In February 2008 Georges, Lydia and Margaret travelled together to Africa. They landed in Bujumbura, Burundi, and were able to visit some of the places which had been mentioned in Valley of the Shadow (http://www.valleyoftheshadow.co.uk) the book which told Georges and Lydia’s  amazing story.  Walking in the grounds of the hospital where Lydia had been working when she received the news that she must leave the country, and seeing the docks where the ferry left, were such emotional moments.  Later, as they travelled along the road where the children had escaped, the tears fell silently. There were no words left.

They had with them some precious money donated by Changing Lives and designated for some sewing machines.  Living in the UK in a very multi-cultural part of London it was, therefore, quite a shock to be so very conspicuous as a ‘white woman’, and it very quickly became clear that white woman meant – money.  Shopping for the sewing machines was quite a challenging experience, and more so when we added them to our luggage ready to cross the border into DR Congo. Our airline generously allowed 45kg each, so we were already well packed with sewing accessories and a case full of sports equipment for the children.  Five treadle sewing machines and various rolls of cloth, together with vast amounts of luggage PLUS ‘white woman’ made us very obvious indeed. The journey into DR Congo cost a huge amount in terms of exploitation of the situation, but such is life in Africa. We were grateful to arrive at our destination with all the luggage still complete. Nothing was stolen along the way.