An entry from Mick, the office dog:
My day begins the same. My master and I jump out of a wheeled machine, the same kind I so frequently enjoy chasing. I dash up some steps to an office where I hear noises echo through the maze of desks and chairs. Alas, another Friday with the rest of the two-legged, friendly creatures that call themselves “staff”.
Staff and I seem to balance each other well. They’re like me, only mutant, as they carry themselves tall while hauling portable screens and paper and books. They feed me, adore me, and at the end of the day, leave me alone. In return, I’ve quickly found my role in this environment. I stroll through this place and weave in between halls. I’m not sure I understand what they’re working on, but I’d like to think I motivate them.
They speak so often of reaching a goal of zero…zeroLRA. I don’t know my way around numbers, but zero doesn’t seem like a high goal. My team has a plan and they are always so determined. They’ve spent their time developing an escape plan, and there is no stopping them. They said they show women, children, and abducted fighters of the LRA how and where it is safe to escape, and then help them return home and reintegrate into their communities. One thing I’ve learned here is that the only thing that matters are results. They tell me that their efforts have helped reduce the killing of civilians by more than 90%. I can’t be sure, but I think that’s what counts.
It’s seen in black and white; they work hard – whatever they’re doing. They care, and respect all living things. They support me, and I support them. I’m their backbone, but really they’re mine.
Mick is not alone – our supporters continue to amaze us daily. In fact, they recently rallied together and within 48 hours raised enough money to air-drop 20,000 “come home” fliers over an area in DR Congo, resulting in the surrender of a 25-year-old boy (named Opondo) who had been abducted by the LRA when he was just ten. He escaped holding an Invisible Children “come home” flier in hand, and will soon be reunited with his family. For the first time in 15 years, Opondo is free from the LRA and that is solely because of our supporters.
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