http://www.lightstalkers.org/gabrielle-elkaim Child of Africa, I grew up in Zimbabwe, however, owing to circumstances, my roots have been somewhat severed, and I have become a child of the world: unaffiliated to any one country, and with a love of many. Eternal student of the world and traveller. Moving around for much of the past 8 years, on a journey of self-discovery, but also with the intention of finding that place where I will one day settle, if only in part, so that I will learn once again, what it is to have roots, and not wings alone. Africa. A continent of stark and brutal images. I have witnessed the effects of colonialism and racism. I have seen first-hand the results of corruption and the brutality perpetrated by dictators. My journeys have shown me the striking contrasts of life in the Third World - the abject poverty, illness, and brutality of life in certain places, and the hopes, aspirations, and optimism of people in others. I grew up witnessing the ravages of HIV/AIDS, life lost, children orphaned, no food, no water, no security, nothing but that which is inherent in every living being: the will to survive another day, and to hope. en-us Image feeds are temporarily unavailable due to heavy load on the Lightstalkers servers. Please consider making a donation today so that we can afford to upgrade this service. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:24:37 -0700 http://www.pledgie.com/campaigns/1888