Ready for a Close Up
After two years of going at this solo, my lonely little communications department was bumped up to four for a few busy days last week. Wahoo!
We hosted two coworkers from IJM HQ and the uber-talented photojournalist Sean Sheridan on their trip through IJM’s African field offices. Sheridan is behind the beautiful short film Ray of Hope highlighting IJM’s crucial work in India, and I was thrilled to watch him work in Uganda.
Over four days, we drove all over our local project area, capturing the sights that would best explain the context for IJM’s property grabbing casework. It felt a little like being back in my college news station (number one college newscast in the country, Phoenix14 News. Holler.), but infinitely more exotic.
During the week, we interviewed members of our team from each department – lawyers, social workers and structural transformation staff – to talk about the issue of property grabbing and how IJM intervenes in violent injustice. I’m never more proud of this work than hearing it explained passionately by the Ugandans pouring themselves into it each day.
On Friday and Saturday, I took the team to visit two clients in their restored homes. These widows shared their stories bravely and confidently and left us tearfully grateful as we left each day. (Seriously, not a dry eye in the house.) With stunning landscapes and highly entertaining children in tow, the shoot probably couldn’t have been more perfect.
The whole process of hosting and helping coordinate this film team left me far more emotional than I’d care to admit. These are the stories of justice I’ve been yearning to share for two years. I know these widows well; I know their children, their struggles, and their successes. Now, their stories will be shared more widely and more beautifully than I ever could and I can’t wait to see the response. The whole shoot reminded me how gifted I’ve been to see these stories firsthand and how painful it will be to leave them in July.
I’ve no idea when the final products will be ready, but I will certainly post them here if I can. You won’t want to miss them!





















