The Master of me

Italy has taught me a lot, one, the peel of an orange is not in the least appetizing, two, people think my eyes are strange and unique, but I have never seen them before so I should probably find a mirror and also I have learned the true meaning of life! I have learned to be a master of my own fate, feel empathy and care for others. I have experienced what feeling clean and free is like, and what wholesome and filling bread tastes like, but most importantly, I have heard what laughter free from cruelty sounds like and I know longer want to die. For once in my life I have reason to go on in life and I have hope!

Looking Through a Mirror

Late the other night when I was walking the streets of Italy, I came across this women who had her baby caressed in her arms.  I had never seen a baby before, and I had never encountered one in the camp. As I proceeded, The women could see the interest that I had towards her child so she invited me over to observe. The child was diminutive and his hands were no larger than a little match box. His eyes were black and pure and you could tell that he had no worry in the world. But the whole situation boggled me, I mean what was one supposed to do with something or someone that small, I mean the poor infant couldn't evan sustain his own body weight, how could he keep himself  safe from "them," how could he run and hide? Looking back on my situation, I informed the lady that she was to never leave her child and to always lookout for him for he was so weak and he need someone to look over him.

A Bell Makes the Difference

Today I came across a building and I immediately indicated it as a camp! But then as I looked more closely at it I saw a bell and at once I knew it could only be one thing....A church! Back in the camp I remember Johannes talking about one of these, he told us that if it had a bell, it was a church and churches were the complete opposite of a camp. It was a place that was safe and a place were you could go if you had troubles or needed someone to talk to, it was a place were you could be with God, and I instantly knew that the church had some type of significants towards me and my life.

Cleansing Away the Pain

I grasp the bar of soap that lay firmly in my hand. As I was floating to shore I realize that my skin was appearing lighter, the water was slowly washing away the thick layers of dirt and mire that had been apart of me for all these years. I started scrubbing away with the soap and not only was I freeing myself from the mud and stains, but I was freely transferring the possessions of  smells, memories and a lifetime of nightmares that the camp had given me.

My Great Escape

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My Route to Freedom

"Them"

      I still am a little uneasy with this this whole free ticket out of the camp thing, I can't help but always feel that "they" are following me and that "they" are everywhere just waiting for the right time to kill me or even worse....bring me back to the camp!

Is my Mind Playing With me?

               Johannes was definatly someone at the camp that I looked up to. He was someone who was wise and very well informed on what was going on in the world. To me, Johannes was just like the popular kid at school that everyone liked and looked up to. Recently  on my journey, Johannes was with me! I know what your thinking, this kid is crazy, this is impossible! Johannes is dead, and your probably just hallucinating due  lac of sleep, but I swear, when I was in the back of the truck scared and alone, Johannes came to my side and comfoted me and for the first time in a very long time I got that feeling that everything would be ok..

Until next time.. I Am David

Should I Stay or Should I go?

So, I have come face to face with a very difficult desision in my life. "The Man" has just offered me the chance to escape the labour camp, but  I just can't seem to put my finger on it....is this just a trap to make my like more missrable? Or is this the oppourtunity I've been waiting for all my life? Tis the question should I stay or should I go? I mean if you think about it the worst that can happen is that I don't go and I die slowly in this dark and horrid camp I have come to known as home; or I escape and enjoy a life of freedom I have been dreaming of all my life!

Hope to write back soon,

David