Shoana
reads to orphans. (May 2006) |
I
am Shoana Cachelle, author of Liberia
Smiles. This is my promise to God
to give back to my country.
As a result of the 14 year civil war
which began in 1990, I became a displaced
citizen. It had been 15 years since
I'd been back to the continent. For
years, I'd dreamed of the day I would
return home, inspite of the fact that
many Liberians abroad had vowed never
to return, afraid of what violence might
lay ahead, I was convinced that my beautiful
land of liberty still had the same warmth
and beauty that I found still ingrained
in the culture and the laughter of the
people.
During that journey, I visited several
orphanages for the first time. My husband
and I had talked about the possibility
of adopting a child before this visit.
When I arrived at Mother Wleh’s Orphanage,
I can’t fully explain it, but I was
drawn towards the spirit of this extraordinary
woman. Out of love and compassion, this
humble humanitarian of little means,
took orphaned children into her home.
The children were healthy and happy.
At that moment I knew the Lord had taken
me to Liberia for a another reason.
He had a plan for me and I was faithfully
going to follow it.
I
am dedicated to use my talent as a photographer,
through Liberia Smiles, to raise funds
for the many orphanages in Liberia.
My vision for these children who deserve
a better life lies in the photographs
taken during my visit. Please let me
share my vision—and the vision
of all Liberians, from the president
to the poor—with you too.
A
woman with a heart of gold.