sensitivity and tenderness in this girl’s face. what strength. thank you for reminding us.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Marina

      Reply
  9. magsx2 Avatar
    magsx2

    Hi,
    A truly magnificent smile, and I am looking forward to you sharing your next trip. 😀

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Mags, I am glad you are coming along the journey

      Reply
  10. Natalie Alner Avatar
    Natalie Alner

    Reblogged this on Natalie's Corner.

    Reply
  11. Natalie Alner Avatar
    Natalie Alner

    Beautiful and insightful. This is an amazing photo and I think my top favourite. Looking forward for more.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Natalie!

      Reply
  12. Helen Cherry Avatar
    Helen Cherry

    Looking forward eagerly to your Congo photos Mimo..though I suspect some may be sad indeed? kept meaning to ask how come you have been in so many countries??

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Helen. I will be telling the story of why I was in Congo during this month’s series.. Stay tuned!

      Reply
      1. Helen Cherry Avatar
        Helen Cherry

        I’m always tuned to your site Mimo !

        Reply
  13. mobius faith Avatar
    mobius faith

    Love the colors. I’m looking forward to this next journey. You have an amazing gift for prose and photography.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you so much! Very kind of you and very encouraging!

      Reply
  14. mulrickillion Avatar
    mulrickillion

    First, the colors threw me off, and then I see an amazing smile, and then I read an amazing story about an amazing smile. It’s a wonderful photograph and amazing smile. All I can say is take me, because I am ready for your new journey. 🙂

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you! I am so glad you are joining the journey!

      Reply
  15. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    What a beautiful portrait. I look forward to reading and following this journey. This story is powerful and it has left a mark on my heart.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Courtney!

      Reply
  16. Madhu Avatar
    Madhu

    What a striking face! I have come to the realisation that it is the downtrodden that smile the most! And the coddled who grumble about the littlest things!

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      You are so right Madhu!

      Reply
  17. EarlHarrisPhotography.com Avatar
    EarlHarrisPhotography.com

    Not only did you capture a wonderful expression on the child’s face, but the colors in this photo are fantastic! Just beautiful.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Earl!

      Reply
  18. mdphotographers Avatar
    mdphotographers

    There is nothing like a child’s smile and I glad that you captured it. I am looking forward to reading more.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you, I hope you will enjoy the series as it unfolds!

      Reply
  19. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    Wonderful capture, Mimo. It breaks my heart that any child (any person, but especially a child!) should have to experience those things.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      and mine too Robin! thank you for commenting!

      Reply
  20. aFrankAngle Avatar
    aFrankAngle

    Looking forward to the journey.

    Reply
    1. ~mimo~ Avatar
      ~mimo~

      Thank you Frank! Me too!

      Reply

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